Most blogs are dead.
By that I mean they get little traffic, no comments and no subscribers. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true.
But there are reasons for this and that’s what I’m gonna try to explain in this post. You see, my blog is no different than yours.
I have a domain and hosting and you have a domain and hosting.
I use wordpress and you (hopefully) use wordpress, too. I started a podcast and you can start a podcast, too.
I’m using the Eleven 40 theme from Studiopress and you can get the same theme for 80 bucks.
So, if we’re all on a the same playing field – how come some blogs generate thousands of visits, a ton of comments and hundreds of subscribers every month, while others go unnoticed?
Here’s a hint: It has very little to do with technology and a lot to do with the actual blogger.
1. Successful Bloggers Focus On Adding Value:
…not traffic stats, not pageviews, not sales – Content! It’s important to realize that the only reason people come back to a site is because they liked it the first time they were there.
No matter what market you’re targeting, quality content is what attracts readers, and encourage subscriptions. If you focus solely on adding content that will actually help the people in your market, you’ll start seeing success.
2. Successful Bloggers Stay Consistent:
Consistency is definitely key. The moment you stop putting up new content for your readers is the moment everything starts going downhill.
Remember the first point, the reason they come back is for your valuable content so make sure to continue providing that content over time.
3. Successful Bloggers Don’t Hold Back:
This is something I used to struggle with a lot. I used to say to myself, “I can’t publish that, it’s too good, I should put that in a product that I’m gonna create someday”.
Little did I know that those “ideas, tips & strategies” that I wanted to leave for future products are the ones you SHOULD be publishing for everyone to see.
Those posts get popular, those posts get linked to and those posts gain you tremendous credibility and trust with your audience – so don’t hold back.
4. Successful Bloggers Network With Other Bloggers:
The phrase, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is not completely true. I mean you can definitely build your blog to a point where it’s getting a decent steady stream of traffic, comments and subscribers all on your own, using the strategies in my 8 part course.
But, you should start thinking about those 8-10 other bloggers that you can network and collaborate with, because you can always get ahead a lot faster working with a strategic group of bloggers than on your own.
What traits would you add?
Leave your thoughts and responses in the comments section below.. and please, if you found this post useful, please share it – thanks!
32
Hey Hector,
Successful bloggers are always educating themselves.
Successful bloggers know their target market.
I can keep going on and on. However, with the list you have put together here it is a great start for developing the right mindset.
Have a great weekend…
Josh
Josh Garcia´s last post ..Stop Struggling Identifying Your Target Market
Josh,
Thanks for adding those to traits to the list..
appreciate you stopping by
Hector
Powerful tips Hector, thanks for sharing.
Not holding back is a tough one for most. Keep the Big Picture in mind. To become you must give before you receive. Don’t focus on a quick, small pay-off now when a fortune can be yours by consistently giving away your best stuff.
Ryan Biddulph
Ryan Biddulph´s last post ..Do These 4 Things to Become Broke with Your Home Based Business
Ryan,
Totally agree.. it’s important to keep that big picture in mind..
thanks for your comment
Hector
Great tips, Hector! Those are all very powerful points that you make!
I would add that successful bloggers are always learning and educating themselves. They will educate themselves on how to be a better blogger, they will educate themselves on trends and popular topics in their niche, they will educate themselves on the needs of their readers.
Stacy´s last post ..My First Free E-book- Blogging Basics
Stacy,
Wow.. great add-ons to this list – educating themselves is definitely an important trait..
thanks for sharing
Hector
Hi Hector,
Awesome post you have here. I totally agree with you that content is really the key here. Once you’ve understand how the internet works and can help you, once you’ve understand how to use social media, once you have some tools in your arsenal, once you have your blog, the secret really is being consistent in creating content which also increases your credibility ranking. It’s how you differentiate yourself from other marketers too. Thanks again for this awesome post. I will come back soon.
Sonny Lanorias´s last post ..The 3 Keys To A Successful Network Marketing Business
Sonny.. I agree with you 100%.. it’s all about the value..
thanks for dropping by
talk soon
Hector
Hector,
I absolutely love your blog, and all the tips man… I’ve simply got to know what you used to create that awesome Pop-Over web form???
I can’t think of any other traits to add.
Jordan Schultz
Jordan Schultz´s last post ..Build Your List Without Generating Leads… WHAT
Jordan,
What’s up bro… it’s called PopUp Domination and it’s a wordpress plugin – you can check out the results I got using it for 2 weeks here: http://www.inboundpro.net/getting-leads/live-case-study-why-i-changed-my-mind-about-popups-forever
hope that helps..
Hector
Hi Hector,
It’s true that technology helps, but you made a crucial point that sometimes gets missed. People might initially come to your blog because you got ranked on google, but people keep coming back because of YOU.
Great tips you shared, and I have to agree with Josh and Stacy, educating yourself makes a HUGE difference!
Thanks for another killer post!
Susanna
Susanna Hess´s last post ..8 Seriously Funny Success Tips For Online Marketers
Susanna,
Thanks for your great comment – I think I’ll have to add that one to the list since everyone agrees that’s an important trait we need to have.. :0)
Hector
These are all great points Hector. I will also add that you need to be yourself and not try to be like every other blogger. Don’t be afraid to stand out. This is what makes one attractive.
~Marcus
Marcus,
That’s a great point.. being yourself is must.
Thanks for the comment
Hector
Hi Hector,
I’m glad you’ve shared about this 4 traits. It gives me idea on how and what I’m going to take action to be able to attract visitors and nourish them with value-added contents.
Indeed, learning and consistency is an essence to be a successful blogger.
Thanks much for this!
Homer
Homer´s last post ..3 Gold Nuggets That Will Explode Your Home-Based Business In 2010
Homer,
Glad you liked the post.. hope it helps you out
Talk soon
Hector
Hi Hector well constructed and concise – makes heaps of good sense
thnx for sharing
Cheers Kiaran
kiaran´s last post ..Its Time to Get a Little Emotional!
Kiaran,
Thanks for your comment
Hector
Nice post for the basics of blogging. It got me thinking about networking with other bloggers… that’s been on my mind lately, and I’m glad you reinforced my intuition.
Nice post Hector
Aki Wood´s last post ..Network Marketing Sucks if You Don’t Know This One Simple Thing
Aki,
Networking is very important – it could open up a lot of opportunities for you
talk soon
Hector
Good points Hector. I also like what Stacy says about educating ourselves constantly as bloggers.
Marcus makes an excellent point about not being afraid to stand out and being yourself. I always respect someone who is not afraid to show what kind of person they are, especially if they don’t slot into a regular groove. Randy Gage’s blog is a great example of that. You either love or hate him and his content makes you think hard – definitely not in the main stream.
all the best
Charlie Holles
Charlie Holles´s last post ..Your Values – time to reconsider
Charlie.. yes I agree with Marcus on that point – standing out is very important & Randy Gage was a great example of that
thanks for your comment
talk soon
Hector
Hector,
Great points you have made here I can identify with the holding back part I have struggled with that one as well. Thinking I don’t want to lose an edge.
The best edge is to be someone who has proved that the advice, tips and so forth are worthwhile and produce results once you have settled that you can move past it.
Steve Shoemaker
Steve Shoemaker
Steve Shoemaker´s last post ..MLM Tips For An Attractive Face On Facebook
Steve,
Completely agree with you .. you made a great point. Being a person of results is a great place to be..
thanks for your comment
talk soon
Hi Hector,
Great traits you are sharing here.
I took my blog to a whole new level when I started networking with a group of like-minded bloggers.
Thanks for sharing this.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong´s last post ..Blogging Tips – How To Increase Your Blog Rankings
Hi Hector,
it always amazes me that folks focus on technical stuff rather than on themselves, that means providing valuable content on a consistent basis. Both are offspring of mindset.
Thanks for sharing your list.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend´s last post ..Lessons From Robert Kiyosaki’s “Cashflow Quadrant” For MLM Network Marketing Pt 3
Hector,
Great stuff, my man! I’d say that a successful blogger gets their system set up first and then leaves it alone, leaving more time to produce great content. The system you use to build your business is important, but not something that requires your attention every day.
Focus on providing value for your readers and build your business, then go back and tweak your system periodically.
Talk soon,
Mike
Mike Paul´s last post ..7 Quick and Dirty Tips for Getting Hot MLM Leads
Hey Hector
I would have to add in being authentic, just being yourself and really rockin’ out your Personal Brand! Education is another must, your business or your blog will only grow as much as you do, so its important to keep your mind fresh so your content is also fresh!
I think not holding back should be built into your strategy. If you have your strategy/plan down, then you are going to be able to build your content into where it is appropriate and in line with any of your product launches or product ideas, you should never hold back! And its always good to be a little controversial as well
And staying consistent and in action is just a must isn’t it. With all the activity going on in the online world, it doesn’t take long for you and your brand to be forgotten if you decide to take a few months off or start to not post or be as active and keeping in contact with your tribe or followers.
Great tips you covered here
cheers
Nat
Nat´s last post ..KeywordLuv and Do Follow How I’m Rewarding Commentators On My Blog
You are spot on Hector, as well as some of the suggestions by commentators above.
I like what Nat wrote, be authentic, people will know when someone is just a poser
Peter
Peter Fuller MBA´s last post ..Just Smile
Hi Hector. The qualities you have stated here may sound simple yet it’s very hard to implement, especially the being consistent part. I do believe however that once we are dedicated to our goals, we will achieve success.
I may also want to add the evolving along the way is extremely important. Nothing will be gained if we keep on repeating the same mistakes.
Walter´s last post ..Rejection- Never allow its grip on you
Hi Hector,
I would add that any successful blogger you look at continually improves all aspects of their blog, content, and business. They also react quickly, empathize with their niche, and match their blog and daily work to their unique combination of strengths and “likes”.
Best,
Zach
Great tips! I love all of them especially the networking. Do you have a post that lists the best ways to do go about networking with other bloggers?
Nia/Chic Working Moms´s last post ..Kourtney Kardashian Launches Mommy Blog
Successful Bloggers have their objectives and they never had any time to stop learning.
Arwin´s last post ..How Schedule Tweets Maximize Your Event Campaigns
Thanks for sharing these tips, Hector. I especially like the “share your info” tip.
I also like your last tip. None of us are as strong by ourselves as we are with others–when they’re the right people.
By the way, I REALLY like your feature that seems to automatically capture the last blog post of whoever is leaving you a comment. (Is this only available within your WP theme?)
Chris Wechner´s last post ..Video: Using LinkedIn for Personal Branding
Good stuff Hector. I’d add that successful bloggers narrow their focus well. Some bloggers try to expand their audience by writing about a wider variety of topics that are only somewhat relatable. This only dilutes the content and drives the true audience away. Stick to your topic and be an expert, that’s the best way to build a following.
Awesome post. I would add to leave comments that add value. So many times you see bloggers new to the game that don’t know or don’t care about the message they leave on someone else’s blog. The author wants to know that what he or she wrote actually meant something to you and if you decide to leave a comment, it should be something to “add” to the conversation. I have made some great connections that way and it helps build relationships with other bloggers.
Sonia´s last post ..TGIF Round Up – March 2012 – Week 4
In addition to the traits that you share, I would add: Successful Bloggers leave their egos at home (most of the time). You can really tell if someone thinks that they are God’s gift to the rest of us; there is a difference between finding your voice and using it to sharing valuable content and getting up on a soapbox and shouting down scathing criticism on others. Maybe it’s just me, but if a blog if filled primarily with rants and negativity, then I am not a fan, even if what the blogger is saying is valid. I’m not saying everything written needs to be sunshine and roses all the time, but keeping your audience in mind is imperative and constant negatively is a turn-off to successful people!