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 …

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Blogging Idol Secrets Revealed

(How I Gained Over 500 New RSS Subscribers in 30 Days Flat)

So … I wrote my first eBook and you’re in luck … I’ve decided to give it away for free!

I asked a few online friends to give it a read-over and let me know what they thought. I got great feedback … in fact, they all said I was crazy for giving it away … thought I should sell it and make me some money LOL (even had a couple requests for an affiliate program).

Well … I got a lot of support during the Blogging Idol competition so this is one way for me to “pay it forward.”

I share tips and ideas for driving traffic to your blog and I share what I did to get my visitors to actually subscribe to my blog. I tried to be as thorough and detailed as possible with step-by-step instructions and screenshots for many of the tips.

There’s a lot of really good information in the eBook … but the sad truth is that most people who read it won’t actually implement the ideas. As I’ve always said … if you want to succeed online you’ll have to actually work at this business.

I’m here to help in any way I can but I’m sure you can understand that I can’t (won’t) do it for you … you’ll need to put in the work yourself.

So – have you downloaded the eBook? If so, what do you think? Do you have any questions for me? Do you plan on implementing any of the tips/ideas? Do you have any tips to add to the list? Let us hear from you! *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. I’ve already had readers asking if they can give the eBook away … and I’m sure your readers would love that! I do ask that you please link your friends/readers to: http://www.suzannefranco.com/blogging-idol-secrets-revealed-ebook/ (to the download page).

P.P.S. A “thank you” to Brenda who wrote a review of the eBook here: http://gibraltarconnected.com/review-blogging-idol-secrets-revealed-free-e-book and you can find her on Twitter: @brendacuby

Download the eBook here:

Blogging Idol Secrets Revealed: How I Gained Over 500 RSS Subscribers in 30 Days!

Name:

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A special “Thank You” to John Chow , Bob Jenkins (Bob the Teacher), Frank Kern, Rich Schefren, and Derek Gehl for giving us a great big smile (OK … a good laugh) for Valentine’s Day!

These are the guys who I solicited for help during my Blogging Idol competition … and I really appreciate how they supported my efforts and helped me win that title!

Let’s be sure and give others a fun break from their work today too … so go post a link back here to your favorite social site now!

Twitter:

RT @wahmsuzanne put up a funny video of some gurus getting “bare” for Valentine’s Day!  Check it out! http://is.gd/jsj6

RT @bobtheteacher @johnchow @masscontrolkern @richschefren very funny video! http://is.gd/jsj6 Happy Valentine’s Day!

I want to thank all of you for the love and support you’ve shown me these past few months … it means the world to me! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend and be sure you tell everyone you love how much they’re loved … we could never hear it enough right? *huGs* Suzanne

So … which guru gave the best performance? What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Let’s hear from you …

PS. If you’re receiving this via RSS email … be sure to come over and watch the funny video!

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Promoting Your Blog Offline – T-shirts and Business Cards

Today I was IMing (instant messaging) with a friend of mine on Facebook and I mentioned that I was wearing my “Blogging Idol Shirt” and he said, “Where did you get it?” I told him I made it and I wear it proudly. Thanks again to all of you who helped me earn that title. I took this self-portrait with my Blackberry while we were chatting and sent it directly to Facebook … how easy that was.

Well, what I was telling him was how much attention I get while I’m wearing that shirt … people asking me what’s Blogging Idol … and it’s a perfect opener for telling them what I do online. The problem is that I don’t carry any business cards so once I explain what I do … it’s difficult to invite them to my blog …because I’m not prepared. I’m going to be putting in my order for my FREE business cards through Vista Print and you should too. You can pay a few bucks more to upgrade and such … and they’ll try to “upsell” and to sell you a bunch of add-on products but their offer for their free cards is great!

So … two lessons here … one see if you can come up with a shirt (or something wearable) that will lead to conversation about your blog … and then be prepared with business cards!

Get Your FREE Business Cards!

Do you have anything you carry or wear in public that is a conversation starter for your business? Do you carry business cards? Have you ever tried Vista Print’s free card offer? Are you good about inviting others to view your blog? Let’s share some ideas about what works OK? *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. A huGe thanks to my friend Mark McClinton for designing my cards .. i’ll post them once they’re done – he’s awesome and very reasonable so go to his site and contact him for a quote http://northstargenesis.com.

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Did I Earn the Title “Blogging Idol”? Guess You’ll Have to Decide

Well … I’ve been waiting for today for … well … since I heard about the first Blogging Idol back in July … and here we are. Seems like a lifetime ago when I first heard about last season’s contestants battling it out for the coveted title.

So … here’s an excerpt from the official decision on Daniel’s site (read the whole decision post here):

“Actually we have three winners! Surprisingly enough, two of them are tied on the first place, and one is taking the third place.

The Winners

The three winners and their respective scores are:

• 1. http://www.happyschoolsblog.com with 3 points (wins because of tie breaker)
• 2. http://www.suzannefranco.com with 3 points
• 3. http://www.tofugu.com with 1 point

So congratulations to Raghu from HappySchoolsBlog, he is the Blogging Idol!”

My response on Daniel’s site:

“I’m sorry this is so long.

Wow! Where to start … This contest has been life changing for me … sounds dramatic … but it’s true. As a 40-something year old “mom” I’ve spent much of my life “doing” for others … and I truly did “this” for ME. The great part is I knew I’d also be able to help others through my journey (so not totally selfish LOL) and I believe I was able to accomplish that.

A huge thank you to Daniel for the hard work and dedication it took to put this together and to stay up with the contest. Also to the judges and the sponsors who gave so generously. Without all of them this contest would not have happened. If you haven’t taken the time to check out their products/sites … please do that now! They’re all awesome and they deserve a look.

Now to the other contestants who pushed me to work harder than I knew I could. Thank you all! Especially to those who “raised the bar” and kept me going … even when I was exhausted and didn’t want to (Raghu, Matej, Tofugu, Vanae, and many others).

I can’t say enough to thank those who have supported me in this contest. With their kind words, their subscriptions, their votes … their tweeting and retweeting … blogging, and constant encouragement. It means the world to me and I wouldn’t even know how to repay any of you.

I wasn’t shy about wanting that TITLE! So now what? I’m Blogging Idol runner up, tied for 1^st, almost made it something or other? One of my readers said I was the “Blogging Queen” or something like that … so maybe I’ll have to solicit for the proper title. Either way I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and hope to help many others find their way as a blogger too.

Remember … there were a lot of great strategies used throughout the competition so I hope everyone will learn from them and use them to their own success. *huGs* to all … Suzanne”

Daniel’s response:

• 1. @Suzanne, as far I am concerned you can call yourself Blogging Idol too, you scored as many points as the winner after all.

The tie breaker was just used for the prize split.

Congrats on your accomplishments!

Hmmmm …

So … I’ll turn to you … my readers … did I earn the title, “Blogging Idol” or not? I’ve received several emails telling me that I deserved the title and that the judging wasn’t fair because one of the judges didn’t use the proper criteria to make his decision. All I can say is that’s the way it goes sometimes (like it or not LOL). Others have said I’m the “Blogging Queen” … “Blogging Diva” and … I think there was one more … but the point is this. Did I earn the title? Do I let you vote on another title? Do I go without a title? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I would like to close with once again thanking each and every one of you for your support. I did cry a bit this morning … but I’m not sure it was from being defeated as much as just how overwhelmed I am at how many of you wonderful peeps supported my efforts and truly understood how important this was to me. A heartfelt “Thanks!” *huGs* Suzanne

P.S. Also a special “Thank You” to Trackur.com and Text-Link-Ads … I can’t wait to “use” these awesome prizes and share the results with all of you

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First a huge “Thank You” to all of our amazing sponsors who gave so generously for this drawing. These sponsors all responded with their prizes within a 48 hour period of me contacting them with my request and have absolutely spoiled you guys! If you haven’t taken the time to visit each and every site … would you please, please do that? If you want to continue to see great prizes donated around the blogosphere then we all need to support these bighearted people when they step up like this … agreed?

I want to thank Louise for reaching out and helping me with a simple system for using Random.org. I was about to make this way too complicated (I do that sometimes LOL) and she set me straight. I will do a post here soon on how to do a successful contest and I’ll include the instructions for using the site too. Keep in mind that we had over 100 contestants with over 500 entries so I took my time organizing it so it would be done right!

With that said, here are the winners of these great prizes:

Peraduanku ~ 30 Minute Backlinks ~ Michelle MacPhearson ($97.00) (x1)

Wendy Burt-Thomas ~ Ninja Affiliate ~ Pawan Agrawal ($97.00) (x1)

Lena ~ 1 Year Business Hosting Plan ~ Hostgator ($179.40) (x1)

SuburbanGypsy ~ 1 Year Business Hosting Plan ~ Hostgator ($179.40) (x1)

Jami ~ 1 Year Business Hosting Plan ~ Hostgator ($179.40) (x1)

Chris Carroll ~ Special Report Club (PLR) ~ Melissa ($182.40) (x1)

Alethea Anderson ~ Beating Adwords ~ Kyle & Carson ~ ($67.00) (x1)

Karrine ~ Premium WP Theme ~ Blog Design Studio ($49.00) (x1)

Fatherlyours ~ Premium WP Theme ~ Blog Design Studio ($49.00) (x1)

Sonya Smith ~ Premium WP Theme ~ Blog Design Studio ($49.00) (x1)

SuburbanGypsy ~ Premium WP Theme ~ Blog Design Studio ($49.00) (x1)

Lindsay Conner ~ Premium WP Theme ~ Blog Design Studio ($49.00) (x1)

Luca ~ 125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ Blogging Tips ($50.00) (x1)

Marijke ~ Banner Ad Bottom of Post (1 month) ~ Blogging Tips ($30.00) (x1)

JeffLeft ~ 125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ Shannon (InfectedByBugs.com) ($25.00) (x1)

Navjot Singh ~ Site Review ~ Shannon (InfectedByBugs.com) ($75.00) (x1)

Shannon Lilly ~ Video Site Review ~ Normal Joe (IMwithJoe.com) ~ ($50.00) (x1)

Yield to Pedestrian ~ Custom 125 x 125 Graphic ~ Nicole/Dusty Designs ($5.00) (x1)

Angie ~ Custom 125 x 125 Graphic ~ Nicole/Dusty Designs ($5.00) (x1)

Dhadha ~ Custom 125 x 125 Graphic ~ Nicole/Dusty Designs ($5.00) (x1)

Tammy ~ Make Money/Success Hypnosis CD ~ Jo Ann Galla ($34.95) (x1)

Shannon Lilly ~ 125 x 125 Ad (1 month) ~ Blog for Beginners ($15.00) (x1)

Jo Ann Galla ~ WP Auction Gold ~ wordperez.com ($29.99) (x1)

Tyler ~ 125 x 125 Ad (1 month) ~ Sensonize.com ~ Monty ($30.00) (x1)

Sissy ~ 1 Year Hosting, Blog Install and Theme Update, 1 Month Email Consultation ~ Kai Wilson ($300 – she’s low-balling this quote … this is HUGE … I promise!) (x1)

Robert ~ 125 x 125 Ad ~ GetInternetMarketingStrategies.com ~ JR ($25.00) (x1)

Marta -Rawvolta ~ Site Review ~ Jason Parish ($25.00) (x1)

LaTara ~ 125 x 125 Ad ~ MutualPay ~ Topen ($15.00) (x1)

Angie ~ 125 x 125 Ad ~ DirectSalesWebMarketing.com ~ Dennis Edell ($20.00) (x1)

Sonya Smith ~ 125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ SuzanneFranco.com ($25.00) (x1)

Young ~ Blogger Interview ~ SuzanneFranco.com ($50.00) (x1)

Congratulations to all of you! You deserve it and I really do appreciate all of your support in my quest to become Blogging Idol (that post is next I promise).

Shannon Lilly was drawn for his own prize (I had a feeling that might happen in this drawing) so as promised I moved him down to the next prize which was the video review from Normal Joe. Funny thing is these two guys just battled it out in their own RSS contest … and I think it’s a good thing Joe beat Shannon or who knows how that review would go! Just kidding … but if you’ve never seen one of Normal Joe’s video site reviews … you’d better stay tuned to this one … it’ll be entertaining I promise.

I will be emailing all winners today and providing your contact info to the prize sponsors/donors.

Thanks again to all of the sponsors and to all of you who participated! It was a very successful contest/drawing so watch for more to come on the blog.

Did you win something? Was it what you wanted? If you didn’t which prize were you pulling for? What type of prize ideas do you have for my next promotion? We’d love to hear your comments so don’t be shy. *SmiLes* Suzanne

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Way to Go and Vote! You’re Awesome! And Some Details About the Drawing …

You guys are awesome! You ROCK! In a fight to the finish … I landed in 3^rd place in the voting portion of the Blogging Idol contest which gives me a much needed point in the competition.

Now we just wait for the judges to vote (Monday) for who they feel used the most “clever” strategies to gain RSS subscribers and to promote their blog. I gave it my all in this category so all I can do is hope for the best. If you want to have your say you can go to Daily Blog Tips and leave a comment about why you think I have earned the title, Blogging Idol.

The contest/drawing here on my blog is going really well and I can’t wait to see who wins the awesome prizes. Many of you emailed me your entry and I need you to comment on the contest/drawing post to be entered into the drawing. I will need you to do this by Sunday, November 30, 2008 by midnight EST. If you have any questions or don’t know how to do so please let me know using the contact us page.

Thank you all so much for your amazing support of my quest to become the next Blogging Idol … it means the world to me. I hope I win the title and make you all very proud of me. *SmiLes* Suzanne

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I’ve been waiting for today all month! Why? Because today starts the reader voting for the Blogging Idol contest and I’m excited.

UPDATE: Many of you emailed me your entrance and have not posted your official entry here so please add a comment at the bottom of this post to ensure inclusion in the drawing.

That also means I’m ready to launch a fast and furious (November 24^th – 28^th (UPDATE: Extended to the 30th at midnight EST) drawing/contest here on suzannefranco.com and I think you’re going to really like it. It’s going to be easy to enter and we’ll have a lot of winners too. If you haven’t seen the prize list yet you’re going to be stoked! Take a look: 

 The prize list so far:

30 Minute Backlinks ~ Michelle MacPhearson ($97.00) (x1)

Ninja Affiliate ~ Pawan Agrawal ($97.00) (x1)

1 Year Business Hosting Plan ~ Hostgator ($179.40) (x3)

Special Report Club (PLR) ~ Melissa ($182.40) (x1)

Beating Adwords ~ Kyle & Carson ~ ($67.00) (x1)

Premium WP Theme ~ Blog Design Studio ($49.00) (x5)

125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ Blogging Tips ($50.00) (x1)

Banner Ad Bottom of Post (1 month) ~ Blogging Tips ($30.00) (x1)

125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ Shannon (InfectedByBugs.com) ($25.00) (x1)

Site Review ~ Shannon (InfectedByBugs.com) ($75.00) (x1)

Video Site Review ~ Normal Joe (IMwithJoe.com) ~ ($50.00) (x1)

Custom 125 x 125 Graphic ~ Nicole/Dusty Designs ($5.00) (x3)

Make Money/Success Hypnosis CD ~ Jo Ann Galla ($34.95) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad (1 month) ~ Blog for Beginners ($15.00) (x1)

WP Auction Gold ~ wordperez.com ($29.99) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad (1 month) ~ Sensonize.com ~ Monty ($30.00) (x1)

1 Year Hosting, Blog Install and Theme Update, 1 Month Email Consultation ~ Kai Wilson ($300 – she’s low-balling this quote … this is HUGE … I promise!) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad ~ GetInternetMarketingStrategies.com ~ JR ($25.00) (x1)

Site Review ~ Jason Parish ($25.00) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad ~ MutualPay ~ Topen ($15.00) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad ~ DirectSalesWebMarketing.com ~ Dennis Edell ($20.00) (x1)

125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ SuzanneFranco.com ($25.00) (x1)

Blogger Interview ~ SuzanneFranco.com ($50.00) (x1)

So … you want to know how to earn your drawing entries? Here you go: 

• (1) To enter the drawing you must be subscribed to my RSS feed by EMAIL. If you’ve already subscribed by feedreader I’m sorry for the inconvenience but you’ll need to add the email subscription until the contest is over (December 1^st). This is the only way for me to confirm your subscription so thanks for understanding. Make sure you click the link in the confirmation email that you get in your inbox. Worth 1 drawing ticket. (mandatory to enter).

 

• (2) For additional entries you can vote for me as the next Blogging Idol here: http://www.dailyblogtips.com/blogging-idol-2-voting-session-is-open/. I cannot confirm this so everyone is on their honor with this one. It’s easy and … you wouldn’t lie to me would you? LOL Worth 2 drawing tickets. 

 

• (3) For additional entries you can place the super cool button (thanks to Nicole for donating this button) “I Voted for Suzanne Franco” on your site. You will find the button and the code below. Worth 3 drawing tickets. 

 

• (4) For additional entries you can blog about this contest/drawing and link to this post (http://www.suzannefranco.com/blog-contest-drawing-launches-today-over-2000-in-prizes) and to the voting page on Daily Blog Tips (http://www.dailyblogtips.com/blogging-idol-2-voting-session-is-open/). (Please be respectful and post on an active blog). Worth 5 drawing tickets.

Here’s the awesome button you can add to your site:

Here’s the code ~ simply copy this code and paste it where you want it on your site:

<a href="http://www.suzannefranco.com/blog-contest-drawing-launches-today-over-2000-in-prizes/"><img src="http://www.suzannefranco.com/images/button.gif" alt="I Voted for Suzanne Franco" /></a>

Now … after you have done the tasks you are able to complete … come back here and leave a comment stating what you’ve done and add the links to the site where we can see your button and/or blog post. 

Then on December 1^st I will use random.org to choose the winners. I will pull one winner for each prize. You can win multiple prizes so the more entries the better chance you have of winning something … or several of these amazing prizes.

Speaking of amazing prizes … as you can see my sponsors have really stepped up to the plate here and spoiled you guys … so please visit their sites and and thank them for their sponsorship. These are ALL awesome products and services that would help you with your business. They deserve some kudos … wouldn’t you agree?

If you have questions it would be easier if you’d use the contact us page. I will then post the Qs & As for everyone to see.

I really do appreciate the tremendous outpouring of support I’ve received throughout the Blogging Idol contest. I hope I can return the favor to each and every one of you … I mean that sincerely. I am still offering free spots in my Blogging for Bucks BootCamp so make sure you invite others you know who could benefit from that class (they will thank you I promise).

So … get busy … subscribe, vote, add the button and blog about this!

Thanks again! *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. Just for fun … tell us in the comments below where you heard about this contest …

P.S.S. If you are adding a url/link to your comment it will most likely require moderation or end up in the spam section … NO PROBLEM … just be paitent and I will get it added below. Thanks!

Qs & As

Q. If I subscribed by feedreader do I have to also subscribe by email?

A. Yes. To enter into the drawing I will need for you to subscribe by email. If I draw your name for a prize and you are not on the email list I will draw again.

Q. If I donated a prize am I eligible for the drawing?

A. Yes. You are eligible. If I draw you for your own prize I will give you the next prize on the list and re-draw for your donated prize for someone else.

Q. What is the last date/time I can enter?

A. The last entry will be counted on Friday, November 28, 2008 at  midnight EST. UPDATE: November 30, 2008 at midnight EST

Q. When will you draw for the prizes?

A. I will have the drawing completed by December 1, 2008 and I will announce the winners here on the blog.

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What Is Blogging Idol All About … and Have I Earned the Title?

This coming week will wrap up an exciting (yet exhausting) competition for me and I want to share what I have learned throughout the month of November.

The point of me competing in Blogging Idol has been two-fold: (1) to encourage me to “launch” my blog and treat it as a business and (2) to compete with other bloggers for the coveted title, “Blogging Idol,” which if earned will be worn proudly forever.

When I started the competition I had no idea what I was going to do to win the competition. I knew there were 3 categories to focus on: (1) RSS gain, (2) the vote of the readers, and (3) the vote of the judges.

As mentioned by the host, Daniel Scocco, the RSS gain can be easily manipulated so that’s why, in the spirit of fairness, this season he added the other elements. It’s also easy to understand that established blogs with 100,000+ monthly visitors would have an advantage over blogs who see only 1,000 monthly visitors … right? There is no way to hold a completely “even” competition so I think adding the voting and judging evened out the playing field nicely.

Traffic Went Up

My traffic has risen from about 50 visits a day to on average about 150+ per day (with occassional spikes for Stumble, interviews, etc.).

My Subscribers Grew

For the RSS portion of the competition I decided to grow this naturally and steadily. As seen in my Feedburner account as my traffic grew my subscribers grew right with it (I started with 52 subscribers and I’m at about 300 now … a 600% increase! Not bad!). I read dozens of blogs and articles on the subject and after reviewing my own blog I decided on the following to achieve this:

1. I decided to give away my upcoming “Blogging for Bucks BootCamp” for free for those who subscribe to my feed.
2. I created a “Sponsor Directory” for those who subscribed and blogged about my quest.
3. I have concentrated my content on blogging and gaining RSS subscribers to teach others what I’m learning through this.
4. Added a related posts plugin.
5. Added Comment Relish (it sends an email to first time commenters ~ in the message I’ve been letting them know that I’m giving away my BootCamp for those who subscribed to my feed).
6. I’ve been out meeting other bloggers in my niche and growing these relationships (not just for the contest sake … but because I enjoy it and truly believe we can achieve more as a team than we can as competitors).
7. I’ve become even more active in my social communities and I’ve been letting them know about my BootCamp offer and the competition (Twitter, The Mom Bloggers Club, My WAHM Space, Twittermoms, CWAHM, WAHM, MySpace, Facebook, etc.). This effort even lead to me being interviewed on a Blog Talk Radio show.
8. I recently added the “What Would Seth Godwin Do” plugin. It puts a box with words before every post. I added the wording about the free BootCamp there and it has worked out great – this increased page views to my BootCamp page (and thus subscribers) immediately.
9. I added an RSS subscribe image to the bottom of each post
10. I have emailed all “Unverified” RSS email subscribers to see if they are still interested in subscribing.
11. I emailed past commenters and invited them back to my blog and told them about the BootCamp and the competition.
12. I also decided early on to share all of my strategies along the way with my readers (and therefore my competitors too). Some said I was crazy for doing so but I disagree. Although I’m very competitive I also believe in doing the right thing … and in this competition we are all trying to become better, more successful bloggers and sharing our ideas is what’s best for all.

Now … with all that said I knew it would be very tough for me to win the RSS portion of the contest so I decided to focus heavily on the other areas of the competition as well (voting and judging) by using “branding” and “name recognition” techniques. The voting and judging is to be based on the most “clever” idea to gain RSS subscribers ~ whether or not it was successful.

I want my name (Suzanne Franco) to be synonymous with “Blogging Idol.”

I want to EARN that title … it’s a competition … so I’m not afraid or ashamed to put myself out there. At the end of each American Idol show … the judges vote … and the competitors ask their viewers to vote for them … right?

Vote Suzanne Franco the next Blogging Idol Now!

Everywhere I go online I’ve been using, “Suzanne Franco ~ the next Blogging Idol?” as my signature line, my anchor text, etc. This is not to be cocky … but, again, to build that name recognition and tie my name with the “Blogging Idol” title.

I also went out on a limb and did some video invites to some “heaver hitters” in the internet marketing and blogging world. Of the six I invited to come by my blog so far three have shown up and one (John Chow) even blogged about my quest. Now, understand … this idea was to get my readers involved and to have some fun with it … and that some of these guys showed up is just icing on the cake.

I also feel that to be a “good” competitor where someone is hosting a competition and many sponsors have given their time and money it’s important to promote the competition and the sponsors as well. I strategically placed links and brand recognition back to the competition whenever possible to “give back” to those who have made this whole contest possible.

See the Sponsors of Blogging Idol 2 Here!

As we move into the final week I will give it my all. I have a drawing/contest launching on Monday, November 24^th and my sponsors have really stepped up and donated some great prizes … over $2,000 worth so far!

I will require an email subscription to be entered into the drawing. Readers can also earn entries for blogging about the contest, by voting for me, and for adding an “I Voted for Suzanne Franco” button to their site.

With the voting opened up I will also be out reminding everyone who said they’d support me to go to the polls and cast their vote!

So … what do you think? Have I truly earned the title, “Blogging Idol?” What could I have done differently? What should I still do this last week to earn the title? Have I earned your vote yet? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. *SmiLes* Suzanne

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Do You Feel Lucky?

Well … if you haven’t heard I’ll be launching a fast and furious drawing/contest next Monday (November 24^th) which will only run through Friday (November 28^th) … and it’s going to make you very happy.

I will announce the details on Monday but I wanted to let you know about the amazing prizes that are already on the list!

I’m wowed (and humbled)! These amazing people and companies have really stepped up to the plate for YOU … my readers! Please thank these peeps when you see them around the blogosphere.

So far … we have 28 prizes and they’re valued at over $1,900!

The prize list so far:

30 Minute Backlinks ~ Michelle MacPhearson ($97.00) (x1)

Ninja Affiliate ~ Pawan Agrawal ($97.00) (x1)

1 Year Business Hosting Plan ~ Hostgator ($179.40) (x3)

Special Report Club (PLR) ~ Melissa ($182.40) (x1)

Premium WP Theme ~ Blog Design Studio ($49.00) (x5)

125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ Blogging Tips ($50.00) (x1)

Banner Ad Bottom of Post (1 month) ~ Blogging Tips ($30.00) (x1)

125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ Shannon (InfectedByBugs.com) ($25.00) (x1)

Site Review ~ Shannon (InfectedByBugs.com) ($75.00) (x1)

Video Site Review ~ Normal Joe (IMwithJoe.com) ~ ($50.00) (x1)

Custom 125 x 125 Graphic ~ Nicole/Dusty Designs ($5.00) (x3)

Make Money/Success Hypnosis CD ~ Jo Ann Galla ($34.95) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad (1 month) ~ Blog for Beginners ($15.00) (x1)

WP Auction Gold ~ wordperez.com ($29.99) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad (1 month) ~ Sensonize.com ~ Monty ($30.00) (x1)

1 Year Hosting, Blog Install and Theme Update, 1 Month Email Consultation ~ Kai Wilson ($300 – she’s low-balling this quote … this is HUGE … I promise!) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad ~ GetInternetMarketingStrategies.com ~ JR ($25.00) (x1)

Site Review ~ Jason Parish ($25.00) (x1)

125 x 125 Ad ~ MutualPay ~ Topen ($15.00) (x1)

125 x 125 Sidebar Ad (1 month) ~ SuzanneFranco.com ($25.00) (x1)

Blogger Interview ~ SuzanneFranco.com ($50.00) (x1)

I am still waiting on a final decision from some other great sponsors … and if you have anything you’d like to donate please let me know by using my contact form.

Do you like blog drawing/contests? Have you ever participated in one? Have you won anything? Have you held a drawing or contest of your own? Which prize would you most like to win? Are there any other prizes you’d like to see on the list? I’d love to hear your comments! *SmiLes* Suzanne

P.S. Someone emailed me asking if I’d email them on Monday to remind them about the drawing/contest … I have a better idea … if you’re reading this … make sure your subscribe to my RSS email subscription (or http://feeds.feedburner.com/MoneyMakingIdeasSuzanne and click on email) … this will be one requirement to be entered in the drawing so if you’re not already subscribed by EMAIL I’d do that right now and you’ll be one step ahead of the game. This will need to remain active until I draw for prizes on December 1, 2008.

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