Hey, you!...Yes, YOU!
A couple of weeks ago I threw a white glove in your face challenging you to come up with a great post based on my 202 Bite Sized Tips To Increase Your Blog Traffic post.
If you haven’t read the original post, take a look at it first:
Before I go ahead and tell you about some of my favorite entries, I need to say this:
WHAT’S GOING ON?
Why do I have to beg bloggers to write an original post for THEIR OWN blogs? Why do I have to convince you that getting a link from a post on TGC is some of the best link building you can do and all you need to do is… yes, write for YOUR blog!
Needless to say, I was disappointed with how many of you actually walked the walk.
OK… take a deep breath…
I did absolutely love some of your posts though - I saw your heart and soul went into this and these posts once again proved why your blogs are growing by leaps and bounds and will certainly continue to grow.
So here are some of my favorites. If your blog didn’t make it this time, I would love for you not to give up and give it another go.
Listing in the order I got them:
1. 101 Surefire Ways To Attract Targeted and Endless Prospects
By Mavis Nong from AttractionMarketingOnline.com
What I loved about it:
It’s not easy to come up with 101 tips on any topic, especially on how to attract the right prospects to your business.
Why “especially”? Because there are not very many people who talk or write about it to the extent Mavis does, yet this is one thing that is a must for ANY online business.
Thanks, Mavis!
2. Internet Marketing: Hey Yo, You Talkin’ To Me?
By Lisa Drubec from TheFriendlyBlogger.com
What I loved about it:
Lisa based her post on Tip #151. Make a post about what in your niche is being done wrong and how to correct it.
I learned a new word, learned that I am not a guru and neither do I want to be one, and decided not to get on Lisa’s bad side… Just kidding on the last one. 
This was definitely an incredible post identifying the problems in internet marketing niche and providing solutions.
I so much liked her solution that I am thinking of actually doing it. Seriously…
3. 77 Best Practices for Landing Pages That Rise Above Status Quo
By Sheila Atwood from NewbieLifeline.com
What I loved about it:
For some reason, I really have hard time convincing bloggers that traffic conversion is at least as important, if not MORE important, than traffic generation.
Wouldn’t you rather have 100 visitors, of which 10 became customers, vs 1000 visitors, of which only 10 became customers? Of course, some of this has to do with the quality of your traffic, but if your blog doesn’t make people want to take action, then what’s the point of having a blog, right?
Well, Sheila’s post goes to the heart of this and gives you an abundance of quick tips you can put into action within minutes - and GREATLY improve how compelling your site is to your visitors.
I HIGHLY recommend you check out this post, and not only that, but actually implement at least some of those tips.
4. 101 Strategies To Drive Traffic To Your Website or Blog
By Phill Turner from PhillTurner.com
What I loved about it:
No, these are not nearly the same tips I offered in my original post.
In fact, I saw quite a few I haven’t thought of - including some inexpensive paid methods that have great potential.
Once again, this is not the kind of post you check out and say “wow, great tips!“. These tips are only as good as you implementing them.
5. Twitter trend – Nicholas Cardot
By Brankica Underwood from Live-Your-Love.com
What I loved about it:
I think I am going to go ahead and say “everything”.
Brankica based her post on Tip #193. Do a Twitter search on a particular subject, compile them in photoshop and do a review of the trend.
And she couldn’t have picked a better person to talk about - the all-around cool and sociable Nicholas Cardot.
Just take a look at how masterfully Brankica turned some fairly ordinary information, like a bunch of tweets, into an eye-candy.
Brilliant!
PS: I so loved what she said about Nicholas that I actually challenge him to a duel - you guessed it: I love me a good challenge (I stole this phrase from Lisa the FriendlyBlogger
The challenge: Twitter and how to get the most out of it. Stay tuned!
6. 8 Blogging Tips From Expert Bloggers: Why I Love Comment Spam
By Cheryl Ragsdale from ThatGirlIsFunny.com
What I loved about it:
I would classify this post under Tip #174. Be a comedian – “They’ll be standing in line for that old honky-tonk monkey shine!”, although it’s more than that.
First of all, a little background: I’ve never heard of Cheryl until I saw her trackback to my blog. Since I always visit every blog that links to me, I went ahead and paid her a visit as well.
Long story short: she made a fan out of me! Goes to show that no matter what stage of blogging you are in, let your content be incredible and speak for itself and the readers will flock to your like bees to honey.
Back to her post.
Essentially, it’s one of those “speedlinking” posts, where a blogger links to a bunch of other blogs that they read and found interesting that week.
A little honesty: I am not a big fan of those kinds of posts - unless I am mentioned there, that is. Truth is I don’t have time to visit 10-20 links - at best, I leave a polite comment and bookmark it to never come back to it.
Cheryl did something different though. She gave me a good laugh first and then hit me with those links. Because I already liked her and her post so much, I actually did check out some of her suggestions, which turned out to be quite good.
Anyway, if I ever do a link mashup type post, this is the way I’d do it.
Great work, Cheryl!
Marketing Takeaway:
Yes, this could’ve been you, getting a write-up and a DoFollow link from this post. But I suppose I gave you enough grief on that already.
Now you have a chance to redeem yourself and go implement at least some of those incredible tips these great bloggers wrote about.
And, as always, I’d love to hear what you thought about this!
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This post brought to you by Ana Hoffman
Ana is the founder of Traffic Generation Cafe and wants you to know that her 7 Steps to Complete Search Engine Domination free SEO report = SEO Made Simple. Don't forget to pick up your own copy today - just click on the link above!
Ana has written 229 great posts for Traffic Generation Cafe.
I am a wife to a great husband of 14 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.
{ 56 comments… read them below or add one }
Trying to find the challenge for these blog. I really like the content of idea and thanks you post it to commentLuv its easier for me to submit my comment.
Jean @ White Cotton Gloves invites you to read…Look Stunning with White Cotton Opera Gloves
You’re welcome, Jean.
OK, I’m still trying to find the post about the challenge! I read about it over on Sheila Atwood’s site. I love challenges! Point me in the right direction and I’ll be glad to give it a whirl
The link to the original challenge post is in this post, Martha, towards the beginning.
I will be doing more challenges though - make sure you come often and don’t miss the next one.
BTW, welcome to my blog!
#1 is my favorite and is book marked. I am testing out the power of blog hopping.
Jennifer Medeiros invites you to read…Free Organix Sample
I am sure Mavis would be pleased to know that, Jennifer!
Ana invites you to read…Podcasting- The Alternate Universe Of Traffic Generation
Hm Ana, I don’t understand why my post with ping back/track back to you wasn’t included in your list, please explain. Here is my post http://www.upcomingentrepreneurs.com/entrepreneur/202-tips-successful-entrepreneur-online/ and the backlink to your blog is at #96 linked in word blog traffic.
I am not in charge of WP or their trackbacks, Terje. I don’t know why I never got yours, but probably would’ve been a good idea to follow up in an email, like I suggested in the post.
At least you get a backlink from the comments!
Somehow, that part about send an e-mail to you didn’t get into my head. I was in good faith that the trackbacks or WP was doing the job, apparently not.
Wish you all the best, and I will do my best to read the next competition post better
Terje
Terje Sannarnes invites you to read…Invest in Silver to Protect Your Money
Hey Ana:
All these tips are great and informative for me…Now i practice that tips in my blogs or websites.
Regards
Roses Mark
Facebook Application invites you to read…Win a Free iPad – Sweepstakes
Good to hear that!
Hey, Ana. I keep seeing you all over the place in the comment section, so I thought I’d come check out your blog. I feel your frustration about trying to get people to write great content for their own site. It has to start there before you can capitalize on any traffic you can generate, doesn’t it?
Mavis’s post was great, and any post where Nicholas Cardot is involved is worth the read. I haven’t read the other posts, but I will be checking them out after I see what all this gauntlet business is about.
I’m sure those who received your link love today appreciate it. Thank you for being willing to share it with others.
Brad Harmon @ Big Feet Marketing invites you to read…21 Resources for Writing Guest Posts that Kick Some Serious Butt
Hi, Brad - I finally got to responding to one of your thousand and one comments
; as you can tell I am a bit behind.
Welcome to my blog and as you already know, I checked out and loved yours.
Would love to give you some link love in the next challenge, what do ya think?
Ana invites you to read…How Ana Got Her Twitter Groove Back
No worries, Ana. You’ll get to them when you can. With all of the great resources here, I’m sure I’ll be flooding you with more.
Thank you for the kind words about my blog. It means a lot coming from someone like yourself.
I’m in for the next challenge. What blogger doesn’t like a little link love?
Brad Harmon @ Big Feet Marketing invites you to read…When that Guest Post Isn’t so Original
I still plan to rite that post we discussed, it just won’t be a challenge.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing invites you to read…73 Posts Published – Have I Seen Your Smile On All Of Them
Anytime you write a post it’s a challenge, Dennis.
Maybe you should write it for me blog?
Perhaps…
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing invites you to read…73 Posts Published – Have I Seen Your Smile On All Of Them
Ana, great contributions from a fine group of fans! Since I’m feeling like Brando, and “I coulda been a contenda”, I’d like to know when are you opening the ring for another write-up opportunity and a new chance at the DoFollow title?
Arturo@Starting Your Own Business invites you to read…Business Ownership To Make Customers Happy Thinking Like Mr Incredible
Arturo - don’t fret; I’ll get another one going pretty soon! Sounds like you’ll make a fearless contenda - look forward to it!
Ana invites you to read…How To Write Titles With Teeth
Ana,
“I love me a good challenge.” I like having my feet held to the fire. I like having my necessity level raised to the point that I have to produce.
I have done several challenges before but I have changed my challenge direction into challenges that are much more targeted. This challenge fit the bill.
Your challenge really made me think. There was the idea of writing a post that would make the grade. And writing a post that fit the criteria. The pressure was on!
The results have been worth it. I had some of the highest traffic to my site the day the post went up. The traffic came from Twitter. I appreciate all of you that RTed my post. I also had great comments on the post.
Now, because it is a list post I am creating a series of posts expanding on those ideas. This way I can deep link back to that post.
I am honored to be a part of this group. Congrats to those who made the challenge. I am off to visit your sites, this is exciting.
Sheila Atwood@www.newbielifeline.com invites you to read…Looking For Domain Name Suggestions
You love you a good challenge, Sheila!
You are in luck, because I liked what we did here and would love to make this a regular series. What do you think?
Your post was excellent; it would be even better to write more on the topic of traffic conversion - so many bloggers are oblivious to it!
Ana invites you to read…How to Track and Manage Your Traffic Generation Efforts
Hi Ana,
didnt know about this competition and congrats Mavis for winning, Awesome post..!
Everyhting seems to “fit” when u wrire ur own content and link with other sites in ur niche..
will be watching when u come up with another contest..
Cheers
Jack Foley invites you to read…How Many People Did You Call Today In Your MLM
It’s the best way to build quality links!
By the way, Jack - had a bit of hard time reading all the “U” and “Ur”. Would you do me a favor and stick to the more formal kind on my blog?
Ana invites you to read…Sunday Coffee with Ana- Start Engaging Others or No SEO Will Help
Ah the beloved link post, spreading so much love to and for others. Always happy days!
I must admit that I did not take you up on the challenge but I am glad others did as I’ve read all these posts and they are fantastic. And I have to agree on the point of following tons of links to other places - if they don’t have good titles, then no time for love Dr. Jones.
Robert Dempsey invites you to read…What Does It Take To Be A Full-Time Affiliate Marketer
Glad you read the posts, Robert - between me and you, I am sure not too many people did.
This is definitely a great way to do some networking and link building; I think I’ll do this again soon.
Hope you’ll be up for it!
I’m always ready to learn from some great posts.
Robert Dempsey invites you to read…Screw The Numbers Game- Start With The Audience
Hey Ana,
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am about my post being included here. Thank you very much for your kind words
I read Brankica’s post before and she smashed it! I absolutely loved it! I’m off to checking the others out…
Thanks for this great idea and congratulations to those who made it this time!
Have a great weekend, Ana!
Mavis
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing invites you to read…Is Your Blog Repelling or Attracting Visitors It’s Time For Reality Check…
How could I not include your post, Mavis - it was great and plus I do kinda like you and feel personally vested in your success…. No idea why, but I like the feeling!
Ana invites you to read…Why All Your Make Money Blogging Efforts Will Fail Without This
Aww, that’s so sweet, Ana! Thank you so much
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing invites you to read…Is Your Blog Repelling or Attracting Visitors It’s Time For Reality Check…
Hello Ana,
You actually got a great response from what I can see, being that you didn’t promote your challenge too much and just made a call to action.
I actually just went and read some of the posts, and Cheryl Ragsdale’s post actually caught my eye. You could do this like a bimonthly (as in twice a week) challenge, what do you think?
Alex@Jocuri invites you to read…Curse masini 3D
I like the idea, Alex.
I could pick out different topics… Thanks for that!
Too bad I missed the contest announcement, otherwise this post would have qualified:
http://web-tracking-guide.com/blog/72-ways-boost-online-profits/
Lesson learned: follow Ana’s blog even more carefully.
Val @ Web Tracking Guide invites you to read…9 Reasons Why I Enabled CommentLuv and DoFollow Comments on My Blog
Looks like a great post, Val - at least you got a link to it in the comments.
I do love challenges; so do look out for more!
Did you subscribe to RSS? Good way to stay in touch…
Ana invites you to read…How Ana Got Her Twitter Groove Back
Well, I did give it a crack but obviously there is room for improvement…. and that’s ok… because one of these days I know I’ll meet the required standards. The learning process can be slow, but as long as I continue to try to take you up on these challenges I know that eventually so much good will come out of it!
Thanks for offering all of these opportunities for improvement Ana, as Lisa says learning from someone like you is a huge blessing and comfort.
Huge Congrats to some of my fave bloggers who were able to shine through!
Jayne
Jayne Kopp invites you to read…Is The Secret Really a Secret
Sounds like you “submitted” a post, Jane, but I never actually saw it somehow.
Did you? Would you send me the link to it?
Ana invites you to read…How I Generated 415 Clicks in 1 Day with Traffic Interviews
Hi Ana,
Super wrap up here. More than a few actionable power tips we can call take AND apply to our blogs, for as you mention unless you act on these tips they do you know good. Read, think, process, act….and don’t forget to act immediately!
Now on to the challenge. I missed the post originally. Now that I see it, challenge accepted
I like your mention of Cheryl’s post. Humor is disarming. Even though you don’t normally care for a certain type of post a funny lead-in combined with a silly image can put you in a light, relaxed frame of mind. When feeling this way it’s easy to abandon your viewpoints and simply be open minded to what is. This is a great lesson in mental science and human psychology for that matter.
Mavis’s post was on the money. It was the only one from this list that I read and I must say all the tips were accurate and actionable. Excellent reading for someone who feels lacking in prospecting ideas.
Thanks for sharing your insight Ana. Enjoy your weekend
RB
Ryan Biddulph invites you to read…How a Plate of Chicken Piccata Taught Me About the Laws of the Universe
Hey Ryan! Thanks very much for your kind words
Have a great weekend!
Mavis
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing invites you to read…Is Your Blog Repelling or Attracting Visitors It’s Time For Reality Check…
Incredible comment, as usual, Ryan.
You should put together a collection of your best comments and give it away as an example of how commenting should be done.
Of course, you know of the famous 100 Greatest Headlines ever written by Jay Abraham - something like that.
And I am not even kidding…
I LOVE humor on blogs; too many bloggers tend to get very dry and almost unreadable because of it.
Thanks, Ryan!
Ana invites you to read…Podcasting- The Alternate Universe Of Traffic Generation
Oh wow. First, I just love when you lay it out there. I mean it…cool kids do that stuff.
Secondly, thank you for including my post and I KNOW if anyone could act on the solution I provided..it would be you.
Third….the challenge…oh I am pumped for this one. As Nitty already told you, I am the woot woot girl and this one deserves a HUGE woot.
Now, I will lay out the Ana compliment.
I read a post the other day(cant remember where;( that discussed absoultely having a mentor in this business. Thank the good Lord I found you when I did Ana because quitting was the next step.
The info you give, the support, all of it….cant be measured in dollars. Anyone struggling or about to throw in the towel and you read this….touch base with Ana first! You will have a whole new attitude I promise you.
Okay, I m finished.
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa@blog building basics invites you to read…How You Lost 20 Of Your Conversions
1. Glad to be including with the cool kids.
2. Your post rocked.
3. I should start getting ready for the challenge or else Nick will wipe the floor with me - as he promised to do.
4. WOW.
I am so privileged to know that I was there for you without even knowing.
And now look at you!
Standing on your own 2 feet telling the world - here I am!!!
I am going to leave it at that or else you’ll make me cry.
Ana invites you to read…Website Traffic Generation- Practical Secrets To Getting A Lot Of Traffic
I’m disappointed -only in myself of course - for not taking up this challenge on time
.
Good on these folks for being smart enough to do this. After all - it’s not like you asked that they do anything they wouldn’t normally do - and that is - write something useful and interesting in their OWN blogs! Well done you guys! And great idea Ana.
There’s 2 here that I haven’t read so I’ll make sure to get to them at some point today hopefully. If Ana says they rock - then they most certainly do. I’m sure there’s tons of great take-aways from each.
Thanks again - and congrats to Mavis, Lisa the Woot Woot gal, Sheila, Phill, Brankica the Sharp Shooting Blogging TipMeister and Cheryl!
Cheers
Ingrid Abboud invites you to read…Bring IT! What’s Your Biggest Challenge as a Blogger
You are so incredibly fun, Ingrid - I would’ve loved to see you in this post.
But you know what? I’ll bug you about a guest post. What do you say?
Ana invites you to read…Sunday Coffee with Ana- Traffic Generation at a Glance
Shot through the heart with disappointment, Ana!
I’m so bummed to have missed this! I even had a post in draft partially completed for the challenge, but I fell behind on my work with a house full of sick kids and missed the deadline.
Looking forward to reading the great posts you listed. Congratulations to everyone who submitted in time! Way to go!
Thanks for the opportunity, shame on me. I’ll still be posting my glossary cheat sheet soon.
Heather
Heather C Stephens invites you to read…Do You Blokube Too
You mean you put your sick child before your business, Heather? What are you thinking?!
Of course, I am entirely joking, my friend; like has a tendency to get in the way, doesn’t it?
I’m sorry I missed out on this! I did see the original email and planned to do it and then things got so hectic this week it completely slipped my mind! I’ll be watching for future opportunities though if you do something like this again!
Danielle McGaw@social media for freelance writers invites you to read…“If You Build It They Will Come” – 6 Ways to Make Sure They Do
I definitely understand how little time we have and how much we need to accomplish.
Definitely next time?
Ana invites you to read…How To Write Titles With Teeth
Mavis always do great work when it comes to writing eye catches post.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
TrafficColeman invites you to read…IRS Is No Joke – Steps To Protect Yourself
She is incredible, that’s for sure!
Ana invites you to read…How to Use Your RSS Feed to Turn Junk into Treasure
Aww, thank you so much for your nice compliment, Ana.
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing invites you to read…Is Your Blog Repelling or Attracting Visitors It’s Time For Reality Check…
Thank you very much for the encouragement, Antonio
Have a great weekend!
Mavis
Mavis Nong @ Attraction Marketing invites you to read…Is Your Blog Repelling or Attracting Visitors It’s Time For Reality Check…
Hey Ana
Thanks for that list, I am going to check out every single post!
Not quite at the stage of writing excellent blog posts but I am sure I will ge there someday soon, especially now I have found even more great blogs to learn from thanks to you.
Have to say I loved the title of your post, very intruiging, made me come over to take a look, only just found your blog the other day and already you are pinging away in my rss reader.
Alex
Alex Neill @ super affiliate invites you to read…Monetize Your Blog And Get Free Targeted Traffic – Part 2
Well, welcome, Alex!
Becoming a good writer is nothing but practicing writing. The more you write, the better you get.
Hope to see one of your posts around here some day!
Ana invites you to read…Link Building Tip- How to Get 10 High-Quality Links In 30 Minutes Or Less
Hey Ana,
just woke up and saw this and I was so happy
I can’t believe more people didn’t join in. I thought there will be at least 20 posts in the challenge.
Thanks for the nice words and can’t wait to see Nick’s part of your deal. Although, since it is about Twitter, I think he will kick a$$.
I am almost done with my vacation and can’t wait to go back to this blogging thing, it is sooooooo interesting
Brankica@Blogging for beginners invites you to read…Letter to a Twitter Spammer
That’s what Nick told me too.
We are planning on doing it the week of Feb 21 - will let you know of course.
Thanks for inspiring me with such a great idea; and I definitely loved your post!
Have a safe trip back!
Ana invites you to read…Podcasting- The Alternate Universe Of Traffic Generation
Ana,
Yes grief received, I know that I missed a golden opportunity here. I can only hope that if you decide to do this again that I’ll take full advantage of the offer.
Thanks for sharing,
Roger
Roger Holmes invites you to read…Ximo Review – Making Informed Decisions
Ana invites you to read…How Ana Got Her Twitter Groove Back
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