I can’t believe it! DavidWalker.tv is one year old – this is the longest I have ever maintained a blog for (and there have been a few attenmpts!)
I am actually a few days late writing this post but have been really busy sorting out my new sales and also organising a free online training session.
I started this blog on 14 June 2009 out of sheer frustration at myself for not achieving what I believed I was capable of. As I put it:
“It’s just like being in school all over again – having the brains to do well but not having the motivation to reach my full potential.”
I had just purchased Rich Schefren and Alex Jeffrey’s coaching programs and was looking forward to starting over in the internet marketing niche. You can read my first post here.
What I’d like to do in this post, is reflect on what has happened over the past 12 months and outline my plans for the next.
1. Blog Content
This is post number 97 on this blog and if I am to be completely honest, I don’t think I have blogged enough, so that is something I want to address over the next 12 months.
I know I need to blog more.
I am also going to change the way I blog because I don’t want my content to become stale.
So, this is what I propose:
- More “Non IM Niche” Content. I really enjoyed producing the Play Off Final video, even though the result wasn’t an ideal one! I will produce more “personal” content to break up the “how to” stuff to allow my readers to see a different side to me.
- More “My Experience” Content. I have noticed the content which gets the biggest reaction is when I am writing about my own experiences, such as running a JV giveaway, spamming the hell out of Twitter or dumping all of my Twitter followers (perhaps I should just stop blogging about Twitter…) Writing about my own experiences will be helpful and hopefully raise a few laughs along the way too.
- More “Fat” Content. This is a phrase I haven’t heard for several years so I thought I’d drag it kicking and screaming into 2010. I guess it’s like “pillar” content, but… FATTER. It’s the sort of content which would be enough to create a short report on it’s own but instead, it will be on my blog and therefore no opt-in required!
- More Interviews. I have been fortunate enough to have been asked to do a few interviews recently with the likes of Earl Netwal, Marc Milburn and Sally Neill. I need to start interviewing more people, whether they are experts, newbies or somewhere in between. An interview on a topic is more personal and interesting than writing a dry “how to” post on it. Any offers of an interview or to be interviewed, get in touch!
- More Product Reviews. In recent months I have been approached to provide testimonials for new products. It’s an honour to be regarded highly enough that product owners want my opinion on their sales page. However, I have missed an opportunity to write a review for my blog which would then help my readers make an informed decision. The last one I wrote was for Easy Video Player back in January… I am not just in this for the affiliate commissions. If a product is crappy, I’ll say so and won’t pitch it to my readers or subscribers because there will always be other products which do what they claim to.
- More Free Live Training. Having hosted a few webinars now, I have found I enjoy doing them a lot, especially after investing in a Rode Podcaster microphone. I intend to put on a lot more live training sessions, whether it is focused around a particular topic or more of an open Q&A session. Engaging with my readers and subscribers in this type of live environment will be very important to me over the next 12 months.
With the above, there should be plenty of scope to create high quality, original and engaging content which will keep this blog fresh and increase it’s readership.
2. Blog Design
I had the blog redesigned in January 2010 but I am still not entirely happy with it.
I like the large opt-in form on the homepage but there is still too much white space on the right hand side which is not being properly utilised
I intend to keep the large opt in form area but then underneath that, revert to a traditional blog layout.
When WordPress 3.0 is released and bug-free I intend to have the blog redesigned to some degree, especially the sidebars, to make it look more professional and easier on the eye than it is now.
3. Product Creation
I haven’t been anywhere near as prolific in terms of product creation as I should be and that is something which I need to address over the next 12 months.
I created a free report, Stop Slogging Start Blogging, which then became Blog Not Slog Basics and was also rebrandable to add a viral nature to it.
These products were the precursor to my main product “Blog Not Slog Breakthrough” where the sales page is still being tweaked. It has taken a lot longer than anticipated to get to this stage and I know I need to be faster in terms of getting products completed.
Products, as well as the blog, will enable people to find me online and I need to create as many opportunities to do so!
By increasing the number of live training sessions I put on, I should be able to create more products from the recordings and release more high quality content into the marketplace.
4. Search Engine Rankings
Being a year old, my blog is becoming seens as more authoritative and aged in the eyes of the search engines and I have noticed it is rising in the rankings for some highly lucrative and competitive keywords.
I have a plan in place to improve my search engine positions over the next 12 months and want to be on page one of Google at the very least for them, if not within the top three positions on page one.
5. Email Communication
One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to build a mailing list of over 20,000 by the end of 2010.
I was making really good progress with this until my list stopped being responsive – less emails were being opened and my click throughs dropped through the floor.
This was largely down to doing excessive ad-swaps. While it worked for a little while and I was able to send hundreds of clicks to my swap partners, my subscribers simply got bored of them and started to ignore my emails.
I ended up deleting almost half of my subscriber list – thousands of dead prospects flushed down the pan…
So, I have changed the way I communicate with my subscribers completely and now send out an email newsletter three times per week entitled @DW.tv.
By seeing @DW.tv in the subject line, it is perfectly clear to my subscriber that it is my newsletter, as opposed to another crappy ad swap email or sales pitch that inevitably clutters up their inbox.
I have been using this approach for the past few weeks and have noticed my open rates and click throughs are improving from what they were.
6. Live Events
I attended my first event last November, hosted by Lee McIntyre and then lived it up in Las Vegas in January to attend events by both Mike Filsaime and Alex Jeffreys.
I had barely got over my Vegas hangover and I was off to Newcastle for another event by Lee McIntyre.
I really enjoy going to these type of events now and it’s great to meet so many like-minded people face-to-face.
I should be attending Lee McIntyre’s next event in July and I’d like to get to a couple of others before the end of the year.
Of course, I will blog about any event I attend and share any hot tips I pick up along the way!
That’s Me… What About You?
This post has included a lot more content than I first thought it would but I think I have summed up what I want to achieve from this blog and elswhere in my business over the next 12 months.
But, what about you?
What do you think of my blogging plans and intentions towards more free live training sessions and products?
Do you think there is anything else I could add here to help you out in your own business?
Whatever your thoughts, suggestions and criticisms, please leave them in the comments section below and I will respond to as many as possible.
Hey David,
The content that you plan to add to your blog is excellent and to have over 100 posts per year at the minute is like one every 3 days or so. I like myself to see the how to posts being done in front of me instead of someone writing about.
It’s a great post and to have your blog up and running over a year shows great dedication
Congratulations
Glyn
Hi Glyn,
I think overall it worked out at one post almost every four days which surprised me a bit, I didn’t think I had posted that frequently.
I feel I have got over that “difficult” first year period where I have proved to myself that I can keep blogging.
Here’s to the next 12 months and lots more awesome content and training!
David
Hi David,
Sounds like you are really ramping it up.
Looking forward to hearing more during the year.
Cheers
Alina
Alina Hanel recently posted..Blogging: To be Yourself or Fake it ’til you make it
Hi Alina,
Yep, I hope so…
I have a much better idea on the direction I want to take the blog now than I did 12 months ago so stick around!
David
Hi David
I read your email about the last webinar. There are a few companies that run conference room webinar services. Have you looked at GVO.
Regardss
Paul
Hi Paul,
I have seen GVO and the likes of Freebinar but I am not convinced they are the right kind of solutions for me.
I think I will probably have to make a reluctant return to Goto Webinar, at least until DimDim sorts out what are blatant problems when you actually use it.
I will be blogging about this early next week so look out for that one.
David
Congratulations and happy 1st birthday.
I think you have a busy year to come.
I have put this post into favorites because there is some excellent stuff here so I will go back and read it a few more times.
Good luck for the next 12 months and I will be following you a lot more.
All the best Gert.
Thanks a lot, Gert – I am glad you found this post so useful!
The ‘Blog Content’ section is a great resource if you are stuck for any ideas of new posts.
David
Hi David
Happy Birthday !!!! great blogging and wise plans for the next year.
A few of us ‘internet’ business types based in Cardiff and surrounding
towns use a very good conference system for our ‘meetings’
Happy to show you. Drop me an e mail
Hi David
You’ve clearly come a long way in a year and there’s an important message in here for all of us, in the end it’s down to all of to get focused and plan properly
So good luck for the next 12 months
Thanks Tony
Congratulations, David, a great achievement. And thanks for the list of your plans for 2010 – a very useful FAT post. You certainly address quite a few issues I am grappling with.
As far as layout of your blog goes, why not have a look at the Thesis theme – it’s very flexible, clear, open,… well, I use it, so it must be great
. I’d hurry to have a look at it, though, as the price will go up with release of v2, and that is supposed to be imminent. Once you have it, it’s free upgrades for life.
You ask what you could add. Given my particular hobby horse, I have to say more video. They simply add a few more dimensions to whatever you are doing.
I’ll be back for you next update / blog post.
Cheers
Max
Max recently posted..My Internet Marketing Journey – Stage 1
Hi Max,
Thank you for your suggestions, they are much appreciated.
I’d like to do more video, the only issue I have with it is the lack of SEO benefit. If I do any detailed videos I’ll need to get them transcribed.
David
Twitter: zimpeterw
June 18, 2010 at 1:11 am
Congratulations David. You have certainly taken action over the last year. Your future plans sound great. I also appreciate fewer. more interesting emails, I have started opening and reading them again!
Peter Wright recently posted..Does your marketing strategy pass the courtesy test?
Hi Peter,
I am very glad to hear it!
My plan to switch from daily emails to a more “newsletter” style of communication appears to be the right one so far.
David
Hey David, congratulations on all your achievements. You should be proud. Interesting about the emails. I must remember that. I’m all for free training. Hope it’s going to be a good time for the UK for a change or be recorded. I can’t burn the midnight oil these days. Good luck with your plans for the next year.
Sandy Halliday recently posted..Are You Blogging For Fun Or To Make Money On The Web?
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for your comment.
Yeah, I am not much of a night owl so my webinars are usually on around the 10pm mark in the UK, meaning 5pm EST.
Any later than that and I’d be falling asleep.
David
Hi David,
Congratulations on your anniversary!
You are an inspiration to us all and let’s hope by this time next year we’ll all be alongside you still.
I’m not sure what to suggest you add; there’s plenty here for me to be going on with.
Best wishes and Good Luck!
Peter
MWA3.0
Peter Tozer recently posted..How Can A Hedgehog Help With Your Blogging Success?
Thank you for your kind words, Peter.
Stick around, there is plenty more good stuff to come from me!
David
David:
Congratulations on the one year anniversary of your blog!
I have enjoyed following along with you for the past 6 months.
I like your blog design but I understand no matter how much you change it, you may never be completely happy with the design.
I would definitely appreciate the live training seesions. It will give me an oportunity to continue learning from you as well as develop and understanding how I want to someday do live training sessions with my readers.
Thanks,
Rick
Rick Byrd recently posted..5 Ideas For Great Headlines
Hi Rick,
Thanks for the kind words.
You are right, I probably won’t ever be “truly” happy with the blog design because I will always find a new design elsewhere which I could imagine incorporating into my blog.
More live training? You got it!
David
Very interesting and personable – You show excellent thought and planning (a guide for others).
Your forward thinking for your blog and IM activities is an inspiration to those trying to learn the art of blogging in general and blogging targeted towards IM specifically…
Thanks…
Hi David,
I have to say that I am really enjoying the transition that I am seeing in your business at the moment as it is mirroring my own experiences and although I’m further down the food chain than yourself it is amazing the similarities.
About 2 months ago, after ever decreasing click rates I stopped adswapping and started my newsletter going out 3 times a week. Strangely I also wrote this week about the shift in priorities that I am seeing from several marketers.
I would even go so far as to say that the aims you have set out on your blog resonate with me as well (except spelt out a lot clearer!) and so when you say in this weekends newsletter that you want to help folks then I’ll be amongst the first to put my hand up and say “help me”.
I’d love to have a guest post on my blog from you or some regular hints and tips.
So all the best David and speak to you later.
Andy
Andy Michaels recently posted..I Quit…..
Hi Andy,
We are experiencing similar issues with our subscriber list as they have held up their hands and said “enough’s enough!” when it comes to the constant barrage of ad-swap related material.
I am still on several marketers lists who are still pumping my inbox full of swap related content every day, but if it’s working for them then fair play. All I am concerned about is that it stopped working for me therefore I had to change.
I am quite enjoying the ‘newsletter’ approach. I feel as though I am writing in a more personal manner, the content is more useful and it is having the desired effect on my subscribers who are slowly taking notice of what I am sending them again.
I’d be happy to do a guest post for you – hit me up on Skype and we can discuss some content ideas.
David
David
Good post with good content. This journey is always about micro adjustments along the way. I liked what you said about the list and dropping half of your subscribers. Quality wins over quantity every time.
Speaking of lists, my list is improving thanks for some of your
giveaways and placing my own product in the giveaways. I will now have to treat them as quality people on my team and NOT a number for a business.
You must have been talking with Matt W. because as you know, he is rethinking his purpose for his business. I asked him to check out my last post on procrastination and I will ask you to please do the same. I think you will find some humor within my post. Please look at it and leave a comment.
Good luck to you and all of us
Roger Neumann
http://www.rogerneumann.com
Go out and make it a $ucce$$ful day!
Hi Roger,
Thank you for leaving me a ocmment – I am glad you found this post and my recent giveaways useful!
David
Congratulations on your first year anniversary David!
I’ve already let you how how pleased I was with the e-mailing change you have put in place, let’s hope more marketers follow suit.
I am also looking forward to more “My Experience” content from you on your blog, I’m sure that it’s not just me who appreciates the human side of IM
Here’s to another successful year! Cheers.
Jan recently posted..Make Money Free Online? A Small Step to Converting a Non-believer!
Hi David,
I admire your dedication, perseverance and striving for perfection.
This is an encouragement for me who am still an apprentice in blogging(just starting out – your opinion of my blog would be appreciated).
I look forward to learning from you.
To Your Continued Success,
John.
P.S. “SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL, FAILURE IS NOT FATAL: IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS.” – WINSTON CHURCHILL”
John recently posted..The Best Ways to Get More Profits from Domain Flipping
Hi David,
Congratulations on your one-year anniversary! I recently unsubscribed to a number of lists but I kept yours because of the sense of integrity I detect through your writings. You come over as being truly interested in the persons on your list, and that’s such an essential part of building relationships online.
One of the things you mentioned you will do more is to include your experiences, and I’ve found that to be true as well because your readers can relate and see how they can personally apply the things you talk about because you were able to do it and it helped you.
I’m looking forward to continue reading your newsletter and visiting your website more regularly to keep up with your increased postings
All the best, Yvonne
Yvonne A Jones recently posted..Managing Your Emotions Daily as The Owner of Your Business
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for leaving me a comment and for your continued support on my blog and email newsletter.
I am quite looking forward to personalising my blog content a lot more, it should set it apart from the hundreds of other “how to, me too” blogs out there and if I speak from personal experience, the content will be a lot more useful than some theoretical BS.
David
Hi David,
You provided some great pointers that will help you along this year. It has especially helped me too as I could definitely learn and apply these as well.
I found the email marketing tip very interesting and as a newbie that is what I would like more information on. I am slowly building my list and this is the area that I need more help and guidance in so if you could include more tips on that it would be great!
Congratulations on making a year and you are definitely on the right path so looking forward to seeing more great things from you!
Anna
Anna Haller recently posted..Planning – The key to your success
Hi David, I’ve been following you for the past 6 months-ish,
I would agree that add swaps are reducing your edge with us!
We think there from you, and all we end up with is an even bigger Email list to sort through, More Emails more confusion?
Looking forward to your new approach.
Cheers.
Chris Phillips recently posted..Fishing Boats for sale, What to choose
Hi David
My Blog is also coming up to a year old and I also need to rethink the direction it is going in. I’m agreeing with your decision to be honest about products and reviews, there is too much over-glorification of products going on. The internet has become awash with freaks and charlatons, all pimping a new ‘secret’. For myself I always hop on over to http://www.IMReportcard.com and look up a product or purveyor and read reviews and experiences from real people.
Anyways, I think for my blog, I’ll still use it to seperate my thoughts into writing, and aim it more towards being more informative and resource orientated for visitors.
Hi Dave,
Congratulations on almost reaching a year!
It’s great you have seen through much of the charade that is internet marketing – most products are either very basic, don’t tell you the whole story, are crappy or a combination of all three and there are people getting very wealthy off the back of them.
I am only going to promote paid products I have reviewed thoroughly myself, or perhaps on rare occasions I’ll recommend products from somebody whose reputation I trust – although in doing so I will also be putting my own on the line.
Keep me informed of your blog’s progress!
David
Hi David
Congrats on the first full year – same as me apart from the fact I have been doing this IM thing part time so haven’t really got it off the ground like yours yet.
I agree with the Ad Swap thing, too many people are swapping far too often resulting in quantity vs quality. I am still swapping but only on a strict 3 times per week basis, and once I have more in the way of real content and another route for list building working will probably scale swaps down to once per week and highly selective.
The Newsletter thing is something I have been considering for a while as well, more than likely there will be something going out every Sunday – def the way to go as readers need to know they are getting something from you as opposed to being pumped further offers
Peter Davies recently posted..Reasons Why Email Marketing is Better Than Print Advertising
Hi Peter,
As long as you are seeing results with ad swaps then there is no reason not to continue with them.
I will start accepting ad swaps again when my click throughs improve but only for high quality free products – there is too much of a culture of mailing out any old crap as long as you get the clicks in return.
Also, any future ad swaps I do will be integrated into the newsletter content, I won’t return to solo ad-swap mailings.
I quite enjoy writing my newsletter and it has been well received so far. I want my subscribers to have confidence in me and trust me not to promote crap to them for my own gain.
David
Congratulations David.
It’s really an inspiring post for me. You remind me
of how we can simply look back and realize how much
we had accomplished.
I am deeply encourage my the 6 pointer of “More”
you proposed. It gives me the clarity I needed
now especially.
Cheers
Jason Ser
Hey David,
It takes a lot to get through a whole year of posting to your blog. Congratulations! Keep up the good work. Take care buddy.
Brian recently posted..Five Ways to Become an Effective Internet Marketer By Blogging