Comments on: If You Build It, They (Might) Come

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:47:02 +0000

If you read my most recent post here (http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/social-media/15-steps-to-effective-social-media-marketing/) it has some great takeaways summarized by yours truly from the MarketingProfs Digital Mixer last week here in Chicago – this advice comes from some of the best of the best and is a good read for any blogger, especially in combating that self doubt.

It is tough, Sharalyn – I look at my numbers all the time and while I have seen peaks and valleys – there has always been a steady increase. Each month, so far, I’ve done better, my views and visits have increased, subscriptions have gone up after making calls to action more OBVIOUS, etc. Try new things – maybe what you’re doing is great, but it’s time to incorporate a video post (that’s just a hypothetical).

There will always be times when you think a post is great but you get no views or comments, and vice versa. You could think a post was terrible and it ends up being one of your biggest successes. The numbers fool me all the time. Just keep your head up and look at the big picture. As long as you’re growing your community and numbers are increasing, you’re doing something right – when you’re steady or declining, it’s time to rock the boat and mix things up.

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:39:47 +0000

No problem Lisa – that’s what a BLOG is all about: CONVERSATION. Thanks for being a part of it!

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:37:26 +0000

Twitter is a great CONVERSATION tool. But it is also the PRIMARY source of traffic to my blog (a challenge I, and a lot of others, are faced with is spreading around that PR) – I’m not one who recommends putting all of your eggs into one basket. Twitter may not be here forever. But I do agree with your point here – that you have to develop a reputation within your community – so that the link-sharing isn’t shameless and there is relevance. Also, use Twitter to HUMANIZE your blog – let people get some perspective into the “real you” both on, and away from your blog.

By: Sharalyn Hartwell

Sharalyn Hartwell — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:25:43 +0000

I love all this commentary everyone. I have a unique situation. My “blog” is a column for the Examiner. Like a blog, I write about what ever I want pertaining to my topic (in my case, it’s Generation Y). And, like a blog, I get to throw in my own opinion and insight. But, it isn’t a blog exactly, it’s still on an accredited media site and I have to pay attention to things in the news which pertain to Gen Y and literally cover a beat. That is all fairly easy to digest (sorry, I just wanted everyone to understand my situation). But, where I get stuck is the promotion as well. My financial success of this column literally depends on page views (i.e. developing a following and getting my columns sent around). I feel like I’m doing well for only being at it for 4 months, but I look at the success of others and it’s depressing. (haha) It becomes overwhelming when I try to take on too much (I have to post several times a day). I’m new to the online “community” (and I’m quickly discovering it is a community” and learning so much right now. I can say that you definitely receive a lot, when you give just a little, and I’m grateful for that.
I agree whole-heartedly with Matt and the other people who say you have to be proud of what you write. I am very proud of my column and my material. Ultimately I believe in it, but it’s hard to keep those self-doubting moments at bay when you write something you think is great and see lackluster page views. Like most things in life, I suppose the key is perseverance and patience. And, it probably doesn’t hurt to not be afraid to think you’re great and dream big too!
Thanks to all. I”m eager to learn from all of you!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:07:19 +0000

Excellent point Matt! That’s what our 2.0 world is all about. Thank you for creating this forum for collaboration.

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:01:10 +0000

Hi Jessica! This quote (shared above) says it all:

“You must become so convinced of the benefits of your product or service that you feel you’d be unjustly depriving people by not doing everything in your power to get the word out. “

Focus on your writing first and foremost. Become so much in love with your own writing and your own perspective that you just HAVE to share it with your Twitter followers, Facebook Friends, LinkedIn connections etc. You want to get to the point where you feel as though you are providing a disservice by NOT promoting it. When you get there, there’s no shame at all.

And believe me when I say – I’ve got a long way to go – a lot of work to do – I’m not there yet at all (and neither are most people). Keep working at it and you’ll get there!

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:57:56 +0000

Jenny – I am liking you more and more with every comment here – so glad to have you as a part of the community here! You hit the nail on the head – you have to have that “it” factor – something (or many things) that keeps people coming back for more – whether it be your amazing content, your ability to engage conversation, knowing that you’ll get a reply when you comment, a cool design, maybe even good looks? (ehem…was I just describing myself there?) – You have to have something that is memorable and defining.

Establish that connection with your audience and the “marketing” becomes second nature. Did I mention I’m modest too?