Tip: I have added a lot of links off of the page today and I know that can confuse and frustrate some readers so I thought I’d offer a quick tip. If you’d like to continue reading this post but would like to see what I’m referring to in the links you can hold the “ctrl” button and then click on the link. This will open the page in a new window (so you can view it and still be here on the post page).
I’m so excited!!!!!! Things are really heating up in the Hot Summer Seminar Series that one of my favorite WAHMs, Kelly McCausey, has put on for us (for those who aren’t familiar WAHM = work at home mom). The series is made up of weekly WordPress training seminars and so far the information has been outstanding!
I am one of the speakers and I’ll will be presenting my seminar on gaining RSS subscribers on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 so I hope you’ll join us.
Now, Kelly does a “cross blog conversation” with the presenters for the seminar and I’m “up” this week. You can read her post here: Suzanne Franco, I Want to Know …
The questions she has asked me regarding the Blogging Idol contest are:
- Were you nervous about putting yourself out there?
- Did you see the competition as a way to really push yourself?
- Were you concerned about perhaps not performing well?
Were you nervous about putting yourself out there?
Kelly, I first heard about Blogging Idol during Season 1 and I was totally intrigued by the whole concept. It was too late for me to enter but I knew if there was another season upcoming I wanted to be a part of it. When I heard there’d be a second season I couldn’t wait to apply.
As for being nervous I guess I didn’t really even think about that. Ignorance is bliss right? LOL. The part that made me “nervous” or uncomfortable was asking others for help. I think a lot of us struggle with this issue don’t you? I especially see this in women … we are typically the care givers and are used to taking care of those around us but we really struggle when I comes time to ask for a favor in return. I sometimes felt bad asking for help and somewhat nervous about what others would think about me asking. *sigh* Silly huh? I am also a total technophobe so anything that had a technical aspect made me very nervous and upset (adding the RSS optin, adding plugins, adding banners, etc.). I almost didn’t even apply because Daniel required us to add the Feedburner account and chicklet to our blog.
Did you see the competition as a way to really push yourself?
I did indeed see the competition as a way to push myself; in fact, I think that was truly my real motivation for entering the competition. It wasn’t really for the money or the prizes at stake but I really wanted to participate in some good old fashion competition! I did push myself really hard during that month. I worked around the clock usually getting 4 hours of sleep a night. I enlisted the help of my family – Ken did most of the cooking, he and the kids really helped out with the cleaning, and I spent most every waking moment online. Between the writing/blogging and the promoting it was full time work for sure.
The contest was open to blogs with 0 – 2,000 subscribers. I started with 50 subscribers and actually those were people who I mentioned the contest to and they came over and subscribed prior to the contest. LOL. In fact, I didn’t really even understand what an RSS feed was when I applied so I had my work cut out for me. Obviously, it is much easier for someone with 1,000 or 2,000 subscribers to increase their subscriber base because they already have traffic, momentum, readers to ask for help, etc. so I really didn’t know if I stood a chance at winning but I knew I’d give it my all. For those not familiar we were awarded points for (a) gain in RSS subscribers, (b) reader votes, and (c) judge votes. I didn’t think I stood a chance at the point for RSS subscriber gain so I knew I’d really have to “shine” and impress people by using unique strategies … and getting creative paid off in the voting.
Were you concerned about perhaps not performing well?
Truthfully, I wasn’t really concerned about not performing well, but there were a few times that I felt like giving up (from sheer exhaustion). But once I got my kids involved there was no way I would have quit! I really used this contest as a way to show my kids that if you want something badly enough you will get it. You have to be willing to work hard without giving up and you have to want it more than anything else (or in the case of a competition … you have to want it more than anyone else).
I would encourage anyone reading to truly “go for it” when they have a goal in mind. Like they say, “If you shoot for the moon and fall short … you’ll still land in the stars.”
My Question for Kelly …
So Kelly … you’ve shared that you have 60 subscribers to your blog and I’d love to help you increase that!
What have you done to gain RSS subscribers and what is the next step planned to grow your readership?
I see you on Twitter a fair amount and you have a good number of followers. One thing I know has increased my subscribers was adding a Twitter landing page on my blog: http://www.suzannefranco.com/twitter On this page I encourage visitors to subscribe to my RSS feed (and to follow me at my other social media pages online). I then added that page as the link in my Twitter profile (as opposed to my main/index page). What do you think of that idea?
Well … a “Thank You” to Kelly and a big “Thanks” to all of you for reading guys … leave your comments … and any questions you have below. If you haven’t done so go over to Kelly’s site and read her post and why don’t you go ahead and subscribe to her RSS while you’re there? LOL *SmiLes* Suzanne
Kelly’s Post to me: Suzanne Franco, I Want to Know …
Glad you're here! I wrote my first eBook, "Blogging Idol Secrets Revealed," and it's my FREE gift for those who supported me in the Blogging Idol competition (and for my new online friends too LOL).
Go download it and learn how I drove new visitors and grew my RSS subscribers by over 800% ... in 30 days flat! Let me know what you think of the book ok?
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- Hot Seminar Series – All About Wordpress Blogging Hot Seminar Series – All About Wordpress Blogging Well...
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32 Comments
CasementWindows
on 18th Jul, 10 02:07pm
great Q and A…really like it! keep up the good work.
Suzanne
on 18th Jul, 10 02:07pm
You’re welcome! Can’t wait to see Kelly’s response
Creative Movement
on 18th Jul, 10 08:07pm
It can be scary to stick yourself out there where you can fail, but if you don’t, you’ll never succeed. You have to take chances.
work from home
Twitter: http://www.czarnovel.com/
on 18th Jul, 10 11:07pm
I enjoyed this post!
Kaitlyn Mer
on 19th Jul, 10 07:07am
Yes, with a Twitter it is possible and it is necessary to work. Very effective way of engaging of new subscribers.
Daisy
on 19th Jul, 10 01:07pm
Very inspirational & motivational post! Just goes to show you can achieve if you just stick at it and have a wonderful family to support you!
Daisy´s last blog ..Bikini Body Workout – 3 Moves that Really Work
Internet Marketing
on 20th Jul, 10 01:07pm
“But once I got my kids involved there was no way I would have quit! I really used this contest as a way to show my kids that if you want something badly enough you will get it.”
Yes – this is key. If those around you are rooting for you, you can do anything!
Home Internet Marketing
on 20th Jul, 10 01:07pm
“But once I got my kids involved there was no way I would have quit! I really used this contest as a way to show my kids that if you want something badly enough you will get it.” Great Quote!
Yes – this is key. If those around you are rooting for you, you can do anything!
Country Music
on 20th Jul, 10 02:07pm
Good interview. No need to be nervous about what others may ask you, most people wish they had the nerves to get up and do something in front of others (or even online).
Robert
on 21st Jul, 10 08:07am
Getting RSS subscribers and having them stick is not easy. I think it’s even easier getting someone to follow you on Twitter. Content plays a huge part in getting someone to subscribe. Then keeping them interested. That’s like blogging non-stop everyday! =D
Robert´s last blog ..How to play Razz Poker
Kelly
on 21st Jul, 10 12:07pm
I’m late but finally replied!
http://kellymccausey.com/cbc-suzanne-ok-i-created-a-twitter-landing-page/
Suzanne
on 21st Jul, 10 05:07pm
LOL … I’m so excited about your page! It looks great and I hope it helps you get closer to your goal of 500 subscribers! *huGs*
Pengar
on 21st Jul, 10 11:07pm
I enjoyed this post, now you got a place in my feed
Pengar´s last blog ..Rebelbetting – vinn varje gång
Jason @ AffiloJetpack
on 23rd Jul, 10 05:07am
Why not try setting those links to open on a new window instead? You’re using wordpress right? that should do the trick and it’s also good in reducing your site’s bounce rate as well as to increase site’s “avg time on site”
How’s that webinar sessions of yours doing by the way?
regards,
Jason
Bargain Towel Rails
on 26th Jul, 10 09:07am
Getting people to comment on your blogs, read your posts and subscribe to your RSS feeds is something you get good at over time.
At first some of my blog posts were essentially me just posting something for the sake of posting something, I noticed that if I actually had something to worth saying and wrote an interesting article and maybe added a couple of pictures to grab someones attention, the more comments and interest it created.
So i think the secret is having good rich content.
Dwight
on 26th Jul, 10 01:07pm
Kelly’s story is truly inspirational and her experience motivational. I also appreciate that small tips of yours on how to open the embedded links in a new window without leaving the post I’m reading. Thanks.
the Success Ladder
on 27th Jul, 10 01:07pm
Wonderful site and theme, would really like to see a bit more content though!
Great post all around, added your XML feed! Love this theme, too!
Apartments Kiev
on 31st Jul, 10 10:07am
I think this may be useful not only for wahms but to everyone working at home. Thanks for sharing.
Creative Visualization
on 3rd Aug, 10 06:08am
Several leading pro bloggers, like Lisa Irby are dropping Twitter, since despite numbers penetration is really shallow. A lot of people sign up then no one reads….. the best strategy will always be content….
Creative Visualization´s last blog ..Attract More People with Create Visualization Part I
flipping websites
on 4th Aug, 10 01:08pm
Nice post, because Kelly’s story is truly inspirational.
AlexXxuTzZu
on 5th Aug, 10 05:08am
great post, good job.
Craig@Free Freebies
on 5th Aug, 10 10:08pm
This is a great article I enjoyed reading Kelly’s story.
Craig@Free Freebies´s last blog ..FREE Cheetos Mighty Zingers Coupon
husgrund
on 9th Aug, 10 03:08pm
I enjoy getting out there everyday now. So rewarding having created something on my own.
Great post
the Success Ladder
on 12th Aug, 10 04:08am
Great article, thanks for sharing this. I have subscribed to your RSS feed and am looking forward to reading more from you.
Keep up the good work and don’t stop posting please.
Dai ly quang cao
on 16th Aug, 10 02:08am
thank you so much for sharing this information with us, it is pretty interesting.
part time jobs
Twitter: http://www.czarnovel.com/
on 20th Aug, 10 01:08am
Thanks for such a nice share.
RobertHarris42
Twitter: RobertHarris42
on 28th Aug, 10 08:08am
I just got into blogging I will be coming back soon for sure. Very interesting info for sure.:)
RobertHarris42´s last blog ..Whoa Astonishing Where to Buy Fushigi Ball in Stores
Foosball champ
on 30th Aug, 10 05:08am
What do you have to say?
sewa komputer
on 31st Aug, 10 11:08pm
Thank you for the information.
Refrigerators
on 1st Sep, 10 01:09am
Nice exchanging of ideas. This blog is one of a kind. This one has really a content that you could share with your friends during lunch time. Thanks for writing this one. Keep it up. =)
Name (required)
Twitter: http://www.maryland-dui-lawyers.com/
on 2nd Sep, 10 02:09am
I really like your idea and the way you present the whole topic. Blogs have found a place in businesses and people are finding creative ways to use them. With information pouring in, blog tools provide a way to share, organize and process the information. Thanks for the idea.
Aerobics Trainer
on 3rd Sep, 10 08:09am
Very inspirational & motivational post! Nice job Suzanne