This is a guest post by Jonathan Muller from How to Blog. He manages a Blogging Tips site, that helps out hundreds of bloggers everyday.
What makes a successful blog? What’s the difference between a problogger and a noob? Essentially, what separates the men from the boys?
There are three variables to determine whether a blog will succeed or fail and these factors, are What You know, Who You know, and the Time factor.
Most bloggers have one of those to some degree. But very few have them all.
The perfect example of the ultimate blogger in my mind is Darren Rowse from Problogger. Undoubtedly he knows everything, he knows everybody, and it’s his full time job, so he’s got all day to blog.
He’s got the ability to write quality content three times a day and he knows enough people to make every blog post a success. However, we all don’t need to replicate the success of Darren, for most of us, we’d be thrilled with just a couple thousand dollars.
So with that in mind, if you can get one of these factors down, and the other two to some degree, then you’ll be able to get that coveted few thousand.
What You Know
Your Content
Good, original content is essential for any blog. But it’s entirely possible to have great content, and still have a very unsuccessful blog.
However, in the end, if you want to make lots of money online, you need to be able to write new content on a consistent basis. And especially if you are in the make money online niche, which is so congested with lots of people claiming to know the secret, giving fresh content is an essential to success.
People don’t want more posts on how to reach the first page on digg, unless you have actually made it. Stop trying to make links, by telling people how to get links, stop trying to make money, by showing people how to make money. You’re merely being another despicable victim of the John Chow effect.
The secret to what you know, is to actually know something. There was a day when people actually wrote about stuff they knew, and as time continues, those people clearly distance themselves from the pack.
Have you ever wondered why the sites of Seth Godin, Problogger, John Chow, and Shoemoney, are so clearly in a league of their own? It’s because they have actually already made money, and are actually getting traffic. They have earned the right to tell you about getting traffic, and making money
Over time the people who are giving original, quality content, will overpass all other bloggers.
Who You Know
Your Network
The saddest part about online blogging, is that it’s not always fair. You could know everything about your niche, and write incredible posts consistently, but unless you can get your name out there, your content will remain being read by you and your dog.
Who you know, can play a huge factor in your internet success. Say John Chow had a friend who just started a blog. One review by John Chow, and that guy assuming he has some content of any kind, he’s almost guaranteed readers. But even if you don’t know John Chow, if you know a couple middle level bloggers, then you can also get enough readers to get you going.
Though you can achieve this marketing the hard way, through hours of work, with a few blog posts from the right people, you can instead dedicate your time to blog posts, and not marketing.
The hardest part about blogging, is just receiving that first flood of traffic. Once the viral effect starts rolling, you’re all set.
But the hardest part is getting that ball to roll. And if you have the right connections, you can greatly speed up that process.
Time Factor
This is the most unfair part in the blogging world. No matter how great content I have, I can always be beaten by a guy who blogs throughout the day, giving half as good content. As long as he can give it three times as much, nine times out of ten he wins.
Sadly, people want quick content more then slower more informative content. A blog that posts daily 500 word articles, will beat the guy who posts weekly 1500 word, articles almost every time.
Now this can be good or bad, depending on what side you are on. But the fact is, time plays a lot bigger role then people would like. So one needs to ask himself before he gets into blogging, how many hours he can really put into blogging? If it’s less then two you probably won’t be able to achieve much success.
Now if you are one of the people who has time, then take advantage of this. And no matter where you are on this, find ways to cut down the amount of time you’re using for stuff. That could be the difference between a xxx income and a x,xxx income.
It’s Not Only What You Know but It’s Also Who You Know
Now I tell you these three things, for you to find out what your strong points are. I highly doubt you have all three of these, (although you may think you do).
Figure out which of these three is your strength, and then form your blog around that conclusion.
If you don’t know anybody, well then spend time social networking, so that you can make some connections. If you have great content, but don’t have the time or the connections to get people to know about it, then maybe it’s worth it to buy a review by a popular site.
Or if you want the free version, then start guest posting on any popular blogs you can, (use that good content to good use.) And finally if you have only the time factor, well then honestly you probably shouldn’t be blogging, but if you insist, then create a google reader with the 30 most popular blogs in your niche and read, and then comment on each post.
You’ll start to build some connections, and market your site all in one. As those connections grow, ask for the opportunity to guest post. And also, Learn from them. Study, yes that’s right Study!
That’s how you learn what to write about; you get inspiration from others and become a better blogger yourself.
In Summary
So examine yourself, and your blog, and find out your talents. Immediately begin to implement your strengths, and work even harder to fix your weaknesses. This is the difference between a successful blogger, and one scraping by with a couple visits a day.
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{ 61 comments }
Hi Jonathon,
Good points raised in your post. especially the time factor. People need to be realistic about blogging for money and if they are serious, they need to know they have to put aside regular consistent time to do it.
I’ve generally found I need to set aside at least a couple of hours to write a good post (from start to finish, including formatting) so this call can be very time intensive :) and I think its definitely important for people to realise this before they get all excited about making money online :)
Also I haven’t heard of google reader, will check it out to see what it can do :)
thanks!
Derrick
Blogging Newbie
http://www.TheNetExperiment.com
Derrick Siu´s lastest post..Gravatars – Setting Up Gravatar Plugin for extra features for Wordpress 2.7
Definitely do that Derrick, it’s been a life saver for me. It saves me sooo much time. And I agree blogging can be very time extensive. Way too many people try to start a blog and then after a couple weeks or a month, they realize it’s too big of a commitment and quit.
How to Blog´s lastest post..6 Critical Errors you can make when you Post
I think the time factor also comes into play when we talk about the length of time someone has been blogging. I have watched many bloggers that look like they are about to kick it up to a new level but quit because they havn’t been seeing any results.
BTW…I have found twitter a great place to network with the probloggers!
Tom – StandOutBlogger.com´s lastest post..Your Thoughts On Twitter
That so true Tom. I’m often surprised by the bloggers who choose to tap out. I’m like man I thought they were doing well… I think that’s because of a case of the John Chow effect, too high expectations.
How to Blog´s lastest post..I’ve Had a Dream
Jonathan
Excellent observation of significant areas which will surely lead toward success but you’re right, we don’t have a day to write quality content, knowing that- I find it appropriate to pass a long advice I heard from Leo of zen habits (guest post on problogger),
Focus on writing quality content and use a timer. Spend an hour or thirty minutes writing if you don’t have more time, wait and spend another quality thirty minutes writing again tomorrow. Yeah, you can’t go wrong writing about what you know- discuss what you learn from experience with your readers. There’s plenty of copy cats, strive to be a different type of blogger. :) Thanks for sharing, there’s tons of solid and useful tips to go around!
-Mig
Miguel´s lastest post..How Twitter Help Me Land A NEW Free Blog Logo
No problem Miguel glad you liked it. Zenhabits was right quality content is key. I think way too many people look at blogging as merely a means to get money. I don’t blog for money, I blog because I enjoy the social networking, writing the posts, and marketing my blog. Blogging is my hobby, and I’ll keep blogging until I get bored. Not when I stop making money.
How to Blog´s lastest post..I’ve Had a Dream
Thanks Jonathan (and Yan)! I’m new to this blog and I love what I see.
I’ll respond to this post in an upcoming post at my own blog. I talk about blogging strategy a lot so this stuff is right up my alley.
One of the things a lot of new bloggers don’t get is that in order to really get better at it, you just have to work hard and long. There are no shortcuts and work, work, work is really one of the biggest secrets.
Easton Ellsworth´s lastest post..Where Is Your Blog Community?
Just a short one: I think I’m leaning more toward “Work, Play, Work More and Play Harder.” Don’t take away the fun out of blogging and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Welcome to the community, Easton. You have a great smile; as great as mine, just in case you miss it somehow… ;)
Thanks Easton I’m glad you liked it. I look forward to seeing your insite on the topic.
How to Blog´s lastest post..6 Critical Errors you can make when you Post
Hi, Jonathan:
It is so crucial to network with other bloggers. If there is one piece of advice i would give a NEW blogger that would be it. Form an informal circle of bloggers, link to them, email them, add them on Twitter, and network.
This is the bestest way to get your blog noticed along with your articles, your message, your persona, etc.
As Darren one said so brilliantly, “LEAVE YOUR BLOG”. Get out there and meet and mingle with other bloggers. And not just the big time A listers who are busy, roll with the smaller (not quite so busy) bloggers who will return the favor of linking to you, commenting, etc. Absolutely crucial.
Great article, Jonathan.
Missy (from G34 Media)´s lastest post..I Won An iPod Nano!!!
Good tips Missy. I missed that article by Darren, it sounds like a good one. I haven’t done nearly as much social networking as I should have unfortunately but now I’m trying to make up for lost time by guest posting and such.
How to Blog´s lastest post..I’ve Had a Dream
A person definitely needs to know how to write great content and how to target the write people to get them to read that content. Most people just write and write without having any kind of idea of who they want to read it.
Donny Gamble´s lastest post..Taking Article Marketing to the Next Level
As what Seth Godin said,
“The mistake most blogs and books make: they are about the writer, not the reader.“
Being specific and narrowing on a niche, is really important. If you shoot at too wide a target, you won’t hit anything.
How to Blog´s lastest post..I’ve Had a Dream
I’m not sure about the point you made where the person writing daily 500 word posts per day would beat the one writing 1500 words, especially when you link that with the bit about
“No matter how great content I have, I can always be beaten by a guy who blogs throughout the day, giving half as good content. As long as he can give it three times as much, nine times out of ten he wins.”
The way I figure it, if his content is half as good, it’s only a matter of time before he will lose his readership. Take Yan for example, he doesn’t post as often as a lot of bloggers I know and yet his readership is exceptional, and I think that is directly related to his quality content.
Sire´s lastest post..Poor Alexa Ranking? A Simple SEO Trick For All Bloggers
There you are, Sire with your microscopic eyes and a big magnifying glass. Let see what Mitch and Dennis have got to say….
Let’s also listen what Jonathan has got to say about the 500 vs 1500 words……
Now you know why I had to wear those dark glasses in the video Yan, to hide those microscopic eyes. :D
Sire´s lastest post..Sire’s ‘Ice Breaker’ Pick Up Line
Well first Sire I want you to notice I said can be beaten. So it won’t happen every time but I think that it does happen pretty regularly.
Yan does have a great readership, even though he posts close to weekly. But I bet you if he started posting daily articles that were smaller but still as informative, his readers would grow relatively quickly. Maybe you could try that Yan, for a two week experiment or something. Write smaller but daily posts for two weeks and record the results, see what gets more traffic. The thing about thoushallblog, is that people realize Yan isn’t going to post the day after a post, and so there’s no point on checking back the next day, at least for a couple days because there won’t be a new post. If suddenly he posts everyday, all of his readers, and a lot of his 630 subscribers would be checking the site everyday.That could be up to like 400+ visits a day only from returning visitors. That’s not even counting referring traffic. I’ve started doing that on my blog now as a test, and i’m already seeing results after only two days. My returning visits are up, and so are my visits from search engines.
So that was really long to say, I think the extra amount of visits from Search engines and returning visits will help the site enough to make it succeed more. And remember i’m not talking about poor content when I say 500 words, I just mean not quite as informative. Even though the 1500 word bloggers are posting better posts, the readers are still going to need stuff to read the next day, and who will be there to fill the need? The daily posters. Though they will certainly read the 1500 word posts I think both blogs will end up being read. But the 500 word one 7 times a week, and the 1500 word one only once.
How to Blog´s lastest post..6 Critical Errors you can make when you Post
Jonathan
Your points are certainly valid. I’m not going to argue them all. Do what you think is best for your blog. Your readers might be a different set of people who prefers daily posting.
I’m just not the guy who can produce quality article day in day out. Not even the best copywriter, Bryan Clark.
Maybe you do…..
Besides, what I want is not traffic. I aim to build a community where readers talk with one another, share experience and learn from one another.
And I’m proud to say I’ve done it well here at TSB.
Everything else being equal, who is getting more comments daily here?
Yan
That comment is dripping with sarcasm… No lol I don’t think I’m better then you or Brian Clark.
And I don’t know if that last comment is a challenge or not? Of course TSB gets more comments, I’m not arguing that, I just think it would be an interesting test. Ironically though, as I’ve been posting every day now, my amount of comments has actually improved. I don’t really understand why that would be.
How to Blog´s lastest post..I’ve Had a Dream
No, it isn’t a challenge.
My point is simple, unless you have a readership as huge as Darren or Bryan, not posting every day will give some space for comments to add up and that’s the reason I have more comments than you.
It allows more people to voice their opinions and create further discussion which is good for the whole community. That’s what TSB is known for and we will keep the status quo at all cost.
I’m not saying what you are doing is wrong but there’ll come a point in time, you’ll understand what I’m doing here.
Then the time factor comes into the equation which doesn’t allow me to write everyday. Anyway, I’m managing more blogs and sites than anyone of you perhaps. So time isn’t always on my side……
Cheers, buddy.
Realizing how the 500 words contains also play an important part in daily updates. But don’t forget the audience, depend on your blog topic. The updates can be vary and the words also different.
If a blog is about “Soccer”, then it will be updated daily and it’s normal. Compared to other blog who focus their weight on content like personal development or something alike. It is a different matter.
I would say that you are pointing something like “blogging tips” blog which almost follow the trends.
But, you really state what happens around blogging word (Are they called blogosphere or blogsphere?)
@Yan : I’ve been around here for 2 weeks, found your blog through Wei Liang… =D
What? You’ve been stalking this blog for 2 weeks and said nothing….
Anyway, I’m glad you came by. It’s good to know another fellow blogger. I look forward to seeing more of you here.
Where are you from, Lim? Singapore?
=D,
I don’t get any chance to say anything if the topic is out of my league…
I’m from Indonesia, but my hometown is very close to Singapore and I’ve been influenced with the development of Singapore since I was a little child.
LOL, so I know more things about Singapore than Indonesia… lalala~
Call me Sayz, I thought that you’re from Indonesia at first Yan… haha…
Sayz´s lastest post..ablogger.com Review
I’m Indonesian and I’m from Jakarta but I grew up in Singapore so I know more things about Singapore than Indonesia too…. ;)
Anyway, nothing here is out of your league. Don’t be shy. I’ve seen ya a lot on Wei Liang’s blog and usually you are the first commenter.
Yan
PS: I presume you are from Batam….
Close enough but not Batam,
I live in a small island near Batam…
Have you heard Tanjungbatu?=D
P.S. It seems the commentLuv doesn’t work very well,
I can’t get my latest post everywhere eventhought I have registered my site, any idea?
Sayz´s lastest post..12 Bad Blog Designs You Should Avoid
Consider the audience and the blog type,
posting daily and weekly can make a difference.
You can’t expect a blog about personal development to post daily, readers can get freaked out before they implement anything.
P.S. Actually I write a longer comment than this, dunno what happens. When I click post, it doesn’t appear.
@Yan : I found your blog through Wei Liang. Been around for 2 weeks.
P.S. Actually I write a longer comment than this, dunno what happens. When I click post, it doesn’t appear.P.S. Actually I write a longer comment than this, dunno what happens. When I click post, it doesn’t appear.
All first comment will be moderated here but your next one will NOT…….
Yan
Whilst what you say may be true for a lot of bloggers I feel that there may be just as many who may disagree. Take for example those who have subscribed to a whole heap of blogs, if they were to all post daily there just wouldn’t be enough time in the day to keep up with all those posts as well as maintain the rest of a person’s daily routine.
Sire´s lastest post..Sire’s ‘Ice Breaker’ Pick Up Line
Great post, Jonathan! Indeed, many bloggers out there never reach success because they’re following the wrong path: they tell us how to make money, how to be successful… but they aren’t really earning anything or getting a lot of traffic. They’re just trying to emulate Darren and the other probloggers.
Ikki at SEO Blog´s lastest post..December 2008 Top Commentator (& Announcements!)
Yup, they’re a bunch of wannabies. And sadly, most of them are teenagers who are trying to make money off of people. They give me a bad name…
How to Blog´s lastest post..I’ve Had a Dream
Great content is everything. If you leave your great content at the top of your Blog then people are more likely to subscribe to your Blog. You always will make a great first impression and this is one way. Another way is just too always write good content.
Franklin Bishop´s lastest post..20 Factors to Better Google Rankings
Yes, and writing great content in other blogs is an excellent way to attract new visitors to your blog.
This way, you will start making more and more connections!
Mr Javo´s lastest post..How To Make Money Blogging – Facing The Reality
Javo
I agree with your point. Carl ‘kid blogger; Ocab recently coined the term, “The New Article Marketing”.
Yan
Great post.
it’s true what they say about “its not what you know but who you know” and this pertains not to just blogging but life in general. the rich wouldn’t have made it without some sort of supporting casts in the sidelines (just like any type of sports, you always have someone on the bench thats ready to sub in)
at first i thought blogging was something easy i can do whenever i feel like it, but now that im a few months into it, i find it hard to keep up with, but i enjoy doing it so much that i always find time to handle a post or two. i might not be consistent in posting daily but i always post and stay active by commenting on the blogs that come by and comment on mine.
twitter is also another good social networking site that can help you get to know the probloggers out there and in turn can build a relationship with other bloggers.
im rambling on, but my advice is, if you already got the “what you know” part down, why not go for the 2nd factor and capture the “who you know”, and if you havent gotten time factor down, im pretty sure it will come to you once you start building a name for yourself in the blogging community.
Good luck to everybody new and pro!
Pheak Tol´s lastest post..PPC vs SEO – Which is the One For You?
Hey Pheak
Thanks for such a great comment. The rich doesn’t even need to lift a finger. There will always be people who are willing to do the work; clamoring for the attention. That’s why the rich is getting richer.
It’s the power of their social networks and blogging is not an exception. I keep hearing how Twitter could give you access to the A-listers so I reckon it works. Though for some weird reasons, I’m not so much into it….
Thanks for coming by too
Yan
yeah all of the different aspects really build on each other. What you know, slides into who you know, which builds up in larger amounts of time being spent. If you’re successful you’re able to spend more time on it. I need to start socializing more on twitter, I haven’t been using it to it’s full potential for sure.
How to Blog´s lastest post..I’ve Had a Dream
Yan! did you decide if you’re going to start hitting on advanced blogging topics as well as those for beginners??? I’m curious to know!!
Taris Janitens´s lastest post..Websitegrader.com – Find out Where you Rank!
Good question, Taris.
I was checking my stats last night and one of the search terms that landed on my page was this
“after creating blog where shall I type my article” and I was like “WOW…. and you manage to create a blog…..”
That was just one of them. Apparently, trivial questions such as this is the prefect reason why “we” should stay in the niche and be the best in the niche.
As you can probably see that we now have 4 writers (not guest writers) co-exist with one another here providing the readers with more flavor and perhaps, slightly more advanced tips.
So stay tuned and stay subscribed!
Yan
Good content is certainly paramount, but I think you also need to find a way to connect that content to you specific audience. There are a lot of good blogs in each niche with plenty of content. The hardest part is delivering the content in a way that makes the reader want to become part of your community. Offering comments and recommending you to friends.
Gennaro´s lastest post..Passport Cards Speed Border Crossings
Hey Gennaro
Welcome to TSB. Are you part of the community yet? If you’re not, I urge you to subscribe now as the best is about to come.
Yan
Good point Genaro, making your content new is really important. In the recent review of Guyate by Yan, he stressed the importance of being fresh. Especially in the blogging tips niche, where everybody claims to be an expert, being original is essential to survive.
How to Blog´s lastest post..RIP Bloggers
I think relationships with other bloggers are critical. Not only can a solid network of online friends help you gain readers, but they can also help raise your visibility with search engines.
Charles´s lastest post..The Cosmopolitan beats the Odds
Charles
Critical? Yes but I don’t see the connection between networking and search engines visibility. I presume you are trying to express something else.
Welcome too!
Yan
It certainly is, and I’m working on that. By guest posting you can help build relationships.
How to Blog´s lastest post..RIP Bloggers
Just put the quality contain and be first one to deliver in your niche. I am agree with you that guy who post 1500 words once in a day will be easily beat by 500 words guy.
People want latest updates and that also in short and nice format. You should use more words as per the demand of your posts.
Earlier stage of every business is tough and you should know that. Once you clear that one than you will be able to get and eat butter.
Want to become a better blogger? The challenge is not how much or what you post, but how unique is you content. Are you a money making niche blogger. The article you write today has already been written by several thousand bloggers, though in a different perspective.
If producing unique content is not possible, writing the same thing is a way that demands attention is the way to go. Nobody wants to read a boring guide to money making, but everyone would be willing to read a humorous post about it….
Forsaken@Domain Marvelous´s lastest post..Reasons to register your .tel domain name – Part I
If producing unique content is not possible, writing the same thing is a way that demands attention is the way to go.
Well said. That’s exactly the kind of trait that separates “the men from the boys”. Though finding that ‘unique’ voice isn’t an easy thing to achieve.
I think one of my biggest challenges with blogging is coming up with new content. In my niche, I worry that I wont have anything next to write about. I wonder if other new bloggers deal with that.
Carla´s lastest post..Does Eating Organic Mean Going Broke?
Carla
That’s exactly the point. You need to choose one niche you are very knowledgeable about and passionate in. Without the passion, researching for the next article to write can be pretty much a drag.
Well, I don’t have to maintain my niche blogs often so I guess I don’t have to deal with that.
Yan
I think everybody has struggled with that Carla though I don’t know if everybody would admit that. I think the best way to conquer that is to keep a constant list of post ideas running. And just adding to it as you go. And also research. I read 50+ blogs through a reader, this really helps me get ideas.
How to Blog´s lastest post..RIP Bloggers
“Essentially, what separates the men from the boys?”
Now I know I’m out of the game. The ride is over.
Susanna´s lastest post..I want a phone that’s a phone
Good points Jonathan but you don’t mention the need for backlinks, aren’t the ones who make the money the ones with the backlinks and the high Google ranking which backlinks bring?
Online Stock Trading´s lastest post..Shares to Watch – Newspaper Tips
To some extent yes, but to get those backlinks you need to know people, and have good content and time. So that is definitely important, but that comes with having the first three.
How to Blog´s lastest post..How to Post Everyday
Good points written here. Now we know the difference between a problogger and a noob is in their traffic.
Some good stuff here. It’s funny how writing what you know is so obvious and so often ignored. It really makes things easy to write about when its something you are familiar with and generally enjoy.
However, i do think that knowing people is crucial. You could make a blog post every ten minutes, but until people start finding your blog, it doesn’t matter.
Good advice, but you know not everyone blogs just to make money
For me, it was really difficult to come up with fresh unique content every week. I believe I had a semi-successful blog but with these tips, I really hope I can become an even better one. Thanks, good post!!
Troy – VIPMillionaireLeague´s lastest post..Article Marketing Insight
Honestly saying..
reading first few lines of post made me think that I will be going to read something very interesting….
Something a normal blogger is missing…..but I feel sad to say that there was nothing new here,…
Though I likes the feeling with which this article is written…but I’m sure few extra minutes and you could have made this article much better…..
Probably making it more user friendly…
Not fact but the guideline on which any blogger need to work…
You mentioned
Original content
Time table/ Dedication
very true…but marketing them is a big thing… people might pay for this..but if you look at the history of professional blogger…
When they started blogging they never market themselves by paying to anyone..
they simply added value to every page thy visited and people started recognizing them….
My point here….
To need a better blogger :
One need to have right attitude
Determination
Knowledge
Marketing and socializing skills
In past few years blogs have changed the course of Internet world..and more or less…each and single blog post matters a lot …
So before hitting the publish button..read your contains twice and add more values if required..
Blogging is an Art. You have to show your quick learning and thinking abilities.
I have posted a similar article which may help you too.
http://icfun.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-become-active-blogger.html
http://icfun.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-become-active-blogger.html
Most of the cases, ppl just create a blog, keep posting for first few months.
Then leave away. You can practice my 5 Tips too. I think it will be helpful for u.
You are welcome to share your thinking at my article.
Everyone has great posts and I am learning from all of you..Thanks for the great input…I guess I am making a habit of saying less..To much Twitter…pyradom@twitter…