Comments on: 6 Things I would do differently if I started my blog today

By: Robby G

Robby G — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:11:00 +0000

I would add, becoming a professional and gaining some awknowledgement in the niche/topic I will be blogging about and this way build hype. Once I get some hype, write an ebook then find people to interview you, so once you launch your blog you will have readers awaiting to read your posts with anticipation.
I liked what you mentioned though, especially the newsletter idea. I never used one and should really start sometime soon.

By: Karol Gajda

Karol Gajda — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:49:27 +0000

Great post Srini!

But seriously, I’m finding guest posting/relationship building really key. Commenting, while it doesn’t bring much in terms of traffic, is a great way to build relationships. That said, sometimes you just want to say you like the post and have nothing to add to the conversation. I love when I get comments like that too. Who doesn’t love compliments?

Karol

By: Dave Doolin

Dave Doolin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:50:11 +0000

Aha… I recall you from Yaro’s forum… looks like we’re both finding our respective grooves!

Email is a bit different. I’ve run a couple of lists. Blog posts get a little more leeway. Email is more powerful, but easier to mess up.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:24:17 +0000

I’m looking for a new guest post opportunity. Need anything along the lines of “How I Brought Sexy Back (in a High School Musical Bathing Suit)? I’m sure I could tone it down and reel it in a little bit Loving your posts so far.

By: srinirao

srinirao — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:23:35 +0000

Rich,

Thanks for stopping by and for giving us some great input. I’m looking forward to getting your interview published and doing some work together going forward. I think the key really here is to run it as a business.

By: Rich Lazzara

Rich Lazzara — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:45:06 +0000

Srini,

All excellent ideas and most are ignored right out of the shoot. In terms of the newsletter I see many people not do this because they say Im not ready to do a newsletter.

Even if you dont have a “newsletter” idea just yet, you MUST have an email opt in on your homepage. Not Feedburner but something like aweber or whatever. You can give away something in order to get peoples emails or just say something like, Join My List where I send out special info you cant find on this site”. Then send them free tips and info, create a relationship.

Lastly I would say also focus on the look of your brand. Everything from logo, to website design, to twitter page, to your personal avatar, etc etc All of that should be thought of and executed to the best of your ability. If you have no ability in this area find someone you can afford to have do it for you. Your selling yourself and brand as much as your content.

Good luck to all and thanks for the post.

By: srinirao

srinirao — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:39 +0000

Dani,

I’ve been making a shift in my thinking to running it a business because as I think about the longer term growth for The Skool of life, I realize all of these things will be important.

By: Positively Present

Positively Present — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:20:21 +0000

Great advice for bloggers! I completely agree with all of these points and some of them are still things I need to work on a lot on my own blog. Thanks for the tips!

By: srinirao

srinirao — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:53:57 +0000

Hey Gordie,

I’m glad to help out with guest posts. I think even I’ve found that having other people guest post for you is really a key factor in being able to get your blog moving. It allows you to get different perspectives and get unique content in a different voice.

By: Gordie Rogers

Gordie Rogers — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:34:31 +0000

Hi Srinivas,

I really think that building relationships with other bloggers is an absolute must.

Your guest post was a hit on my blog and picked up about 40 comments and made it to my top ten. Thanks for that. You are welcome to do another guest post any time on my blog.