10 simple things you can do to increase your blog traffic

Are you happy with the traffic you're getting at your blog?

When I first designed this blog in 2007, I had no clear idea what I was going to do with it, let alone how I was going to gain readers. And I'm not a super techy person, if I'm techy at all. So I started off slowly.

It took me another year before I started posting regularly.

A whole year before I started posting regularly! Sounds crazy, right? It's not. It's how most of us get started with "this blogging thing." Such a foreign concept. Why do we need to do it? What's the point? Who's going to want to read all these posts? So many questions go through your head as you try to convince yourself why you don't need to do this. It does seem like a waste of time, and somewhat complicated, at first.

But then, if you're like me, you figure it out. In your own way. You start to see traffic showing up. People stop in to read a blog post or two. They poke around to see what else you have on the site, and eventually, they post a comment. Surprise!

Then, they come back. Wow! You have a returning audience. You start to perk up. You wonder if maybe you have something here. Maybe there's good reason to do this after all.

That's when you get excited. That's when you know you should take this more seriously. That's what happened to me. I had an idea. I designed the first page. And then I started writing. As time moved on, and the readers kept returning, I was able to more clearly define my purpose. It helped to pay attention to what you were reading, to try to focus on what you seemed to need from a blog like mine.

Now, three years later, I've learned a few things that could help you increase the traffic to your site. To be sure, I've learned the lessons slowly. I've adopted some of them and am working on others. But if they can help you, I'm willing to share. They're not even complicated. So here are my 10 simple tips for attracting more traffic to your blog. If you follow even one of them, it will help. If you do them all, and have the patience to wait for results, they should be positive:

1) POST REGULAR UPDATES. That was the first thing I picked up after participating in my first Blogathon a few years ago. If you can post daily, that's great, but any changes to the blog, really, can make a difference in how easy it will be for others to find you. Google likes updated content. So even if you don't have something to blog about every single day, consider changing something on the blog. Maybe add a new photo on the site or a new plug-in. Update your blogroll (links to other blogs you like, read, or would like to read). Add a new Page or some new feature. Any update helps. My goal is to blog or make some kind of update to the site at least three times per week to maintain the blog and keep it active and interesting.

2) ADVERTISE YOUR UPDATES. You don't have to do this non-stop, but the more you put the word out about your content, the more people are going to have a chance to remember you even exist. With nearly 9 million self-development blogs out there, I know I have quite the competition. And I'm no Steve Pavlina, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't strive to gain his kind of notoriety. He's listed on many sites as one of the top self-development blogs in the world. Well, he didn't get there by staying quiet. He used his live networks to promote himself first. He told his friends, his family, and his clients until his message was clear. "I'm out here. I'm good. Read my stuff." Not in those exact words, of course.

3) USE SOCIAL MEDIA. Look, in this day and age, you shouldn't have a blog without also being on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Well, you can, of course, do whatever the heck you want. But why not take advantage of a free opportunity to spread the word and build your visibility--not just with friends but strangers, too? Bring 'em all in! Yeah, sure. If you build it, they will come. But not if you don't let people know you built it in the first place and then remind them about all the cool improvements (i.e.: new posts and other updates). Use social media to do that.

4) LINK UP! When you first get started, share links with your friends. Have them post your link on their blogrolls, and you do the same for them on yours. The next step is to use the search engines to find other blogs to link with, blogs that have more traffic than you do. Ideally, a lot more. And refer to other blogs in your posts, in general. Quote them, use them as sources, highlight blogs you have learned from or think your readers might like to read for a specific purpose. You'll see I've done this here. Eventually, these kind of steps will help people find you and want to share links with you. Their readers will find you as well, and you'll all post comments on each other's blogs. This kind of activity lessons the amount of time you have to go out and hunt yourself. That's the ideal place to be. It's what you want to work toward. The more sites you can connect with in this way, the better. That means you're going to be easier and easier to find. Traffic will roll right in, and you'll feed them good content. This is the ultimate back and forth that makes blogging so effective.

5) PROVIDE QUALITY CONTENT. If you're posting the same old thing all the time, not only will you get bored but so will your readers. Change things up. Post a mix of long and short blogs. Focus on weekly, monthly or quarterly themes. Have a picture-only day, or a video day. Do a "Question of the Day" post on a regular basis; these invite readers to participate by answering the question--and they will. They'll post comments. Readers want to interact with you. So take advantage of that and find ways to include them. If you're providing quality content, you'll know from the number of subscribers you have, the number of readers you see returning, and the number of comments you're attracting. If you're not seeing some kind of growth, you're not doing something right, and it might just have to do with your content.

6) FOCUS ON WHAT YOUR READERS WANT. Seriously. You're not just writing for the sake of writing or for something to do with your spare time. You're trying to build an audience, a platform for your book, or connect with potential clients. Whatever your exact purpose, you'll do yourself and them a favor if you focus on what they want from you. So ask them periodically. Use a post to ask them what they would like to see more of on your site. Take a poll and then dissect it for them in another post. Pay attention to which posts get the most comments. If they want you to comment on related news, do that. If they want you to tell more stories or add book reviews, do that. If they'd like to read Q/A interviews from people in your industry, offer that. If they'd like you to profile readers, incorporate that. Find out from them what works or what doesn't, and then make the necessary changes so you don't lose readers and will continue to gain new ones.

7) ASK YOUR READERS TO HELP YOU SPREAD THE WORD. If they like what they're reading, ask them to blog about you, share links with their friends, or post an update on their social media sites. A blogging community has to work together in order for the community to stay alive and intact. If we don't work together, we fade away.

8) KEEP UP WITH NEW BLOGGING FEATURES. Blogger just added the ability to include a site counter, so I added that today. It also added a feature that allows you to see the most popular blog posts. I added that today as well. It's a fun feature, and you can see it on the right-hand side of the page, if you scroll down far enough. Keeping up with any new blogging features allows me to play around with what I offer my readers. It keeps the blog from staying static, and it offers me the chance to create something that may be more useful to you.

9) FOCUS ON SIMPLE CHANGES. Meagan Francis, a writer friend of mine over at The Happiest Mom (She could also use your vote to help her gain the gig as the Good Mood Blogger, if you wouldn't mind clicking and voting for her.) suggested you periodically re-evaluate your goals and then make simple changes to direct your attention to those goals. For example, she now responds to those who comment on her blog via e-mail. She likes the one-on-one contact and thinks that this encourages them to come back and continue the conversation. But even if you don't do that, something as simple as adding a "most-popular post" list, can help bring in new readers and give them a reason to dig around more on the site.

10) FIND A NICHE YOU CAN FILL. If you're not seeing growth in traffic after you've made some of these changes and given them time to take effect, then you might also consider the niche. Are you writing about something that people care about? Is it something you're passionate about? Is it a topic that is over-saturated? If so, how is your content different from the content on other popular blogs in your niche. Find a way to differentiate yourself, whether it's your point of view, your design, your attitude, and then work to capitalize on that.

If nothing else, I hope these tips comfort you in some way, because now you know there is no one thing that will boost traffic to your blog. It's a mix of action steps. It's practice. It's trial and error. If you need to consult an expert, that might be worth doing as well. Because I'll tell you what. I'm happy with my current traffic. It's grown considerably since I started blogging three years ago. I've taken all these steps and followed my own tips. But I want the blog to continue growing. So my next step is consultation.

Stay tuned for more changes, more updates, and hopefully more content you can use.

You can do it!

Last night, I met with a group of writers and public relations professionals to speak on a panel about freelancing. I had compiled a resource list on the handout for them. At the end, I included a list of questions they should ask themselves (based on my experience as a freelancer for the past 12 years plus). The questions work not only for freelancers, but independent workers, in general.

So I thought I'd share the questions here. I titled them,"Things You Oughta Know." And I meant, things you ought to know about yourself before undertaking the responsibility of self-employment. Since you have to market, market, market yourself like crazy in order to find, get and keep the work flowing, it's a good idea to know ahead of time that you will be able to do that--and more. So here's the list, with an explanation that I didn't include in the handout. Can you answer "yes" to them--even if you aren't a freelancer but still work for yourself?

_Do you know how to write a great pitch letter? (maybe in your case, it's a sales letter of some sort, or that elevator speech)
It's not that you have to know this on Day 1. You don't. But you must be willing to learn the craft of writing the pitch letter, selling yourself and/or your ideas to those who are willing to buy. Take a class if you need to, listen to podcasts on the subject, by the book. Whatever it takes, this is a skill you cannot ignore.

_Can you be nice to your fellow writers and public relations pros? (in your case, maybe it's your colleagues or peers)
People want you to play nice in their playground. Can you? Are you willing to share information with others, work with others, bend over backgrounds (sometimes) to make your editors/clients happy? Even though you work alone in your home office, teamwork is still a part of the game. There's a lot of back and forth sharing in the freelance world. It'll work in your favor to play along.

_Are you flexible?
Flexibility matters because this is a job for multi-taskers. You have to be able to research, pitch, write, edit, revise and start all over again--on a new topic, the next day. You have to be willing to learn the new technologies, because more and more clients want the blog posts and the video or audio feeds to go with the story. You need to be able to move from client to client at lightening speed. You need to be able survive the down times and get right back to work when it shows up on your desk, unannounced.

_Are you organized enough to develop a business plan and work it?
You must have a plan, even if it's just a single goal written down on a napkin. Without some kind of direction, you won't do much more than spin your wheels. You won't get anywhere. Plan to focus on attracting certain markets. Plan to write about a specific topic. Plan to make a certain amount of money by year-end. Whatever it is, plan for it. And then find a way to track your progress so you know you're getting there. Each year, or each quarter, or however often you think you should, revisit the goal and revise it as needed. Always look at ways in which you can increase your productivity, your income or your skills. That's what will keep you in business for the long haul.

_If you don't know how to manage the finances, would you be willing to outsource that?
Managing the finances is not my best skill set. So I hire out for that. I don't do my own taxes. I don't pick my own stocks. I don't want to send out my own invoices, but I do that for now. My goal is to hire a bookkeeper to handle that for me, too. I look forward to the day, because it's difficult to find time to run the financial mechanics of the office. And from discussions last night, about budgeting, insurance and retirement, I know I'm not the only one. So be willing to outsource. It'll save you a lot of headaches and help ensure that you're making the most out of what you earn.

_Can you say no to an assignment if it's not a good fit? (doesn't pay well, you're not interested in the topic, the PITA factor is too high)
PITA, by the way, means "pain in the ass." We all have nightmare clients, or editors who make unreasonable demands. Are you willing to say no to the next job they offer, even if means a loss of income? If you are, you'll soon realize that income can easily be replaced with a new and better client. And from a good point made last night, you can also outsource the jobs you've outgrown to other freelancers you know. That's expanding your business model, and it's a great idea. Because you're marketing regularly, you should be able to find someone you can trust to take on the job.

_Are you willing to take classes, learn new skills, and deliver your promises to editors and clients?
You must be willing to hone your skills and turn in your work on time--or at least inform your clients well ahead of time that you won't be able to, if that's the case. You'll find that clients will work with you. Everyone runs into difficulties that can alter a schedule or progress on the job. It makes sense to keep your clients informed. It's better for you, it's better for them. And they love it when they know you're growing your talents not just with the work you're doing for them, but on your own as well. Clients want quality. It's up to you to give it to them.

_Do you understand contract rights, copyright issues, and are you willing to seek advice when needed?
You need to understand the contracts that you sign. You can do that by visiting the U.S. Government's copyright site and also by checking in with a writer I know who blogs regularly about contracts and what's floating around these days. You can learn a lot from Erik Sherman. But he'll be the first to admit he's no intellectual capital lawyer, and you should consult one whenever you can. Or, join an organization that can steer you toward the proper legal advice, such as the American Society of Journalists and Authors, of which, I should note, I am a member.

_Do you know how to study a market?
This is important in order to pitch wisely and accurately. When you've chosen your markets, go through the past six issues. Read them cover to cover. Get a feel for how the headlines are written and what goes on the cover. Know what departments are freelance written. Check the masthead to make sure. Find out who's editing what section. Call if you're unsure. What kinds of stories are they running as features, front of the book and back of the book shorts? Where does the work you're interested in writing or want to pitch fit in? Read the editor's letter and the letters to the editor. What do the letters say about what they might like to read in the future? Look at the ads? Who are they targeting? You'll get solid clues about what the magazine might need from you if you'll take the time to flesh it out in such a review. If you do this for every market you want to target, you'll have a better chance of landing an assignment.

_Can you be a shameless self-promoter?
Can you talk about yourself to strangers without being annoying? Can you discuss the work that you do without overdoing it? Are you willing to pitch as many people as it takes before selling an idea? Are you online, using social media networking sites? Do you attend networking meetings in your hometown? Do you mingle in crowds or stand off to the side of the room? How willing are you to self-promote? You need to do all of this and more if you expect to be successful in this business. You are the best person to get your name out there. You can do it via your Web site, or your blog, but you also want to get in some real face time. People like to work with people that they like. Can you be that person?

_Will you be able to look beyond the daily rejection?
This is a business about rejection. Anyone who sells anything knows that. You want to grow your thick skin now, because you'll need it. If you can accept the fact that this is a business full of ideas and that yours won't alway be the right ones for that one person you targeted, but they might be right for someone else, you'll be better off. Be willing to submit and resubmit as many times as it takes, without taking the rejection personally. It's not you; it's the business.

_Can you make the most out of an interview and repurpose the material?
When you get that assignment, and you do the interview, be sure to make the most out of the time you'll spend with your source. Ask questions beyond the story you're there for. Find out where the subject went to college. Ask what else he's interested in? Find out about interesting hobbies he's involved in. While you're there, ask what other stories he might have to share besides the one you're there for. Find out as much as you can and then some, so that when you leave the room, you have enough information to finish the story you've been assigned but also have information to pitch other stories as well. Make the most of every interview you secure, and you'll wind up earning more than you expected.

_Will you be able to withstand the isolation of the freelance life?
You may not be a joiner just yet, but before you know it, you'll want to be. Working out of a home office--without anyone else present--can be a lonely experience. You'll want to find ways to get out, reasons to leave, people to see and discuss business with. Whether you do that online, in person, or over the phone, it doesn't matter. But you'll need outlets like this in order to stay motivated and healthy. Go to networking events, attend association meetings, join breakfast clubs. Whatever it takes, and whatever you're comfortable with, be sure to find ways to leave the office/work behind and socialize with other people.

_Are you aware that writing for free is not a business model or marketing plan?
I ended with this question for one very important reason: too many writers are too willing to write for free, or for very low pay. This is a practice that has to stop if that writer expects to make a living from a writing career. And let me make this clear. I could not be in business to provide content for other people unless I was being paid. A business must earn money in order to stay in business. Be a business that earns money. Don't work for free. It's not worth it, no matter how much "exposure" you are promised. If you're going to write free for anyone, write for yourself and start a blog.

You can do it!

(Photo of the Running Elvis taken by Jackie Dishner, Las Vegas)

How to find focus in four easy steps

I'm working on a long-term project that has required my utmost attention as of late. I've run into a few snafus with my concentration levels. In other words, I've slacked off. In order to find the focus I need to complete this task, I've had to do several things.

If you're in need of finding focus for a project you're working on, maybe you'll benefit from these tips:

1) Walk away. Listen to what your mind and body are telling you. Sometimes, you just need to break away from a big project. Rather than fight the procrastination, embrace it. Do something else. Go shopping for those grocery items you need to restock in the fridge. Clean that bathroom. Do the laundry. Ride your bike. No matter what other task you decide to take on, it will help you clear your mind. When you come back to the original task, you'll be refreshed and able to move forward on the job.

2) Start small. Stop thinking about the immensity of the project you need to complete. Hone in on one small part of it, and do that first. Then hone in on another small part of it, and do that. Before you know it, you will have completed a larger piece of the project than you would have thought you could.

3) Think big. Now you can consider the job in its finished form. What will it look like when you finish it? Is this a project that will have your name on it? Will you achieve recognition because of this job? Accept the potential impact and how you will affect that. Be proud of what you've achieved, the trust others have given to you. Be pleased with your progress as it is now so that you can honor what it will be when complete.

4) Sit down. If you continue to feel the urge to move away from your desk and away from the piles of work yet to do, don't. Stay seated. The contradictions in our mind during a difficult project are similar to the contradictions that play out in any difficult moment. The yes/no, the back and forth. These struggles are meant to test you. Show this project that you are worthy. Show this project that you are capable. And then do the work.

5) BONUS: Repeat steps 1-4. Whatever it takes, you've earned the responsibility to move from start to finish. Honor the responsibility by taking on the obstacles that get in the way, even if one of those obstacles is you. It's not uncommon to engage in self-sabotage for fear of success. Whether your obstacles are real or imagined, caused by yourself or others, leading you down a path that takes you further away from progress, decide today to face them head on.

Only then can you find your focus.

If you're experiencing a challenge right now, what steps are you taking to overcome it? Post a comment and let us know. Your thoughts may be useful to someone else who joins us here at BIKE WITH JACKIE (BWJ).

Thanks for visiting. If you'd like to subscribe to BWJ, you can find the subscription icon on the right-hand side of the page. Scroll down and when you find it, click on the appropriate link, and add your e-mail address. It's that simple.

All my best,
Jackie

The fight against procrastination

I've been procrastinating.

I have a huge project that has been going on for too long, and I'm tired of it. So now I've resorted to procrastination as I'm nearing the finish. How absured is that?!

I need to stop it, and I need to stop it now, if procrastination is or has been your constant companion on the very days it shouldn't be, what tricks or advice have you used that actually worked to beat this productivity monster?

If you'll share your thoughts here, it might help not only me but other readers as well.

Thanks!