Blogging Lesson Learned

Yesterday, I published a blog article asking for advice on how to get more interaction and readership.  I can honestly admit that I was shocked (but very happy) with the response!

Your Response To Yesterday’s Readership Appeal

I’ll share with what I learned:

Illustrate Your Point

People seemed to love the Wordle I’d done.  I’d seen it in a presentation by a marketing agency to me at work on Monday and thought “I’ll nick that idea” and, quite rightly, it’s been nicked since by Jon, for one.  It’s a good thing, so why not? It’s what the internet is for.. Well, that and naughty pictures.

Address Your Audience

I posted the article because I thought it might be close to readers’ hearts, as well as my own.  It seemed to strike a chord and as a result lots of people gave feedback, even people who had previously been silent readers, hiding in the closet of internet anonymity.  I don’t expect them to suddenly become vociferous advocates, but it’s been nice to see them pipe up.  Howdy!

Act On Advice

I asked for ideas.  You gave me ideas.  As a result, I put a “Subscribe By Email” widget on here last night.  Already some of you have used it and I thank you.

There has been other advice which I will consider.  My writing style probably won’t change much on this site, but if I ever get myself together and focus on a specific niche blog, I will make sure my brevity, focus and thought leadership issues are carefully managed.  Basically, I’ll talk less crap on more useful sites.  This particular site is my mouthpiece and, as such, I’m sorry but the drivel will continue for the foreseeable future.

Self Pity Sells

If you ever want something, ask for it.  I wanted advice and more readers, so I got on my knees and asked for them.  You delivered: good advice and harsh truth, but I did get more subscribers and a lot  interaction.

What’s the worst that can happen? Somebody might take the mickey a little (Joby).  If you’re flaky, you might be left feeling insecure.  What the heck, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Visitors Stats

Feedburner Figures

Now What?

This kind of jump can’t be expected to be sustainable, but I’m delighted there’s been a step change in response to a direct appeal.  As a marketeer, it can be recorded as a very successful niche marketing campaign.  I suppose all I have to do next is start adding some actual value before I lose all my new customers!

I’ll get my thinking cap on.