Dear Ethers: I Need Your Advice About One of 365
Now THIS makes an impact. Everyone wants to go to The Ritz! Now, let's be real. My humble blog will never be as mighty as this legend, but I'd certainly like it to be as welcoming and for people to want to come inside. Please help me figure out how I can get a diamond slightly as big as the Ritz
Dear Ether,
I was having a very interesting debate about blogs the other night with a fellow astronaut in the sphere. He also happens to be a marketing strategist so he thinks in a way that I most certainly do not. His insight into this world is fascinating.
I know blogging isn’t about statistics, but c’mon, we all take a gander at them. Not to be competitive and get book deals with Penguin, but to see if anyone out there is reading us. After five months my blog stats have remained the same and this has concerned me. I don’t understand why I’m not getting more hits and why my hit rates aren’t steadily rising (I post every day and I try and choose lovely photos!). Is my site unsightly? Are my pictures ugly? Are my titles/captions bad? My content rubbish? I’m worried. Well, marketing maestro asked me a very interesting question. What was my bounce rate? Well, quite high actually. This, he said, was key. He said people were clicking on my site and then leaving before they had a chance to read my content. Those who read my work probably liked it. This proved the consistency of my solid number I could count on every day. But most other people never got that far. Here’s the analogy he thought best: It’s like having a restaurant. You’ve got great food, an amazing chef and a great interior with lovely staff. Hey, even the toilets are nice with Molton Brown hand soap. But, the awning is rubbish, the sign is torn, you haven’t swept the sidewalk and your curb appeal is just awful. No one is going to walk in and open the door to see the innards because they think the outside is a reflection of the inside.
But is this so? Is that what’s going on? Or, is the market simply too saturated with blogs? OR people can’t be asked to read anything longer than a blurb or two and my posts are too lengthy so when they see my post they find it too daunting? All these questions and more are what make up my blog post today. For those of you who’ve “stepped into my restaurant,” who’ve actually made it this far into my content, I’d love your advice. I want more people to read my writing and readership to grow, but something is wrong and I can’t put my finger on it. So, today I’m asking for suggestions. Think of it as me doing a bit of blog market research. I’m going to put being humble aside for a moment. I think my content is really decent. But again, people aren’t getting that far.
I am not looking for a pat on the back. PLEASE. Don’t toot my horn or try to be nice. Honesty is what I’m looking for. When I set out to write One of 365 I wanted it to be read by a lot of people so I could connect with the world and grow. I don’t want to be another blog statistic. I could really use your advice. Hey, if you think I’m wrong and think my content is shit, fuck it—let me know. Speak your mind. I want my restaurant to flourish and you guys are the people I want to come in and enjoy a meal with.
I also think this will be an interesting case study for other bloggers out there to think about how this might aid you as well if you have the same concerns.
On that note……I appreciate your feedback and wait in haste for thoughts. My ripped awning is waiting to be fixed.
Dedicatedly yours,
—One of 365
Step out of the Ether and send me an E-mail. I would be glad to have your thoughts, feelings and ideas.
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:05 PM
KISS. Keep it simple silly.
I will admit when I first got here I almost closed the page because the post was long. Site was BEAUTIFUL but hey, I’m a busy guy (yeah, right!) and a big long post scares me off. But you asked me to read on twitter so I felt I owed it to you.
So, KISS. What do I mean? Look at some of the really sucessful blogs: they’re either someone from old media trying something new, or someone who managed to get into that sphere of being a famous internet person – likely by a link from another famous internet person, and so one. It’s incestuous.
But there’s a few things these guys have in common: they’re doing it for themselves, and they’re keeping it simple and focused.
Look at the stuff from Merlin Mann or John Gruber. Focused. Their blogs say “this is what I like, and I’m going to talk about it, and if you don’t agree then don’t read”. They aren’t a journal of personal reflections on their life (like my first blog) but they do touch on things that are important to them.
But they keep it simple. Hell, Merlin even makes seperate blogs for seperate things: 43 folders for lifehacking, 5s for lists, and kung fu grippe for all the other random shit that doesn’t fit anywhere else (which is what I love about tumblr).
Gruber on the other hand has something that I think is more to the point I want to get at:
his blog is nothing more than a series of links, with a comment or two, with the occasional lengthy post. It’s brilliant – you check it daily to see what cool stuff you might find, get his insights, and then every once and a while if there’s a big long post you will stick around and read it because you know you actually value this guy’s opinion.
Granted if your first visit is on a day right after he posts a longer post you might come back. But if you’ve gotten into the swing of simple linking and commenting, you wont feel like it’s taking up too much time of your life and then when you get the longer stuff you’ll be fine with it.
On the other point: I know for a fact nobody reads my blog. I don’t do it for them, I do it for me. My friends might read it and chuckle, and who knows maybe a random twitter follower will stumble across it. Would I love to have a real readership? Absolutely, but I don’t – yet. In the meantime I’ll keep talking about what I love until I find that readership. I’ll keep posting links, and quotes, and the occasional longer rant and see where it takes me.
You’re on the right track. Just try not to worry about re-blogs, pings back, and bounces. Just talk about what matters to you and you should do fine.
Hey, you got one new subscriber today! That should count for something.
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:20 PM
I wish I knew…I do think, though that people love large text, short paragraphs and short sentences. But then when I say that I feel depressed, because to me that’s not real writing. Let me know when you find what works & I’ll copy
xx
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:31 PM
I really like your look and the content so I’m not sure. Do you comment on many other blogs, apart from mine ;0) That seems to be a good PR. good luck with it. xxx
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Adam!
What a gem on Twitter! I am so glad that I found you. First off, let me thank you for your time and your incredibly generous response and intelligent thoughts. Your advice is fantastic and I am going to really pay attention to what you’ve said and make some serious changes. And (smile) KISS is my new mantra. I’m going to look at those guys that you mentioned and see what their blogs are about. I’m really curious to know what their draw is. I def. do my blog for myself in the sense that it is cathartic and that I write for me (I don’t write about anything but what I choose to write about). BUT, that said, I want to connect to people. I’m a professional writer and I enjoy the freedom of having a space where I don’t have an Editor breathing down my neck telling me what I can and cannot write about and forcing me to write in a voice that I think is SO not me. I hear what you’re saying—that it shouldn’t matter about RT’s and pings and all that other rubbish. I agree. But it is so wonderful when you have people connect to your life experience and write to you and say that meant something. Adam, I’m not the only one who found a new subscriber today! You did too. And a new Tweetmate. I really look forward to saying in touch. You seem really smart, on top of it and a decent bloke. Thanks again for this. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me.
xoxoxoxoxo
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:45 PM
When I find my awning Helena, I will share it with you. But dammit, if you ever shorten you’re story about how you came to England, I’ll kill you! xoxoxoxo
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Thanks Chic. I do. But I’m not looking for PR. I’m looking to make my blog better so that people read my content before they say “fuck this” LOL! I might have a bit of a problem that I write too lengthy of posts. I might have to shut the fuck up……..
xoxxoxo
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Well I may be totally wrong but isn’t a blog .. for you? I like to read your blogs especially when they are about you. If its something you want to lead on to future work or notoriety etc then .. yes worry about your stats but if its for you and even a handful of people reading why worry ?
I honestly am not worried if my stats are constant, up or down. But then I am not a writer I just love to talk and interact with people so that is how I use my blog. I have connected with some lovely people and too many I couldn’t keep up with. Its your decision but I think you are great as you are .. no bullshit x
November 22nd, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Damn you Ruth, you are always so damned kind and diplomatic. Yes, the blog IS for me. But, I also LOVE writing for other people to read too. Otherwise, I would just write a Word doc journal. The fun is the interaction and the connection with people. The random reader who says, “hey, that was SO me.” Or “that made me cry.” I love that. It makes me feel like I am doing something with myself. My stats don’t worry me for fame….but for people actually reading me. If I am a standstill that means no one is making it to my content and therefore no connection is being made. I’m in this for the long haul. I am writing for me……..but part of that “for me” includes being out there with other people. I don’t know if I’m making sense. xoxoxoxo
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:30 AM
Sometimes, just sometimes I get put off my “too long” posts- in fact I think I visited your blog many many months ago and didn´t read it! But then I tried again recently and love your style and stories. All about time and capacity to take in more than a soundbite. As as you will have noticed I haven´t blogged for a week due to time and I´m sad- but that´s my life! and I am behind of my reading and commenting too! I love the world of blogging though- it makes me so happy.
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:00 AM
I think (and this may be against popular belief) that we do blog because we want others to read it – yes it’s a bit of for me, but if that was really all it was then wouldn’t I do it a bit more privately like I used to with my Diary (yes one of the ones with the completely ineffectual padlocks that a bit of force could spring open – Brother I know you are not reading this but I know you read that). So I think that whilst a blog is a space to write what you feel we write it in a way that we hope others find appealing. It’s a bit like an actor saying that they don’t want people to like their work – yeah sure!
In terms of your blog, I think Adam makes some really good points and KISS is a good mantra. There are some things that will make people curious – people like what other people like so if you get an award shout about it and consider changing your layout so that people see these when they first log on. If you have any great feedback or quotes from anyone who is well know in the blogosphere or wider media ask them if you can quote them in your side bar and put this near the top too.
If XY & Z like you then chances are Joe B will see that and give it more than a cursory glance; once they are in they will stay.
Share the love, link and credit the things you like. Let them know you are linking to them and they may share the love and readership back. This may seem a bit like marketing but it’s just honesty.
I (like Adam) am pretty sure no one really reads my blog but I love doing it. I am not a writer and I take rubbish photos but occasionally what I write may touch a nerve with someone else and it’s makes me feel good so I will continue. If at some point someone comments or links to me then great.
Just one other point – your comment font is so small and the text quite light. I had to take my glasses off and squint really close to the screen to read it. I am a little mole like with my eyesight so it may just be me….
Most importantly keep on keeping on
PCB xx
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:53 AM
I was thinking a little more about the fact that I visit 20 to 30 blogs regularly and try to comment here and there. Easy to take in is better- but now I am hooked on you (and others) I don´t mind!
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 PM
I got addicted to your blog because you were talking from your heart. Yes it is long but I choose to take time to read yours. When my time is counted, I read some shorter blogs. Now that you got me addictive to long post, are you not gonna cut the glass under my feet? you better not! hehe
I dont know your skill in the bloggosphere but the suggestion of Pontecarloblue to be more interactive seems a great idea.
I think you do sublime posts from the heart.
Amicalement, J xXxXxX
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 PM
I am so glad you came back and I am so glad I have a place to hang out at your fab blog. It was meant to be. And blogging—it makes me very, very happy too. xoxoxoxo
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Hey Hot Stuff,
Thanks for your killer comment (and for being able to find my comment button—I will fix that ASAP). I think you and Adam gave some great points. But I want you both to know that I really love blogging and love writing and I do this for ME and not to be the next famous blogger! The only reason I mentioned Stats is because I noticed that people were probably not making into my content and it means a lot to me for people to read what I write because I LOVE connecting to people through my stories and experiences. But, I shall link to other sites and check out more blogs. I am terrible at that and need to be better at leaving comments and scouting out the wonderful sphere and seeing what great stuff is out there because OMG I’ve seen brilliant stuff. By the way, glad we’re Tweet mates….xoxoxoxoxoxo
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Jules! Always there to lend love and support. My goal is to one day write something in full French just for you. I did dedicate my Sonia Rykiel post to you and look…it is one of my most popular posts! You are my good luck charm. I promise I will keep at it…..not glass, okay? I just might mix it up a bit. Some short, some long. And I am thinking of changing my theme as it doesn’t render well in Firefox and i think that might be the criminal that is blocking internet explorer! merde……….
My love to you…..and to your Englishman. May his love for you be as big as his undying adoration for the perfect Queen Elizabeth, Hot Ginge and Wills
November 24th, 2009 at 12:41 AM
I like your blog the way it is! Yes, the posts are a bit longer than most, but yours is one of the few more personal-type blogs I read, and for me, it’s a great break into all of the fashion blogs and other things I browse. I initially came across your blog because of your fashion week post and immediately connected with your voice. I guess I’m not really the one to tell you how to improve since I’ve already been convinced to read your content…all I can say is that I’d be disappointed if you turned your blog into a series of links! I have, though, been recently reading about a similar topic in the ifb (international fashion blogger group), and people are torn because they want a larger readership, but feel pressured to change in order to gain or keep readers. Either way, I hope you find a way you’re happy and content with, and I’ll continue to read.
November 24th, 2009 at 2:39 AM
Dear Ms 365,
I think part of the reason that your stats aren’t building is because you don’t get out and visit more (leave comments) and you don’t update your blogroll.
Bloggers want to feel included in your community. Your write beautifully and your look is incredible. You need to cultivate an educated audience who appreciates depth. Why don’t you look into some of the writers on my blog and leave a comment? And you need to visit those who have you featured on their blogroll so that they continue to send readers your way.
Another point is that you artifically limit your theme to fashion which is too narrow for what your write about.
So, sorry if this is too much but I have thought abous this issue a lot about my own and other’s blogs.
Also, you need a kind of name and an image. People need to write to and think about someone…and it becomes a problem when they can’t immediately ‘get you’.
You should have a larger reading audience, I think if you follow these suggestions you will have a significant increase in followers.
My comments are intended to help you, sincerely, but if you disagree-just ignore please. Since you are a writer, I thought you’d like this information. xx
November 24th, 2009 at 11:15 PM
Hi Cynthia!
Thanks so much for the comment. For always leaving wonderful comments. You are right about my awful stats about comment leaving. The irony is I visit so many blogs and read through them and don’t leave comments. It’s ironic because I LOVE comments and know how important they are. I feel terrible about this and have written before about how I MUST reform myself when it comes to this aspect of me as a blogger and a lover of blogs. I couldn’t agree with you more. As for my blogroll, I am VERY selective about who I add. Ironically, if I visit a blog a few times and DO leave a comment and never hear back, even if I do LOVE the blog I won’t add them to my blogroll because I don’t want to recommend someone who doesn’t reply to comments. That’s the thing. I may be terrible about leaving comments, but I am damned good if you make the effort on my site, about leaving replies. If the blogger can’t be asked to even say thanks or say hello, than I don’t bother with them any longer. It’s crazy, but I find most bloggers are quite rude like this. I am surprised that you think my theme is mainly about fashion! I write about such a variety of things (fashion included) and if you look at my recent posts they don’t include fashion at all. I also think I mix it up really well. I will def. look through my archives, but when I look at my popular post sidebar there is such a variety! As for a name and an image, that’s a toughie but a great thing for me to try and consider. As you know, I’m anonymous and VERY protective about that. Through my stories I try and reveal as much as I can about myself. I give little tidbits away about who I am (where I grew up, my height, hair and eye color—-so many relatable things like my father being tough on me to nail biting). Maybe I need to create an “About Me” link, but even that has to be limited. I really want people out there to reach out and learn about me through my posts. I think that’s what makes the bond. I don’t think a photo (though my body has been shown) is going to change much and a name is certainly not going to make me any more human but just make me more inhibited with what I ironically DO reveal about who I am (therefore limiting people “getting me.”) I am so grateful for your thoughts and I am even considering this being my post for tomorrow with a few more additions. You have been great and I am sorry that I have neglected your always cheerful and charming self and blog.
With lots of sphere love,
One of 365
November 25th, 2009 at 12:41 AM
I read this post just after you published it but didn’t have time to reply (I seem to always be the last person to write a comment on a blog!). I think everyone has said what I would have written. Practically, it took me a while to discover the comment button (it’s tiny) and the type size of the comments is minute, so I have my nose almost on the screen!
Your writing is great – some people write four lines and get 100 comments, others write masses and get a couple – it doesn’t matter – I think you are better off having a few decent comments rather than loads of comments saying ‘thank you for sharing’ or ‘enjoy’ or ‘have a nice day’!
Keep it up!
November 25th, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Hey Louise!
I am SO glad you are back! You left me a great comment before and I am thrilled to see you again. I know. I have to sort that damned comment button out. I have to go into the backend of the theme and make it larger. But, I’m glad you found it. Thanks for the kind compliments. I know what you’re saying. It’s better to get a few good comments than a lot of bollocks that just say “right-o.” I just want to make sure people are reading. I am going to start mixing it up—-shorter AND longer pieces. I’ll see how that goes. Let me know what you think, okay? xoxoxoxox
November 25th, 2009 at 5:23 AM
I have been reading your blog for quite a long time (one of your Belgian readers, although I am English). I also read many of the blogs that you have listed – one you don’t have which I think is totally brilliant is http://www.belgianwaffling.blogspot.com
Emma is wonderful and you will find yourself laughing until your sides hurt. If you have a day to waste, work through her posting to find all about her!
I have more or less given up blogging – I spend too much time reading some brilliant stuff out there so don’t have time to post and also, the more I read, the more pathetic my attempts are!
PS Emma and I live in the same city but we haven’t met yet!
November 29th, 2009 at 2:12 PM
I think the thing about bounce rates doesn’t apply in the same way for blogs as it does for say a commercial website….I am told blogs aren’t as ’sticky’ as sites so the bounce rate can’t be as accurate as google can’t analyise in the same way. Since then I have ignored the bounce rate issue and am much happier for it!!
November 30th, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I would play up your anonymity – you can have an “about me” section (I might even do it on the home page) without giving away personal details. In fact I would be more intrigued to read if I could immediately see that you’re a girl my age, works in magazines, loves fashion, figuring out life/career/relationships etc. I think just a bit of “branding” would help.
But as for the stats – I think you shouldn’t get too caught up in that. My bounce rate is horrific as well, and through my blog numbers have been good the past few months, between month 5-8 (? I think?) I was at a standstill. A fellow blogger told me once that that’s how it happens… you trudge along and then suddenly get a boost… then plateau again.
I think the most important thing is to be authentic. And for you, that means long posts. You’re not a news site where people want a bunch of short posts. I’ve been struggling with that on my site too and decided I’m going to do fewer posts but include more content in each one. That way it’s more manageable for me too – I don’t have the time to do multiple posts a day.
Problogger.net is a great source for all these blog questions if you haven’t checked it out yet.
December 4th, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Michelle! Sorry I didn’t reply to your brilliant advice sooner. Been under a heinous deadline and have been OFFline for a few. I love your idea about a “about me” section that doesn’t have to give too much away but still gives insight into who the heck I am. GREAT idea. It’s also nice to know that gal like you with a GORGEOUS blog feels the plateau too. I agree. Authenticity is key. If that means long posts, so be it! At the end of the day, this is about writing for me and for how I connect to people–and how they hopefully connect to me. My hope is that they’ll cozy up with a cup of cha’ and read my posts rather than rush through them as some do with shorter blogs. Great suggestion for that website…….gosh, I should pay you as a consultant. Anywhooo…….thanks for everything as always. I only wish you the best with your badass beauty and I hope we always remain tag-team buds in the sphere. xoxoxxoox