10 Important Facts of Blog Promotion
Almost every blogger aims to grow their blog and reach a larger audience. Unfortunately, most new bloggers don’t know much about promoting a blog when they are just getting started. The good news is you will learn pretty quickly if you are consistently involved and working at promoting your blog. Here are ten things that I have learned to be true from my experience.
1. Building Significant Search Engine Traffic Will Take Time
New blogs generally take several months, at least, before they gain enough trust from search engines to produce any type of significant flow of traffic. If you are planning to focus on search engines as your primary source of traffic, you would be well advised to also focus on some other sources of traffic, especially in the early months.
Building a blog that is search engine-friendly is critical if you want to maximize search traffic, so take care of that from the start and focus on creating great content that others will talk about and link to.
2. Not All Traffic Is Equal
No two sources of traffic are quite the same. I get a good percentage of the traffic at my blog through social media, and I can attest to the fact that social media traffic is generally less responsive and less likely to stick around than visitors from most other sources. Focusing on stats without looking at the true results can cause a bit of an illusion. Sure, visitors are great, but are they leaving after being on the blog for 30 seconds and never returning?
Search engine traffic is highly sought after because these visitors are actively looking for what you have to offer. But other types of traffic have strong points too. Visitors who are referred from another blog will generally be more responsive since they have been recommended by someone they trust. Every source of traffic has pros and cons, so try to take these things into consideration when you are promoting your blog and analyzing the results.
3. Consistent Posting Is Key
Most bloggers need to keep publishing new posts in order to keep traffic at a certain level. Some bloggers are able to generate large amounts of search engine traffic to older posts to the point that traffic will be fairly sustained without new posts, but this is pretty rare. New posts keep subscribers coming back, they keep social media votes coming, and they keep adding new pages to search engine indexes.
Posting consistently doesn’t mean that you have to post every day, it simply means that you need to publish content on a regular basis, whatever that may be. Almost every blog that successfully draws traffic is publishing new posts with some consistency.
4. Consistent Traffic Is Almost Impossible
Although posting needs to be consistent to keep traffic levels up, that doesn’t mean that it will keep traffic levels consistent. Every blog has ups and downs and two days are rarely the same. This is a natural occurrence and it should be embraced or else it can become very frustrating. Make sure that you enjoy the times when traffic is high, and keep on plugging away to get through the slower times. Blogging would almost be boring is traffic levels didn’t fluctuate like they do.
5. Repeat Visitors Should Be the Goal
Yes, it’s great to see an impressive number of unique visitors arriving at your blog, but how many of them will be back? Repeat visitors are the lifeblood of blogs. Subscribers, of course, are most likely to keep coming back, so focusing on subscribers is typically a good thing.
Repeat visitors will not only help to improve your overall traffic flow and stats, more importantly they will be your most responsive visitors in terms of comments, social media votes, sales, and just about anything else. As they keep coming back and reading your blog, you will be earning more of their trust and your network will grow.
6. Links Help In Several Ways
Building inbound links is a priority for most bloggers, and for good reason. They drive click-through traffic from other blogs, they increase your exposure around the blogosphere, and they help to boost your search engine rankings. Link building is often prioritized because of search engine rankings, but the other factors should not be overlooked. If you blog in a competitive niche, recognition and exposure will be critical in convincing visitors that they should pay attention to you. Getting a few links from respected blogs can help with search engine traffic, but the added credibility that you get can be just as important, especially for newer bloggers.
7. Balance Is Important
Diversity in traffic will help you to avoid losing a huge percentage of your visitors if something unforeseen happens. Search engine rankings are not permanent, especially with Google being so ready and willing to penalize blogs who they feel have violated their guidelines. If you rely too heavily on search engine traffic you could find yourself losing a big portion of your traffic at any given time.
Also, social media traffic is extremely inconsistent, so just because you have been getting decent traffic doesn’t mean it will continue. The best approach is to spread things out and focus on growing traffic from several sources rather than just one. That way you will always be safe and you won’t depend on a particular source for your livelihood.
8. Smaller Sources of Traffic Shouldn’t Necessarily Be Ignored
Not all sources of traffic will send thousands of visitors, but that doesn’t mean that they are not valuable. For example, participating in forums is likely to drive some traffic to your blog, but not tons. However, those visitors can be very valuable because they have met you or learned from you through the forum and they’ll be more likely to subscribe and become a loyal reader.
Likewise, leaving comments on other blogs will bring some traffic, but it is rare that any one comment will bring a lot of visitors. Still, this traffic is valuable because many times they have clicked through due to something that you said catching their attention.
Don’t simply assume that traffic is measured only in terms of numbers. Smaller sources of traffic have been instrumental in building many successful blogs.
9. Networking Is Critical
All successful bloggers are surrounded by a strong network of other successful bloggers. This is something that I didn’t really think much about before I started blogging, but I quickly came to realize the importance of networking.
A strong network will provide you with friends and colleagues that can be a help when you need some advice, they can provide links to your blog, they can give you social media votes, they can be an inspiration and encouragement to you, and they can even wind up being your partners in future projects. Being a strong networker is all about being willing to help others and being proactive in meeting others.
10. Blog Traffic Can Be Bought for Relatively Little Money
If you are interested in getting some extra promotion or growing your blog quickly, there are a number of affordable advertising options that will drive real traffic to your blog. Pay Per Click ads can be very effective and inexpensive (depending on what words and phrases you bid on). StumbleUpon advertising is another option. You can purchase their traffic for just $0.05 per visitor. Even banner advertisements on other blogs can be relatively cheap. Running an ad for a month or more will give you exposure to a new audience and if you were to calculate a cost-per-click it is usually pretty low.
Best wishes,
Jagan.A
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wounded CRICKET of Austrlia
Australia are looking for improved performances from their batting and bowling leaders in the third test starting on Wednesday, the tourists needing to rebound quickly to avoid a first series defeat since 2005.
Struggling opener Matthew Hayden has vowed a more aggressive approach to shed his poor form while paceman Brett Lee has been working hard since both men flopped when India cruised to a record 320-run victory in last week's second test in Mohali.
Trailing 1-0 in the four-match series, the world's top ranked team need to win at least one of the remaining two tests to keep alive an unbeaten run that dates back to the Ashes series loss to England more than three years ago.
However, Australia's shortcomings were crudely exposed by the swing bowling of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma in Mohali, and the tourists will also have to contend with fit-again skipper Anil Kumble after he sat out that test due to a shoulder injury.
Leg spinner Kumble, the third most successful bowler in test history with 616 victims, has taken 55 wickets in six games at the Ferozshah Kotla ground, long regarded as India's favourite venue.
His impressive haul includes all 10 second innings wickets to bowl India to a series-levelling win over Pakistan in 1999, only the second time one player has bowled out the entire side in test cricket.
The 38-year-old has taken at least seven wickets in each of his Delhi tests, bowling India to victory each time.
Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke said his team were unconcerned by India's formidable record at a venue where they have won the last seven test matches dating back to 1993. I believe all the guys in the squad are in fantastic shape," he told reporters on Monday. "We are 1-0 down, we have to win, play good cricket.
"We've taken the positives out of the last two tests. We're concentrating hard on this test, not looking too far ahead."
SELECTION DILEMMA
Kumble's return has thrown up a selection headache after his replacement Amit Mishra grabbed seven wickets to spin his side to victory on his test debut in Mohali.
If India do retain Mishra in a rare five-man bowling attack, they may have to take a tough decision of dropping one of the experienced batsmen.
Their all-round showing in Mohali came after centuries by Saurav Ganguly and fellow left-hander Gautam Gambhir with stand-in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hammering fifties.
Australia, meanwhile, helped fuel speculation that they are a team in decline by their flat performance over all five days.
Their biggest worry has been their batsmen's inability to combat swing while their own bowlers have failed to move the ball in the air. The team's inexperienced spin bowlers have also struggled to make an impression on the dry Indian pitches Hayden, who has made just 42 runs in his four innings so far, has promised to counter-attack left-arm Zaheer, who has dismissed him three times in the series.
Former skipper Steve Waugh visited the nets on Monday and urged senior players to lead the fightback.
"They are all quality players," he said. "If they get a couple of things right and seniors like (skipper) Ricky Ponting, Lee, (Mike) Hussey and even Hayden take responsibility they should be fine."
The fourth and final test starts in Nagpur on Nov. 6.
Struggling opener Matthew Hayden has vowed a more aggressive approach to shed his poor form while paceman Brett Lee has been working hard since both men flopped when India cruised to a record 320-run victory in last week's second test in Mohali.
Trailing 1-0 in the four-match series, the world's top ranked team need to win at least one of the remaining two tests to keep alive an unbeaten run that dates back to the Ashes series loss to England more than three years ago.
However, Australia's shortcomings were crudely exposed by the swing bowling of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma in Mohali, and the tourists will also have to contend with fit-again skipper Anil Kumble after he sat out that test due to a shoulder injury.
Leg spinner Kumble, the third most successful bowler in test history with 616 victims, has taken 55 wickets in six games at the Ferozshah Kotla ground, long regarded as India's favourite venue.
His impressive haul includes all 10 second innings wickets to bowl India to a series-levelling win over Pakistan in 1999, only the second time one player has bowled out the entire side in test cricket.
The 38-year-old has taken at least seven wickets in each of his Delhi tests, bowling India to victory each time.
Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke said his team were unconcerned by India's formidable record at a venue where they have won the last seven test matches dating back to 1993. I believe all the guys in the squad are in fantastic shape," he told reporters on Monday. "We are 1-0 down, we have to win, play good cricket.
"We've taken the positives out of the last two tests. We're concentrating hard on this test, not looking too far ahead."
SELECTION DILEMMA
Kumble's return has thrown up a selection headache after his replacement Amit Mishra grabbed seven wickets to spin his side to victory on his test debut in Mohali.
If India do retain Mishra in a rare five-man bowling attack, they may have to take a tough decision of dropping one of the experienced batsmen.
Their all-round showing in Mohali came after centuries by Saurav Ganguly and fellow left-hander Gautam Gambhir with stand-in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hammering fifties.
Australia, meanwhile, helped fuel speculation that they are a team in decline by their flat performance over all five days.
Their biggest worry has been their batsmen's inability to combat swing while their own bowlers have failed to move the ball in the air. The team's inexperienced spin bowlers have also struggled to make an impression on the dry Indian pitches Hayden, who has made just 42 runs in his four innings so far, has promised to counter-attack left-arm Zaheer, who has dismissed him three times in the series.
Former skipper Steve Waugh visited the nets on Monday and urged senior players to lead the fightback.
"They are all quality players," he said. "If they get a couple of things right and seniors like (skipper) Ricky Ponting, Lee, (Mike) Hussey and even Hayden take responsibility they should be fine."
The fourth and final test starts in Nagpur on Nov. 6.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Some essentials to do during the last 90 days to CAT
Some essentials to do during the last 90 days to CAT
Hi With just about 90 days left for CAT here are some things any serious cat aspirant should follow religiously. First things first. You have less than 15 days to send your completed CAT application forms to the IIMs. So do it as soon as possible. Do not wait for the eleventh hour to send your application and pray that the courier delivers it on time. If you still have not got your application, you have about four days left to get it from one of the IIMs. So do it now! Here are some of the things that worked for me as I prepared for CAT and things have worked for many others to whom I have had the opportunity to assist in their CAT preparation. 1. Have a clear strategy before your Mock CATs - fine tune it - and use it on November 21st. Most wars are won not on the power of the ammunition and armor a country possesses but on the power of its think tank. The same is true when it comes to CAT. Before you take any CAT comprehensive test put down on paper the strategy that you want to adopt for that test. Though the last few CATs did not have any section wise time limit, it would be to your advantage to set those limits yourself. Typically, students spend about 30 minutes in the verbal section, 40 minutes in the DI section and 50 minutes in the Quant section. This split could vary from individual to individual. Having set this limit, shave off 5 minutes from each of the sections and keep those 5 minute blocks as reserve. After the first 105 minutes of the test, take a quick call on your performance. If you realize that you have done equally well in all three sections, spend the last 15 minutes in the section that is likely to give you the maximum returns. On the contrary, if you realize that you have not done particularly well in a section, spend the last 15 minutes in this section. This way you never run short of time for any section. Also this strategy helps you to maximize your returns within the given time frame. Essentially, do not ever start the test without assigning time limits for the different sections of the test. Will continue with more tips in subsequent blogs.... Best wishes
Hi With just about 90 days left for CAT here are some things any serious cat aspirant should follow religiously. First things first. You have less than 15 days to send your completed CAT application forms to the IIMs. So do it as soon as possible. Do not wait for the eleventh hour to send your application and pray that the courier delivers it on time. If you still have not got your application, you have about four days left to get it from one of the IIMs. So do it now! Here are some of the things that worked for me as I prepared for CAT and things have worked for many others to whom I have had the opportunity to assist in their CAT preparation. 1. Have a clear strategy before your Mock CATs - fine tune it - and use it on November 21st. Most wars are won not on the power of the ammunition and armor a country possesses but on the power of its think tank. The same is true when it comes to CAT. Before you take any CAT comprehensive test put down on paper the strategy that you want to adopt for that test. Though the last few CATs did not have any section wise time limit, it would be to your advantage to set those limits yourself. Typically, students spend about 30 minutes in the verbal section, 40 minutes in the DI section and 50 minutes in the Quant section. This split could vary from individual to individual. Having set this limit, shave off 5 minutes from each of the sections and keep those 5 minute blocks as reserve. After the first 105 minutes of the test, take a quick call on your performance. If you realize that you have done equally well in all three sections, spend the last 15 minutes in the section that is likely to give you the maximum returns. On the contrary, if you realize that you have not done particularly well in a section, spend the last 15 minutes in this section. This way you never run short of time for any section. Also this strategy helps you to maximize your returns within the given time frame. Essentially, do not ever start the test without assigning time limits for the different sections of the test. Will continue with more tips in subsequent blogs.... Best wishes
CAT Tips
Skipping tough questions is the key to success
… Do not get unduly concerned if you seem to skipping questions. In the first go attempt only those questions that are really really easy (that will take around a minute or less to answer). Though this is generally true across all three sections, it gains greater importance in the quant section. As you go through each question if you encounter a question that you do not know or happens to be difficult, put an X mark next to it, skip it and forget it. If you find a question that you know, but will take 2 or more minutes, put an A next to it, skip it and proceed. Attempt in the 1st round only those that will take about a minute. After exhausting all these easy questions, if you still have time come back for the questions that you have marked an A. This way, your selection of questions follows the rule of attempting the easiest ones first and then the tougher ones. Putting X and A marks next to the question eliminates the necessity to re select questions when you revisit the section.On an average, students who crack CAT need to get about 50% or lesser of the number of questions in the quant and DI section as their net score. That essentially translates to skipping every other question, provided you can maintain very high levels of accuracy. So, go ahead and skip questions that are difficult. It will be more detrimental to get stuck in a question and spending a lot of time on it than skipping a question that is easy by mistake.
Regars,
Jagan
Striking a right balance - Accuracy vs Speed in CAT
Striking a right balance - Accuracy vs Speed in CAT
Hi The usual dilemma that one faces while preparing for CAT takes the form of a trade off between accuracy and speed. Honestly, one need not trade off one for the other. In fact, to use a combinatorial term, these two are not mutually exclusive events. However, I will not definitely conclude these two events to be independent ones. Accuracy is important. But you are not launching a space ship. Essentially this means that you should not hesitate to approximate whenever needed and proceed. For instance, if you realize that you have to find the amount of time taken by two pipes A and B to fill a tank. If these two pipes individually take 20 and 30 minutes respectively, do not spend time trying to solve the problem as 1/20 + 1/30 and then find the LCM and then the answer. If a pipe takes 20 minutes to fill a tank, it fills 5% in a minute. Similarly, another pipe takes 30 minutes to fill a tank, it fills 3.33% in a minute. So, together they fill over 8% a minute. This means they will take about 12 minutes to fill the tank. This kind of approximation and switching between % and fractions will help you gain time. Similarly, one important thing that you need to keep in mind is that as you proceed with each step of solving a question, take a quick glance at the answer choices. This way, in may instances, you will find that you do not have to go to the last step and find the answer. Even if it is only one or two steps saved for each problem, that will give you enough time to crack another 3 or 4 more problems in CAT. That is a huuuuge difference when it comes to getting calls from the IIMs.
Regards,
Jagan
www.Jagan009.blogspot.com
Hi The usual dilemma that one faces while preparing for CAT takes the form of a trade off between accuracy and speed. Honestly, one need not trade off one for the other. In fact, to use a combinatorial term, these two are not mutually exclusive events. However, I will not definitely conclude these two events to be independent ones. Accuracy is important. But you are not launching a space ship. Essentially this means that you should not hesitate to approximate whenever needed and proceed. For instance, if you realize that you have to find the amount of time taken by two pipes A and B to fill a tank. If these two pipes individually take 20 and 30 minutes respectively, do not spend time trying to solve the problem as 1/20 + 1/30 and then find the LCM and then the answer. If a pipe takes 20 minutes to fill a tank, it fills 5% in a minute. Similarly, another pipe takes 30 minutes to fill a tank, it fills 3.33% in a minute. So, together they fill over 8% a minute. This means they will take about 12 minutes to fill the tank. This kind of approximation and switching between % and fractions will help you gain time. Similarly, one important thing that you need to keep in mind is that as you proceed with each step of solving a question, take a quick glance at the answer choices. This way, in may instances, you will find that you do not have to go to the last step and find the answer. Even if it is only one or two steps saved for each problem, that will give you enough time to crack another 3 or 4 more problems in CAT. That is a huuuuge difference when it comes to getting calls from the IIMs.
Regards,
Jagan
www.Jagan009.blogspot.com
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