Recently I have been receiving praise for my blogging efforts which has been fantastic – I am so proud of what I have achieved on this blog during it’s early stages, moreso the fact I have stuck to it than anything else (this is my third attempt at running a personal blog).
I have been thinking about the potential of this blog a lot over the last week and I must say I am REALLY excited about the future and the direction I am heading in. There is still a lot of hard work to do but I predict some great times ahead!
It’s true that anybody can set up a blog but it’s a fallacy that your own blog is a doorway to instant online fame and fortune.
With that in mind I wanted to write about five blogging delusions which will doom the majority of blog owners to failure, just make sure YOU are not one of them!
(photograph attributed to english invader)
1. If You Build It They Will Come
Blogging isn’t like “The Field of Dreams” so let’s get this right straight off the bat (pun fully intended).
Your blog is just one of tens of thousands which are being created and clogging up the internet on a daily basis so what makes you think YOURS is so special that people are going to instantly find it?
Think of it as the same concept as you opening a shop in the middle of the desert and not telling anybody you are there – how many customers do you think are going to walk through the door?
That’s not to say you shouldn’t bother – quite the opposite in fact.
But, if you want to build a huge and fanatical readership simply uploading a blog to your server is not enough – you need to get the word out!
2. My Writing Will Attract People to My Blog
I believe to some extent you need to be a decent writer if you are going to enjoy success with your blog but it is not the be all and end all.
People are not flocking to your blog because you are the next William Shakespeare, they come because of the value you provide them through your content.
It’s all about the “What’s in it for me?” factor.
When producing your content you should do it with your audience in mind and do your best to get to know what makes your typical reader tick.
A great way to do this is by encouraging comments at the end of each post and responding to them.
These responses will help you to generate further content and create products which your readers want to buy.
(photograph attributed to Johnny Grim)
3. It Is Easy to Make Money From Blogging
Haha, it isn’t…
You should think of your blog as a “storefront” to your business, a place where people can find you, get to know you and over time, trust you and your blog itself won’t actually make that much money in terms of the time and effort you put into it.
It’s what goes on “behind the scenes” which makes the money such as the relationship you develop with your email list (you are collecting people’s email addresses on your blog, aren’t you?) and the products and services you promote to them.
If you don’t fancy doing any of that because it’s “hard” and you think you can supplement your income by writing for other people’s blogs too then forget it.
People generally want something for nothing, or next to nothing and I wouldn’t fancy competing with a third-world writer happy to slave away for three bucks an article.
Plus, forget about making big money from the likes of Google Adsense on your blog because unless you are getting thousands of visitors per day your earnings will be nothing more than chump change and banner adverts are rarely clicked on either…
(photograph attributed to twisty331)
4. I Will Make Money Straight Away
If only it was that easy then we’d all be instant millionaires!
Making money online is a straightforward, common sense process but it takes time.
Nobody gets rich overnight – especially yet another blogger entering the blogosphere.
It is going to take time before you build up a decent readership and subscriber list and even begin to think about making money.
This is why having passion for what you are doing is so important because it will spur you on through the difficult times and there will be plenty of those when you are starting out!
You can of course ignore what I am telling you and just plaster your blog in banner adverts and Google Adsense from the word go in the hope of rinsing a few dollars here and there from your sparse readership.
But, all you will achieve is turning them off and sending them elsewhere (like my blog!)
(photograph attributed to jubewong)
5. Blogging Is a Piece of Pi.. Cake
Even if you are totally immersed in your niche and love producing content (which I do), blogging is still a lot of hard work.
Heck, I do this full time and still struggle to produce a couple of updates per week what with everything else that goes on in my business.
Finding the time to write quality, valuable blog content is difficult and even moreso if you are juggling a full-time job as well but you have to try and be as consistent with your posting frequency as possible.
Nothing turns off readers more than random blog posts and blogs which are not updated for weeks or even months on end.
My New Year’s Resolution post stated I would update this blog twice a week which I haven’t quite stuck to but I am trying my best while also working hard on other aspects of my business which actually makes me money!
Blogging is great fun and can help your business immensly. If you are yet to start your own blog you may want to read my post on how to make your blog count so that you save a lot of wasted time.
Let me know what you think! Have I got this right or am I talking nonsense?
Tell me in the comments below!
David:
I totally agree with what you have written and yes these thoughts will doom the majority of blog owners to failure.
I appreciate you listing these out. I am going to link to this page from my blog. I just wrote a post about Taking Action, any kind of action. You know that if you never take action you will never be able to be successful and make money online. So I think this post is great for my readers to understand that Taking Action is just the start but you still have to have the proper mindset and understanding of potential pitfalls you they can not fall into them.
Thanks,
- Rick
.-= Rick Byrd´s last blog ..Want To Make Money Online? Get Started Today…Get Off The Sidelines! =-.
Hi Rick,
Thank you for leaving me a comment!
I agree entirely, if you don’t take action then nothing gets done and you will never move forward in your business.
Thank you for your offer to link to this post, I really appreciate it!
David
David,
I just ran across your blog recently. In this post you have established the 5 main points that many people seem to think is true. Put it up and whammo great things will happen. However, one, only gets frustrated when they see the majic does not happen immediately, and poof their blog or business goes kaput. Blogs, business and anything else only grows from what we invest into it. BTW, I wanted to mention that your newsletter is also of tremendous value to anyone starting out creating a blog and/or IM Business. You have learned many things from your mentor, R S. Keep on posting, and sending your newsletter. I too have been down the same road, three [3] times creating a personal blog, at present I do not have one on the internet, but am working behind the scenes to build it , and have it up in the near future.
Respectfully,
Glenn
Hi Glenn,
Thank you for leaving me such an honest comment. I think the reason I failed with previous blogs was they had no purpose.
Don’t put off creating your blog, as Rick said above it’s all about taking action! The fact you failed three times before would make a great first post because you could talk about how you are going to succeed this time!
I am glad you find so much value in my output, there is plenty more to come this year so keep reading!
David
Thank you for an honest take on blogging.Most of us are fed with BS,when it comes to making money online.Blogging should be approached like any other serious business pursuits.There is no magic wand.Persistence pays.
.-= Michael Newman´s last blog ..How to Increase Conversion Rates by Leveraging Google Analytics (1) =-.
Hi Michael,
I aim to keep this blog a strict “No BS Zone” – even if that is not what some readers want to hear.
I actually received a few angry emails from subscribers who have since unsubscribed because they did not like this post!
It’s crazy – it’s as though they wanted to believe that blogging is an easy path to riches and just because they slaved away over a blog post that would instantly translate into lots of thankful readers.
It just doesn’t happen like that and I really hope they don’t get taken for a ride by someone else who tells them what they want to hear…
David
Failure to take action is the key reason blogs fail. You absolutely on a regular basis post great content on your site and you must drive traffic to your site on a daily basis. You will never make a dime until you have good targeted traffic that comes to your site to find good content on their niche. When you gain trust and respect from your readers, then you will start to make money. Give them great content on a regular basis and drive traffic everyday. BTW-blog commenting is a great way to drive traffic.
.-= Stan Pontiere´s last blog ..Build Your Business with Article Marketing =-.
Hi Stan,
You make a great point – success comes down largely to traffic.
You could have a great blog and reveal loads of great information but if nobody comes to read it, what’s the point?
David
Hi David, I like reason #1. That is the general consensus of newbie bloggers. They don’t realize it takes hard work to get people to come to your blog, then to comment on the blog, and then to subscribe. You must continually refine your marketing plans in order to get it right.
I have just started a blog of my own and it really has been kind of tough getting traffic. I love the ebook and I have been wroking on implementing alot of the thigs mentioned. However it is going to be a long road but I prepared for it (I hope!).
.-= Jason´s last blog ..What Are The Exclusive Features Of Microsoft Xbox =-.
good Morning, David.
i have been a subscriber with you now for quite some time and must say that I started because someone sent me a free copy of your “Stop Slogging Start Blogging” e-book. It is open here on my desk as I write. Thanks to you, I have started my first blog and am very excited about it – not in the internet business like you, but still, maybe just maybe I can add a frew products on my site eventurally and who knows what will happen??? And your advice on todays post – I will definetly take to heart and just keep blogging! Thanks, David! Kathryn
So, David, kudos to you and your step by step guide which has encouraged me to not just look at the book, but actually use it
.-= Kathryn´s last blog ..Welcome and Thanks for Stopping By…. =-.
Hi Kathryn,
I am glad you found value in my free report. If anyone is struggling to get their blog going then I recommend you download it!
You should keep the content, products etc. on your blog relevant to the overall subject matter and make sure you build a list!
You won’t go far wrong…
David
Hi David
I agree with all your points above but probably the most important is where you say you must let people know your blog exists as without visitors your blog is just deadwood.
You MUST publicise your blog and get it ranked with Google so that people can find you. If someone is just starting out I would advise them not to get involved with paid advertising as you could spend a fortune and get nothing back.
Richard
.-= Richard Moloney´s last blog ..David Walker Webinar Module 5 – Part 5 =-.
Hi Richard,
Promotion is so important and you must get the word out to as many people as possible!
I agree, paid advertising is a minefield for anyone first starting out and I have not used it myself as of yet.
However, when I get my sales funnel optimised then I will use it to drive targeted traffic I can profit from and ramp up my list building.
Keep up the good work, Richard.
David
Twitter: zimpeterw
February 11, 2010 at 7:00 pm
5 good points here David, and you are absolutely correct in stating that regular posting is both critical and difficult to maintain.
Thanks
.-= Peter Wright´s last blog ..Boost your motivation =-.
I’m wondering if I would have started Success Strategies if I had read your post last May. Probably would have anyway – although I went into it believing all five of the myths you so gracefully explore – and rapidly had all five beliefs quickly deflated.
Nine months in and we’re up to just shy of 3,000 unique visitors a month (not counting the search engine bots) but I’m still not an online millionnaire. Darn! Maybe next month.
All the Best
Al Vigoda
And I just realized that I failed to ‘activate’ the Comment Luv link, so no URL showed. Hmm. Have to watch that. So much to think about when all one really wants to do is have a decent conversation!
Al
.-= Al Vigoda´s last blog ..Are You Totally Satisfied? =-.
Hi Al,
Thank you for leaving me a comment.
You are making good progress with your blog but I would recommend you ramp up your list building – make it more obvious on your blog on how to opt-in to receive a freebie.
Also, you may want to use a lightbox optin form (Aweber does this) or one of those slide up scripts to put your opt in form in front of people more obviously.
David
Hi David, Having read your post I am now quite depressed (LoL) and, thinking that, maybe my aspirations to become the next BIG Blogger is, maybe, destined to the dump. Oh well, better try and find ‘something’ that WILL “Do It For Me” but … just what *IS* that …ummmmm ?
THANKS for the heads up, I’m off now to sleep for a L O N G time, until I ‘dream up’ something that will bring in the moola.
Regards, David
Hi David,
You CAN become successful with your blog but it will take a lot of hard work.
I know I sound like a broken record with my comments but make sure you are building your list at the same time.
That way you OWN a traffic source to send people to new blog posts when you write them.
David
I would like to ask the following questions, Please.
I have a website which is my primary site. I will be changing the whole website to be more accommodating for “Short Reports” etc.
I intend to use Blogs. Would you be able to answer these questions for me???
1] I have been reading (Information Overload), that one should not use blogs (using direct blogs as apposed to Folders), if one is also going to use Sub_Domains.
2] If that is the case, I have an ADD-ON domain, which I will then use for my (Direct) Blogs.
Sorry to trouble you, but if you do know something about this, please let me know.
Hi Harry,
Just keep things simple.
Just use WordPress for your primary site. Technically it will be a ‘blog’ but WordPress has evolved so much now it is more of a Content Management System (CMS) and allows you to do pretty much anything you want – blog posts, static pages, ecommerce pages, ‘members only’ pages etc.
I hope this helps.
David
Great Reality Check David!
Too many people are sucked into the belief that setting up a blog is like having your own little “I Dream of Jeannie”, where in just the blink of an eye everything just happens.
Your “Stop Slogging Start Blogging” e-book was an eye-opener for me and I have yet to implement everything, but I know once I do the successes will start rolling in.
Carl Sandburg said: “Nothing happens unless first a Dream” but the continuation of that is… “No Dream becomes a reality without some action”.
Thanks for dispelling the myths and passing on these action guidelines for us to follow.
Cheers, Smiles and Success,
Crazy J
.-= Crazy J Rotnem´s last blog ..Self Esteem is Important =-.
Hey, Crazy J!
Thanks for leaving me a comment!
Success doesn’t just happen – you have to MAKE it happen and if you stick to the basic principles outlined in my guide then you won’t go far wrong.
I wish you the best for the future.
David
Hi David.
I think the following:
- Yes, blogging takes a lot of time.
- At the beginning, it must be a good idea to blog just for fun.
- First of all, Blogger should try to create an interesting content.
- And it is very very important to work on promoting the blog via Google.
That is what I am trying to do in my blogs.
Thank you.
Hi there.
Iv’e had my blog up about a month now and yes, they are a lot of work. I am trying to build up some decent content before having an advertising push.
You honest opinions are appreciated.
.-= Chris Slinger´s last blog ..Law of Attraction Lesson 1 =-.
Hi David,
That is a good analysis. The most important thing, or course, is driving traffic, just like everything else in Internet Marketing. I second what Stan P. says above. One of the good ways to do that is via articles posted elsewhere on the web. This creates direct hits to you blog as well as valuable back links. If someone enjoys writing enough to write a blog, why not publish some articles elsewhere? Article Marketing works and is very cost effective.
Keep blogging,
Wayne
.-= Wayne Weeks´s last blog ..Why Would You Want to Spend Time on Article Marketing? =-.
Twitter: GazzMan
February 13, 2010 at 3:58 am
Good comments David,
I agree with all of them.
You are obviously doing it well because you have an AR of 129,847.
Gary Simpson
TEMPLE
.-= Gary Simpson´s last blog ..Internet Marketing – Alex Jeffreys Las Vegas Seminars – January 2010 =-.
Hi Gary,
Thanks for giving me an update on my Alexa Ranking, I haven’t checked it for a while!
I need to do a lot more if I am to hit my New Year’s Resolution target of a 75,000 rating by the end of the year!
David
David,
5 very valid points…
all very well made!!!
It was good to meet you in Vegas…looking forward to the next time.
Rob
.-= Rob Bradley´s last blog ..Vegas… =-.
Hi Rob,
Great to meet you as well, hopefully it’s not too long before the next one!
David
Thank you for that. I am just in the process of trying to set up a blog, and your info is, as always, very useful.
Keep up the good work.
I’m finding it hard to keep up my blog but I’m hanging in there. Who ever said anything was easy?
Great and valid points here. And let me use this space to say that I’ve been watching this blog of yours for some time now and it’s freaking great!
Gil
.-= Gil´s last blog ..The Ultimate Marketing Test – “Selling” Benefits of Broccoli To a 6 Year Old =-.
Hi Gil,
Thanks for the kind words about my blog!
If you are struggling with your blog posts, decide on a posting frequency and stick to it – deadlines are important to move forward in your business!
David
Yep, keeping your blog with content that has value to your reader is one of the most tough part of the game. Sometimes, you passion get diminished….
.-= RichDadWisdom.com´s last blog ..Want to Be Rich? You Might Not Have a Choice =-.
5 great points.
I have just started blogging.
You will hear more from me later.
Ross
My writing will and does drive readers to my blog. However, it is not what I write on my blog that drives visitors but the article marketing that I do. Write articles (tons of articles)with great content and this gives readers a reason to read your blog for even more complete information. While I love giving great content on my blog, that does little to drive traffic to my blog. Great blog content keeps people coming back but it is article marketing and certain other shoestring marketing techniques that can drive massive traffic to your blog.
.-= Stan Pontiere´s last blog ..Basic Salesmanship 101 =-.
Dave,
Nice. I’m working the hard way to make something work.
Have yet to do more than think about doing copy on anything,
I expect this to be there again when I’m ready, to make it all the more easier to put together good content.
One thing I do have going for me is way back in school, writing was what I did best.
Keep it coming every little bit helps.
JLHecht
David
Some great key points to bring home the reality of blogging and how it can work, albeit not overnight. You have some good stuff going on here and you are an inspiration to the others of us on MWA. Just need to get my blogging frequency up now….off to set some deadlines!!
Tom
.-= Tom Harvey´s last blog ..2009 Draws To A Close and Looking Forward to 2010… =-.
Well I am beginning to finally realize that the internet is not worth a persons effort especially someone like myself who hasn’t either have the money or time to wait until I am dead or close to it to make a few bucks working your ass get to get it. Ask one of these investors on the tv series The Shark Tank and they will just laugh at us and I would have to agree with them.
For me I think it is time to shut the doors on trying to make any money on the internet.
Kenneth Young
Yes trying to juggle a blog, online business, offline job or career, and family life is a lot of work. Who has the time to sit down and write good quality content 2-3 times per week. This is one BIG reason there is so much b.s. online. Everyone wants instant success, money and or fame. Ain’t gonna happen at least not in a couple of months probably not even years.
But it does happen to those who have the ability to see through the tons of crap we get everyday via email, websites or blogs whose only purpose is to “get rich now”!
I like your style Dave and I can see you have the ability to filter out the bad from the good.
Paul
.-= Paul´s last blog ..Free Keyword Research Tools =-.
5 very valid points – been there, done that and on the umpteenth leg of the journey to real blog riches but I know I’ll get there in the end. As they say, all in good time as long as you have the petince to stick with it
Great post. My first time here and am already loving your blog, keep up the good work and let us have more!
Cheers,
Zulf
.-= Zulfikar | Blog Installation Service´s last blog ..What To Do If Your Facebook Or Twitter Account Is Hacked =-.