Thoughts on Finding Readers?

[Evan]

To build my readership to where it is (small) I have mostly commented on others blogs, submitted to some blog carnivals and run one, done some guest posts and kept writing content.

To build my readership to 10 or more times what it is now I think I need a new way of doing things. To get this many readers the way I've been doing would take me way too long.

Fora (forums) haven't been great for me. They are either very small or too large. If too large I would have to spend ages developing a profile, also they tend to be groupies eg. those on Steve Pavlina's forum don't welcome any disagreement with what Steve has to say. This is OK by me (and partly the way the blogosphere works) but means it is hard to use this as a source of traffic.

So if anyone has ideas on new ways to find readers I'd love to know them. Many thanks, Evan.

[paulpiotrowski]

To build my readership to where it is (small) I have mostly commented on others blogs, submitted to some blog carnivals and run one, done some guest posts and kept writing content.

To build my readership to 10 or more times what it is now I think I need a new way of doing things. To get this many readers the way I've been doing would take me way too long.

Fora (forums) haven't been great for me. They are either very small or too large. If too large I would have to spend ages developing a profile, also they tend to be groupies eg. those on Steve Pavlina's forum don't welcome any disagreement with what Steve has to say. This is OK by me (and partly the way the blogosphere works) but means it is hard to use this as a source of traffic.

So if anyone has ideas on new ways to find readers I'd love to know them. Many thanks, Evan.

Have you considered creating a "Bribe"?

A bribe is something of value that you create which you could easily sell, but instead give away for free in exchange for signing up for your email list.

For example:

• An eBook
• An audio recorded interview with an expert in your field
• A video you create
• Some sort of tool
• etc.

Basically, think of something that you can create digitally that could sell for $30-$100. Then, give it away for free after they sign up to your email list.

Make sure whatever you give away for free contains links coming back to your site and with a little bit of luck people will spread your product around and people will sign up to come back to your site.

[Evan]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate the suggestion - it's a good one.

[techdojo]

I think the main thing (and this is just my thoughts as I haven't implemented it for myself yet) is to identify the uniqueness that is you and emphasise it. Speak loudly and with your own voice, never miss a trick to leave your url somewhere (anywhere). A point in case - I've just had to look up your profile in the forum to find a link to your homepage, ideally it should be listed in your signature (like Paul does, and like I will be doing soon ).

Eventually google will start to notice all these links and (hopefully) your search rankings will improve.

Make your articles as SEO friendly as you can - this is a major topic in it's own right and the goalposts keep shifting so it's not an easy task.

I've not had a chance to have a good look though your site, but it did seem a bit text heavy to me, maybe try a rebranding exercise, redesign your site, work out exactly what your message is and what your trying to say and make sure your articles reflect it and make sure that your design and layout make it as easy as possible for any potential people who drop by to recognise it - I know all of that seems easier said than done - but preserve, take all forms of critic and criticism on board and go with your heart and you shouldn't go too far wrong.

Also - who is your target market, how would you normally find these people, where do they congregate, what do they read, what do they like / want. Answer these questions and you'll know the how.

As you seem to have a fair number of articles on your blog - have you though about collating the articles into an almanac which could link nicely in with Paul's idea above, it might also enable you to develop other income streams through royalties or sales via self publishing sites like Lulu, or via electronic formats such as the iPhone or Android phones.

[Evan]

Thanks. I did edit my signature but it doesn't seem to be showing up.

All the advice about my blog, thanks for your time and help, is good but doesn't really address my question.


"Also - who is your target market, how would you normally find these people, where do they congregate, what do they read, what do they like / want." This was sort of my question.

I very much appreciate the time you have taken to look at my blog. Thanks

[Evan]

Signature seems to be showing up now. Not sure what changed.