So You Think You Can Learn To Be A Successful Blogger

We all yearn to be more successful at blogging.  Why else are you reading this post?  No doubt you know that our tagline is "Learn How To Be A Successful Blogger." That title appears in search engines, along with the description: "A team blog about Blogging tips and resources to help you in Blogging With Success." No wonder, we are on the first results page for our tagline. That means good organic hits and low bounce rates from related searches like the ones in this Analytics snapshot:

Good for us, but where do you fit in that picture? Can we really tell you how to be more successful? Yes. Are you learning and making progress toward blogging success? We don't know! A lot depends on how engaged you are and your definition of success.

Some introspection on both our ends as authors and readers should shed light on this tricky question:  "Are you learning from this blog? If not, why not?"  The answers could bring our focus more in line and change the way we view things going forward.

Are we teaching what you want to learn?

The fact that we put ourselves out there as 'instructors' in the arena of successful blogging, means you will find knowledge and 'spot on' experience. Notice I did not say '...,that you can't find anywhere else!" As far as what's on your mind when you read this blog ---Do you know what you want to learn? And don't tell me "be a blogging success!" --- wrong answer!

Measuring

The first step is defining your goals for success. You need to put it in your own words and have a short and long-term version. Maybe you just want a specific outcome like "a successful conversion to WP." Or reach some desirable "increase in subscribers."  Or achieve wealth or prominence as a "successful proBlogger."

How did you land here?

Then exam 'what was I thinking' when I subscribed; what am I thinking now. What have I done to enroll in the right 'class.'

• If this is your first visit, the post title and subject caught your attention. You may find what you wanted and then move on. We call this bouncing and have no problem with visitors who find another useful list of  'good blogger characteristics' or 'must have' widgets. But they have not enrolled in our "class."
• If you have the RSS feed, but only browse through the posts every once in a while, then you're sort of like the bouncer above. Difference is you 'paid' by signing up and sort of promised your attendance and participation. We call these 'no shows."  Google counts them as 'low reach.'
• If you visit and comment on many posts, you know there's something you can learn or contribute. But do you acquire or hone that skill? Do your comments sometimes look like you're 'phoning' it in? Well maybe, you should ask questions. Suggest how we can better help you. You can 'audit classes', but please share with the others your new or expert experiences.

Are you learning what we teach you?

Our focus is to share 'helpful' posts that .encourage you to take action.  I mean really helpful, not just nicely worded, formatted and outfitted with cute pictures (well, maybe just one!) Learning is a process. You gain knowledge and skill through study. However, there is a behaviour modification aspect. You must actually experience what you study to form your own direction or realization of success on your terms.

Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it-David Jordan

Only you can know 'what to do next', our blog presents the framework and skills that can be learned. It's up to you to take the next step, be virtuous by doing it.

Since we can not cover every need with every post, we focus on key areas.  These are represented by 6 categories for easier searching: Design, Goals, Monetizing, Promotion, Resources, Tips (writing, content, self-improvement) - a variation of the categories in the 100 articles to help you with blogging. Call this our curriculum.  Our 'calls for action' are the assignments that let you apply new knowledge toward your goal.

How can we be more virtuous?

We need a different level of commitment on each side of the blog. As instructors, the BWS authors need to state how posts or series contribute to successful blogging within that category. As participants, you need to let us know more specifically how we can tailor the classes or give private lessons based on your goals for better blogging.

Did that happen with last month's posts? Take a look at just the titles in the May 2009 section of the Archives [opens in new window]. Can you recall the content and what actions you took? Let us know by sending a note using this contact form. The form will allow us to make adjustments in our July schedule of posts. Our definitions of success and learning must at least overlap.

Please state:

1. Which posts did & which did not fit  'what you want to learn".
2. How has your view of any aspect of blogging changed after May's "lessons"?
3. What is your 4 week goal for more blogging success?

[contact-form 5 "Blogger Learning"]

Yes, the next step is yours!  And you can also leave a comment on this post if you prefer.  See reader submissions as of June 22 on the recap post.