Comment posted on List Building: When I Want Your Opinion, I’ll Ask for It… Asking Now by Sanjeev Sharma@Random Raves & Rants of Sanjeev
I think I am stating an obvious that you can build a list only if you are operating in a niche - if the blog is a general one (say, like mine) then maybe a list is no help.
And that brings me to my question - why RSS / feedburner subscription is not enough? Especially, if we are not using canned mails? Can live broadcast not double up as a post as well?
And one question that is not related to the subject of lists - This I had noticed earlier too, but this time I checked - The replies that you have given to the comments before me on this post have time-stamp of Feb 25, 2011 between 7.39 pm and 7.55pm - but the last article that each reply refers to on your blog are spaced 8 days apart. I think that is a great way to promote different articles - my question, how is it done?
Recent comments by Sanjeev Sharma@Random Raves & Rants of Sanjeev
- Dofollow Nofollow Links: Is There a Happy Medium?
Today has been a do follow, no follow, back link and PR day for my blog reading and commenting. I read Alex’s guest post here, and then I read his blog and read why he lost PR and commented on both the articles - his guest post here and his own blog.I likened PR to Base Metabolic Rate when I commented on his blog and opined that finally PR may make sense after all.
Now after reading your article on SEO Super comment plugin and more do follow links etc, I decided to do some research on my own and my findings have left me amazed and more CONFUSED. Let me elaborate:
1. You blog has 4085 back links - as per the back link checker I used and yet it is PR 0. Alex’s site has 4385 back links as per the same checker and till just a month back it had PR 2 as per him. So 4085 back links = PR 0 and just another 300 back links = PR 2?
2. I have some other sites as well - my business and a few other blogs. The business site has only 54 back links and has PR 1 and one of the blogs has 84 Back Links and is PR 2!! I am not complaining but find it amazing. What is even more amazing is the fact that majority of the back links are from my own sites!! So maybe the niche or the site type is also a big factor - what I mean is that maybe with very few back links also a site could have higher PR if there are not too many sites in that category?
3. I did a google search on the keyword “traffic generation” and found TGC on 8th spot. It has a PR 0. On the 9th spot is sourceforge.net/projects/traffic/. And its PR is 4!! So does it also mean that you could have lower PR and yet show higher is SERP? In that case what is the fight about PR.? Back Links? etc.
4. There are innumerable sites with very high PRs but abysmal alexa ranks - that is low traffic.I am in India and it is midnight. I think I am going to sleep over my dilemma about these issues and decide tomorrow what is more important for me - higher PR or traffic. I suspect I know the answer, but as I said, let me sleep over it!
- Appetite For Traffic? The Secret Is in the Source
The amazing thing about a good article or rationally presented information is that after having read it, the conclusion seems obvious and elementary. And this post is no exception.The difference between blog commenting as discussed here and social bookmarking is similar to the difference between depth of friendship and width of acquaintances. My own experience is that I have had the pleasure of receiving far greater number of visitors on my blog from the blogs that I commented on than all the social bookmarking that I have done. I always thought that I am missing some trick in the SB domain, but after having read this I have realized that that is not the case.
Thanks for confirming my hunch. I’ll continue to comment even though it takes more time than social bookmarking (this is the only point on which I am not completely in agreement with Alex).
- How To Drive Traffic The Google Way
In marketing classes we are taught - put yourself in the shoes of your customer. Give what the customer wants and you will laugh all the way to the bank.These 10 commandments are exactly that. The reader or the audience of the blog is the customer and if we, the bloggers / internet marketers, can deliver what the customer (reader) wants, we don’t even have to try and sell.
I think that is what Google is suggesting. Subtlety, thou are the key to success.
- How KeywordLuv Can Get You on the First Page of Google
Thanks Ana. It would be nice to have you see if there is an article on my blog that people would like to know about, optimize it and see if it can be ranked.And sure enough it will be one big challenge because I am certain that my blog will score a big ZERO on SEO.
I was first going to send this message as an email and not as a comment here but then decided otherwise because I have a query which may be of use to your readers. The question arose from your reply that mentions about optimizing an article on my blog for ranking. The question is:
I would think that most articles on my blog are indexed by search engines - for good or bad - whatever, based on the keywords and other SEO parameters. Now, is it possible to rewrite and optimize the same article in such a way that after updating, it will get better SEO score on the search engine score cards? So dose it mean that every time a search engines indexes an article, it re-reads the SEO parameters?
I hope I have been to communicate my question properly.
- How KeywordLuv Can Get You on the First Page of Google
Now I guess that is another lesson for a blogger - create a website with keywords in the name. Only then you’ll be able to rank high on search engines and also make use of a plugin such as KeywordLuv.The website that I have been using here while contributing my comments is not keyword targeted - it is kind of talking about whatever catches my fancy. Hence the name “Random Raves & Rants of Sanjeev”. Now they are not really keywords that one will search for on the net!
Another thing that I learnt here is using @ between my name and the “keywords”. All my earlier comments carried only my name and not keywords. This time I typed @ and then name of my site to see what happens. So kind of testing. Next time I’ll only use my name without @ because the second half is not really keywords in my case.
But maybe before I cast that resolve in stone, let me just try and see what happens if I search for random raves & rants - wow! my blog is ranked 5th (out of 725000 pages). I tried another thing - I removed the “random” and just searched for “raves & rants” and found that my site is ranked 42nd (out of 3.3 million pages). So a long way to go. But I also found that I am not the only one raving and ranting! There are many others with domains that are a variation of raves and rants!!
So maybe I’ll continue to write my name as Sanjeev Sharma @ Random Raves & Rants of Sanjeev!
I’d also like to tell you that I installed the keywordLuv plugin on my blog as well, after noticing that it is used here. (This is also my way of telling all your readers that they MUST visit my blog and leave a comment there! All comment links there are do follow!! And if not today, tomorrow it will help them a little bit!!)
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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.
{ 24 comments }
Hey Ana
I want to ask about linkedin website..How i promote my website on linkedin website and in group and one more things is you put some tutorial on ( “how to create a group in linkedin website”).I am waiting your reply..I hope you accept my request.
Facebook Applications´s last blog ..Introducing the Facebook Photo Theater- Here to Stay whether we “Like it” or Not!
I really don’t see why everyone makes such a big deal about this email list thing. I mean, only everyone tells you “the money is in the list” whatever that means. Jeez.
Ok seriously. This isn’t exactly ninja but don’t worry about getting huge numbers. If all you (the general you) want is huge numbers you’re in the wrong game and may as well jump in with all the gurus that don’t give a crap about anyone but themselves and the money they can get from them.
Huge numbers won’t get you want you want - the right people on your list. That’s the secret to the entire thing. That and then delivering value to your most excellent email subscribers on an on-going basis, like for months and months.
Here’s a tip for everyone - plan out your autoresponder sequence ahead of time. I just redid mine on two lists and asked AWeber to reset everyone to 0 so they would get all of the emails. I lost a few people on that one, which is fine. I enjoy it when people self-select. Knowing who your customer isn’t is just as important as knowing who it is.
Robert Dempsey@Internet Marketing Strategies´s last blog ..Is Social Media A Waste Of Your Time
Ok People and of course Ana,
Here is my little spin on list building. So we will assume you have a free gift, got your squeeze page set up and auto responder filled with a minimum of 5 emails over 2 weeks.
I think you need to get all of these into place as a bare minimum to start with then add more content to your follow up emails. Content as well as offers.
You need to be monetising your traffic through your funnel. So when people sign up they are sent to a OTO or a possible upgrade. Make a confirmation page telling them exactly what they need to do and also offer another free gift just for confirming the email you sent them.
There will be so many people who will not even confirm the email you sent them. But if you offer another valuable product just for confirming their email address then you should get alot more.
Thankyou page should have your free gift but also a paid gift or an affiliate product. We are here to make more money or giving great recommendations so doing these easy things with in your funnel will determine what type of subscriber you have. Buying subscribers are worth so much more to you. Than freebie seekers, so monetising your funnel will determine this.
Hope these few tips help you
Cheers
Craig
Craig Sowerby´s last blog ..Premium Word Press Themes For 5
I have an opt-in form to offer a free 26 part online marketing course, located at the top right section of my blog, so that is basically the first thing anyone sees, although it would probably be better located on the top left, according to Lisa @ The Friendly Blogger, but I really don’t have the option of changing the location in my Theme.
I actually just started this opt in about 1 1/2 months ago and only have a very few on my list.
I expect that my subscribers will get nothing but good, solid information with absolutely no selling on my part, then after the course is completed, they will start to see some “freebie” offers every few days, in a very laid back way to entice them to go to my affiliate links, which all are free to join, although does offer upgrades, but in reality will also generate a percentage of traffic in my traffic exchanges that I use, as well as building my list in downline builders. I also offer a couple of free opt-in Ebooks that will generate downlines as well. Of course, I also offer an RSS feed and quite a few different Social Bookmarking options to share my content, in hopes of generating the traffic necessary to gets eyes on my site and get those much anticipated opt-ins.
Just sharin wit cha….:)
Dan Reed@internet marketing secrets´s last blog ..Internet Marketing Tips IM Faceplate Review Just Another Social Media Platform
If you are up for some advice, Dan, I am up for giving it - always.
Your opt-in form is hidden, bland, and doesn’t really tell your reader why they should opt in. Internet marketing course? What kind? How will it benefit me?
Plus, you sound a bit idealistic as far as “serving” your list is concerned.
Don’t be afraid to find balance between free and paid. Your list should know that this is business! If less subscribe because of it, good riddance, because you really want only those who are apt to buy anyway.
I’ll take smaller, but more responsive list anytime over a huge inactive one.
Ana´s last blog ..Dofollow Nofollow Links- Is There a Happy Medium
I’m not sure where I sit actually. I think I am at 8% and missing out on the elite by thaaaaaat much. Typical.
I do however feel that I can share a little pearl of wisdom that took me a long time to figure out, but is so simple.
Having trouble continuing the conversation with your list? Not sure what to offer them in the first place?
Make the offer and the conversation one in the same!
By creating an ecourse or series of lessons that are drip fed over time, you not only provide ongoing conversation and an ability to highly target monetized content at the applicable times, you also have a framework with which to build the real relationship around.
Once the ‘Course’ is in place, forget about that side of things and make a consious effort to broadcast relevant and helpful content on a regular basis
The Trick to this is:
*Never monetize the emails outside of the established course. Unless of course you genuinely have a OTO they can’t refuse. (Really?)
*You apologise for your mistakes.
(the other day I posted, had to renig and then emailed my list to apologise, I received over 50 responses saying that it was nice to see the human side - even though they knew full well that I was techinically writing to {firstname!}. - this proves one thing: To ERR is human, and your list wants to see this from time to time.)
*You get off your high horse.
Most lists seem to focus on the ‘how can I help you?’ but its amazing how empowering you can make your list feel and how mcuh it can strengthen the relationship if you ask for their help every now and again.
(you do it here all the time and I think it is a key element to your success)
Ummm, that’s all I got, and I think its almost a post LOL
OK im going to go so far as to move myself up to 7% now
nearly there….
Hope you (and the readers) got some good little tips out of this.
Oh ,and sign up to my list to see first hand how nice and helpful I really am LOL!
http://buildrankprofit.com
Alex´s last blog ..Who Stole My Pagerank
Not bad at all, Alex, not bad - I didn’t realize you knew a thing or two about list building…
Do you have time to cough up a killer list building how-to post by next week?
I know it’s a lot to ask, but hey, ask and you shall receive, huh?
Ana´s last blog ..Blog Audit Friday- Lend a Helping Hand to Traffic Generation Cafe
Aw nuts, now I feel bad for not having a proper list.
Actually, I do have a mini-list which lists down all the things I have to do today, and sometimes it gets done. Sometimes. I’m not the most productive person when it comes to following lists, I admit. Perhaps I need to make it so that I’d ‘want’ to do what’s on the list?
Or it could just be that I need a kick up the arse. That’s just as likely
Stuart´s last blog ..Why Motivation Is Overrated
Oh, I am a queen of those kinds of lists, Stuart. As a matter of fact, I have a list that tells me to look at my to-do list for things to do next…
Ana´s last blog ..How KeywordLuv Can Get You on the First Page of Google
I think I am stating an obvious that you can build a list only if you are operating in a niche - if the blog is a general one (say, like mine) then maybe a list is no help.
And that brings me to my question - why RSS / feedburner subscription is not enough? Especially, if we are not using canned mails? Can live broadcast not double up as a post as well?
And one question that is not related to the subject of lists - This I had noticed earlier too, but this time I checked - The replies that you have given to the comments before me on this post have time-stamp of Feb 25, 2011 between 7.39 pm and 7.55pm - but the last article that each reply refers to on your blog are spaced 8 days apart. I think that is a great way to promote different articles - my question, how is it done?
Sanjeev Sharma@Random Raves & Rants of Sanjeev´s last blog ..Will Guest Control At Parties Reduce Food Shortage
Any time you are in a online business of any kind, Sanjeev, you can benefit from a list. In your case, it depends on what you want out of it - just to express yourself or actually make some money while at it?
I see your point in RSS subscription vs email subscription. If you write a post promoting a product, your RSS subscribers will (ideally) read it and might act upon it. If you write a similar promotion and email it to your list, your subscribers will (ideally) read it as well.
However, from all the studies as well as personal experience, email subscribers are MUCH more responsive, you can track their responses and in general have a lot more control over your list.
With RSS subscribers, you know nothing about them and can’t establish any direct contact with them.
As to your last question, I am not sure I understand it. I think you are referring to CommentLuv links I leave behind each comment I make. If that’s what you are talking about, then read this: https://trafficgenerationcafe.online/sunda-coffee-traffic-generation/
Ana
Ana´s last blog ..Got Traffic So What
Started my list but moving quite slow even though I have pop up domination and subscribers magnet
Oh well. I guess over a period of time it will
Kharim Tomlinson´s last blog ..How To Attract Guest Bloggers To Your Blog Like A Magnet
There can be a number of things of course: traffic and content are just the two of them.
We’ll talk more about it though.
Started building mine, but it’s moving slowly. Working on a freebie though, so hopefully when that’s finished it’ll start jumping
Thanks for coming by, Ben
Free stuff: I am not sure it REALLY works. Subscribers got to expect to get something from you and then shortly unsubscribe.
A freebie doesn’t help to build quality and responsiveness, although does help the size.
Ana´s last blog ..Search Engine Ranking Tip- How to Search Google Incognito
I just started to transition my blog in a new direction so I’d really love some juicy info from the 6%! I’ve had an opt in form and was getting some subscribers, but wasn’t doing anything else with it.
Can’t wait!
Katie Goode @Be Exceptional Today´s last blog ..Be Extraordinary Today
So far the 6% is non-existent, Katie…
Sounds like wishful thinking on their part and nothing to back it up with.
No problem though; I’ll have your back if they don’t show up.
Hi Ana!
Looking forward to learning all about list building.
I am not in the technical niche so getting people to sign up for my pregnancy newsletter may be a little harder. Many people who are web savvy know that signing up for the list means you’ll get great information and updates. They usually feel they know and trust you, and also trust you won’t sell their name and email address.
I think that for non-tech sites, we should give more information about what is actually included in the newsletter and how often it goes out.
I think people would also be more inclined to sign up if they knew it was safe from spam and that they can un-subscribe easily.
Heather Hill´s last blog ..Signs of Labor Cervix Dilation
You are right, Heather - I belong to the internet marketing niche where just about everyone know what an opt-in form is and what they are getting themselves into.
But as far as less “technical” niches is concerned, you really do need to “groom” your visitors before they give up their info, huh?
Good point!
Ana´s last blog ..Got Traffic So What
Crickets!
I’m new and just got my list up 2 weeks ago so, hello? 6%???
I need your expertise!
Allie´s last blog ..Step by Step Blogging 4- Submit to the Big Engines
I don’t supposed they want to “reveal” their incredible secrets, Allie… Just as I thought…
Ana´s last blog ..How To Write Titles With Teeth
I think I’m close to that 6%, and I have been receiving some positive feedback on my list.
I make very conversational but frequent use of the {personalization codes} … You don’t want to over do it, but in the right places and with the right frequency, it makes your emails less automated sounding and piques attention.
I try to write each email as if I were writing it to a single person. Engage each person and don’t make your emails sound canned, hypey or faked. Get comfortable and start building a relationship… Open up - talk about your daily happenings in your life. Just start a dialogue
All good tips and make good sense.
Of course, there is a huge problem with personalizations - fake names, which are quite frequent. You don’t want to write an email and call someone “GMCA”.
Also, my list knows that I only write live broadcasts and never canned emails. That makes it personal.
I wonder how many subscribers you get per day to be so close to 6%?
Ana´s last blog ..How to Track and Manage Your Traffic Generation Efforts
“Of course, there is a huge problem with personalizations – fake names, which are quite frequent. You don’t want to write an email and call someone “GMCA”.”
Exactly!
Alex´s last blog ..Who Stole My Pagerank
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