Written on June 10th, 2009 at 12:06 am by Darren Rowse
13 Things I’ve Learned about Successful Blogging [My 5000th Post on ProBlogger]
This is my 5000th post here on ProBlogger.net. To commemorate the moment I thought I’d share some of the lessons that I’ve learned in building my blogs.
I was recently asked as the last question (with 60 seconds to go) in a radio interview how I’d built my blogs into successful blogs. What follows is what I wish I’d had time to say.
1. Anticipate Growing Trends
I started ProBlogger back in 2004 (after blogging for a couple of years on other blogs) with a suspicion that making money from blogs would be something that would become more and more common. This blog was an attempt to position myself in the middle of that emerging trend, to help shape it and to create a profile within it.
Take Home Lesson: Watch for and anticipate emerging trends and attempt to plonk yourself (plonk being the technical word for it) right down in the middle of them. Of course this is not easy and there’s an element of luck in picking the right trend (see below for more on Luck).
2. Solve Problems and Meet Needs
This blog has always been a ‘how to’ or ‘tips’ type blog. This is not the only type of blog that succeeds but it certainly is a great thing to build a blog around. I’ve started 30 or so blogs over the years and the only three that have had success and survive today take on a ‘tips’ approach.
Take Home Lesson: My mantra of late: ’solve people’s problems and they’ll come back for more (and tell their friends about you)’.
3. Write for YOU
I began ProBlogger with multiple goals – one of which was to teach myself how to be a better blogger. While I’d been blogging for two years before starting this blog and had been making money from those blogs for a year – I was a the beginning of my journey and wanted to learn more about blogging.
Many of my posts (particularly early ones) have been recording of the lessons I’m learning, research that I’m doing into areas that I wanted to know more about and questions that I asked others to share their experience in (so we could all learn).
I also have a genuine interest in blogging. Again – of the 30 blogs I’ve run over the years its been those that I’ve had a genuine interest in that I’ve been able to sustain.
Take Home Lesson: Blog about topics you enjoy and have an interest in. Write for yourself as much as anyone else. Your readers will be more drawn into your blogging if they see you as the blogger are engaged.
4. Blog over the Long Term and Blog Regularly
In September of this year I’ll have published posts virtually every day on this blog for 5 years (that makes me tired just thinking about it).
5000 posts is small in comparison to some blogs out there but it signals to readers that you’re here for the long haul and are willing to be consistant in providing them with content to engage with.
While it’s not the only factor, sticking at blogging on the one topic for that long and people are bound to start noticing.
Take Home Lesson: if you’re looking for success with your blog – bunker down and set yourself for a long term project.
5. Be Interactive
While it’s an area that can always improve I’ve worked hard over the years to build a blog that is interactive.
Whether it be the comments section (there are now 148,294 comments on this blog), competitions/giveaways, polls, group writing projects etc – I’ve been quite intentional about giving people things to DO when they visit ProBlogger.
Take Home Lesson: People don’t just come online to consume content – many are looking to contribute, interact and belong.
6. Be Personal
I’ve not been overly strategic about this – rather I think it’s my natural style/instinct – but here at ProBlogger I’ve always injected a personal flavor into this blog.
It’s partly about the way I write but also comes out in the video posts that I do, using my own image around the blog, telling about the mistakes I’ve made as well as the successes, writing with emotion (at times), showing a more personal side on Twitter and the stories that I try to inject into my posts from time to time.
People respond well to this – my hunch is that they’re more likely to keep coming back to a blog if they feel they have a connection with a person there.
Take Home Lesson: don’t be afraid to let the real you shine through on your blog. People connect with people not just words.
7. Go Where People Are Already Gathering
I spend a lot of time OFF my blog interacting with people. Whether it be Twitter, Facebook or on other people’s blogs etc – I try to spend time where the kind of people I want to read my blog hang out (as well as the ones who already do read my blog).
When you do this you not only find new readers but you build your brand, meet others who are doing similar things to you to network with and you learn a lot of lessons that you can take back to improve your blog.
Take Home Lesson: Don’t be too insular and just spend time on your own web property – get out there and participate in the wider web.
8. Build Your Brand
My efforts in branding have come about more on instinct than much else but I have worked hard to get the name ‘ProBlogger’ out there over the last 5 years.
I use it (and the logo of this blog) in social media, on the book I co-authored, when I’m speaking or being interviewed and wherever else I can.
I’m fortunate enough (and there’s a big element of luck here in that I chose to use that name for my blog) to have a brand that people actually have come to use in describing those making a living from blogging.
Take Home Lesson: Don’t just think about how you can find new readers – think about how you can make a positive impression upon those who come into contact with you or your blog.
9. Spot and Follow Opportunities
Tuning in to the opportunities that constantly arise around you is one of the main skills that I’d encourage new business owners to work on.
My recent 31 Days to Build a Better Blog workbook is an example of this. I was running this project as a free series of posts here on ProBlogger when participants began to ask me for something that put it all in one document to work on in their own time. I began to see an opportunity to extend the project and the workbook idea was born. I followed the thread of an idea and made it a reality and in doing so created another income stream for my blog.
Note: part of this process is making mistakes. For every thing that I’ve done on my blog that has worked – there are 10 – 20 that have either been ‘average’ and not worth repeating or screaming failures. The key is to try new things – lots of them.
Take Home Lesson: Never be satisfied with the way you currently do things. There’s always a way to evolve what you’re doing now and make it better, to take a mistake you’ve made and flip it into a success story or to grow something that your readers respond well to into a project of its own.
10. Develop Partnerships
I’m very aware of my own limitations. There are aspects of my business and my blogging where I lack skills or where I’m not experienced.
In these ‘weaknesses’ I choose to develop partnerships and relationships with others.
At times this has meant hiring others to do work, occasionally it’s meant bartering or exchanging services with one another and on rarer occasions it has led to business partnerships (almost always this business partnership type arrangement has emerged slowly over time).
Take Home Lesson: While it’s possible to do everything yourself there comes a ceiling where you either need to stop growing or involve others. My main advice on finding people to work with is to take it slow. Develop a relationship, do small things first instead of investing too much into the relationship and work with people you like.
11. Know Your Goals and Stay Focused
I’m not the most organized, disciplined, strategic or structured person in the world.
However…. I do have a handful of overarching goals and values that determine much of what I do each day.
I think it’s really important to have some kind of vision or goal of where you’re headed – without this you’ll easily get off track and become distracted.
Take Home Lesson: It doesn’t need to be a formal strategic plan – but do know why you’re doing what you do and be willing to filter things that don’t fit with that goal from your daily activities.
12. Work Hard
This comes out in some of the points above but I think it needs to be stated again. Some promote blogging as a passive income or an easy way to make money online.
While I know a few bloggers who make a little money with spammy, automated tools – the reality is that the blogs those create will never have great long term success. They might make a few dollars but if you want to build a blog that builds a readership, that builds your profile, that is respected and well regarded as an authority and that is profitable in the long term – you need be ready to work your butt off.
I can’t really speak for others but I know that the success I’ve had in blogging so far has come from a lot of hard work.
Take Home Lesson: Long hours, extreme effort, sacrifice and a lot of time go into building great blogs.
13. Be Lucky
I’ve spoken about this previously but Luck has and continues to play a part of my blogging success (previous mentions on luck include Be Lucky and How to Be Lucky.
While there are times where you make your own luck – there are also times where things do just seem to fall in your lap. The key is to make the most of these instances.
Take Home Lesson: When good fortune does strike think about how you can extend it and make the most of it.
What Lessons Have You Learned about Blogging?
I’d love to hear some of the lessons that other bloggers have learned in their time as bloggers (whether they be long or short journeys). Share your lessons in comments below so we can learn from your experience!
151 Responses to “13 Things I’ve Learned about Successful Blogging [My 5000th Post on ProBlogger]” - Add Yours
BlogSEOExpert - SEO for Blogs
June 10th, 2009 12:43 am
Congratulations, Darren, on achieving this milestone! And all the points are awesome.
I particularly liked the first 3 – writing about something you love is the key. Only then, you can create interesting posts.
Also, only when you are genuinely interested in your topic, you can keep the blog going for a long time. It not just inspores trust in your readrs, but also in the search engines :-)
And yes, spotting trends early can reap tremendous benefits – that way, you would be at the top of the niche when the herd starts entering!
Congrats once again…
Mike
June 10th, 2009 12:43 am
Congrats Darren!!
It’s great that your hard work and dedication to your craft has allowed you to grow and persevere both personally and professionally from blogging. The connections you’ve made and the lives you’ve changed must be very gratifying.
Cheers!!
Anna
June 10th, 2009 12:54 am
Congrats on your 5,000 posts Darren! I’ve always admired the fact that you don’t claim to have any shortcut formula to success (unlike some of your other competitors out there who shall remain nameless). And it’s encouraging to hear that it took over 30 blogs for you to finally have 3 that actually worked. That gives me to motivation to keep trying, so thank you!
Stock Market Club
June 10th, 2009 12:58 am
I love 13…..Luck. It is completely true. You do everything right, work every angle, nothing seems to work. Then suddenly by a stroke of “luck” you find a niche.
The old cliche is still true, hard working people are luckier then lazy people.
Great post Darren
The Bad Blogger
June 10th, 2009 12:59 am
Seriously I do not believe in luck much, sure luck is one thing, but to me is like a billion to one. not every one is like you and not everyone is lucky to get what they want.
I always believe that success, is all about the mind of persistence, that you believe “you deserve success.”
But anyway, I would like to gratz you for hitting 5000 post, which is a super great achievement to be happy with.
Mikael
June 10th, 2009 1:02 am
Congratulations, Darren!
I haven´t read all your post, but during the three last years I think I have read a majority of your posts and I have learnd a lot.
Thank you!
Michael Aulia
June 10th, 2009 1:04 am
Wow 5000th posts and still growing :D
The tips surely repesent yourself and what you have done so far to this blog.
Keep blogging and keep passionate about it. Results will surely follow afterwards
kosmo @ The Casual Observer
June 10th, 2009 1:08 am
5000 posts – wow, that’s great.
Posting every day is a lot harder than it sounds! I moved to a 7 day a week schedule about 6 weeks ago, and even with 2 weekly columnists on The Casual Observer to take some of the work load, it can be difficult to have something fresh every day – especially when Real Life (jobs, families, etc) gets in the way.
You definitely deserve the riches and fame you get from ProBlogger – you obviously pour a lot of effort into it.
kosmo @ The Casual Observer
June 10th, 2009 1:13 am
Oh, regarding luck … one of my favorite quotes is from John Milton, later made more famous by Branch Rickey (Dodgers general manager):
“Luck is the residue of design”
Salman
June 10th, 2009 1:14 am
Hi Darren
Congrats on your 5000th post.I wish you gain more success.
Regards
Salman
http://www.tips4blogging.co.cc for blogging tips and hacks.
Most awaited post published.To view visit the site.
Dominique
June 10th, 2009 1:20 am
Congrads on your milestone. My blog is way far from there.. the most 250 posts so far for a 1.5yr old blog.
I agree that one should blog about what one is passionate about and build it up from there.
Paramendra Bhagat
June 10th, 2009 1:26 am
You could have put a better picture. Looks like you are trying too hard to look at me! :-)
Rob McGuire
June 10th, 2009 1:26 am
5,000 is a huge number and this blog truly is one of the mainstays in the blogging world. Congrats on the past and continued luck for the future!
Ramkarthik
June 10th, 2009 1:26 am
Congrats Darren on 5000th post.
This, like every other 4999 posts, has so much information.
Every single point you have mentioned here is key for successful blogging. I’d say building a personal brand and working hard are two of the most important factors for success.
If you have a brand, you can start something today and get it popular in minutes.
Surely personal brand is one of the reasons why some people in twitter get over 10,000 followers within a week.
I’d also point out “consistency”. Consistency is important in blogging. Keep going. Did you come across a failure? Don’t let it affect you. Keep going.
Thanks Darren for giving people a huge resource for learning how to blog better and make money online. Looking forward to read the 10,000th post soon.
Jason
June 10th, 2009 1:34 am
More original content, less filler content that everyone has seen.
Youngistaan
June 10th, 2009 1:35 am
Congratulations @Darren. I am reading your blog since 6 months. And i can say this blog help me a lot. Thanks
Wulf Gar
June 10th, 2009 1:42 am
Congratulations Darren!
Your posts have helped me tremendously, and your 5000th post was no exception.
You are at the top of your game. I’ll see you at 10,000!! Onward!
Vanessa
June 10th, 2009 1:49 am
You’ve been consistent in helping bloggers for years and you do have a talent for trends. Congratulations Darren.
Philip Nowak
June 10th, 2009 1:53 am
Darren, Congratulations on a wonderful achievement. Your tips on blogging are extremely valuable, especially to bloggers that are just starting out. My goal is to publish a blog post everyday for an entire year. For now, I am starting out small by attempting to post everyday for the upcoming month of July.
윤선
June 10th, 2009 1:53 am
Wow! Congrats on 5000 posts! That’s certainly a milestone! And thanks for the great tips! Keep it up!
SATISH -- Technotip.org
June 10th, 2009 1:54 am
Congrats Darren… Its not just 5000 articles, its the premium quality, most valuable articles that I have found in the internet so far.
Thanks for all the articles that you have written. If I ever get successful with blogging, that will be because of a lot of learning from you and your blog(s).
Andy Beal
June 10th, 2009 1:55 am
Congrats Darren!
Team Nirvana
June 10th, 2009 1:57 am
Hearty Congratulations Darren over the successful completion of 5K posts.
This is not an easy job to do and you had been consistent all this while educating us.
Way to go.
Donelle
June 10th, 2009 2:00 am
5000?! Wow!!! Congrats, Darren. It will be years before most of us get there.
Excellent post. It encompasses all of the things you’ve been teaching us in the challenge. So clever!
Thanks for sharing with us! Happy day!
E. Foley - Geek's Dream Girl
June 10th, 2009 2:02 am
Congrats!! I’ve learned so many cool tips about blogging from you in the past year or so. What’s also wonderful is that you’re not one of those snotty successful types who won’t talk to the “regular” people of the world. Thank you for being a great blogger and a great PERSON. The second thing is the big reason the first thing could happen. :-)
*hugz*
Shirley @ Solo Business Marketing
June 10th, 2009 2:03 am
Congratulations and continued success to you, Darren.
Out of everything you’ve outlined, No. 10 is just starting to take root for me.
The one area of blogging that I’ve learned draws the most eyeballs and comments are the posts where I talk about how certain parts of marketing affect me personally. It proves how much readers appreciate learning about you in addition to the topic.
I raise my juice glass to your next 5,000.
Tony Teegarden
June 10th, 2009 2:04 am
One of the things I’ve learned is not to be afraid to take risks or be confrontational. I wouldn’t do it just for the sake of doing it but I certainly don’t worry about being so “politically correct” anymore.
I’ve done my best to be transparent and open and at the same time not attempt to be everything to every body.
Call out what you see and let your opinion be heard. This is one of the reasons I was featured in Joe Vitale’s latest book Expect Miracles. I called it like I saw it on my blog and didn’t mind getting blow back.
Be open, be real and be you is one one of the main things I’ve learned!
venkat
June 10th, 2009 2:05 am
Congrats on completeing 5000 post these are real qualities of professional blogger that give inpiration to upcoming blogger slike me hopeI piock soem points you mentioned and move forward in my blgoging.
Howitzer
June 10th, 2009 2:09 am
Congrats… enjoyed your input over at Twitter.. haven’t spent much time over here but will try to.. blogging is fun and it good to see someone who has learned the tricks of the trade
Howitzer
Sarah Mae
June 10th, 2009 2:10 am
Rock the heck on! Awesome Darren!
What I’ve learned…really simple things, like prompting people to do something and spacing out paragraphs for your posts do wonders in gaining an audience!
Thanks for your hard work – you play a large role in the successful blogging that is going on today!
My Little Norway
June 10th, 2009 2:11 am
Doing something that is relevant to your life makes blogging much easier.
Because I live in a country where I don’t speak the language – I am faced with the challenge of learning the language in order to live. I started using my blog as a way for me to be accountable for my own learning – posting lessons (mainly for myself) -and over night I’ve doubled our visitors.
I didn’t realise how valuable my personal objective would be to other people. I’m glad I decided to share my journey instead of keeping it to myself.
Sarah Mae
June 10th, 2009 2:11 am
I’m going to look up your very first post….
:)
Nicole/MadlabPost
June 10th, 2009 2:16 am
5000 is a LOT of posts to have on a blog I think and it deserves a Congrats! I wonder if you celebrate milestones on your blogs whether it be this one or the Digital Photography School one.
There are a few things that I learned by blogging but the most important one that stands out now seems to the the lesson of blogging requires a continuous effort and if I’m going to start a blog, then I need to work on it which has been a scary realization about a second blog that I pulled out of abandonment and now I’m going to have to keep up on the blog.
Bloggers who decide on starting a blog should plan to be there for the long haul and treat blogging like it’s more than a short term project.
Rick Friesen
June 10th, 2009 2:17 am
Congrats, Darren!! You have always been an inspiration to me. Your contributions to the community are legendary! Keep it up!
Lisa Irby
June 10th, 2009 2:18 am
Congrats Darren! You deserve all the success you’ve obtained. I credit you for literally quadrupling my RSS subscribers in just a year’s time. Here’s to many more years of success!
Corey Freeman | Outstanding Writer
June 10th, 2009 2:21 am
Woah, 5,000 posts? That’s insane. Congratulations!
I think the number one lesson that I’ve learned while blogging is to learn things your way and go at your own pace. Once you have a good understanding of your own interests and thoughts, then its time to put your knowledge to the test. Could I have gone through courses and classes, etc.? Sure. But I’m stubborn and I like to do things myself and I think I’ve really pumped up my production values, skills, and reputation for it. Never lose track of yourself. ;)
Chrissy
June 10th, 2009 2:24 am
WOW 5000 posts.. I can’t even imagine it! One thing I’ve learned is to put myself into my writing. I have several “things to do in various places” and I used to do the posts more as a news story and not put myself into the mix.. I’ve recently started giving my perspective on the event, what I’ve done when I’ve gone, my favorite food, band, spot to sit, and I’ve gotten much more interaction and subscribers since I’ve started doing that.
Kelly McCausey
June 10th, 2009 2:26 am
Wow! 5000 posts is such an achievement – especially when so many of them have literally shaped our community. Congratulations Darren :)
Sarah Mae
June 10th, 2009 2:26 am
Hehe…I tweeted your first post…
@sarahmaeblogs
:)
Great advice!
Salman
June 10th, 2009 2:26 am
Hi Darren
Congrats on your 5000th post
Sueprb post keep it up.
Reagards
Salman
http://www.tips4blogging.co.cc for blogging tips and hacks
Free t Shirts
June 10th, 2009 2:26 am
Doing the whole unlucky 13 list. Very good material even if you have jinxed yourself for the next year.
Greg Pincus
June 10th, 2009 2:29 am
Congratulations on the milestone… and thanks for the great list. I’d add that numbers 1 through 12 can really help with number 13, luck. I call it setting yourself up for the happy accident because I believe that you really can make a lot of what seems like “luck” happen… even if you can’t ever really be sure exactly how or when it will happen. The steps you listed before 13 all help set things up.
Then, as you note, a key part of “luck” is making the most of it when it happens (which is another reason why your point 11 is so critical). After all, you wouldn’t pick the winning lottery numbers then not cash in the ticket!
Thanks again for the 5,000 posts….
Jim Gaudet
June 10th, 2009 2:30 am
Lucky number 13, how appropriate.
Great post.
C. C. Wooden
June 10th, 2009 2:32 am
Congratulations!! And THANK YOU!!! for all that you have done to make blogging what it is and to mold it’s future. You’re my muse :)
Bill Romer
June 10th, 2009 2:39 am
Wow – congratulations, Darren!
Looks like you hit a winner with #13 about luck. My favorite luck quote is “Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.” I think you made a good point of making the most of it, too.
Thanks for all your hard work.
Roseli A. Bakar
June 10th, 2009 2:45 am
Congrats Darren !
se7en
June 10th, 2009 2:50 am
Oh congratulations on the 5000!!! I have been blogging and reading yours for a year!!! I am nearly at 500 – way to go I guess!!! But I just wanted to say thank-you for such a great blog I have enjoyed every second of it and I have learnt so much from it!!!
Sher
June 10th, 2009 2:53 am
Congrats on your 5,000th post! That’s amazing! I’ve been reading your blog for about the past year and a half…and I’ve still got so much to learn from you and apply it to my blogging!
Thanks for all that you do–and good luck and best wishes with your continued growth and success now and in the future!
turisuna
June 10th, 2009 3:08 am
Wow 50000 posts, wondering how hard you have worked to do all that stuff. I like the point 3, write something that I like, so it’s not too difficult for me to find the idea of my post, well just like doing the hobby itself :)
The Happy Rock
June 10th, 2009 3:15 am
Every day for 5 years is pretty darn amazing!!!! I can’t even fathom that type of commitment, especially as a non-full timer.
I particularly connect with 11. I find the constant struggle is to wade through the vast array of things that could use your attention and block out the things that don’t directly advance you towards your goal is extremely hard. I found that I could go a few days doing lots of stuff, but nothing that truly has an impact when I really analyze things.
It sounds easy, but it requires a lot of effort. Knowing all the things that need to be done, deciding what your goals/values are, and then filtering out the rest. In today’s day this is a task that almost needs to be done every hour and definitely everyday.
Mary Jo
June 10th, 2009 3:20 am
I’ve learned to blog through the down times. It seems like blogging has natural (and sometimes confusing) ebbs and flows. While it’s easy to kick back and take a break during those times, I’ve found that it’s more useful to just keep at it.
Ivan Brezak Brkan
June 10th, 2009 3:24 am
Congratulations Darren. Thank you for getting me into professional blogging!
Lvadgal
June 10th, 2009 3:28 am
Congrats on 5000th post. Fantastic article that shows what it takes to be a recognized blogger.
The time commitment is immense and for so many a blog sounds like a great idea but ends up being a novelty that just wares off.
Always informative and useful content for all bloggers.
Melanie Nelson
June 10th, 2009 3:29 am
Although I don’t comment much (I’m an introvert in real life too), I’ve been reading and learning from you. Your milestone of 5,000 posts is impressive. It’s hard enough to find *ten* people who can consistently write helpful and meaningful articles, let alone one person who can write 5,000. Well done!
What I’ve learned from blogging is that, truly, you have to be content with who and what you are. I’m an introvert so it doesn’t make sense for me to want to be in the spotlight and get the marketing gigs so many bloggers are clamoring for right now. I work better as a builder and helper. I write my blog to help others succeed–so they can get those marketing gigs! ;) Once I realized it’s OK to find success behind-the-scenes, I was much happier doing what I’m doing. Blogging goals aren’t one-size fits all.
DK
June 10th, 2009 3:55 am
Congrats on the BIG 5! – You say its not much but then for me with my almost 300 posts in 1 and 1/2 yrs – it seems a wayyy long off. I noticed that unconsciously, I have been following few of your pointers and I have to say – they indeed do work. Blogging daily is a little hard with a full time job and also in my sphere – food, it involves more of spending time in the kitchen, but I can see how it may have helped.
I have gotten few more “tips” from this post and hopefully they work for me as well….
Once again congrats on the milestone and wishing you zillions more to keep bloggers like me enlightened.
Prince Sioni
June 10th, 2009 4:27 am
Whao! Congratulations Darren on achieving this great feat.
You have been a blessing to me and many others.
Keep up the good work.
From all of us at http://princesioni.com
Gausster
June 10th, 2009 4:45 am
Your posts always get me inspired, Darren. Congrats!
Brent Trahan
June 10th, 2009 4:46 am
Congratulations Darren!
I’ve been a loyal reader since this blog was only a few months old and owe a large part of my website’s success to ProBlogger.
Thanks!
Anne McAllister
June 10th, 2009 4:51 am
5,000 posts! Amazing, Darren. Thank you for sharing your successes — and not so successful endeavors. It helps to keep learning and finding support from bloggers who have done so much more.
You’re an inspiration. Thank you!
Anne
Solar Products
June 10th, 2009 4:53 am
I think this is prime example of the emergence of new media and the changing world of marketing/ advertising. Blogging has revolutionized the way that money is made using the internet. Congratulations Darren on being on the forefront of this new technology.
nudgeme
June 10th, 2009 4:54 am
Congratulations Darren on your 5000th post – and for this helpful post on what makes for successful blogging. It’s the thought of knowing that blogging is about being in for the long haul that can be off-putting ………. just wondering what your tips (or those of your readers) might be for overcoming that thought in the first place so that daily posting doesn’t feel so onerous – esp in terms of regularly writing new content?
Patrick
June 10th, 2009 5:11 am
Congrats Darren!
Joe Gilder
June 10th, 2009 5:13 am
Congrats, Darren. I would tag on to #4 and #11 that making a plan to go along with those goals is huge. As a pretty new blogger, I struggle with blogging day-to-day, as opposed to having posts written and ready to go days in advance. It ends up making me look scrambled and not very put-together.
Your blog, of course, is helping with that. Thanks!
Sudeep
June 10th, 2009 5:30 am
Hello ,
Heartiest Congrats on your 5000 post . You been an inspiration for so many . I am sure many blogger’s would have started their career as pro blogging learning for you .
Well at least I have started after your 31 days workshop on Blogging .Well wish you all the best and Hope to see a day when we could see a post number 10000 on this blog .
Congrats again.
Regards
Sudeep
Asswass
June 10th, 2009 5:32 am
5.000 posts in 5 years? that’s almost 1.000 posts a year and 2,5 posts a day. Congratulations Darren.
Rohit--sitegorge.com
June 10th, 2009 5:34 am
Congrats Darren on the luck you happened to have.
Talking about my learnings of blogging, I say blogging is difficult. Anyone can simplify it through some thinking. You need to have a entrepreneural brain to take your blog to a good level as this one. Besides these, you need to put in a lot of hardwork and can later reap benefits of it.
darya
June 10th, 2009 6:05 am
Wow, congratulations Darren. You are very much an inspiration to me and I’m sure everyone else here.
I haven’t been blogging for nearly as long as you, but I think I would add “Think Big” to your list. One thing that has surprised me most so far in blogging is how easy it is to attain lofty goals if you just aim for them.
A few times I considered settling for a little less or moving a little slower because I wasn’t sure I was ready, but the times where I set my reservations aside and went for the prize have all worked out so far. It is becoming clear that my biggest limit right now is my time and my vision. That is a very empowering feeling.
Karl Foxley
June 10th, 2009 6:45 am
Congrats Darren,
some great tips there.
Regards,
Karl
Catherine
June 10th, 2009 6:52 am
Good list Darren. I’ve been blogging since 2002 and here is my list:
http://abundance.blogs.com/intothelight/2009/06/10-things-ive-learned-about-successful-blogging-after-7-years-blogging.html
Jeff H.
June 10th, 2009 7:01 am
Darren,
Congrats on the 5,000th post! I look forward to the next 5,000 posts you write. Keep up the good work and always stay affordable with your knowledge!
Jeff H.
Blogguebo
June 10th, 2009 7:39 am
Congratulations Darren. Thanks for this great lesson-learned. I still remember our conversation last year on my blog about your blogging tips for non-English language blogs. It’s very helpful dan up to date even till this day.
Cheers from Indonesia. :)
Gerry Faehrmann - YourLawnAndGarden
June 10th, 2009 8:02 am
Well Done, it’s a credit to your resilience and staying power to have achieved so much. Good on you!
Jessica Who
June 10th, 2009 8:28 am
I’m glad that you admit that your hard work has been paired with some luck, you come across as a real person. I love that. I’ve learned that it does take lots of hard work and dedication to blog.
I started http://www.Jessica-Who.com seven weeks ago and have followed so many of your tips, I am already getting over 100 visitors a day. It’s a niche topic, but one in which I know I will grow, especially since I have been making connections with others.
Please continue to make these greats posts, they are always must reads.
Jessica De Leon
Sarri
June 10th, 2009 8:28 am
Congratulations, Darren, from Spain (I don´t know if you have many spanish followers)
I have discovered Problogger only some months ago and I have been following your online 31 Days course, that has been really interesting.
I have been working for many years as journalist for magazines, and in the last years working in Internet business. Your approach for blogging is very similar to the way I worked in special interest magazines time ago….but with the new Era formula that Internet open to us.
Congratulations again.
Darren Rowse
June 10th, 2009 8:40 am
Thanks everyone for your kind words, encouragement and congratulations – I do appreciate it so much.
adrian boioglu
June 10th, 2009 8:41 am
that’s funny. I just posted my 4000th blog post today and then i saw yours :)
keep up the good work. i just hope i’ll be as good as you are in the next 1000 posts ;)
Angi
June 10th, 2009 8:47 am
Congrats Darren on number 5000. What an inspiration!
Mac
June 10th, 2009 8:51 am
I would say the hardest part is sticking to your blog. It’s easy to get side tracked by other things in life. 5000 posts definitely shows dedication.
Congrats.
-Mac
Debbie Petras
June 10th, 2009 8:51 am
Congratulations Darren on reaching this milestone! I’ve learned much from you and that’s why I keep coming back. I love how you share what you’ve learned and give us takeaway lessons. It’s obvious you love what you do even though it’s much work. Keep on blogging!
Paul
June 10th, 2009 9:18 am
Amazing effort. I’ve drawn so much value out of Problogger over the years, almost everything you need to know can be found here either as an indepth guide or as a starting point to learn more.
Just looked at my longest running blog, 220 posts, so 5000 just blows my mind.
JLea
June 10th, 2009 9:27 am
I just found your blog… and I consider myself lucky for doing so… I’m a novice blogger, and appreciate your advice. Thanks, and good luck!
Kathy
June 10th, 2009 9:30 am
Darren, congrats.
I think what I’ve learned so far is it’s true what they say, just when you’re about to give up, is the time to keep going, because that is when the breakthrough happens. Each time I’ve just about given up on a blog/idea I hang in that extra month or two and voila, success. But as you say, it takes work, work and more work. The only easy thing about blogging and working online is that it’s not a physical labouring job, but it’s still a job that you choose and thus you must give it what it needs.
Congrats again.
Kathy
Josh
June 10th, 2009 9:32 am
Hi Darren,
On your comment: …
“Long hours, extreme effort, sacrifice and a lot of time go into building great blogs.”
… I think that can also be extended to business as well. Although it’s nice to get to the point of running things on just a few hours a day. In the beginning it takes significant effort, and consistent interest in what you are doing to make a mark that will last.
Josh
June 10th, 2009 9:33 am
Oh I almost forgot…. congratulations!!!! 5k posts is absolutely amazing!
Michael
June 10th, 2009 9:35 am
well done Darren, you certainly choose an apt name for your blog.
you’ve made such an impressive milestone with 5000 posts.
I will get there (in time) but for now i will continue to be an avid reader and would like to say well done once more and keep up the good work
jen
June 10th, 2009 9:39 am
Congratulations on your 5000th post Darren. I think the hardest thing for most people is anticipating upcoming trends.
I’ve been blogging a bit longer than you and am nearly up to 1000 so obviously I don’t blog as much. I’m trying to collect people’s blogging stories because everyone’s got a different tale to tell and it makes for some very interesting reading http://semanticallydriven.com/blogging_quest.
"H"
June 10th, 2009 9:58 am
Wow! 5000 quality posts!
You are my favorite pro-blogger! Great works!
Tony
June 10th, 2009 9:59 am
GO!! GO!! GO!! Darren, CONGRATS guy..5000 more coming, don’t stop now lol. WAY TO GO!!!
Albert Hallado
June 10th, 2009 10:54 am
Hi Darren,
5000 posts! This is a major accomplishment, Congratulations Darren another great post!
Thanks
God bless you and yours
Albert
Jackie Chia
June 10th, 2009 10:57 am
Great & Congrats.
Corey
June 10th, 2009 11:06 am
hi, first i would like to say that i am a fan of problogger. i found this site whilst googling darren in regards to google adsense and the little camera/picture web site, i think i saw it in a video seminar by joel comm if i remember correctly???
since then, i have tried to learn alot about blogging, google adsense and marketing ones self/brand/product on the internet, and the problogger site has been my best source of help, handy info and guidance. thanks for another great blog article! i am using your information to help me work on my own little blog regarding personal devlopment, home based buisness. cheers!!!
Vivian Love
June 10th, 2009 11:08 am
5000 posts for 5 years. TALK ABOUT PATIENCE. You know, that number of posts doesn’t impress me that much. Instead I’m impressed by the fact that you have started 20-30 blogs to have 3 successful blogs. You have failed many times. Yet you continue. So I just need to figure it out if blogging is some thing I’m willing to stick to it and willing to learn to make it better. You know what this article show me? that I will fail but I won’t be afraid of it. And that’s great.
GossipSecretaries
June 10th, 2009 11:20 am
Congratulations Darren. I am a daily reader of your posts and have been for many months now. Keep up the great work.
Edward Marcel
June 10th, 2009 11:22 am
I have really enjoyed following your blog and reading your materials. I jumped into blogging last week, and while I’ve learned a lot from you, I realize I still have so much to learn! Thanks for being a resource for us rookies!!
- The Emotional Iceberg
Danielle
June 10th, 2009 1:00 pm
I have just gotten started blogging. I am actually doing an internship for Mom’s Talk Network. I found your blog along the way and it is once of my favorite. I am so thankful that you have worked hard and have taken the time to share it with us. I am in the process of reading your book and it keeps the ideas flowing! Thanks for sharing what you have learned!
Ed
June 10th, 2009 2:08 pm
A simple congratulations Darren.
Wonderful that you, are synonymous with “Pro Blogger”.
5,000 posts of good example
Thank you mate
Nathan Hulls
June 10th, 2009 2:39 pm
Hey Darren,
Congrats on the 5000 posts! I love reading your posts, very insightful and such an easy read.. looking forward to the next 5000.
Cheers mate
Nathan Hulls
http://www.webmoneyblog.com
ThemeGrrl
June 10th, 2009 2:46 pm
Happy 5000th post!
Looking forward to the next 5000!
Eric Cummings
June 10th, 2009 4:25 pm
Congrats. Posts like these are why i keep coming back.
Ferry Prima
June 10th, 2009 6:59 pm
Hello.. congrats for you 5000th post.. I think the hardest part in blogging is to consistently write sumthing innovative and I kind of amazed of what have you done. Nice !!!
BLOGERCISE
June 10th, 2009 8:41 pm
I’d argue that point one, jump on growing trends, is the single most important point here for people looking for break. I’ve seen many blogs do all the other things well and not get anywhere.
But I’ve seen bad blogs that are in the right place at the right time that have gone from strength to strength. Once you have momentum you have to really screw things up to drop off. I’d be interested to hear any stories of big blogs that went on to die (for reasons other than they shut down).
My own successes all came from being at the right place at the right time (luck?) but once you are established the next steps are so much easier.
David
June 10th, 2009 11:00 pm
excellent post . You have achieved a lot with your blog . If I succeed half as much as you have I will be very happy
Iris Rounds
June 10th, 2009 11:33 pm
LUCK . . . is that “being at the right place at the right time”? If so, I feel lucky and blessed to have stumbled upon this blog post this morning! The things you pointed out resonated deeply with me and were just what I needed to read today to overcome my procrastination and begin blogging.
Darren, I look forward to reading all 4,999 of your previous posts and at least 5,000 more of your posts yet to be released. You just don’t know how inspiring this 5,000th post has been for me! I look forward to learning a lot from you that will help make my journey as a blogger a much smoother ride.
Thanks, Darren, for making my day!
Robert
June 11th, 2009 12:05 am
WOW!! 5000 is pretty remarkable. Obviously you have a gift for writing, It isnt easy to always come up with the right thing to say, but you seem to have a skill for it. Congrats…
Doug Bauknight
June 11th, 2009 12:55 am
I thought 400 over the years was a feat but 5000??!!!
I’ll try not to feel too small among greatness.
I do however get some comfort from your 13 tips that I not only agree with but practice on my own. I had no idea that my own blog would still be going strong but get such enjoyment out of it because of these very tips you have found.
Most likely you’ve found these the same way I did, through trial and error over time.
Thanks for the list and helping me realize I’m doing this for all the right reasons.
fas
June 11th, 2009 1:45 am
5000 posts, that insane and you still have ideas for the next day, super stuff there. You know how to brainstrom.
Travis Campbell
June 11th, 2009 2:40 am
Darren-
Congrats! 5000 posts is a huge accomplishment! Is there a Guinness Book Record for that one? :-)
Excellent outline, and that you put Be Lucky at #13 far after all the hard work is a fair placement. It took a lot of work to get things where you are at, and you deserve it.
Thanks for inspiring so many.
-Travis
Karen Chaffee
June 11th, 2009 5:00 am
Congratulations on your 5000th post, Darren! That is a lot of work, a lot of sharing.
As to what I’ve learned about blogging, I think thus far I’ve learned at least as much about what doesn’t work as what does. I’ve been blogging for a couple of years, but have more recently done so from a standpoint of making a living with it eventually.
I do know the more I read others, the more I learn. I have also found out that taking risks gains more than always playing it safe, so I experiment.
Thank YOU for all I’ve learned here.
Karen Chaffee
Denise
June 11th, 2009 5:01 am
Congrats Darren on your 5000th post!! I’ve learned more than I could ever even have imagined to be possible. A very long story shortened was I was tired and frustrated, to put it mildly, that I was constantly being told that there were basically nothing but scams and the like and merely a whole lot of dishonesty on the internet. I am happy to say to all of those nay-sayers that they are wrong. I found a very informative and enjoyable blog authority right here, and many others through ProBlogger, and my world has changed significantly. I appreciate all that you have shared, the education, the sincerity and the honesty. I’m finding that it is a lot of work and long hours but am enjoying it. I look forward to your next 5000 posts. Continued success to you Darren.
quickmoneyone
June 11th, 2009 5:23 am
Defenitly awsome 5000 post???? incredible I havent event started mine yet but I cant wait to be there thanks for the book hope i can read 31 days soon I am getting so exited from just reading all the success stories from you really inspiring dont change
Julie Duriga
June 11th, 2009 6:26 am
Congratulations! 5000 posts…what a an incredible accomplishment! As a new blogger, I aspire to be as credible and as well known as you. Thanks for your honesty and for your contribution.
filoss
June 11th, 2009 7:15 am
Congrats!
I found your blog just few weeks ago, but I like it. Now Im reading all your new posts and try to read older. 5000? Oh, I will spend there a looong tim ;)
Good luck ;)
Keith Dsouza
June 11th, 2009 11:30 am
Congrats on completing 5000 posts Darren, that’s huge achievement, I reached a milestone too recently and it felt really really great.
Congrats once again and Cheers.
Errol Moo Young
June 11th, 2009 12:49 pm
Congrats on a really inspiring, sincere and practical post. I’ve been reading and learning a lot from your blogs. But 5000 posts? I thought it was a typo error. Here I was agonizing on my 40th post, with few visitors. Now I’ll just keep your 13 points right beside my computer for handy reference and reminders. Work hard, build your brand and be ready when luck comes around, that will be my mantra. Thanks.
The Computer Lady
June 11th, 2009 4:27 pm
Congratulations on the 5,000th post Darren. I think I’m about 3,000 behind you :-) But then again, I’ve only been blogging for about 9 months now.
I have to say that last year when I had no clue what a blog was, why I would want one, and how I could make money from it I stumbled across your site and as luck would have it won a copy of your book from another site.
Winning is what I write about and I help people win cash and prizes everyday. I have been VERY lucky blogging and did exactly what you said, tried a lot of things until the topic fit. Of course, I should have known it would be my topic because I haven’t stopped talking about sweepstakes since I started entering them in 1993.
Anyway, I wanted to give you one more thing I found that works very well. As my blog(s) have grown what I have done is listen and adapt my blog based on what the readers are telling me. If they suggest something I may try and if it works I keep it. I found that the readers have helped me grow but only because I was willing to adapt and change. If you only stick to what you think is best and aren’t flexible you won’t grow as much as if you listen to your readers and actually learn from them.
I am now a full-time blogger and my site was featured on MSN, AOL, CNN Living and I got to appear on National TV (Tyra Banks show for all of those US people here) so I’d say luck did have something to do with my success.
Keep up the good work – I’m loving the EYEBALLS! I think I need a picture like that on my site – NOT!
Wendy (Sweetie from http://www.sweetiessweeps.com)
Typhoon
June 11th, 2009 7:54 pm
Cool 5000 Posts…Can someone count it? ha ha just joking.
Congrats Darren on achieving this big landmark.
So in how many years can we look your 10000th Post?
Regards
Typhoon a.k.a Sushant
http://www.smartbloggerz.com
Mukund
June 11th, 2009 8:43 pm
Congrats on your 5000th post. You serve as an inspiration for bloggers like me! Continue blogging! Love your site a lot!
Elizabeth
June 11th, 2009 10:09 pm
Congratulations Darren! 5,000 posts is a ton of work!
As far as tips that worked for me… I’m a children’s book illustrator so I started participating in Illustration Friday which made me post at least once a week. Then I countered that with Coloring Page Tuesdays – my own thing where I offer a free coloring page every week – http://coloringpagetuesdays.com/ . So that was two posts per week (and I surprise hit). I fill in the gaps with industry news, interviews, reviews, etc. I’m now posting almost daily and have a pretty decent following…not like yours – but it’s growing!
These are great tips – thanks for sharing!
:)
e
Elizabeth O. Dulemba
http://dulemba.com
Kerry Dexter
June 11th, 2009 10:19 pm
Darren,
two lessons I’ve learned: network with other bloggers. for me, this has brought in repeat traffic from areas outside my niche, which is Celtic folk music and the practice of being a musician.
blog at a pace that works for your readers, your topic, and yourself. I’ve been at it for three years this summer, and find that three posts a week gives me time to let ideas flow through the web and bring in/bring back readers.
congratulations on reaching five thousand — I’m closing in on five hundred.
Sherri @ Luv a Bargain
June 12th, 2009 2:22 am
A HUGE Congratulations on your 5,000th! I look forward to that one day. I have to say you have been such a valuable source of knowledge for me and a great inspiration. I truly believe that you have to have a passion for what you blog about. Thank you so much for helping all of us!!
Lee Ka Hoong
June 12th, 2009 4:15 pm
Wow, 5000th post is damn huge number Darren! I appreciate what you write here in Problogger.net and I’ve learned quite a lot from your blog. Thanks for help us out in the blogging journey. Keep writing great articles! :)
Regards,
Lee
çocuk oyunları
June 12th, 2009 6:55 pm
Your posts always get me inspired, Darren. Congrats!
Tim Bossie
June 12th, 2009 10:37 pm
Holy Mega Blogging Batman! 5000 posts is a milestone that should be highly commended. You are truly an inspiration for both veteran and rookie bloggers. Thank you for the incredible information and guidance along the journey.
Looking forward to the next 5000…. but, don’t take so long this time! :)
Anne-Marie at Blogger University
June 13th, 2009 3:09 am
Congrats Darren! One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to be helpful, which is really what ProBlogger is all about. I try to help people figure out how social media, whether it’s blogging or Twitter two name two, is right for them. When my fellow mom bloggers have questions about ad networks or how to handle PR pitches, I try to share some sound advice based on the experiences I’ve had over the past five years blogging, so they don’t make the same mistakes I have and get over the learning curve quicker.
Tyson J. Hayes
June 13th, 2009 6:58 am
I’ve recently picked up your site from a recommendation from Google Reader, your words are helpful in keeping me working towards my goal to becoming a “blogger.”
Thanks!
Meagan Clarke
June 13th, 2009 10:46 am
What a great post! It is so much more meaningful when you are blogging about something that you are passionate about.
I have had the opportunity to do some extensive traveling and am wanting to start a blog of my adventures and tips for other travelers. I was wanting a reliable site to put my site on to get more viewers. Someone suggested travelhqr.com. If this works, I am definitely going to take what you’ve written about under consideration, it was some great thoughts!
Thanks so much.
Tiger
June 13th, 2009 2:33 pm
Dear Darren,
Congrats on the sheer amount and effort. 5 years is no short time. Just stumbled on your blog about a week ago and am loving it. I would love to know how to make money by blogging. I think I need to look at your archives first. Let me do that and I will come back. Keep posting.
Regards,
Tiger
ZK @ Web Marketing Blog
June 13th, 2009 9:10 pm
Wow we must say that you have explained your 5 years experience in this post. Really useful and should go to Hall of Fame Posts.
Jack
June 14th, 2009 4:31 am
Congrats on 5000. I have a lot of post to read. Just found you site today and have read through a few. Hopefully I can learn a lot from your experience and make my blog better.
Linda-Kitchen Therapy
June 14th, 2009 4:44 am
Congratulations on 5000 Problogger posts! And thank you for starting and sustaining this great blog. I owe a debt of gratitude to you for your generous teachings.
Wishing you (and all of us) many more years of your great posts.
David N
June 14th, 2009 7:33 am
I just created my first blog site today and have really appreciated your advice that I took time to review before getting started.
Appetite Suppressant
June 14th, 2009 12:06 pm
Congrats, Darren, on your 5,000th post.
Your posts have inspired a lot of bloggers to view blogging as a business with huge income potential that requires perseverance and commitment for actualization.
Keep blogging. We are reading.
Entrepinoy Bank
June 14th, 2009 1:47 pm
Darren, this post inspired me to focus more on my goals to become a successful blogger 5 years from now.
Blogging in the topics that I have had a great interest in Entrepinoy Bank is a great .-learning experience. I got many information about entrepreneurship which is a growing trend here in the Philippines, many livelihood skills and success secrets from successful entrepreneurs in the Philippine business community. And I learned a lot in the golden rules from the rags to riches, the young millionaires, the business icons, the achievers and the taipans. I quote their golden rules and posted it in Entrepinoy Bank. I share it on this page…http://entrebankph.com/success-secrets-golden-rule-from-philippines-50-top-entrepreneurs/
Sam
June 15th, 2009 2:49 am
Coming from a creative person – your words are great affirmations of what it’s like to be a creative, intuitive… and I have only been on this site for 15 minutes!!! Thanks for being you! Keep up the good words and Congrats on 5000!!! Look forward to reading more!!!
Mary Ann Holmes
June 16th, 2009 2:40 am
Congrats! I have been coming to your blog often for tips and tricks to improve my blog. I have a long way to go but I am getting there. Once again grats on your 5000th post. I will be back!
Brent "small business trainer"
June 17th, 2009 11:27 pm
5000 posts! Makes me tired to think of it as well.
Sure you didn’t miscount? Just joking.
I would take some exception to the idea that you should only blog about what you personally are interested in, what if you are the guru to only 100’s? Better keep your day job.
Better advice may be to learn to love the subject that lots of other people love or perhaps try a different way to achieve the goal of making a living from the internet.
I do understand where you’re coming from and it would be easier to keep motivated to keep blogging if you love the subject but…
Regardless, keep up the good work.
TheBlogISMine
June 19th, 2009 9:05 pm
Wow 5000th posts and still growing ! Amazing, Darren!
The tips surely repesent yourself and what you have done so far to this blog.
Keep blogging and keep passionate about it. Results will surely follow afterwards
Taran Rampersad
June 22nd, 2009 3:40 am
I think you hit the major points very well, Darren, and I’m glad that a friend of mine pointed me to your post through a comment to something I wrote (http://www.knowprose.com/node/20197#comment-47413 ).
As I noted, being a successful blogger depends a lot on how one determines what the blogger considers to be success. Some may think it’s Technorati ranking (how fickle), or how many people read something, or how much discussion there is, or how much money the site makes.
And after about 10 years of blogging, what I do know is this: As you write, your definition of success will change. And probably most importantly – you can’t please everyone… so why bother? Stephen King wrote in ‘On Writing’ that writers cannot be a part of polite society. I think that this applies to bloggers as well – good bloggers. But then, that’s my own perspective and not one that I expect everyone shares.
But if everyone was a good blogger, we’d have no time to write. We’d be too busy reading. :-)
lingerie wholesale
June 29th, 2009 12:41 am
Good luck I think you will make these projects into a success also!
Nathaniel
July 1st, 2009 7:34 am
Excellent post. I really enjoy reading all of your stuff Darren – keep up the great work!
Abhishek
July 1st, 2009 6:56 pm
This is simply awesome…I read this post for 2-3 times thoroughly and learned from each and every words you mentioned out here.This is definitely going to help me in the long run…I am writing for three months and have managed to get good amount of visitors by now…..A good part of the success is because of you…This is definitely going to help me in the long run.
teratips
July 2nd, 2009 6:06 am
Congratulation, it’s great achieve for you, happy to hear
but 5000th posts in how many years?
http://www.teratips.com
FreeRoller
July 2nd, 2009 5:30 pm
Congs, darren 5000 post plus the moderation of the other blogs & keeping it reliable is perfect.
i think it matches with rule #12 (Work Hard).. congs bro
Make Money Online!!!
July 3rd, 2009 1:02 pm
i m late man but congrat ……………….
Gavin
July 5th, 2009 2:59 am
An amazing achievement, and this post as fine as the other 4999, Pro-blogger has helped me so so much, and for that, and you Darren, i am grateful.
Linda McFadden
July 10th, 2009 2:40 pm
Congratulations on reaching 5000 posts….as someone who is new to blogging that seems like an amazing accomplishment. All of your 13 points about what you have learned are valuable and useful to anyone just starting out. I particularly like that you point out that blogging involves hard work- that you don’t just become a success by spending 15 minutes a day working.
SURVEYS FOR MONEY
July 17th, 2009 7:31 pm
5000 posts thats amazing. Well for me it is lol. The great thing is your content is still fresh and insightful after so many posts. You find new topics to blog about everyday. One thing I need to work on is posting everyday or at least as much as I can. Great tips and post btw.
Ed Hardy bags
July 22nd, 2009 10:25 pm
Congratulations, Darren!
Wrought Iron Furniture
July 29th, 2009 2:10 am
Thanks for the great read, it was very informational on what to do with my blog!
SEO training
August 11th, 2009 3:47 am
Darren, congrats… 5,000 posts…that’s insane! Most bloggers will never achieve that many posts in their lifetime! I definitely have to agree with you on writing about something you’re passionate about. If you don’t love what you do, go home.
I think readers know when you care about a particular subject matter or topic – it comes through in your writing. I’ll be sure to pick up a copy of your book.
thanks so much!
Andre
September 2nd, 2009 3:52 pm
I have to say this was a very interesting read…it actually made me write down some notes for my own site which I am about to change to be more of a blog. However, it’s also a good one for a friend of mine because he wants to get something going himself.
I do believe in making a blog personal…I have been talking in the “we” sense but I think going with the more personalized concept of saying “I” as in “I feel this is a great article” for everyone. I believe it makes a reader feel like there is a real person behind all this.
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