Reader Survey
It’s been a while since I last asked for a lot of reader feedback in terms of this blog’s performance. And, much like going to the doctor or the dentist, it’s rarely a good idea to go too long between checkups. So, I’ve prepared 4 quick questions that I’d love for you all to answer and I’ll have one more open ended question that you can respond to in the comments or if you’d rather, just sending me a quick email. The more people that participate, the better idea I’ll have of how I’m doing, and how I can improve this blog to help you more.
I think the next poll question could probably use a bit of explanation. I’ve been kicking around the idea of changing the posting schedule on this blog for a while. The options I’ve considered are posting more frequently but usually shorter posts, or posting less frequently but generating longer, hopefully higher quality posts such as the Lessons on Blogging or some the interviews I’ve done etc. So, when voting on this one keep those thoughts in mind as sort of the framework of the question.
And the last question I have for you would be what suggestions do you have for me in terms of this blog? Like I said, feel free to answer in the comments or drop me an email if that works better for you. Also, please keep in mind I’m not fishing for compliments but you also don’t have to make up criticisms either. I’m just after your honest opinions and I promise I won’t get a big head or let my feelings get hurt.
Thanks!
I think your running up against a couple of issues:
1. The time constraints of blogging (nearly) daily, a full-time job, a wife and other websites is beginning to show. Throw in the holidays and it’s really difficult. It’s not so much a matter of the number of posts or their length but of their quality. Some weeks you have two or three great (and realtively long) posts. Other weeks the posts are fewer and shorter and don’t exhibit as much thought.
2. The plateau effect. You’ve picked the low-hanging fruit now you have to devote time to maintaining what you achieved (not as fun as achieving it). Plus you have to figure out ways to surpass what you’ve already done and to reach out and expand your audience.
I don’t have much in the way of ideas but maybe you could:
1. Use a calendar to roughly map out the rest of your first year. Setting goals, scheduling contests, highlighting events you can blog around, etc. It might let you plan some of your more in-depth posts and promotions a bit before crunch time hits.
2. Be systematic about aking other people to contribute. The guest posts here have been excellent. I’d like to see you attract more of those.
3. Stick to it and keep up the good work!
Since this whole blog is mainly for making money online, I won’t bring that matter up.
As for the posts, you should post about 3-4 times a week, but with longer posts. The longer the posts (with content), the less you have to post.
-Mike
I have been reading your blog for a couple of months now. I like the whole premise of what you are doing. The reason I am reading your blog is to almost get an update on what is working for you and what is not. In a sense I would love to get more updates on what is and is not working for you.
Keep up the great work!
My thoughts are a mixture of long and short posts. Only 3 to 4 postings a week seems way too minimal to keep the attention of those of us scrambling for knowledge. I’d also recommend a “Where I stand” or similar tab to show where you are. Sure, I know you but the noob is probably scrambling and wants to know in a hurry. I’m set to go pro in the first quarter (calendar) of 2008. Yup, full-time. There are plenty like me starving for this information. Especially from the heavy hitters like yourself.
The length and frequency of your posts should really depend on what target audience you are trying to reach. If you are wanting to reach beginning or intermediate bloggers, shorter and more posts with quick tips and tricks will be popular and great for SEO.
If you want to be an authority blog among your peers who have been around for almost the same length of time as you or even longer, fewer in-depth and insightful posts would be the way to go.
Just my 2 cents’ worth.
I think you should stay true to your objectives.
That is to “generate a full time income starting from scratch”.
So any plans you are going to have should be based on this premises.
Maybe at least a link bait post/ frontpage digg post a week to generate traffic. And then go full steam on income generating.
My $0.02
Start writing a book, “The Blogging Experiment” (you choose subtitle). Other than that…I don’t know…the blogging biz is tough!
I’d like to see less Lessons on Blogging. While I’m sure some people find them entertaining, they are of limited value to readers outside the US who don’t watch these TV shows. Also, they could be about anything — my pet cat, for example. I’d like to see more posts about making money blogging.
Everyone has an opinion. Ben, keep up your good work. Your blog is great and I check it daily for new posts and to see what new comments have been made.
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I think if the content you offered is important or interested enough, people will be willing to spend time on the surveys that they have to answer ahead.
For example, if you are offering online video clips people are keen to watch online or download, it will make better motivation.