Personal blog about anything and everything?

[JordanSimps]

Scenario

About a month ago I started a personal blog named SimplyJordan, which can be viewed after clicking my profile homepage button. My blog isn't about one specific niche. I understand this isn't the best route too take, but I plan on putting all my time in this blog and writing unique content. Each article has a unique keyword that is selected after doing a good amount of keyword analysis before continuing to write. I make sure each article is written correctly for SEO. I use Yoast's SEO plugin to help optimize my posts more efficiently.

I currently have 13 published posts. I understand 13 in one month isn't much. I plan on getting more people / friends willing to write in the near future so I can up the amount of posts per month. If anyone is interested in writing on my blog and have knowledge of SEO feel free to give me a PM. I'm sure a way of payment can be negotiated once I decide to monetize the blog.

I understand not every post (to be exact, two posts) are SEOptimized. Sometimes I think it's necessary to post more personal articles to let my readers feel as if there's actually a person writing these articles. On the days I post article(s) I get not much unique traffic at all. I'd say around 100 unique hits. If I go two or three days without posting I'll get probably around 20 unique hits. I'm getting this information from Google Analytics.

I use almost every major social network for advertisement (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, tumblr, digg, StumbleUpon, reddit, and Pinterest). Every time I make a new post, I make sure all the social networks I'm signed up on posts that article. For Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ I used a couple of exchange websites to get followers, likes, retweets, etc. for about a week. I stopped doing that, now.


Questions

1.) I guess the most important question I have would be how difficult is a blog like mine going to be to become successful? I understand hard work and dedication is necessary with any blog / project, especially a blog I'm going for. But in all honesty, is a blog that doesn't obtain a set niche worth the trouble or amount of time?

2.) Should I make a homepage or landing page when people visit my website instead of the latest posts? If so, could I get some example keywords a personal blog or blog that I'm trying to go for use?

3.) I have an idea how to network with Twitter and most of the other social networks I mentioned above. What I don't understand is how do I network with Facebook and Google+? I probably should do more research on this question, but thought it was worth asking.

4.) Is the large featured image displayed above each post too distracting to you guys? I feel as if a new visitor may be confused at first that the featured image for the most recent post would be the header of the entire website. For example, my latest post is "Google Diabetes Glucose Meter Smart Contact Lenses." The featured image is uploaded below. When you visit the homepage of my blog you see that image very large on the top of the page. Did you or would you think other visitors at first glance would think the blog was about whatever that image is?

5.) I want to give my visitors a better way to engage and communicate with each other without using a forum or BuddyPress. Can anybody give any suggestions on plugins that could achieve this?

6.) Is it worth signing up with blogger and other Web 2.0-based websites giving summaries of my articles written on my website with a "Read more..." link to the actual article on my website? Curious if this is a method used or if this is unnecessary.


And finally,

I'm open for any and all suggestions, criticism, what you like, etc. If you have anything that needs to be said more privately, you can email me at 'jordan' following with the 'at' sign and my website. I don't think I have enough posts to PM, so emails are my only option. I also have Instant Messaging. If you look at my profile you'll see all my account names. If you actually made it through this entire post, thanks for reading I hope you post something that contributes to my blog. Thanks.

- Jordan

 

[StuartWalker]

Your blog has little chance of being anything other than a hobby.

People won't visit a blog that's about everything and anything. They visit blogs because they are full of content on similar topics that they have an interest in.

When they land on your blog they might read one post and enjoy it but when they see all the other posts aren't related they will quickly leave and never return.

No one wants to read about your life unless you are famous or interesting. Pick an actual niche and create a blog around that.

 

[Beven]

Your blog has little chance of being anything other than a hobby.

People won't visit a blog that's about everything and anything. They visit blogs because they are full of content on similar topics that they have an interest in.

When they land on your blog they might read one post and enjoy it but when they see all the other posts aren't related they will quickly leave and never return.

No one wants to read about your life unless you are famous or interesting. Pick an actual niche and create a blog around that.

I agree with Stuart, you're wasting your time imo

 

[rob1977]

I don't necessarily agree with the above comments.

I have a friend who owns a personal blog ranked as one of the top ten influential blogs in the UK.

He has a social life and blogs about it, being blunt and honest about his experiences.

He started getting invites for dinner at posh eateries etc, free of charge of course, the owners would pull out all the stops to impress him, because he would write about it, people planning a night out suddenly fell upon his blog.

Personal blogs can naturally fall into a particular niche.

Let's be honest I've seen some personal blogs which is just me and my family stuff. Not going to be anything more. But I have also seen personal blogs which have taken off big time, it depends on how you write it.

People trust the personal touch, they don't want another robotic review site, with all of the keywords to promote a sale.

 

[Ripster]

1. A personal blog won't ever be successful. Who do you think you are? Bill Gates. If you want to be succesful by starting your own personal brand, you'd have better luck on YouTube. Not even trying to be funny here but you will find success faster on YouTube than blogging. Sad, but true.
2. If you do get into blogging, try starting a niche blog.
3. Furthermore, 13 articles is nothing. You need at least 500-1,000 articles before you can even begin complaining about not receiving any traffic. And assuming you post 1 article per day, you will have to wait at least 1-2 years for that.
4. If you aren't patient then blogging isn't for you. Blogging is a long term investment, not short term. So is YouTube but YouTube success can be made a lot faster than blogging.
5. SEO / Google - It's hard for new bloggers to become successful these days due to Google's intense algorithm meaning you'll have to work very hard to SEO your blog without any guarantee of a good ROI.
6. Your Marketing strategy isn't good enough. Posting article links on social media sites isn't going to drive viral traffic to your 13 article blog day after day. You will need to implement SEO, guest posting, video marketing, and long-term solutions in order to build a successful blog.

Source: 3+ years of experience in internet marketing & blogging

 

[ardley216]

you have to have a clear direction and a clear plan.

Fail to prepare prepare to fail.

I would high advise you have a personal blog.. about SOMETHING! A unique take, a niche.

 

[SkyrocketSEO]

Don't listed to these fools, personal blog can be very successful...just STAND OUT, don't mimic, and be fucking unique.

I went to your blog and noticed that it would be really nice, for the starters to have in depth articles, something that is really going to be interesting to read. For example, that Bitcoin article should be 5 times longer. Explore and research the topic t the smallest details, search Redit, go to BTC-e to see what people are chatting about, read latest news on Bitcoins and insert this in the article as well, cover the topic from every angle.
Reach out to people via Twitter, people and organizations with large following, tell them that you talked about them in your latest blog.

This is where the "in depth" article comes handy. If they like your story they will share it with their audience, because everyone likes when someone is writing great stuff about them.

Don't expect fast results but don't be shy.

Search growth hacks, see what others did to get more sign ups and users. etc etc...

 

[JordanSimps]

Your blog has little chance of being anything other than a hobby.


People won't visit a blog that's about everything and anything. They visit blogs because they are full of content on similar topics that they have an interest in.


When they land on your blog they might read one post and enjoy it but when they see all the other posts aren't related they will quickly leave and never return.


No one wants to read about your life unless you are famous or interesting. Pick an actual niche and create a blog around that.

Out of all the thoughts against my idea I found yours the most informational in a respectful manner. Your thoughts have influenced me to implement my idea of creating a personal blog but with more of a direction.


I appreciate your reply.

I don't necessarily agree with the above comments.


I have a friend who owns a personal blog ranked as one of the top ten influential blogs in the UK.


He has a social life and blogs about it, being blunt and honest about his experiences.


He started getting invites for dinner at posh eateries etc, free of charge of course, the owners would pull out all the stops to impress him, because he would write about it, people planning a night out suddenly fell upon his blog.


Personal blogs can naturally fall into a particular niche.


Let's be honest I've seen some personal blogs which is just me and my family stuff. Not going to be anything more. But I have also seen personal blogs which have taken off big time, it depends on how you write it.


People trust the personal touch, they don't want another robotic review site, with all of the keywords to promote a sale.

Thanks for your influential reply.

1. A personal blog won't ever be successful. Who do you think you are? Bill Gates. If you want to be succesful by starting your own personal brand, you'd have better luck on YouTube. Not even trying to be funny here but you will find success faster on YouTube than blogging. Sad, but true.
2. If you do get into blogging, try starting a niche blog.
3. Furthermore, 13 articles is nothing. You need at least 500-1,000 articles before you can even begin complaining about not receiving any traffic. And assuming you post 1 article per day, you will have to wait at least 1-2 years for that.
4. If you aren't patient then blogging isn't for you. Blogging is a long term investment, not short term. So is YouTube but YouTube success can be made a lot faster than blogging.
5. SEO / Google - It's hard for new bloggers to become successful these days due to Google's intense algorithm meaning you'll have to work very hard to SEO your blog without any guarantee of a good ROI.
6. Your Marketing strategy isn't good enough. Posting article links on social media sites isn't going to drive viral traffic to your 13 article blog day after day. You will need to implement SEO, guest posting, video marketing, and long-term solutions in order to build a successful blog.


Source: 3+ years of experience in internet marketing & blogging

1.) Although I agree that heading a more personal route is better done on YouTube, I find YouTube blogs or "vlogs" cliche and corny.


It's like comparing a movie based on a book and the actual book itself. I'd rather read a book then watch a movie. I know everyones different, but I'm trying to do what I think is right. If it means I need to put more effort and time in my plan then so be it.


2.) I agree with you. Starting a blog, especially a first blog, is easier to succeed with a niche blog. I think I'm going to meet you half way. Pick an interesting niche and post personal posts as well.


3 & 4.) I'm not sure I made it clear in my post that I understand starting a blog takes time. Time isn't an issue. I'm not looking to make money. I feel as if whenever I start something with making money as a leading influence I fail.


It's true, I slacked this month with posts. But lets be honest here. You only learn from past mistakes. Every month I put together a list of failures, achievements, and future plans. Putting together a set amount of posts a month is definitely on that list.


5.) SEO is actually something I'm very interested in. I'm always trying to learn more about it. With that being said, I understand a blog or website for that matter will less then likely fail without it.


6.) I understand this. I've decided I need to put together a marketing plan. Basically a thorough list of marketing strategies that I'll strictly follow.

you have to have a clear direction and a clear plan.


Fail to prepare prepare to fail.


I would high advise you have a personal blog.. about SOMETHING! A unique take, a niche.

I agree. Thanks for your reply.

Don't listed to these fools, personal blog can be very successful...just STAND OUT, don't mimic, and be fucking unique.


I went to your blog and noticed that it would be really nice, for the starters to have in depth articles, something that is really going to be interesting to read. For example, that Bitcoin article should be 5 times longer. Explore and research the topic t the smallest details, search Redit, go to BTC-e to see what people are chatting about, read latest news on Bitcoins and insert this in the article as well, cover the topic from every angle.
Reach out to people via Twitter, people and organizations with large following, tell them that you talked about them in your latest blog.


This is where the "in depth" article comes handy. If they like your story they will share it with their audience, because everyone likes when someone is writing great stuff about them.


Don't expect fast results but don't be shy.


Search growth hacks, see what others did to get more sign ups and users. etc etc...

I really enjoyed reading your reply. You're absolutely right. I need to look at every article like it'll make my blog.


I guess the question now is if I should start from square one and delete my posts or move on and leave them. I think I'm gonna move on and leave them. The only problem with that decision is I feel like I'm choosing that choice because it's the easier route. What do you guys think is the better decision?

Another question I have is should I put ads on my blog now or later? I know I said earlier that I'm not trying to make money off my blog, but that doesn't mean I won't want to make some side cash if my blog does succeed.

If I put them on now people will come to the website and probably ignore them. If I put them on in the future when I have more of a following people may get upset that I'm trying to make money. Although if I put good content out I'm sure they'll understand.

 

[SkyrocketSEO]

I guess the question now is if I should start from square one and delete my posts or move on and leave them.

No need to delete the posts, move on, some thin posts rank for no reason, because Google thinks it is a good stuff.

Regarding ads- No need for ads if you don't get at least 100+ UVs per day. I mean, 100 UVs won't earn you shit, but you never know when the big site is going to share your story. This once happened to one of our new sites and we got 100K UVs in 2 days, we were unprepared cause we didn't expect that from a fresh site.

 

[JordanSimps]

Thanks Skyrocket. Do you mind if you add you on Skype for further questions? I understand if you'd rather not.

 

[StuartWalker]

Furthermore, 13 articles is nothing. You need at least 500-1,000 articles before you can even begin complaining about not receiving any traffic. And assuming you post 1 article per day, you will have to wait at least 1-2 years for that.

Who wants to wait until you have 500+ posts to start receiving traffic?

You should launch your blog with 3-5 posts initially then start networking and promoting the hell out of it. No need to wait for anything.

If you do the launch promo properly (networking and marketing before even launched to build a buzz / collect emails to your list) then you'll have traffic on the first day.

You aren't suggesting he should hold out for Google to give him traffic are you?

Also 1 article per day isn't recommended. Most people cannot write a good quality and useful post every day. Better to post less frequently but make each post really special then spend the rest of your time promoting that post / your blog.

 

[Slashdot]

I'd recommend to choose a specific topic, and blog about that.

 

[SkyrocketSEO]

Thanks Skyrocket. Do you mind if you add you on Skype for further questions? I understand if you'd rather not.

Sorry, I do not use Skype for business, and I give free advice only here, in forum threads.

 

[srhosting]

a niche blog will pick up a niche audience and perhaps lead to much better conversions.

a random blog will be fun and could go viral a lot easier, getting you some nice ppc clicks. that only works well if you don't suck at the Internet and people like what you write, and writing is a whole 'notha topic.

 

[usernamehere123]

Hi - I think your blog has potential.. but it does have to have a general theme. For example, a blog written by a woman who has kid with autism went viral recently. Her blog is personal and general but also has a theme.

I would check out other successful blogs and see if you can spot some commonalities.

 

[usernamehere123]

oh and i didn't see the link to your blog so I can't give your specific tips, but good spacing with pretty pictures is good.

Check out some vids on youtube about seo and blogging.

Also, and you said, you need a lot more posts.

 

[StuartWalker]

You don't need a lot of posts.

You just need GOOD post (really good!) and to update semi-regularly. Many blogs post only once or twice per month and make every post really epic and worth waiting for.

These blogs tend to be the ones that have huge followings.

Blogs that post half hearted posts every day never really hit the mark. They might get visitors due to the sheer number of posts indexed in Google receiving long tail traffic but most of those visitors will visit once and then never come back.

 

[CrazyBags]

Don't mess up with whole things in your blog. Try to emphasis on specific topic.

 

[rd242]

The only way personal blogs are successful is if you're freaking hilarious.

See Tucker Max for an example.

Other than that, people read blogs for opinions, recommendations, lists of tools/resources or to learn something.

Pick a topic you know more than the average person about, research who else is blogging about that topic, and try and find a unique angle. Otherwise yours will just get lost in the noise.

 

[7yearitch]

looking at your posts, it's very well written and might be shareable. i recommend you build a FB page and use paid ads to get the initial flow of visitors to your site.

not to dampen your spirits, but most of what the others say are true. personal blogs don't normally target profitable keywords and spending time and cash on SEO would likely be hit and miss.

being unique is a generic form of advice. a more practical version would be to go and get 20 rejections in 20 days, for example. do what most people are afraid/not willing to do and you'll definitely catch their interest.

or you could work on your writing skills and have a unique voice in that area. a lot of freelance writers i know tend to use their blogs to showcase their writing chops, which is a far better bet than seo. you might get good deals that way.

and lastly, networking.. UGH.. talk about generic advice. i'll try my best here:

1) i do a service offline where clients come to me to get more business because they have trouble "networking". what i did: built a simple FB landing page, got images of the product on there, spent $15 for one day of ads. I profiled the target customers properly (i work as a salesperson in my day job) and $15 was enough to get her 200 new orders in one day. i have another customer next week who's a honda second hand car dealer. word travels fast.

this is the fastest "networking" you'll get. Pay for exposure. test in small increments until you truly understand your market.

2) if you want to go the freelance writing route, what i've done is this: find someone you'd like to work for: a famous editor, a pro SEO guy, whatever. Reach out via email explaining that you're a writer just starting out, and would like to pick his brain over a cuppa. you'll be surprised how many of them email you back. send them a link to your blog and tell them that this is your current work, and you would like to improve, and would like a chance to work with them, yadda yadda. and then go from there.

purposeful networking is just about making new friends. if over coffee you find that there's no chemistry, just move on and meet more people.

i know the question was about how to get real human visitors to a plain old blog and this might be overkill, but real human visitors like to have real connections. or you could just go blackhat and buy proxies and VPS and blast links all day.

This is, after all, blackhatworld. i wish you all the best, mate. cheers!