I read many post’s from other excellent writer’s on how to increase your traffic fast successfully and I read many more about how they do it while sitting on top. So I figured since I do not have that sort of experience yet that many pro blogger’s have, I will write about why I enjoy being at the bottom of the blogger totem pole for the moment.
Here are some reason’s why :
- Larger learning curb : Like I said above I am an amateur blogger, I make a ton of mistakes and only catch a handful before publishing my posts. With few reader’s and constructive comments I am learning what to include and how on in my posts. If you have read any of my content or comments you would know I can run on about a subject, now I am trying to stay more on point. If I had a higher hit count this could cost me to lose a proportion of them. Using the learning curb to right your wrong’s while it is more readily available is key to learning your mistakes early.
- Experimentation : Whether it be trying out plugins, themes, or just the way you present the content on your site. You should constantly experiment for optimizing your blog to it’s full potential. Find out what works and what doesn’t. Once your number’s start increasing it will make experimenting harder for fear of losing your reader’s interest.
- Appreciation : Just like having a child you tend to appreciate the early stages in his/her life because it will go by so fast, later you will wish the thing’s that were so simple as to when your child was a baby. The same applies to your blog, appreciate your reader’s and what you are doing to relate your content to them. As in your first child you are learning to be a parent and with your blog you are learning to be a blogger. While your child grow’s he/she will start catching on to your mistakes and learning bad habits, learn early before he/she start’s really paying attention to you. Apply the same to your blog.
Every amateur blogger need’s to start some where, if you are like me you can over look the important thing’s you have. Striving for excellence in your content and maximizing your traffic is great but when you start out, appreciate the elbow room. Maximize usage of your resources while you can and always remember the feeling you used to have when the comments started rolling in. Remember how anxious you were to reply to those comments and post new material for your reader’s Maintain that feeling and you will be just fine on your path to greater things. There is far more reasons why I like having little traffic but I wanted to leave this open for discussion. How do/did you use your newbie time to benefit your blogging experiences?
photo credit: Patricia Oliveira
Please show your appreciation and comment, Re-Tweet and visit Ryan’s Site
Heather (257)
Eric (236)
Ralph (197)
Matthew Needham (192)
Ben Lumley (149)
Travis (142)
Olusegun (126)
Karen (123)
Steve Scott Site (107)
Eleanor Edwards (106)
ray (106)
Rob Sellen (83)
Paul (80)
Lees Shizzle (78)
Gordie (75)
Don Power (74)
Justin Matthews (69)
Ryan Hanzel (66)
Keith (61)
Tom | Build That ... (56)
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: paulworswick
February 8, 2010 at 10:02
Ryan, this is like a breathe of fresh air. It is so pleasing to read about your relaxed attitude towards the development of your blog and your blogging skills. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Regards
Paul
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 16:54
Thanks bud for the compliment, the initial building blocks is key to anything you set out to do.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
winnie
Twitter: kookieskrumble
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 14:49
I absolutely agree, fresh and new is always good, and simple!!! That is the way to go.
[Reply]
Twitter: bluepop13
February 8, 2010 at 12:48
Ryan,
I still consider myself a newbie and I feel that experimenting is good and keeping track of what exactly you do is even better. This way, should something go wrong here but not there you know exactly how to adjust things.
Of course nothing is perfect and ever will be but you will at least have a better idea.
This is why I think so many people like to write things down and keep track of them. Being a newbie has its benefits just as being a pro.
Excellent article bro!
Heading to your blog now.
Eric´s last blog ..Real Or Robot
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 17:01
Thanks man, absolutely. Ya I need to find a little more organization before my library gets to big to keep track of.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
winnie
Twitter: kookieskrumble
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 14:51
so right blue, fresh and new ideas are good. Not always following niche is another suggestion, go with something out of the ordinary, that might grab a readers attention.
[Reply]
Twitter: bigredtomato
February 8, 2010 at 13:27
I think that even when you’ve been doing this 2 years you should still look at it as if you’re a newbie. Continuing to apply the points you mention will keep you at the top of the game, whether you are a newbie or an experienecd pro.
thanks for sharing Ryan
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..Tom beat Blue Monday
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 17:06
Agreed
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
winnie
Twitter: kookieskrumble
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 14:52
Matthew, someday I am sure we will all look bach after two years and see how much we have accomplished, I also believe giving new blog comments is amazing for networking.
[Reply]
Twitter: kruby
February 8, 2010 at 14:14
I agree that when you are a newbie that’s when it’s time to learn and make mistakes. There are not a lot of eyes on you at that stage and the mistakes are easily forgiven.
I also think that when a blog is young, that’s the time to take the risks as you don’t have a lot to lose. Want to run some funky contest or write something off-topic but what you always wanted to do? – do it when you don’t have 10 000 eyes looking at you
Karen
Karen´s last blog ..Are Books Worth The Money?
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 17:10
Lol ya I hope I never accidentally post something that may come across wrong or it just being a mistake in general. I love providing constructive material that can be related to and sometimes fear my content having the opposite reaction. Maybe that is just my self modesty.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
Nice Read Ryan.
I also like to reiterate the point that Karen mentioned.
There are lots of good things being a novice blogger
1. You can avoid mistakes made by the pros.
2. You have better maneuverability with a new blog.
3. Taking risks is much easier and they cost less.
I wrote about this two year ago… I am sharing that post below.
http://techthinker.com/your-new-website-is-not-bad-as-you-think/
Aaron from TechThinker.com´s last blog ..Passion vs. Enjoyment
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 17:24
I will check that out, thanks for the comment!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
winnie
Twitter: kookieskrumble
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 14:53
Risks!!! Now I like that.
[Reply]
Twitter: ralphcarlson
February 8, 2010 at 17:20
But don’t be too timid either.
Ralph´s last blog ..Up with Failure
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 17:28
That is going to be a rough one for me, how I usually get through it is just enjoy writing the post and worry about posting it later. Once I post it is when I really pay attention to see how well it does, so far I am thankful for all of the constructive and supportive commenter’s out there!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
Twitter: segedoo
February 8, 2010 at 17:27
Hey Ryan,
Every blogger was an amateur at some point even Seth Godin!
You are one helluva great dude man and I appreciate your character.
I love experimenting and i usually do not ask question until i have experimented and gotten stuck. I love the unknown and the adrenaline it promises.
Mistakes are what experienced bloggers were made from.
Life is a school and the only teacher there is experience.
While having a mentor is good, it becomes bad when your mentor wants you to become a clone of his so have this at the back of your mind if you are considering a blog mentor – Be Yourself Always.
Cheers man.
Olusegun´s last blog ..Broke-Ass Blogger or MSI Blogger – Which One Are You?
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 17:44
Well said man, I haven’t really thought of having a mentor. Recently I have been across many different kinds of blogs and reading their content and comments to see how it works for them. There is a lot of talent out there and only hope to achieve half of what other blogger’s have accomplished. This is a new hobby and greatly appreciate the support from the blog community and only hope to contribute back what I have already received!
Thanks for your feedback and compliment bud!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
Twitter: israelimom
February 8, 2010 at 19:16
I agree, it’s nice that you’re taking your time with it.
Sorry to be pedantic, but one thing really bothered me – the way you add apostrophes where they’re not needed (like “reason’s” instead of reasons”). You may want to proofread the text some more.
Anne Moss´s last blog ..Tips for Taking a Break from the Computer
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 19:36
Thank you for your comment and your support! It has been been a little while since school. Working on my grammar/punctuation as well as my content as I go. I am glad you decided to comment on it, my biggest philosophy in life if I am not sure what is right or wrong is either by trial and error or someone else will correct me. Thanks!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
Twitter: bloggersmarket
February 8, 2010 at 19:34
Hi Ryan,
On your mark, get set ….. ahh yes, the starting point. For me, it started with a technical interest. So I actually had many blogs to work with at first, however Bloggers Market was my true love. Unfortunately I had a nasty database problem to start with, so I had to shelve it for a while. I just did not have the time to work out the problems. At the same time that I was building blogs for others. I started out March 18, 2009, with Bloggers Market then started with posting content after repairs on August 6, 2009. That’s five months I was working on other blog projects for other people. When I re-launched in August, I had a smoking hot blog ……….. and NO TRAFFIC! Looking back on it, I was about 95% percent through the process of building, so all I had to do was post and wrangle traffic. The really hard tech stuff that most newbies deal with while building a following was behind me. At that point in time it was “fasten your seat belt”. In a word ……… ZOOM!
Jeffrey´s last blog ..Super Bowl Fun! Bloggers Market Bowl
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 19:46
Ya I had a rough start picking the wrong hosting company without reading their reviews first (Yahoo is not a premium wordpress hosting service, google the reviews if your in the market) but found a home at siteground.com. Wasn’t a 6 month ordeal though but was very annoying.
Thanks for the comment, gonna head over to your blog to see if you have as much energy there as in your comment
!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
Twitter: tbabinszki
February 8, 2010 at 19:47
Ryan, nice post.
When I started blogging and I wanted to make a change, I didn’t even have to pull my site offline, I could be sure nobody is coming…
The other advantage is that when you are starting out, you always have somebody more experienced to give you a hand, provide an advice, answer a question or share experiences, all out of their good hearts.
Tom´s last blog ..Call Center Employs 1000 Blind People in Moscow
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 20:02
Ya man I hope everything stays the same as my blog grows up except the number of great people out there.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
Twitter: AgentDeepak
February 8, 2010 at 19:49
It does not matter to me if I have 10 or 100s of visitor. If a change is necessary, I do it.
If a experiment is necessary, first I simulate it in mind and then try it.
Anyways I am alway experimenting.
Agent Deepak´s last blog ..Get your Face on Facebook
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 20:05
Thanks for stopping by bud, you can always find a way to accomplish most of the above with any number of visitors. I think it just becomes a little more of a sensitive situation with the more people looking up to you for the very best content.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being a loving person
[Reply]
Twitter: benlumley6
February 8, 2010 at 20:26
Hey Ryan, great to see you out guest posting – you need to post for me now!
Appreciation is where it’s at. I love that fact that people come and comment on my posts or ReTweet me. I never get tired of it.
Really looking forward to see how you develop buddy!
Ben Lumley´s last blog ..Doing something because you think you should, isn’t the way to go
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 21:24
Ya man I love it. Don’t worry I will be sending ya a guest post here soon I hope. I just want to make sure it is high quality.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Why I am happy with my 40 visit’s per day — TheInfoPreneur
[Reply]
Twitter: tmaluchnik
February 8, 2010 at 20:38
Inspirational post for those of us amateur bloggers just starting out! I am so glad you looked and pointed out the positives for me to realize.
Sometimes I get to worried about traffic and what not with blogging that I am overlooking the good things of being at the bottom such as more meaningful relationships, the “thought of being the unerdog,” experimenting (which I do wayyy to much sometimes, so much so that I am probably losing the small crowd I have).
Tanner @ Life Destiny´s last blog ..The Paleo Diet Going Mainstream
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 21:27
I am glad you found inspiration in my post! Just stay smart and dedicated. Keep up with all of the pro’s and apply their advice and you will do great. They haven’t led me wrong yet.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Why I am happy with my 40 visit’s per day — TheInfoPreneur
[Reply]
Twitter: JimiJones
February 8, 2010 at 23:57
Very good post and great points, Ryan.
Remember one thing, every blogger in existence, regardless of any level of success they may have reached, started with one post and one loyal reader. Enjoy the ride, the rest will take care of itself.
Blog on, man.
Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Gaining Momentum While Blogging
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 15:26
Very true man, thanks for stopping by!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Why I am happy with my 40 visit’s per day — TheInfoPreneur
[Reply]
Twitter: cadilacjax
February 9, 2010 at 05:40
My truck flipped over 4 times today. Hit some black ice. Didn’t know what to do because I’d driven so long, this had never happened.. If I’d experienced this b4 then maybe I would have been able to correct it and stop the flippin. .. it came to me that sometimes it’s a new experience and I need to be ready if has never happened b4 and no matter how ready I am, whether it be sooner or later, I need to be ready…….. So be ready Ryan..sounds like your too satisfied with where your at. Jus sayin
Sounds like your settling for less Ryan.. like b4 I like your site and I love the domain name..wanta sell it..
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 15:37
Are you ok bud? Sounds like you got it pretty rough today, black ice can be a beast.
It does sound like I am settling for less, I am merely just happy for where I am at and try to make the most of it while I can. Being a military brat all of my life and now in the military now taught me to never really settle (aside from my wife and son – different kind of settle). If I do settle I start to get stir crazy, I am constantly changing or improving to keep my scenery looking different and fresh. Not saying there is big changes coming in the future but I may stray here and there to improve the quality of my blog.
Now as to sell Writers Addict, well I may not be attached to it since it is really fresh but I enjoy writing under that domain. Now if I was in the market (which I am not at the moment) I would like to see what kind of offers I would receive while on top.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Why I am happy with my 40 visit’s per day — TheInfoPreneur
[Reply]
Twitter: albanyinsurance
February 9, 2010 at 13:54
Ryan,
As a beginner with the same first name it felt as if I had written this article. I completely agree with all your points. For Amatuers the early development stages offer so much freedom its nice. More established bloggers have to be very careful with changes where I have changed my theme 3 times in the first 6 months till I found one that could really work for me.
Thanks, look forward to more from you.
ryan H
Ryan Hanley´s last blog ..I Hate This Life Insurance Question
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 15:41
Ya I think here pretty soon I may experiment with posting on another niche that sparks interest but still primarily focus on self development. I just like writing about the things that are stirring around in my head. Thanks for the comment
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Why I am happy with my 40 visit’s per day — TheInfoPreneur
[Reply]
Twitter: kookieskrumble
February 9, 2010 at 14:56
Basically, I never really worry about my comments or traffic, especially when I am new, because you are writing for your benefit, what ever your reason is good or bad people can always take or leave what you write. But, if anything, I have said before, if I can at least touch one person a day, I am happy with that. Great Post Newbie. Will be watching.
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 15:44
Thanks for all of your support, I agree that I feel accomplished if I touch one reader out there but the more the merrier! Thanks for all of your comments and actively participating in the discussion!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Why I am happy with my 40 visit’s per day — TheInfoPreneur
[Reply]
Twitter: digitivityorg
February 9, 2010 at 18:12
I think the most important aspect of blogging (whether for fun or for profit) is regularity.
The best rule is to blog every single day, no excuses, which I’ve been doing for this whole year now.
As long as you do that, your audience, your experience, and your benefit from blogging will all steadily increase.
J @ The Digital Life & Tools Blog´s last blog ..Updating Your WordPress Blog Too Frequently: Avoiding Getting Banned from Ping Services
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 18:27
Great advice man, just need to be able to pump out some scheduled posts because my job takes me away from the internet for days-weeks, at least for now.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Climbing back on your throne
[Reply]
Twitter: dboguejmatthews
February 9, 2010 at 23:14
I feel much the same way. Ihad a small party when the readers on my site hit 666 and another when I had 62 visitors in one day! I also have a small party every time I get a comment. It is silly but since my blog is still in its infancy, I can act like a child when something good happens. Thanks for the great info!
Justin
Justin Matthews´s last blog ..Groundhog was wrong, It’s time for Yardwork!
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 16:46
It is always great to act a little childish and excited either way, it is our accomplishments that drive us for more and the support of our readers that gives it meaning!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Climbing back on your throne
[Reply]
Yeah, that is an awesome attitude! It’s true that when we are not at the top of things exactly, there is more feeling of freedom, and that we are not being watched as much, and this way we have more freedom to be ourselves, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Good for you.
Kelly´s last blog ..How to Make a Photography Portfolio
[Reply]
Ryan Hanzel
Twitter: ryanhanzel
Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 16:50
woops, meant to reply to this message. Put this where for the email notification so you know you have a reply
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Raise your standards — Guest Post
[Reply]
Twitter: ryanhanzel
February 14, 2010 at 16:49
Kelly,
You are absolutely right! Having the elbow room to explore new ways to find what best suites you is what starting out is all about, well other than trying to make it as far as you can passed that point.
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Raise your standards — Guest Post
[Reply]