Excuse me while I take a minute to get started. I’m still kinda laughing at the post title I’ve chosen here, and you’re probably wondering why in the world I would choose it.
Most bloggers want to make a name for themselves, and to establish readership – but I promised a few months back to make my blog personal and fill it with transparency.
The proof is in the pudding – and you can read for yourself what I vowed to do:
I move forward with the intentions of sharing what I have learned, how I have failed and might even throw in a Starbucks or Sarah McLachlan reference.
No One Else to Blame
The past two years have been tremendously busy for me – a lot has happened since Revolution became StudioPress, and StudioPress came together and merged into Copyblogger Media. While my business life has certainly turned for the better, my blog has taken a steep nosedive.
And I mean steep.
I don’t know how else to say this other than… I’ve destroyed by blog and killed my readership. Not on purpose mind you. But life (actually business) happened, which completely sucked out any traction that my blog had.
I won’t go into the boring details of what has transpired over the past few years – but what I will do is make a distinct list of the mistakes I made so that you can avoid making the same ones.
I Stopped Writing on My Blog
There’s nothing more devastating to the existence of a blog than having a non-existent one. I recently wrote about building a successful blog, and one of my key points was to write well and write often. For me, I did neither – and that’s a surefire way to instantly kill your blog and lose readership. I mean, if there’s nothing to come back to – why come back, right?
I Created Another Blog
Quite honestly, I tried really hard to justify the development of another blog – but in the end, felt more scattered than ever. Unless you have a lot of free time on your hands, it’s really difficult to maintain – and maintain well – two blogs. It was painfully obvious that I couldn’t even do that with one, and within weeks had shut it down to focus here. Just this past week I relayed this piece of wisdom to my friend Sarah Kay Hoffman – telling her that it’s much better to kill it with one site, than be medicore with two.
I Redesigned My Site Too Often
It’s never a bad thing to periodically redesign your site – unless you’re like me and do it every other month. Every time someone visited my site, it was completely different. Imagine walking into your grocery store every week and not knowing where the milk was each time you went shopping. It wasn’t quite that drastic, but I think you get my point. The other issue I had was that I designed my own site, so I was never really happy with the way it looked. I felt giving it a facelift every so often would inspire me to write. Not.
Coping With Reality
I have to admit that lately I’ve been able to come to terms with the fact that I won’t write every day. I don’t know how guys like Chris Brogan do it – but what I will say is that I’m not one of them. The funny thing is that I really enjoy writing, but the reality is that I’m just not able to do it all that often.
Having said that, at the very least my hope is to produce valuable content each time I write. I promise not to waste your time and talk about the trivial things that occur throughout my day.
So if you want to hear about my infatuation with Starbucks or when I listen to Sarah McLachlan, you can follow me on Twitter.
In the meantime, let’s talk about your blog and how you’re building your readership…
I will start my blog soon, and have learn much from your blog, and this’s the first time leave a comment here. Just want to say thanks, no only for your posts here, but also for the great themes made by StudioPress.
Thanks so much for leaving a comment and for the thanks. I try to be an inspiration to others – and am appreciate the kind words about our themes at StudioPress.
Thanks for the Hard Knocks advice. I too may be trying to go in too many directions and need to pull back and re-evaluate. So much to keep on top of these days. I enjoy reading your posts and thanks for the great contributions you’ve made in web design and development.
It’s crazy this world we live in. We’re pulled in so many directions that we sometimes become a deer in headlights and just can’t move. That’s what happens to me regularly, and I find that writing here nowadays is part therapeutic, but also beneficial to those who actually come by.
Totally relate, Brian. Life (and business) do seem to get in the way of maintaining a personal blog. I know all too well. Building sites with StudioPress themes has become a big deal. And while that’s been a good thing, it does provide an oh-so convenient excuse to neglect a personal blog.
And I have to laugh at the notion of how a re-design will inspire you to write more. Guilty as charged – although I will add that yes, I’m in the process of doing the same – just this “one last time.”
I’m the king of redesign on my site here. In fact I think there was a time where I redesigned even before a blog post took place. Like “hey, I’ve redesigned twice since my last blog post.”
But more and more I’m realizing that amidst my busy schedule, I enjoy taking a break to write. Even if it’s on a Friday night and I accidentally post when I mean to schedule it for Monday.
B-
So with you. It comes and goes. For me, I learn a lot about what people need via social media, but I don’t blog enough.
And so I blog in fits and starts, and it’s never taken off.
We’ll see what happens next.
-CJ
Chris – I hear ya loud and clear. I used to blog a ton when I actually needed to. In other words, prior to the Revolution days, when I was trying to establish traction and gain some exposure. Unfortunately for my blog, I am just too busy to do that any more. I miss it, though.
I had very much the same — blogged lots when I was building traction and making a name. These days there’s just too much actual work to do.
Good to know that I’m not the only one… it’s hard to justify writing, especially on a personal blog when there’s not much monetary incentive to do so. At least that is the case for me. But like I’ve said before, it’s actually therapeutic for me to do this.
I’m guessing you saw the trackback, eh?
I think there’s time to blog if there’s a real burden to do it. For me – till recently – I was just hustling and floating and picking my spots. Over the last 2 weeks, I’ve figured out – more or less – what I’m here to give. And nothing can stop me.
Good for you Chris… not a bad thing to find your path and hit it with long strides.
Hi there! My blog has really suffered over the last year. I used to be at least somewhat regular, but then it got tedious, and I got tired. Of course, my readers went away. Nothing to read, right?
Well I recently started blogging again and I upgraded my theme too. (You did a customization to my theme for me about two years ago, which is now seamlessly incorporated into the Featured Post plugin… yay!) Anyway, I did less of a facelift than I wanted to but at least it feels fresh to me while still _looking_ familiar to my readers. And the upgraded theme is easier to use, too, which I hope will make it even less of a barrier to wanting to blog in the first place.
Now, I just have to DO it… sticking with it is hard sometimes but I’m going to commit to trying harder.
I’m a compulsive sprinter, and a horrible long-distance runner. (more on that)
For me I need to take baby steps – maybe aim for one post a week, and so where that goes. I really love to engage with people, especially those with similar interests. Hopefully more of that will take place here!
You should listen to the CB podcast today, it’s all about exactly that.
What? You want me to do my job and listen to what my colleagues are talking about?
I have never followed your private life (something a lot of top bloggers write about) but, 2+ years ago when I switched to WP and simultaneously had discovered Revolution at the time of transition to StudioPress, there was always more from you then business (if nothing else embedded in to your Themes default text
.
We could see more then Starbucks, there are always bits of your private life around too and, maybe unintentionally, beside of great product, that may have also played part in your success. To me, it feels like there was no need for you to write separate Blog about music, favorite pastime, family, sport?
Kristijan – wow, that’s pretty insightful actually.
Yes, my personal life has made it’s way into our themes at StudioPress. An example of that is my love for Hillsong United (which can be see on our Church demo) and of course there’s my affection for Sarah McLachlan and Colbie Caillat (as seen on the Streamline demo.)
In fact, another thing I stand for is the Breast Cancer 3-Day, which made it’s way into the Lifestyle demo.
I’ll just add, that’s what I meant, even though could not recall all from top of the head.
I have been following you ever since I found your Revolution themes waaaaay back in early 2008. I loved seeing your blog makeovers, although I can understand your supermarket milk analogy
I’ve just launched my 5th blog/website today because every time you release a new theme on StudioPress, I just want to make another site for myself. I will soon need to do some serious consolidating and draw together the different aspects of me that have been spread out over the different blogs I’ve created.
Congratulations on all your business success so far, it’s been an amazing and inspiring journey to watch it all evolve. Can’t wait to see what’s coming for you in the future (& I am still subscribed to your RSS feed so will receive your posts no matter how infrequent).
Helena – thanks for being such a loyal user of our work. The “Revolution days in 2008″ seem like an eternity ago, it’s hard for me to fathom how much has happened since then.
Thanks for the congrats – and for hanging tough as an RSS feed subscriber. I’m hoping (crosses fingers) to at the very least write once a week. But I guess you’ll know how I do with that one.
Great points, one more should be included here do not have any business plan or unable to write perfectly on the niche you choose
You’re a leader in the blogging world and I appreciate your transparency. I’ve had my ups and downs as well, and currently i’m going through a major down, but I know things will get better. Your honesty and attitude is very inspiring to people like me. Keep it up bro!
Thanks Jared, appreciate it. Hope you can manage to get through your down… I know it’s never easy, but still possible.
Look how many comments there are… and you thought it was a mistake to post on Fri night.
I enjoyed reading your post, Brian. Like many others above, I can definitely relate (for the most part). I have been a fan since the Revolution days and very excited for all the business growth, even if it means you get to post less on your personal blog
I suppose Friday night is a good time for people to wind down from their own stuff and to read/comment on other people’s blog posts. I was quite amazed in fact to see so much conversation going on.
Perhaps I’ve started a new trend… or at the very least, inspired another blog post. “The Ideal Time to Publish Your Blog Post.”
I’ll share a few things I discovered in my 5 years of blogging and managing over 50 blogs…
1. Don’t delete archives. Something you wrote two years ago can be valuable to readers today. Having the archives also shows new readers you’ve been around and they can get to know you better.
2. When in doubt post a video or numbered list. Not every post needs to be 300 characters and full of meat and potatoes. That’s why we love Facebook and Twitter– we DO want to know what you had for breakfast
3. “The quest for perfection on the internet is death” Don Crowther
I hope any of those might help you.
I have been following you for years and love reading anything you write. I have been using your themes since the original free Revolution. There’s something about mucking around in someone’s code, reading their blog, swapping a couple emails and following their career over the years that makes us feel like we get to know you, the online projection of you anyway. I suppose it’s a lot like watching an actor do interviews. I have a lot of respect for your faith and family values, have the Starbucks addiction in common and I checkout pretty much any product, service or latest widget you mention because I trust you and know that you have connections in the industry that I don’t. Your blog changes with your life/business, as it should. Sure we’d love to hear more from you when you have time. So, just keep doing what your doing and we’ll keep following
And with all that said… Yes, I manage about 45 business blogs right now but have also neglected my personal one. I’m going to go work on it right now. Thanks for the cattle prod to the tookus! lol
Kathy – thanks so much for taking the time to provide additional points. It’s so true that something written years ago can still apply (and help) others. Being a minimalist, I have a tendency to purge quite frequently, which is something on many occasions I’ve regretted.
I also appreciate that you’ve been a loyal reader/user of themes over the years. It’s amazing how many people are still around that have been following me since the days of free themes and Revolution.
I am SO GLAD I reached out to you on this one, and I am even MORE GLAD that you set me straight! I am looking forward to my big merge. Of course, without the help of you, none of this would be possible. Thank you!
You’re certainly welcome. I always enjoy seeing people achieve their potential, and like to help them get there if at all possible. Fortunately for me I am (finally) getting the opportunity to help Shelly get there with her running and nutrition blog. She’s got so much potential to be a successful blogger – she hangs in here, has a ton of knowledge on the topics and lots of free time.
I’ve been so busy building blogs for other people that I don’t get much time to update my own. I get asked all the time…how do I get more readers? I tell the same thing each time – relevant content, updated regularly and frequently, with good tags. Search engines will find you and people will come back to see the new content. There’s no quick and easy way to get tons of readers, it’s just like weight loss! Miracle pills or the newest fad diet may make it happen quickly, but pretty soon the weight comes back on. Diet and exercise over the long haul keep it off, but they are hard work!
The blog I’m seeing the best growth on is ironically a non-business one. I started a blog about France and French topics and spent very little time making the theme look amazing (although it does look nice, it’s pretty simple). I’ve focused on adding relevant, useful content frequently. I’m finding that I’ve built up a small but growing readership there, much faster than on the fancy blogs with the bells and whistles but very little content! That blog is at http://frenchified.com if anyone would like to take a look.
Thanks for the insight Heather – I think many of fall into that category, where we’re so busy consulting and developing for other people that we don’t have time to do our own thing. However, we can certainly do our best to get there!
Reading posts like this is comforting – it’s good to know I’m not alone and that others share similar feelings.
Tim Ferriss said in an interview that “a mediocre blog is more of a liability than no blog.” Shamefully, this statement hasn’t pushed me to blog anymore than I was but it is something every blogger should consider. For me… I’ll take my chances with my blog.
Personally, I like the fact that you don’t blog regularly. It gives me a chance to actually read your posts and not feel overwhelmed by unread backlog.
Brian, keep being YOU. We’re interested.
Hey Josh – thanks so much for this, sincerely appreciate it. Also thanks for sharing the quote from Tim Ferriss – I can definitely see the truth in his statement, and quite honestly it’s affecting more than I thought it would. Definitely food for thought.
This post doesn’t make me feel so inadequate about my lack of blogging motivation. It shows that even the best and greatest out there face the same problems that the lowly blogger like myself faces.
I know that I will probably never be one that could blog each and everyday like some people do.
I’d hardly consider myself the best and the greatest – morseo just a normal guy who struggles with time and producing quality content every day.
I know that accepted wisdom is that you must write every day. I disagree. As a subscriber to Seth Godin’s really good blog, I actually find it slightly annoying that he writes so often. Because it comes to my box so often, I’m actually more likely to just delete it.
Plus, please don’t write if you have nothing compelling to say! One of the reasons I target once a week or so for my own blog is that I refuse to write if I myself find the subject/angle boring.
And yes, I know I’m a contrarian on this but such is life!
Great post, Brian. I’ve definitely got to stop with the redesigns and mods on my blog too. Mmmm… still trying to figure out how to get that Further Reading | Bookmark & Promote thingy on my site!
-Dean
Have I got a story for you! I’ll let you in on another way you can kill your Blog. Go from one type of theme (Revolution Church) and then go to another type (Church Parent / Child). I had a bad feeling about this one! I put off upgrading for the longest.
During the Christmas holidays of 2010 I committed myself to the work. 13 Blogs later, everything went smooth as silk …… no worries! Then I decided to tackle “Bloggers Market” None of my other Blogs were as heavy, but I’m a pro so …….. no worries. After the move …….. thousands of posts and comments were gone! Well not really ……. I’m a pro! I had disassembled the Blog and it’s Database table by table. Entry by Entry. NASA would have been proud. When I attempted to reassemble, no matter what I attempted to do, I could not put Humpty back together again. Now I’m left to assemble the Blog post by post, comment by comment. Oh Joy! Here’s an insight …….. Google will de-index you as quickly as it indexes. My traffic crashed. Fifty or so visits per day down to ZERO! I actually thought I had overlooked moving my Google Analytics info in the rebuild.
Now what’s worse, I had several web constructions ahead of me for other clients and I could not spare the time for such an intensive rebuild. I’m a broken Blogger. Now I spend my lonely days Blog hopping!
But take a look, I love the new theme! I’ve add the RSS Comments nav bar back into the mix …… that took about 10 days of work! (Sure wish that had been one of the theme options) And I have added a “Studio Press Feedburner” Plug-In that I have written for the “Feedburner Subscriptions”. I not sure of the dynamic, but for the last two years, I have never been able to get the Feedburner thingie to work on any of my Blog builds with the church theme, so I built my own plug-in. I’m having a blast. I’m just not doing too much Blogging these days!
Brain, while I have your ear here, or eyes as the case my be, I’d like to thank you for all of your hard work. I make my living online and most of that living comes from your past efforts. I was able to establish myself online through your work with your themes. God Bless to you and your family.
You are absolutely right. After reading your post, it does happened to me. But this year is the time for me to re evaluate my self in blogging. Thanks for great post.
- Jahitan Manik
Thanks for giving us these things to consider. I think that it at least makes me conscience of ways to harm my work. I also appreciate that it holds us responsible for our own situation. Failed bloggers and companies are always pointing the finger.
I’d rather read quality on a lesser basis than quantity with less quality. Sure, Chris Brogan blogs every day – but is it all killer content? No (he admits himself a lot is filler), so I know whose blog I’d rather read.
Yeah – I know (and he knows) it’s not all killer – hard to do that on a daily basis like you said.
I’ll do the best I can here, and we’ll see how it goes!
Not sure how I missed this last post!?
I feel the pain! You had a lot of great ideas going with Nomad Theory and I would love to be a part of it if you continue on!
I finally fell into my own “groove” with my blog and recently redesigned it for the better. I think, like anything else – business, life, blogs – it takes a while for it to finally start to come together.
Hey Matt – funny that you commented when you did. I was literally writing my latest post when it came through. Sometimes all it takes is a cool design to get you going. Props to you on making it happen!
LOL. After reading this post, I realized that I may have killed my blog, too. I’m trying to “redesign” so often, but there are so many nice templates out there.
“I felt giving it a facelift every so often would inspire me to write. Not.”
so so so true, I’m a victim of this as well, I need to get a grip, hence I created some test site lol
Great post.
I was thinking of setting up two blogs with each focusing on more targeted content but after reading your piece i think i may just focus on one.
Um, read blog post “Oops, I did it again” then re-read this post.
I also have issues leaving my sites alone. As a web developer I cannot stop messing it up by rebuilding it all the time. I am confident that I now have all 3 of them just where I want them, so hands off. Good luck, and I really enjoyed the “realness” of your article.
Just found your blog even though I have been following your work on Studiopress. I’ll add this one to my RSS.
That’s pretty nifty!
Establishing the expectations early on is crucial. Some sort of consistency is important and what kind of content you plan on publishing helps. I’m focusing on a premium membership based model for my blog (my website) and from the beginning I’ve made it clear that that will be the direction even if I’ve only had a few visitors.