Definitely better - I like the new photo of you - makes you look much more focused (and sitting in a lazy boy with your remote definitely gets the "procrastinator" across LOL), and the background. Oh - since the site is a blog, you might want to consider adding a comment policy talking about what, if anything, you expect from people who make comments. Whether you allow keywords, links, etc., in the comments, and whether they are moderated or not. While this doesn't stop all spam, it will definitely cut down on some. On your Guest Post page, define "reasonable" regarding number of links. Some peole think 20 is reasonable, others might think 3 is. Saves time later in having to edit/send it back for editing.
Do you have any plans to add a forum or other sections, or do you plan to keep it a blog?
Good luck!
Oh man, you caught me.
That's actually my iPhone, but it was upside down on the chair. And that's my 'workstation' haha. I guess its the upside to only needing my laptop and a few small things to get work done, I was never really a fan of desks haha.
The comment policy is something I never even thought about... I didn't realize people have those. But I suppose you would just make the page, and put a link to it in the footer right? (It couldn't hurt, but 99% of the spam I get is just scrapebox, not usually people throwing in too many links/whatever)
And yes, I have some huge long-term plans for the site. I guess I can spill my thoughts:
Right now is phase 1: building traffic, optimizing each page, and setting myself up to gain a following
Phase 2: Monetizing my traffic, capturing emails as much as possible, and beginning work on information products (Not WSO's, but actual guides/solid content that people will get serious value from, think: problogger eBooks, if you know what they are)
Phase 3: Take advantage of the traffic and following to build a brand around my site, that's where I'll bring in a forum. At this point, if not sooner, I will also branch out and start doing videos, maybe a podcast, etc. Interviews with professionals...
That's all really far down the line. I'm mainly working on phase 1 right now unless I've got a good 250-500 organic hits coming in each day, along with a solid amount of returning visitors. Probably going to take me another 6 months to get there, but I've got time.
Honestly, this is a long-term plan, I want to take it seriously and I'm pretty set-up for success right now.
(Going to college next year, which means lots of work and play, but it also means I have 4 more years to work on this site part-time without having to work a full-time job and focus on building a career)
My dream would be to build it out as big as something like Pat Flynn's blog, or John Chow... but clearly even if that's possible it will take years.
I'm bringing in some solid cash from my offline consulting as well, so that's why I'm not trying to rush the site.
EDIT: Also, right now I'm mainly working on creating what Darren Rowse calls 'sneeze pages,' basically a few pages to direct first time visitors to my best posts, most popular content, etc. To prove my worth, and show that I've got serious value to offer, because not every one of my posts is going to be a winner, but if I can showcase my best stuff, why not?
