I have to admit I have a thing for the problogger if you spent some time on his site you probably would understand and agree. Now before you hit the next button it might be a good idea to read a few lines before you decide to do so you might miss out on some vital information..information from the book..that will benefit any business.
Problogger-Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income
Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett
Little snippets and a little narration!
The story of these two gentlemen are classic. Darren started as a hobby blogger, part-time blogger and then professional blogger.
Chris on the other hand A founding father of Performancing.com in one year they took it to #15 on the Technorati Top 100 list.
Please pay attention to this quote in the book, its not just related to blogging it's related to all business.
"Fast forward a few years to today, I now make 100% of my income directly or indirectly from blogging. As well as my blog, chrisg.com and I write for several other blogs as a guest or paid writer, and I do consulting with leads all coming from my blog or past client-referrals." Chris Garrett
Sound familiar-SOI-one door opens another generating multiple streams of income.
As I read the book. I grabbed a highlighter and I read the book two times.
It's still not enough, its a book that is full of resources, full of useful information and its even interesting.
You can easily read it in a day but I assure you will go back and reread and refer to the book frequently.
Here is a quick overview of the book and hey you want all the goodies...buy the book!
What is useful content? Now when I look at this..its human interest just like business..and business blogging
- Entertainment
- Education
- Debate
- News
- Community
Here are five samples of the 20 types of posts
- Link Posts-finding quality posts and linking up to it.
- Case Studies- walk a reader through an example you are writing about
- Comparison-weighing the good and the bad of each choice
- Research-stats, surveys
- Hypothetical- What if?
So how do you encourage comments? Ask questions, interact with comments left, reward comments and highlight them on your blog.
Blog Networks and why you should join them? Relationships and traffic among others (you have to buy the book and read it!)
Why you should not join blog networks? Risk of Losing Control of design, branding and advertising and the legalities and responsibilities this would include keeping certain information confidential.
Should you join a blog network? Yes, Darren Rowse does enjoy his relationships that he builds but still recommends you have your own site and experience being a solo blogger too!
I found this profound!
Never ever have a link request email as your first conversation with a blogger. Get to know them first. Do not be surprised either if a blogger that you think you know well ignores your link requests.
You have a much better chance of success if you do the following:
- Be human
- Be interesting
- Be deserving
Build Community and get more comments! Jakob Neilsen's usability study found that 90 percent of on line community users are lurkers and only 1 percent actively contributing.
How do you gain more comments?
Ask questions, be gracious, be interactive to name a few.
The book is loaded with sites and different concepts but most of all the important questions bloggers ponder. I do give the book thumbs up..reading it reminded me most blogging tips are universal business tips. Tips on service, of sales skills and true marketing not much different than running a business....any business.
One day I hope to meet Problogger and when I do...I'll ask one vital question... Darren Rowse, can I have your autograph? Yeah, I know what a dork!
But hey that's me! Look for a second interview with the problogger coming soon!
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Midori, thanks for sharing. I been meaning to order a copy of Problogger.
Hi Midori! I browsed through this book at Barnes & Noble just last week, and although I didn't purchase it yet, I did make some notes and found some new info there. Your post makes me want to go back and get it.
Have a great weekend!
I never seem to have time to read books any more. That one sounds like it is worth making the time.
Midori - You have given me just enough information to peak my interest for this book and show me what I can learn from it. I am heading out to Barnes and Noble this evening to buy it. Thanks.
Midori what a great blog. I was reading something else earlier this week on problogger now I am really interested. I started as a hobby and I am slowly working my way up.
Hi Midori - Darren is speaking a couple of times at BlogWorldExpo next month in Las Vegas. You should make the trip! If not, I'll try to track him down for you. Great review of the book; I really want to read this before the convention.
Midori, I loved your analysis of this book. I'm definitely going to order it as well. I do subscribe to Chris G's feed. I think I picked that up from one of Marti's blog posts. Thanks for the head's up. ;-)
I bought the book a month or 2 ago and it IS great. Your promotion was great too; however, you never visit me or comment any more. Just wondering where you went.
Midori, I hope you got out of jail to write this. As always, excellent information. Thanks.
Ann-its the links and all the different resources I appreciate so much!
Heather-The book is well worth the purchase also do not discount his site because to me his entire site could be a blogging book! Check out Chris Garrett too! I really didn't know too much about it but reading some of his stuff he is also a great source too!
Terri-I just started to subscribe to Chris today! I can't believe I missed it but better late than never!
Susie-Hi and I am glad you stopped by. So where have I been? Running the office, doing my training, one of our agents is out on leave so I am running her business, let's see I'm working on a few new projects and working on 3 new sites. In between that I squeeze the activerain in, my family in and me time. I am getting adjusted to my schedule so you'll see me more. Thanks for asking..now I better see what you have been up too! :)
Thanks for this info. It's actually very rare that I'm inclined to seek out recommended reading materials. But I think I actually will read these. I'll be searching Amazon tomorrow =)
Wow - thanks for the review Midori - excellent stuff.
And yes, I'd love to give you my autograph! I'd be flattered to - but only if I can get yours too! :-)
Hi Lisa-I am not a real technical person at all. When it comes to technology I have to really work hard at it! He explains things so simply..I really recommend reading the book more than once and with a highlighter. Check out his site..its packed with information and tools and his own personal experiences with blogging.
Darren-you got a deal! I might just faint or get star struck..its happened before....star struck that is but meeting you might make the heart go pitter patter! :) I said it before I'll say it again..you are one of my online crushes...talent crushes and one of my favorite reads! To me your book is a must have for bloggers..regardless of hobby, part time or full time blogger.
Okay now I want to go get the book! Thanks for your insight!
Midori, I bookmarked this. Love the tips you gave. Great Stuff. We're glad to be part of that 1% :)
Sincerely, Active Castellum ( Castellum Realty llc - Lancaster PA Real Estate )