Define A Successful Blogger

by Miguel Wickert on April 6, 2009

Since I consider the thou shall blog community to be one of the best, helpful and loyal communities in the blogosphere,

it’s appropriate to ask you all the following questions (this is your time to shine!).

There is one question that keeps coming back:

How do you define a successful blogger? So often I get the impression, you are only “successful” if you make money with it.

Let me put the question the other way round

If making money is not my motivation for blogging, does that mean that all the tons of social media advice everywhere are useless for me?

Both questions were asked by Jutta, a reader at Simply Blog. Usually, the blogger writes the post, which could be addressing a specific question in his or her mind or with the intent of answering reader questions.

I’d love to hear your best response to both questions. Here’s your opportunity to teach and inspire us, which you all do already.

So go ahead, tell us… What’s the definition of a successful blogger?

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{ 93 comments }

Technology For Non-Techies April 6, 2009 at 10:50 pm

In my humble opinion, a successful blogger would be any blog writer who can attract loyal readership, high traffic, and lots of comments; this does not imply that you must make money via blogging, as it may merely be a hobby. That being said, a professional blogger would need all the traits of a successful blogger, plus the ability & skill to monetize that traffic to its full potential.

Technology For Non-Techies´s lastest post..What is a BlackBerry?

Miguel Wickert April 7, 2009 at 5:56 am

TechFNTechies,

We appreciate humble opinions. yes, those certainly are essential aspects of what it takes to be a successful blogger. What would you suggestion to someone that gets high traffic but few comments?

Interesting, there’s a difference between a professional and successful blogger? I mean, one could be a successful blogger and not be considered a professional. Does professional denote someone (blogger) who makes money? Some of us could be true professionals in our approach, styles and methods but not necessary earn money. Hard to believe but I’m sure there’s tons of examples in the blogosphere.

Thanks for sharing. Well done. You’ve got me thinking which is the point. Through this we can all learn from one another.

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Links of Interest

Kramer April 6, 2009 at 11:48 pm

A successful blogger in my opinion is someone who achieve what he wants on his blog regardless if he makes money or not as long as he loves what he does and someone who finds satisfaction and readers find the blog interesting and useful.

Kramer´s lastest post..Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic | Sony Ericsson Open 2009 Online Streaming Live

Miguel Wickert April 8, 2009 at 3:58 am

Kramer,

Thanks for sharing your perspective. :) Loving what you do, achieving your goals and to know that others find what you say ( and do) as useful… yeah, these are crucial points we can’t produce without.

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..The Power of Less: Day 5

Nicole Price April 6, 2009 at 11:57 pm

In my opinion, a successful blogger is one who has a loyal group of visitors around who, a community builds and free exchange of views takes place. The number of views or visitors, in other words, quantity is unimportant, but the quality of the posts, comments and responses to the comments make the site attractive to a gradually expanding community of netizens.

Nicole Price´s lastest post..Discount Art

Miguel Wickert April 8, 2009 at 7:48 am

Yes, you all are on top of it! Those of us that live in the West know that high numbers seem to matter most compared to the quality which is often neglected. As bloggers, can we have the best of both worlds? :) Thanks for sharing,

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..The Power of Less: Day 5

Julie M April 7, 2009 at 12:02 am

A successful blogger depends on the goals of the blogger. If the blogger can reach those goals, I would call it a success.

I think loyal followers is a success either way! I am still trying to get there and it can be a challenge. So, if you can gain loyal, supportive followers, you must be doing something right and THAT is a success!!

Julie M´s lastest post..How Zen Habits Influenced my Writing: The Third Person I Met In Cyberspace

Miguel Wickert April 8, 2009 at 7:55 am

Julie,

You mention another significant point, a loyal following. I guess they’re right when they say the proof is in the pudding. People follow for a reason, we can’t claim to be an authority, expert or leader if none are following. Does a loyal following always translate into authority or success?

Thanks for your opinion!

-mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..The Power of Less: Day 5

Julie M April 8, 2009 at 9:57 am

I think a loyal following does translate into success if that is the goal of the blogger, which I think is a part of all blogger’s goals (except for the ones who are only blogging for menetary reasons and will make money somehow without loyal followers). But, it does not necessarily mean you are the authority. It just means people like what you write and want to continue reading. If you are interested in being an expert or selling a product, there are other avenues and creating a website that accepts paypal, etc. A blog can be whatever you want it to be. If you goal is to have 5 subscribers and you reach that goal, it is a success in your mind. So, it depends on who you ask…

Julie M´s lastest post..How Zen Habits Influenced my Writing: The Third Person I Met In Cyberspace

Miguel Wickert April 10, 2009 at 2:41 am

Hi Julie M,

Thanks for the follow up response. :) Right on!

Quick note to all: Sorry for the delayed response on my part, I’ve been (still am) sick for the past several days.

Thanks to all for your opinions, insights and suggestions.

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..The Power of Less: Day 5

Shanker Bakshi April 7, 2009 at 1:39 am

Basically a Successful blogger is one who look like me :-)
Kidding,
Actually people always relates success with money. money actually a peripheral attached with your success. its comes automatically with your success. So you can’t be rich until you are successful and when you are successful you have that money flowing towards you.

“Tons of social media advice everywhere are useless for me?” well these advises will never be useless, what so ever your MOTIVE [interactive] is. I love Motive.

Shanker Bakshi´s lastest post..Flutter is The New Twitter

Miguel Wickert April 10, 2009 at 2:47 am

Shanker,

haha, thanks for sharing. Where success is money will follow… Okay, I understand what you’re getting at. :)

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..The Power of Less: Day 5

Bruno Auger April 7, 2009 at 1:53 am

I think being a successful blogger constitutes being active. If you do it for the love of blogging and providing great information and value to you readers, then I think you’re successful.
Interaction with you readers gives you the opportunity to give readers the chance to know the real person behind the blog.

Bruno Auger´s lastest post..Why Do People use Spam Filter Email Boxes?

Miguel Wickert April 10, 2009 at 2:52 am

Bruno,

You’ve touched on significant aspects of blogging- building rapport with your audience and allowing yourself to be transparent, so they get to know the person behind the blog. Having a strong About page on your site is a must. :) Thanks for sharing.

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..The Power of Less: Day 5

Robby G April 7, 2009 at 3:09 am

A successful blogger is someone that can make a financial living off his blog. I look at it solely from a capitalist point of view. But the fact is, you can’t make any money unless you have a loyal following of readers, provide great information, and high traffic. But the definition of ultimate success from a blog in the end, in my opinion, is the money.

Robby G´s lastest post..Healthy Mind, Rich Mind

Miguel Wickert April 13, 2009 at 8:53 am

Hey Robby,

Thanks for sharing your perspective. :) Money is definitely part of the pie for many.

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..10 Definitions on Being a Successful Blogger

Alex | Blogussion.com April 7, 2009 at 9:44 am

I think it’s up to the blogger as to whether or not their blog is successful. Like, I wouldn’t believe someone if they said my blog was unsuccessful, because if I can look at my blog and love what I have created then I say that is successful. :D

Alex | Blogussion.com´s lastest post..404 Error – “Page Not Found” doesn’t mean “Forget I Exist”

Miguel Wickert April 13, 2009 at 8:56 am

Hi Alex,

Thanks for sharing your unique, words of wisdom. :) Seriously, there is something to be said about enjoying and valuing your work.

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..10 Definitions on Being a Successful Blogger

Kai Lo April 7, 2009 at 9:45 am

A successful blogger is someone who doesn’t quit trying. That person will learn through many mistakes that the person will encounter throughout his or her blogging career. A successful blogger does not necessarily mean the person makes a million dollars per day or have millions of RSS feed subscribers. A successful blogger takes on every challenge, and finds ways to get through obstacles.

Kai Lo´s lastest post..Avoid Google Slap – Pagerank Penalty

Miguel Wickert April 13, 2009 at 9:13 am

Kai Lo,

Right on, I’ve learned through a lot of trial and error, along with practice and long hours of work. :) Your idea of success reminds me of the good feelings I experience after a hard workout, long run and even after messing around with php files until I finally, figure it out! Thanks for sharing,

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..10 Definitions on Being a Successful Blogger

Ching Ya April 7, 2009 at 11:08 am

I knew this blog sounded familiar.. ^^ Hi miguel.

I agree with most of the commenters above; for my context of ‘successful blogger’, he/she should have the ability of providing quality contents, to gain trusts from the readers & authority for his/her niche. Then the rest about traffic, commenters etc would be the next best thing for the blog.

@wchingya
Social Media/Blogging

Ching Ya´s lastest post..10 Blogging Attitudes You Could Learn from American Idol

Miguel Wickert April 21, 2009 at 11:05 pm

Ching Ya,

Yes, it’s me… I appreciate your input and perspective, not to mention your friendship and feedback given at SB. :) Gaining trust and building your authority, ahh, that’s a whole another post or series in itself. :)

For new bloggers (bloggers in general), notice the content stream of many experienced bloggers… undated, inspiring, uniqueness, etc., Here’s a few thoughts on my mind:

1. Focus on writing
2. more writing
3. blogging partner/blogging mentor
4. build relationships with readers
5. strengthen friendships with current readers before constantly trying to seek out new readers. Point: give time to former without neglecting the second approach.

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..5 Blogs That Will Jump Start Your Life & Blogging

Julie M April 7, 2009 at 12:15 pm

@Robby G I disagree. Many people do not have a blog for earnings, like me for instance. Success is not only defined by money. There are many other things in life that define success and that can apply to a blog, too. A blog can be a way to reach out to people and build relationships. If you impact even one person, I would say you are a success.

@Alex and @Kai Lo I love what both of you wrote and I happen to agree. Being successful is not just about money, but making that journey and learning along the way.

Julie M´s lastest post..How Zen Habits Influenced my Writing: The Third Person I Met In Cyberspace

TR April 7, 2009 at 12:48 pm

Just because someone gets high traffic doesn’t mean they write substantial posts or posts that have substance.
Look at Perez Hilton. In terms of traffic and advertising revenue, he is successful. His content, however, is rubbish. So you’ll have to redefine successful.
Anyway, I find that blogs about blogging are generally existent for the traffic, hence money potential (no offense).

TR´s lastest post..Fashion Hissy Fits: Oscar de la Renta et al

Miguel Wickert April 21, 2009 at 11:13 pm

TR,

You’re on to something there. Just like high book sales or movie sales don’t equal quality. It just may be that there’s an audience for it. :)

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..5 Blogs That Will Jump Start Your Life & Blogging

Ricky Buchanan April 7, 2009 at 2:07 pm

I believe a successful blogger is one who gets what she or he wants from blogging – one who knows what their goals are and is working towards them. I don’t believe that I have to have already met my goals to be successful – whenever I achieve goals I set new ones anyway! I certainly don’t think money defines success.

My own ATMac blog currently brings in zero revenue, but making money isn’t one of the goals of ATMac at the moment. It has a growing readership (a goal), a growing number of RSS and email subscribers (a goal), and in its small niche it’s well respected (a goal) including having a link from apple.com’s own accessibility section. I would challenge anybody to say that’s not successful!

Ricky Buchanan´s lastest post..Safari Commands Cheat Sheet for MacSpeech Dictate 1.3

Paul U April 7, 2009 at 3:34 pm

A successful blogger is someone who has created a name for himself. It means that he has captured a lot of audience.

Paul U´s lastest post..Amazon changes it’s terms

Zania April 7, 2009 at 6:16 pm

2 questions not one here.
What makes a successful blogger?
As some others have said, it depends on how you define success.
I have blogs which are successful at making money, others at getting traffic, others for backlinks, etc.
I measure their success on how well they do what they were set up to do.

As to loyal followers.
For me, that isn’t important for those blogs, to be honest.

But then I have blogs I enjoy writing, just because…
They are successful in my eyes, because I enjoy them.
If others like reading them, that’s okay too :)

Your question about ‘all the tons of social media advice’:
Well, that’s up to you. Some will lead you on a wild goose chase, others will prove useful, whether you use them to help you make money or just because you enjoy social interraction.

Zania´s lastest post..Depression Help Searches Are Not Private

ChrisCD | CD Rates Blog April 7, 2009 at 9:16 pm

Success is when you’ve obtained the goals you set. Usually, when you’ve hit a goal, you re-set and work towards the next one.

For instance, one goal is to reach 100 subscribers. Another goal may be to have a certain # of comments per post.

Much of the advice given for Social Media is useful to obtain other goals. I might inject, that if your only goal is to make money from social media, then you probably won’t. Much of Social Media is about building communities, trust, etc. Making money can be a by product.

Sure, I’d love to have thousands say, “Well done.” But, when I hear one, I know I’ve succeeded. :O)

ChrisCD | CD Rates Blog´s lastest post..Millennium Bank in Caribbean: Ponzi Scheme Shut down by SEC

Gina Chen April 8, 2009 at 12:12 am

“How do you define a successful blogger?”

My answer: A successful blogger is someone who gets what he or she wants out of the blogging experience. That may be money; that may be notoriety; that may be interaction with other people; that may be an ability to sound off a topic of interest … Whatever your goal is — if you achieve it through blogging, you are successful.

“If making money is not my motivation for blogging, does that mean that all the tons of social media advice everywhere are useless for me?”

My answer: No. I have two blogs. One is for work, and one if for pleasure. I derive economic gain from neither. For the work one, my goal is to interact with readers and gain traffic — so my employer will be happy. For the pleasure one, my goal is interact with people in my niche and gain traffic — so I can host a better conversation on my blog with more people. Social media helps me do that.

Gina Chen´s lastest post..So what is journalism?

fas April 8, 2009 at 4:27 am

A successful blogger is a person who has many loyal readers who swear by the content on the blog.

fas´s lastest post..Why USB Drives Are So Clever

ariff April 8, 2009 at 5:11 am

successsful blogger?
a blogger who has a working blog. people react on how he wants people to react based on his writings.

not necessarily a successful blogger makes money with his/her blog, but most successful bloggers makes money with their blog.

ariff´s lastest post..How to Enhance Google Adsense Earning

Jeet April 8, 2009 at 11:09 am

Success of a blogger and blog can be measured from several angles. I have a 5 year old personal blog that I consider successful because I like posting updates there that reach my near and dear friends (though twitter is definitely phasing it out). At the same time for commercial blogs, I would measure the success by traffic, follower and revenue numbers.

In some cases bloggers would be considered successful if they can be recognized by their blog’s name (techcrunch).

Jeet´s lastest post..Are you tired of looking for dofollow blogs?

Kikolani April 8, 2009 at 1:36 pm

I think a successful blogger is one that makes a difference, whether by giving advice, helping others build their sites, or even just giving a feel good laugh to readers. Basically, if a blogger gives something of value to their readers, that makes them successful.

~ Kristi

Kikolani´s lastest post..8 Reasons to Use Delicious for Social Bookmarking

krissy knox April 20, 2009 at 5:23 pm

I really like what you said Kikolani — if a blogger gives something of value to his readers, that makes him successful. Very well put! It is all about providing value, isn’t it?

krissy knox :)
follow me on twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/iamkrissy

krissy knox´s lastest post..John’s Battle with Zoster

Forest April 8, 2009 at 8:41 pm

I agree with some of the others here that success should be self measured….. However when you can blog about what you ate for dinner last night and 50 people comment!!! You know you have found some level of success….

Forest´s lastest post..Musically Motivated Mondays – David Bowie: The Man Who Sold The World

Marketing Business Review April 9, 2009 at 1:52 pm

In my opinion success is when you reach your goal whatever you have set. If you have an MFA site you really dont care about comments, you maybe even like high bouncing traffic and if most of them exit your site by clicking away in your PPC then you are going to be real happy and will feel Successful.

But If you have a blog where you love to write then you will be successful if you get comments and some subscriptions from people wanting to read you.

Luis

Marketing Business Review´s lastest post..The First Day of My Freedom

Ned Carey April 9, 2009 at 2:04 pm

And the winner is . . . Gina Chen
>My answer: A successful blogger is someone who gets what he or she wants out of the blogging experience.

That gets my vote for the best answer so far.

Runner up . . . Julie M
>A successful blogger depends on the goals of the blogger. If the blogger can reach those goals, I would call it a success.

With comments like that I guess I don’t have anything to add.

Ned Carey´s lastest post..How to Negotiate a $1.5 Million Home

Julie M April 9, 2009 at 11:46 pm

Thanks Ned! I’ll take runner-up… I do believe those words to be true!

Julie M´s lastest post..Mini-Blog Series:The Five People You Meet in Cyberspace

Corey Freeman April 10, 2009 at 11:19 am

The original question had nothing to do with social media involvement, so I don’t see what that has to do with anything. As well, social media was not even expressly created for the purpose of making money online, and many people actually feel that it shouldn’t be exploited in such a manner. Social media is “social,” meaning connecting with other people. It seems kind of irrelevant in terms of financial success…

Success is defined by the criteria we set for ourselves. If you want to make $5 to complete your $60 savings to buy a video game and your mom gives you five bucks, you’re successful. If you want to stop smoking and you quit, you’re successful. If you want to go from 0 subscribers to 50 and you make it, then you’re successful. Defining success by other people’s criteria really only leaves room for disappointment. You cannot please everyone, and so you might as well attempt to please yourself. If I set a goal to write entries consistently for one month, and I complete that goal, then yes, my blog has succeeded. It all depends upon what you personally think and aspire to achieve.

Corey Freeman´s lastest post..10 Reasons You Need to Start Reading

work at home blog April 10, 2009 at 8:14 pm

A successful blogger is one who is able to share useful ideas, knowledge of his Internet Marketing journey with anyone and everyone in the blogosphere using his blog as a communication tool. Making money should not be the main goal or driving force although if you are successful as just defined, the money is often in the bag for you.

work at home blog´s lastest post..Less SEO Tags for More Visitors

Jon Castano April 10, 2009 at 11:28 pm

A successful blogger is one who:
1. Able to connect to the desired audience of his/her choice.
2. Provides content regularly (minimally once a week)
3. Links to other interesting bloggers
4. Has fun!

Jon Castano´s lastest post..The role of digital media in the restaurant

marc lohan April 11, 2009 at 6:57 pm

hi.this a very good and hard question,so i think any one can make a successful blogger if he have talented and he want to become a good blogger.i think for become a successful blogger he should do more creativity and write good content.It is not depend how you much earn from blogging.

marc lohan´s lastest post..Top Ten Highly Anticipated Hollywood Movies of 2009

Rein Valdez April 11, 2009 at 8:40 pm

A successful bloggers is one who loyally finds blogging as his/her life.He/she gives his full capacity in order to share what he do have.

Dean April 12, 2009 at 5:48 am

In my humble opinion I think that a successful Blogger, is a person who understands all the parameters of blogging and is therefore able to apply all the various strategies and tactics in order to achieve a desires goal. Whether that goal is to earn an income or just to network with like-minded individuals and other interest groups.

Naturally, for some individuals, being called a “successful blogger” will come sooner than for others, based on ones knowledge of the parameters.

Dean´s lastest post..How Does An Island Rule The World?

Tnomeralc Web Design Toys April 13, 2009 at 4:14 pm

successful blogger? i think I am to far in to that kind of possession but I can defend that as people who enjoying and gaining money by doing blog.

Tnomeralc Web Design Toys´s lastest post..tnomeralc web design toys arts in the web

Miguel Wickert April 25, 2009 at 12:39 am

TWDT,

Thanks for visiting and sharing. Money is certainly a factor for most. But is it of primary importance? To each their own, I guess. :)

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

wow gold April 15, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Success doesn’t mean your popular or whatever.
In my opinion, a successful blogger is :
1. a person who knows the etiquette of being a blogger
2. knows how to write topics that can interests lots of reader,
3. maybe, gaining money on it.
4. a great commentator
5. last and the most important is enjoying what he is doing.

wow gold´s lastest post..MMOGCART.COM: Man Must Order Gold, Of Course Plus But I Don’t “All Raid Time”! (1/?)

Miguel Wickert April 25, 2009 at 12:37 am

Wow G,

Ye yes, proper etiquette is important, at least for me it is. You’ve touched on something not mentioned enough. Being a great commentator. Even if you don’t have the time to response to all comments, at least select some that capture your attention and batch process your way through those comments if possible. Some of the higher profile bloggers fail to do so, that bothers me but I also understand things are crazy for them. Tim Ferris finds a way to respond to comments, if he can do, so can others. It only takes a little effort. :)

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

Darren Scott Monroe April 15, 2009 at 1:40 pm

A Successful Blogger adds value to their readers. Period.

Darren Scott Monroe´s lastest post..Just Because Marketing: Adding Value to Your Customers

Miguel Wickert April 25, 2009 at 12:31 am

Darren,

I AGREE, period. :)

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

garmin handheld gps April 15, 2009 at 1:45 pm

When reading blogs I always want to continue reading the ones where I can get a feel for someone’s personality. Personality definitely comes through and counts for a lot. It’s the only way to get a following too I think.

Miguel Wickert April 25, 2009 at 12:31 am

ghg,

I’m with you on that one. If the person doesn’t have an ABOUT page or even if they do and after reading it, I still come away with nothing; no sense for who they are, why I should read or follow their blog or product. We need personality to shine through. :) Thanks for commenting!

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

Ned Carey April 25, 2009 at 3:02 am

>If the person doesn’t have an ABOUT page

It amazes me how many people with websites don’t have information about themselves. People like to do business with people not some faceless website. I think an about page and a picture are important.

Ned Carey´s lastest post..Review of Multifamily Millions by Dave Lindahl

Sire April 15, 2009 at 4:13 pm

Like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a successful blogger is in the eye of the reader. What one person considers successful another may not. Personally I feel a blogger is successful if he has achieved his personal goal in blogging.

Sire´s lastest post..Blogging As A Source Of Information

Miguel Wickert April 25, 2009 at 12:28 am

Sire,

Thanks for the input. I agree man, we all have different set of lens we look through to determine the world we live in, including the things we value and define as successful.

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

Ardit April 18, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Well for me a successful blogger would be someone who is a big dog in their niche, some one that comes to mind when you think of a topic. You don’t need to be making money, to me Neil Patel is a successful blogger but yet he has not one ad on his site.

Ardit´s lastest post..CPR For A Blog

Miguel Wickert April 25, 2009 at 12:07 am

Ardit,

I think what you’re referring to is “Branding.” Yeah, some of the guys out there are excellent at marketing their personal brand, which is what happens when that person or blog dominates that particular niche. Being less than the “big dog” don’t mean you’re not successful, you’re just not the big dog. There will always be a few more well known individuals in every niche or market both online or offline. Being widely known doesn’t mean you’re the most knowledgeable or even that you’re an expert.

My example, a lot of popular mainstream pastors write books that do well with sales while the lesser known scholars, not so much. These scholars may not make as much money but they offer the reader more careful attention, provide better content, better educated, bring more to the table and so on.

Thanks again for sharing,

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

Donald April 19, 2009 at 1:44 am

Most of MY friends Here very well define a succesful bloger, i ll also add a good blogger shoul understand the behavior of its blog visiotrs by adding most up to date tools

Miguel Wickert April 24, 2009 at 11:55 pm

Donald,

Thanks for your kind words. I’m sure your friends feel the same. Being current, update and so on, is certainly part of what it takes. What helps to keep you updated?

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

Bob sloan April 19, 2009 at 3:16 am

Well, if your intention is not to make money with your blog, a lot of positive comment well definitely define “a successful blogger”. That can be of great importance for some bloggers who needs that “kick” to get the feeling of having a purpose in this world. U feel that somebody is listening to u and that self confidence might lead to bigger achievements.

Miguel Wickert April 24, 2009 at 11:53 pm

Bob,

You’re on to something here, I’ve been writing for a while now on confidence. It makes a world of difference. Thanks for sharing with us!

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

Curtis April 19, 2009 at 9:33 am

Now don’t get me wrong; I REALLY like money! – But, that said, for me you’re a successful blogger if you’re having fun at it.

I mean, once we become grown-ups, there’s generally very little time for fun. Even if the goal is to make some cash, I think you still gotta be having a good time blogging to truly be successful…

Nah, screw it! Success is strictly rated by dollars!

:-)

Curtis´s lastest post..Spongebob and Burger King – Pimpin’?

Miguel Wickert April 24, 2009 at 11:49 pm

Curtis,

Thanks for sharing. Blogging is fun and I understand that people need to pay bills at the end of the day. Appreciate your perspective. :)

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

krissy knox April 20, 2009 at 5:13 pm

A “successful blogger” is someone who can communicate what he would like, in a concise and clear manner — making his writing relevant and meaningful to his readers, and presenting it in an interesting way. The successful blogger is able to capture his readers’ attention, and influences his readers by inspiring them, teaching them something, helping them with a need — in other words — making their lives better in some form. I’d say a successful blogger would influence his readers to take some kind of action — whether it be pondering something or even something additional. To me that’s successful — to influence. And isn’t that why we write, to have an effect on others lives?

Now, if you are asking if being well read is paramount with success — well, yes and no. If a blogger influences only one person, he has been successful, he has influenced at least one person! But a blogger becomes even more successful when he reaches as many as he can, or at least as many as he is meant to reach.

A blogger becomes even more successful if he is more widely read. To do this, he would most likely need to employ one or more optimization methods (using keywords, tweeting his posts and getting RTed, getting backlinks, etc.). All of these things will get the blogger more readers, which will in turn allow him to influence more people (readers)!

Good content and good writing do come first. Everything will flow from there. Try to influence others — you’ll be successful at why you intially started blogging — which was to help, influence, motivate, etc others. You’ll be successful in changing lives. Meanwhile, don’t forget that methods to increase your readership are alright also. I have friends who say these methods are not kosher! I find that laughable. Do anything you can do, honestly, to get read. After all, that’s why you’re writing, to get read by all who need to read your content, correct?

krissy knox :)
follow me on twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/iamkrissy

Miguel Wickert April 24, 2009 at 11:46 pm

Krissy,

Well done! I like how you differentiated between success as influencing one person and becoming more successful as a result to being widely read. Excellent distinctive, thanks for sharing your evaluation. Points gladly received. :)

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

My Used Car Loan April 23, 2009 at 5:18 am

I am interested to be a successful Webmaster. What I should do ? Where I can get the resources and help to be a successful Webmaster. I am confusion, I think that a web designer and can a webmaster.
I need some guidance.

My Used Car Loan´s lastest post..Automobile India

Miguel Wickert April 24, 2009 at 11:35 pm

Hi MUCL,

Thanks for asking for help. I’d encourage you to Google it, I just did. You’ll find plenty of helpful resources. :) Did you have any comments or feedback rewarding the blog post?

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

Tycoon Blogger April 23, 2009 at 11:06 am

That is a great question you pose and I have often asked that of myself. “when can I say I am a successful blogger.” For me, if someone, even one person reads and enjoys what I am writing, then I feel I have achieved a level of success.

Tycoon Blogger´s lastest post..Top 10 Bloggers – The new list

Miguel Wickert April 24, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Tycoon,

Thanks for commenting. I appreciate your perspective. :) I couldn’t agree more. Keep putting in the work! Let’s continue to focus on the loyal readers we already have.

-Mig

Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Power of Less: Days 11-13

Michael Dunlop April 26, 2009 at 12:03 am

I see a successful blogger as someone who is living their life how they want because of what they do on there blog. I thing as long as you blog with your passion then the money comes and so does the success.

How is it going Yan? Haven’t seen you around so much these days.

Michael Dunlop

Michael Dunlop´s lastest post..Peter Ward and Jerome Touze Interview – Attracting 15 Million Members To Your Website

Miguel Wickert May 10, 2009 at 9:44 am

Hey Michael,

Ye yes, that passion word again. Those activities that get you into a state of “flow.” What actions are those? For me, writing and reading certain topics I deem as important to “me not someone else” lead me into a state of flow. Money is a motivator because of the goods or stuff, which people believe brings happiness, it provides among other things; money brings freedom but then again, making a lot of money doesn’t fix a poor, broken mentality. My point: making money in itself never equals success.

-Mig

Jutta April 26, 2009 at 10:28 am

Thank you for “promoting” my comments to a blog post. And for letting me know about it via e-mail.
Basically what I learned from the comments – yes, you can define what means success for yourself, so it is not all about money, but if you are not read, if you do not have a lot of traffic it is hard to say you are successful.
I read on another blog that in order to be successful, you need to plan at least two hours per day. This is probably true but difficult if you are a student and have a job, like me. This is one reason why it took me so long to come back here and reply.
I don’t know how other people do it. So I guess, I have to be content with what I can do for the moment.
Cheers!

Jutta´s lastest post..Relational circuits

Miguel Wickert May 10, 2009 at 10:03 am

Jutta,

Right on! You’re not alone, I’m also a student, planning a wedding, active offline a lot: enjoy running, swimming only recently… anyhow, Thanks for presenting in a nutshell what many have shared, along with your takeaways.

Again, I’m with you. I don’t know how people do it? They’re everywhere, which is okay but what are we doing with our time? I realize very few make a full-time income from their products and blogs, most don’t. There’s a time for commenting, and I enjoy commenting like the rest. But I’d rather invest my energy and time into the most important areas in my life which lead me toward my major, “big picture” long term goals. I couldn’t imagine keeping up with the best of them while dealing with a family, major props to Leo, you and others that have families among other responsibility.

-Mig

James April 27, 2009 at 2:03 pm

A successful blogger is like a martial artist they must be have discipline. If you study martial arts you need to train often to be successful, to be a successful blogger you need to be determined.

The passion is the key for anything you do. If there’s no passion there’s no point of doing it. When you’re passionate about something it is easy to do.

BTW – Miguel I’ve just released your special guest interview on my blog. Simplyblog interview

This is a great post that defines a successful blogger. Looking forward to read more comments.

James´s lastest post..Guest interview with Simplyblog.net

Miguel Wickert May 10, 2009 at 10:11 am

James,

Thanks for the analogy, for someone that trained for 5 years in TaeKnowDo, I appreciate your example. I should add, another reality to training, discipline and development, it still doesn’t translate into success. You can still be defeated, out flanked or overpowered and so on. :) Thanks also dropping the link to the interview. Appreciate it,

-Mig

Used Car Loans May 1, 2009 at 11:47 pm

I’m starting a blog host…It’s close to launch but to become more successful than Blogger, I need to ‘outdo’ them in certain areas.

What are some necessities YOU must have for blogging and what are some additional features you like to see in a blog host or software.

Used Car Loans´s lastest post..Automobile India

Miguel Wickert May 10, 2009 at 10:14 am

UCL,

Thanks for asking, but I use Wordpress. It’s everything I need. :)

How I Lost Thirty Pounds in Thirty Days May 4, 2009 at 6:47 am

Hi, interesting post. I have been pondering this issue,so thanks for posting. I will certainly be coming back to your posts.

Miguel Wickert May 10, 2009 at 10:22 am

How …. Thty Days,

Awesome, thanks for visiting! We’ll see ya around, chees!

-Mig

day spa gold coast May 4, 2009 at 3:11 pm

If you study martial arts you need to train often to be successful, to be a successful blogger you need to be determined and gain the right and appropriate information.

China Travel Blog May 6, 2009 at 1:54 am

I think for outsider it is combination of the :
1. Number of the people reacting the blog – comments, followers, links on other blogs, buzz created about that blog.
2. Pagerank :), Alexa Ranking.
3. Frequent posting of quality articles.
4. Posts about high income reports, (ridicules but I believe it does )

For the blog owner it is combination of many things beside income.

China Travel Blog´s lastest post..Photo Lijiang Dayanzhen The Ancient Town18

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