Back To Basics
Sometimes we change things too much with our blogs, and lose sight of what made us successful to begin with. Depending on what we do, we could lose money, rank in search engines, or the worst thing, readers.
So, if you are fearing there has been a change in your blog, here’s a three step plan for how to return to your more creative self.
1. Do Nothing
Are you just being paranoid? Surprising as it may seem Blogging is not the most important thing in the whole wide world. People are able to disconnect from the internet and do other things, often for days on end. So if one or two regulars haven’t posted for a few days, don’t worry. They may have better things to do.
2. Read Previous Posts.
Usually however, your regulars would suggest that they don’t like what you are writing (mine do, in the nicest possible way, the sods). Depending on the vocal nature of the readers, and the amount of them there are, it may be worthwhile to check previous posts and see how they differ from now. Is there a definite niche change? If so, that could explain it. How about if there has been a monetization? Have you started sponsored posts? If so, maybe that doesn’t sit well with your current readership.
3, Don’t Beg Your Readers Back
If people do disappear, and never visit your blog again, forget about them. You can calmly say that what you previously talked about no longer interests me or you have evolved or you have decided to monetize your site to pay some bills, but nothing more than that. They’re gone, probably forever. Just move on and carry on blogging. You did something for a reason, even if it’s a complete change of niche.
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Rhys Wynne is a 5 year blogger who has had thousands of different blogs, most of them rubbish. His current one The Gospel According To Rhys isn’t, as is his project to help you get more traffic at your blog with Fair Review.
August 20th, 2007 at 5:24 am
I like this whole “calm down” approach.
August 27th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Nice Blog! Add your blog to my directory !!!
http://www.addyourblog.net/
Cheers :)
August 30th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Thanks for the tip, and the tag. I like your step #3. I’m kinda very much going towards that direction before I read your post.
September 3rd, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Bush Mackel- Sounds good… Are you reading this, Rhys? :D
Veronica- I might later if I have time. You can add it for me if you want. ;)
LiL ‘devil- No problem! Like Bush said, it’s the “Calm Down” approach. :D
September 4th, 2007 at 3:18 am
Cheers for the ocmments guys.
The whole calm approach is something that needs to be learned, especially in the early days of blogging where you desperately try and keep on to as many readers as possible. If you read my early posts, the commenters and the posts are completely different to the newer posts.
September 26th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Great advice. In terms of content, I often feel that I’m flying blind. A couple of days ago I did a blog on politics. Not a single comment. Today I did a blog on religion. Eight comments so far. I go figure but it doesn’t help.
October 12th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Like this post, so true, blogging is not the whole wide world and most often times people are busy with many things …and can’t just sit, blog and chat all day!