Comment posted on Anyone Should Blog? 3 Types of Blogs and 3 Ways to Handle Them by Gib@Gibson Goff-The Enlightened Traveler
Thanks for the tough love, Ana. It’s really cool to see all your follower’s blogs change en’masse as you present ideas and guidance. And count me in as part of the group of changers.
Your words couldn’t of come at a better time. I asked myself last week “what are you trying to do with your website, and your blog?” I came to the conclusion that my blog was not created to make money, but to brand me and raise awareness for my writings on my websites. Your affirmation today of that need for introspection helps me a lot.
So here’s my question: What about 3 blogs? Money/branding/and fun? (Sounds like a country group). Other than being, or could be a logistical nightmare, would having your name in three places with three different venues benefit you or backfire? Would it defuse your efforts and brand?
Thanks, Ana! And liking your new digs. The bold sidebar widgets and the subscription box in the upper left corner grab the header colors and bring them right down the side. Pretty cool!
Recent comments by Gib@Gibson Goff-The Enlightened Traveler
- Blog Audit Friday: Lend a Helping Hand to Traffic Generation Cafe
I think it’s an optical illusion. I didn’t have any way to measure it - It just ‘seemed smaller’. Interesting the effect the whole thing has on the eye.Glad to see ya back -hope you enjoyed Colorado.
- Blog Audit Friday: Lend a Helping Hand to Traffic Generation Cafe
Here’s another prime example of a blog where the comments are as important, if not more important than the post itself. I learn every time I visit your blog. And all the great tips from the commenters! I actually feel pretty good right now - my blog isn’t the only one that suffers from technical glitches.
I am of course not versed enough in blogging to critique your blog but I will offer my impressions, what I would change -if it was my blog.
It is immediately obvious that this is a professional blog. The header is professionally done, top notch. The coffee cups really class the coffee/cafe theme
up. I remember the time you gave someone the info on where to find them, how-to use them. I like them so much I tried to figure out a way to use them on my blog. But they just didn’t fit.
Layout, sidebars, it all looks great.
The ONLY things I would change would be the sidebar colors and the ‘font balance’, the ‘perception balance’ for lack of a better term.
The colors are easy reading, classy, but the upper area of the left sidebar looks kinda blah to me. It’s OK, but it’s not strong, it doesn’t pop. And maybe you don’t want it to pop, but the background blue and the coffee brown just sits there.
The other thing - and the thing I noticed right away is I think your post font is actually smaller than any other font. Especially the sidebars. And the footer. To me, that says the information in the sidebars is more important than the post itself. Well, of course it isn’t, especially your great info you always put out. So why downplay it?
That’s the ‘balance’ consideration I mentioned. The frame of the blog - this size, this font. The actual informational post, the meat of the blog - a smaller font.
Maybe boost/balance the colors of the overall blog, and boost the post fonts, or all fonts . . .make it all a little stronger? I think it will still be as inviting as ever, your friendly picture and the coffee theme insures that.
I can’t wait to see your final product, Ana!
- Why All Your Make Money Blogging Efforts Will Fail Without This
Thank you Ana. I appreciate the time you were able to spend on it! Any help is appreciated. - Why All Your Make Money Blogging Efforts Will Fail Without This
I haven’t figured out the direct ratio yet (it’s very fluid) but I know that I know that I know you have to have lots of eyes on your blog to get accurate list results numbers. 10 people on your list all buying may-or-may-not be as true as 80 out of 100, or 650 out of a thousand.There’s a lot to balance to get results. I don’t think I can really read a lot into my low starting numbers. BUT I AM OPEN TO SUGGESTION. *hint-hint, Ana*.
- Your Ultimate Anchor Text Tutorial - from Basic to Advanced
It also proves the power of ‘buzzwords’ in your writing. If I only used a phrase - for example: “It’s over the top!” on a couple of links, but everyone started saying it, linking with it to my site I would get the PR.Our society loves buzzwords, and initials. Orange County=OC, etc. Now include them in the normal course of writing and someone will pick them up.
And that’s “Over The Top!”
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I am a wife to a great husband of 13 years (here ya go, now I have to make changes to this sentence once a year), a mother to a beautiful and, no doubt, genius little girl, and a successful internet entrepreneur. I also devoted my life to Jesus Christ many years ago, and He remains my true priority, focus, and hope.
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Hey Ana:
Blog commenting is good but commenting want time to show in blog/website.if website owner doesn’t like your comments so its mean website owner disapproved your comment
Facebook Applications´s last blog ..Introducing the Facebook Photo Theater- Here to Stay whether we “Like it” or Not!
That might be true, but it’s not always the owners who disapprove your comments.
It might be that the website has moderators and they found some words or sentences in your blog that might have some violations against their rules.
Ana´s last blog ..How to Track and Manage Your Traffic Generation Efforts
I think you’re right on the money about the 3 types of blogs… the thing that makes learning about blogging so incredibly tough is people don’t know which of the 3 they fall into. They also don’t realize that all “how to blog” information doesn’t necessarily apply to them. It’s so important to find someone who teaches about blogging for the reason YOU are blogging. The information you hear from one person teaching about blogging may have nothing at all to do with the type of blogging you’re doing. It’s so easy to see all the conflicting advice and try to implement a little bit of everything and that totally messes things up. Knowing why you’re blogging is the key to being able to decipher who you should be listening to, and the types of tactics you should be using on your blog. Great points Ana, thanks for sharing!
Jackie Lee @It’s a Wahm Life´s last blog ..I Spy Bottles and Other Favorite I Spy Games
You’re right about that Jackie.
It doesn’t always apply when someone teaches you stuff like “This is how you should blog” because each of us has our own way of expressing ourselves. We may gain some pointers from them but we can’t really copy their way of blogging.
Ana´s last blog ..Blog Audit Friday- Lend a Helping Hand to Traffic Generation Cafe
Blogging has progressed so far from it’s first time out in the world, but I do think that there are still people out there that blog just for fun, they just want to share their thoughts with others and interact with people which have the same interests.
But now with everyone having some kind of business going on, blogging has taken off and it certainly did all in brand promotion, not to mention the SEO part, blogs in my opinion are what seo is all about, and of course the ol’ making money with my blog trick.
Anyone can do almost anything with a blog, if they want to make money, blogging is definitely a great way, although it involves a lot of work, but nothing is easy, isnt it?
If you represent a big brand or want to build your own, blogging it’s an other great platform, you can showcase your skill and convince the prospecting investors (or clients) that you are the man.
Alexandru Petru´s last blog ..Hotelul lui Jane
Hey Ana,
I usually wonder how other bloggers manage with multiple blogs without outsourcing.
As you said it’s not easy to make money blogging, so running a few blogs must be hard work.
I fall in the 3rd category and I know that I have a lot of work to do, to get there. I’m determined though
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Mavis
P.S. Miss you over at my blog…
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing´s last blog ..My Secret to Getting My Content Shared Like Crazy and Generating Even More Traffic!
Love this post Ana. Most people aren’t aware of the 3 different reasons for blogging, and just kind of throw it all together in a jumbled mess. I especially like the point about becoming the solution to your prospects problem. We as bloggers need to provide content that will help people overcome an obstacle and take them to the next level.
Sherry Malcom´s last blog ..“The Power of Inspirational Songs” …And A Special Treat For you
Ana,i think that each business to Start Takes Time,commitment and is hard but with the necessary Passion you can get this going - competition has just the Power you give it. I usually don’t Care and better try to improve myself
Monja´s last blog ..Comment on Create Playlists and burn them on CD in iTunes Video Tutorial by The iTunes interface Video — The Mac Mania
I agree with you about having a passion for blogging, Monja…
If you don’t have a passion, you’ll find all the excuses in the world for not building a successful blog.
Passion is everything in whatever you want to pursue.
To your blogging success!
~Mavis
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing´s last blog ..My Secret to Getting My Content Shared Like Crazy and Generating Even More Traffic!
I think doing good work asks always great commitment. Here on the net we are experiencing something we already tested in life…Anyway, to have a blog could be a sure way to brand your profession; I see in my job, my colleagues are non-techie at all, and they see me like a Martian (and I am not an internet genius).
To earn money blogging, yes, I think really you need YOUR PRODUCT !
See you soon
Elena@aromaterapia´s last blog ..I segreti della guarigione ayurvedica – Un buon libro su Ayurveda e Massaggio ayurvedico
What a great, interesting post, Anna! I do believe many of us have heard about the importance of starting our own blog to brand ourselves… and then what? that sounds too generic if you don’t know what your brand really is.
My husband and I are about to launch our blog, which we are going to use as a tool to help people primarily in our downline (or anybody who wants to take advantage of it) on how to market and be successful on-and-offline.
We promote health products through our business, so I’m seriously thinking of starting another blog in order to cover health and wellness issues… and that way promote the product instead of the opportunity.
What do you think Anna? Is this a reasonable thing to do?
Thanks so much for your post(s) and your insights!
Ana:
Enjoyed seeing your guest post over at sitesketch101. You’re kinda like a big deal
I would have to say you hit it hard on the nail with the making money blogging bit. Actually, the way I like to put it:
Anyone can make money online…..but making a living is a whole other game.
I agree 100% with our own products/consulting to really make a financial impact.
Okay, that’s all I got for now rock star!
Lisa
Lisa@start a blog´s last blog ..Top 5 Reasons I Will Unfollow You
Hi Ana
Well I think I will keep me day job for now. Don’t think I ever will be able to make a living out of my blog. I just blog because I think it is fun, and to learn new people and new technologies.
Thomas@Techwork.dk´s last blog ..Remove old settings from network cards that no longer are installed
Sometimes, that’s the best decision, Thomas. On the other hand, you never know; you might become one of those “accidental” blogging successes.
Why not?
Ana´s last blog ..How to Track and Manage Your Traffic Generation Efforts
Ana,
I agree, the make money blogging idea, no matter your niche is the hardest online business model. Even the big successful bloggers have other ways they are making money. Their blogs are calling cards for their other products and services. Your list of what makes this model work is perfect.
Sleepless nights and time away from family? Yep, I know that one. The persistence and consistency is paying off.
Sheila Atwood@Speedlinking´s last blog ..You Have 3 Seconds To Tell Me Who You Are Or I Am Gone Baby Gone
Thanks for the tough love, Ana. It’s really cool to see all your follower’s blogs change en’masse as you present ideas and guidance. And count me in as part of the group of changers.
Your words couldn’t of come at a better time. I asked myself last week “what are you trying to do with your website, and your blog?” I came to the conclusion that my blog was not created to make money, but to brand me and raise awareness for my writings on my websites. Your affirmation today of that need for introspection helps me a lot.
So here’s my question: What about 3 blogs? Money/branding/and fun? (Sounds like a country group). Other than being, or could be a logistical nightmare, would having your name in three places with three different venues benefit you or backfire? Would it defuse your efforts and brand?
Thanks, Ana! And liking your new digs. The bold sidebar widgets and the subscription box in the upper left corner grab the header colors and bring them right down the side. Pretty cool!
Hi Ana,
I feel that I started my blog for all three reasons you mentioned. And thanks to you and the many tips, recommendations, and warnings you provide, I think I’m well on my way. Scribe SEO is giving me good grades, and it shows on my PR going for n/a to 0. I think people are beginning to know and trust me, and that the money making part will surely follow. Thanks Ana
Lou
Lou Barba@informationhighwaycardandgiftshop.com´s last blog ..Addicted to Loneliness
You are very welcome, Lou.
However, the point here is to narrow down your focus. You can’t be blogging for all three reasons - it just doesn’t work that way.
A little tough love, my friend: decide what your primary goal is with the blog and go for it!
Ana´s last blog ..Search Engine Ranking Tip- How to Search Google Incognito
Amen, Ana. I couldn’t agree more that blogging will have you camped next to the canines in the workhorse department. Luckily, I have a Siberian Husky, so he’s a good companion for those late nights and early mornings when the sane people of this world are asleep:).
Loving the advice in #2 (Branding)-find your target audiences biggest frustration, and solve it for them. Drilling down to specifics is key, too. There’s a reason “make money blogging” has 10M hits…
And to add to the little blogger to blogger conversation, share the quality resources. I am generally turned off by sites with too many internal links…quoting experts, statistics, and studies is always impressive, and improves credibility, regardless of your niche.
TY for the tips to stay away from the wrong side of the glass;)
Linda @talktherapybiz.com´s last blog ..Taking the Highroad Less Traveled
Lucky for me, my husband let me splurge on the most amazing coffee make, which also inadvertently made a great companion during the “quiet” hours.
So many people come to me asking for advice on how to find their target audience. My question to them is “why did you start blogging if you have no idea who you are blogging for???”
My cup of coffee is definitely pretty full this am; and I will make sure it’ll stay that way.
Ana´s last blog ..Got Traffic So What
I blog because I believe it’s an effective platform for my online business. My long term goal is to make money passively but not through my blog primarily. I blog mainly for branding because I have experiences I believe are worth sharing and it’s the only way for me now for people to trust me.
It will be a long journey but I’m sure it will be an interesting one
Jeedo Aquino´s last blog ..Recipe for Disaster- Failing with Organic Traffic
At least you know where you are going with this, Jeedo!
Ana´s last blog ..How KeywordLuv Can Get You on the First Page of Google
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