Contrary to popular belief, my “beginnings” with blogging were just as small and humble as the next person, and probably even more so. In fact, I feel kinda “icky” even bringing these things up (you know, it’s the guy who talks about being humble while not really being humble type of thing) but it is what it is…!
In any case, it’s really just the same story that we’ve all experienced. No one starts a blog and the next day has 10,000 RSS readers the next day; just doesn’t happen. It takes time and a lot of hard work.
Lots of hard work.
But here are 5 things that I did that helped me grow my presence online in a way that was humble, reasonable, and helped me keep it all in perspective:
1. Tell Your Friends
I still hear this today when I talk to others about starting blogs:
John, I don’t want to tell my friends. It’s embarrassing.
Wait, what!? You’re publishing publicly online! They are going to find out anyways!
For me, telling my friends was a great way to not only build traffic but keep my posting “tight,” “relevant,” and careful. I especially invited people who knew me best and kept my blogging in check.
2. Tell Your Mom
Even more embarrassing, right?
Wrong. It’ll keep you humble, especially when you know that your mom (and the rest of your family) is reading it more religiously than your most active readers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve paused on the “Publish” button simply because I knew who was reading my blogs.
That’s a good thing.
3. Tell People You Meet in the Real World
For me this was critical. It kept me focused on real relationships and kept my blogging based in a world of flesh and blood.
It also kept me rooted in the fact that most people didn’t really care about my blog; they were interested in me, as a person. It was far too easy to get wrapped up in the blog and the popularity of a blog and not really care about the person behind it.
Telling others in conversation about the blog was a humble way of promoting who I was and what I was interested in doing. Never overbearing or forceful, of course.
4. Share Your Metrics of Success and Stats
This isn’t something that a lot of people do but it’s something that I’ve chosen to do with the properties that I run and operate: Transparency.
For me this keeps me rooted in the facts and really keeps my humble with my head to the ground and keeps me on pace to continue to do good work.
The fact is that there are always more successful people out there, and they know it. My stats are my stats and there’s really no way to hide it either (you can find all the metrics you need if you look hard enough). Why not just share them with the community to start off with?
5. Keep it in Perspective
Blogging is an interest and a passion for me; I’d be doing it even if no one ever read any of it. But, it’s not my life and it’s prioritization on the pole of the things that need my attention is a lot lower than many people believe.
Family first, always. If I’m going to cheat on anything (and anyone) I’m going to cheat on my blogs.
It makes for, um, interesting conversation when others talk to you in person about something they’ve read online.
Sometimes.
yes. awkward.
I told my mom and she still doesn’t read…probably why I don’t have 10,000 rss subscriptions as we speak.
hehe.
My favorite part was the “advertise here” right after the “but it is what it is” line.
Awesome.
I do love the post thought and appreciate your heart to share your journey with us.
tee hee.
It’s interesting you say that about friends, because my friends really don’t get into blogs. And, by me saying “they don’t get into blogs” I mean that they don’t access the web. ever. Wierd, huh?
… are the luddites?
Almost all of my friends from college and high school do not read blogs either. It is almost like you are iving in two different worlds.
Great post! The one that I struggle with the most is telling people in the real world about my blog. How did you go about doing this? Did you use a business card?
There have been times when I just bring it up in conversation.
“I’ve actually talked about this on my blog before, ” or, “Some others left some really good feedback or my website,” or “I’ve had some comments on my blog about this stuff.”
Stuff like that. It can be kinda weird at first. And at second
.
i just decided to tell people. not much strategy to it.
This is great advice dude! And I try to follow as much of it as possible. While I have lost some friend who considered themselve much more spiritual than me (and they wondered why I considered myself ‘qualified’ to speak of spiritual things), it has been a great experience.
I regulary have people start conversations with me by sharing their thoughts on something that I’ve shared online, and I think it’s great!
And the coolest thing is that we all end up helping each other grow… pretty cool.
Great post! Thanks dude!
sure thing man!
I think another thing that helps is to assist people in seeing the value of reading your blog or blogs in general.
Believe it or not, my wife never read my blog. This was my fault. I, for some stupid reason, thought that she should read it and THEN we could talk about it. I had it backwards. When I started to talk about what I was writing and sharing, it created interest which created a reader.
By talking about our blogs naturally in conversation we can help those around us see bleading (blog-reading) as something valuable. If you’re dropping that you blog awkwardly- ADD style- it probably won’t go over well: “Yeah, I like broccoli as well. I blog too.”
My mom still doesn’t read my blog. Oh the sting.
dude, i love that.
Re: the telling people in real life bit- get business cards. You can get them made up very cheaply. They don’t have to be super formal if your blog isn’t super serious. Having the cards means you have it there to give to them rather than them having to remember the address or you don’t have to go hunting round in your bag for a pen that works to write it down.
biz cards. … i need some new one.s
I found this site a couple weeks ago and it is now one of my favorite daily reads. Just wanted to de-lurk and say hi and this is really excellent advice
Perspective. Best point you made.
I told my friends and my mom….friends subscribe and read sometimes….unless I urge them by asking for their opinion or something. My mom keeps telling me she needs someone to teach her how to get on it.
So, I have the first two things down packed and I know I have some ways to go.
Although I started blogging a year ago, I just began to really get into it. I was so concerned about all of the dos and don’ts of blogging that I lost my zeal to write. I was constantly trying to change the “look” – learn this rule – apply that one….ENOUGH!
I want to enjoy whatever I choose to do. Blogging should be fun, not a dreaded task. Right
I was told today by another blogger to continue to learn what I can and apply one change at a time. By the time I complete my basic blogging education, I’m sure my following will have grown.
I’m pacing myself to get where you are or to even pass you.
SERIOUSLY! just enjoy it.
and please. pass me. love the ambition!
Good words man. My mom reads but I don’t think she knows what an RSS is. We should have a mom education blog co correct this.
Thanks for these great hints!
I think that blogging can sometimes be an escape from life, but your comments about keeping it real really make sense!
Dave Miers is a good mate of mine, and when he posted about the network I wanted to check it out. Have subscribed to all 4 and am looking forward to reading.
I have a real passion to see technology use to glorify God, and am excite to find others who share this passion!
sweet! welcome to the 8bit community!
hey calum!
shout out to a recent google alert i set up for my name… wouldn’t have found this comment otherwise!!
peaceout amigos.
make sure to check out the rest of our network sites!
John, I’ve just launched a new blog and I’m considering running some sort of contest to help get the word out. Do you think that’s a good idea? I’m on the fence about it.
BTW, I’d also do the more organic stuff too.
i LOVE your new blog, and thanks for choosing to partner with us! We hope you get some traffic!
contests are awesome. i think some GTD stuff would be great giveaway.
Thanks, John!
My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. They even e-mail it out to their friends every once in a while when I actually post something good. I had to teach them the rss thing, and I don’t think they really get it yet, but at least they are trying!
sweet!