Good Morning Bloggers!

Let’s enjoy a cup of Coffee or Tea together this morning. Did you know today is All Saints day? I found this image and seemed appropriate. Also, remember this is the day we set our manual clocks back an hour. Today, I’ll be watching the Vikings @ noon CST and then will be leaving town at 4:00 PM to watch Deb’s nephew play in his Football game.

I do hope everyone had a great Halloween! I was working on two different poems, one about my Mother and Halloween, I missed the deadline for Halloween, LOL! I still may work on it and publish on a later date. But for now!

Since one of my posts that I published on October 20th of this year, HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR BLOG! has done so well, I decided to break that one up into a series of articles taking an in-depth look into each topic and possibly adding a few more to the list that might be a benefit to all of us! I know from experience when I research a particular subject whether it be text based or a Youtube video the
information provided although great for what it is sometimes can still leave us with vagueness, that dry mouth effect leaving us having to do more research to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

As always, please leave me you thoughts!

In the meantime, I would like to share some comments that were left. Danny from Drem Big Dream Often left me this comment, 16 hours ago,
“Hey man, just wanted to give you some feedback about Stumble. My post on Stumbleupon represented 10% of my views today totaling around 50 views! I am astonished!! Great work and a HUGE thank you!!
Danny”

This one from Leisel, 14 hours ago Skill Up Skillet
“Thank you so much again for sharing my post on Reddit! Between yesterday and today I’ve had ~34 views from there.” Just look at that detail she did on those Sugar Cookies.

Easter 2014 My first Easter Cake!

 

Kinda reminds me of a Cake I did for Easter with Mom, Papa and child bunny holding an easter egg,

Kathy also left me a comment as well and this is Important! 17 hours ago
“Hi Michael! Thank you so much for this opportunity. I do post on Reddit now and then but have also been kicked off for posting too much. The article I would like you to share is : http://smartliving365.com/how-minimalism-or-rightsizing-can-prepare-you-for-retirement/ It is about either minimalism or retirement. Thank you!”

“I do post on Reddit now and then but have also been kicked off for posting too much.” Pay close attention to this, for this is one of the drawbacks with Reddit!

As always, please leave me you thoughts!

Want Extra Views to Your Blog?

Reddit & StumbleUpon Are Working!

I have a few comments that I would like to share with you. Some of our fellow Bloggers have expressed their thanks and the extra views they got. But first, I updated my menu. I had a comment about sharing, so if you would like to share some of my work then I added a menu titled, “Share My Work” whether it be Reddit or Stumbled.

On to the Comments! I like Comments!

I am very happy and excited that this idea that Janice and I came up with is helping our fellow Bloggers to get extra views they deserve from their hard work.  Often our hard work is not seen by the mass, it’s like driving on the 405 in Los Angelas and hitting a traffic jam going nowhere fast leaving us to just twiddle our thumbs and hope that the jam clears so we can move forward even if only at five miles per hour. At least we are moving and not in a state of inertia.

First we have Ellen Hawley that writes about the problems in Britain.

Shared on Reddit

This is working!

Share on StumbleUpon

Second, Gary who writes some very awesome film reviews or showcasing the classics providing an in-depth look into the movie and sometimes if the movie is in the public domain he will showcase it in his Blog. Here is his comment.

Shared on Reddit

Third, we have Deniza who writes about fitness and health who is currently a medical student from Germany. PS. I found that on her About page!!! Here is her comment.

I encourage all who want to benefit from this to leave their links.

Janice’s Page for StumbleUpon Shares

If you’re not already following Janice, show some Blogger love and give her a Follow.

And my page to leave your links for the post that you want to have shared on Reddit.

And if not following me, like Danny say’s how about showing Michael some of that Blogger love and give me a follow.

In case you missed it I did a video on How to Post to Reddit.

 

How to Post on Reddit!

How to Post on Reddit and Choose the Correct Subreddit!

I have received several comments that they would benefit from knowing how to use Reddit and how to submit someone’s post. My mind was passing the mental floors should it be text based or a video that actually shows you how to do it. The video won! I did a previous video, REDDIT, SUBREDDITS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

To remind everyone, the Follow to Follow Directory is still up and running. Also, make sure if you want to have your post shared on Reddit or StumbleUpon you can still do that if you wish to harness some extra views!

 

 

Announcing Reddit & StumbleUpon Groups are Alive!

The launch date is here and both  Reddit and StumboleUpon groups are alive!

Hello, everyone, The date is here, so find those awesome post you want to be shared!

I recently took my Gabapentin for my nerve pain and in a bit I will be out cold, I hope when I wake in the morning I will see all your lovely links and comments.

On the ride side of the screen, you will see two clickable images that will direct you to either Janice’s page for StumbleUpon shares or mine for Reddit shares.

I encourage all who want to benefit from this to leave their links. Below are two clickable images as well that will direct to the correct page to leave your links.

Janice’s Page for StumbleUpon Shares

If you’re not already following Janice, show some Blogger love and give her a Follow.

And my page to leave your links for the post that you want to have shared on Reddit.  And if not following me, like Danny say’s how about showing Michael some of that Blogger love and give me a follow.

 

 

 

Is Your Blog Getting The Attention You Want?

Is Your Blog Getting The Attention You Want?

Yesterday I announced that Janice and I have formed an alliance in efforts to help promote your Blogs! You can  read more about that here with the following links: Note: Last night and this morning I did add more links in the Follow to Follow Directory!

Announcing Mostly Blogging & Michael’s Origins Unite!

Inspire Me Monday Linky Party #56

I was recently left with a comment by The.Richard.Braxton, the comment is as follows, “Have you tried this yet? Does it work? And if you are caught colluding like this will you get banned from Reddit or StumbleUpon?”

That is a good question and I thank you for the comment. First these sites StumbleUpon and Reddit advocate the promotion of others and not your own. On Reddit, you can get away with submitting your own work however it is tricky and you can easily get banned for being a spammer. As I was writing this post, I received a comment on my post, REDDIT, SUBREDDITS SHARES! the comment is from skinnyandsingle, “13 minutes ago Skinny and Single
Reddit has given me kick ass traffic. More than 5000 views… in saying that, I’ve also been called horrible, horrible names 😀
I love Reddit!!!!” and her second comment when I asked permission to use her comment in my post, “You bet!!!! 🙂 I am the Reddit Queen!!!!! I’ve only been blacklisted, called a spammer like a thousand times :D”

To Jump Track, that comment was sent by God himself as I was writing this post. P.S I do believe in Guardian Angels -saved my life as a young know it all teen.

On my post REDDIT, SUBREDDITS SHARES, know one knew that I was sharing their work on other platforms in hopes of generating more views for them. Here is a comment that was left for me by the lovely Jennifer Calvert from Ink And Quill,

“2 days ago INK AND QUILL Michael, a big thank you for posting some of my poetry on reddit. That’s is so kind and thoughtful of you! Much appreciated. I will have to get onto reddit myself and return the favour! X”

Excerpt from yesterday’s post below!

Why are we uniting?

Janice and I came to the conclusion and here is what she has on her Blog, “I have written about the potential for massive traffic from both StumbleUpon and Reddit. The problem is you can’t self-promote at either site. How can you get tremendous traffic from sites that frown on you putting your links there?” 

This is true with StumbleUpon which is a great resource for driving traffic to you blog as long as someone and that someone is not you, shares it on StumbleUpon, I have submitted three of my posts on StumbleUpon and nada, zip nothing until I found the why! 😦  Reddit even trickier to utilize to harness the benefits of Reddit id self-promoting.

Both Janice and I believe in the idea of helping our fellow Bloggers out there that want to increase their traffic, perhaps gain some new friends along the way.

“If you are FOLLOWING our blogs, you will be apprised when the links to the respective groups go live” I have already worked on some graphics to place on the right side of this Blog.

This will be a clickable image pointing to the page to submit your post that you want to be shared on Reddit.

 

This will be the image for Jance’s Page if you want to have your post shared on StumbleUpon.

To close this post, I hope that you will take advantage of this new idea that Janice and I came up with.

Please, Let me know your thoughts on this new idea to help you out!

 

Announcing Mostly Blogging & Michael’s Origins Unite!

Announcing Mostly Blogging & Michael’s Origins Unite!

Yesterday, Sunday was filled with mixed emotions, the Minnesota Vikings pulled a rabbit out of their hat and won, Yah! The New York Giants at the last possible moment had a 100-yard punt return, though I am not a Giants fan that was great to see! Did anyone catch the latest episode of The Walking Dead?  All I can say I am in denial and sad, but I won’t spoil it for you in case you haven’t seen it yet.

This morning I also received word that Danny is feeling better today, things are looking good!

I will say Sunday was an eventful day! It is also a day that Janice from Mostly Blogging and I decided to cross promote each others Blogs to our readers. That’s right! We have come up with a unique plan that will help you increase your traffic.

In a previous post, I wrote along with a video, REDDIT, SUBREDDITS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW I describe what you needed to know and in the video I explained that Reddit frowns on a person self-promoting and one could get banned if not careful. Their rule is to share 90% of others work that would allow you to submit 10% of your own.  That is work!

Why are we uniting?

Janice and I came to the conclusion and here is what she has on her Blog, “I have written about the potential for massive traffic from both StumbleUpon and Reddit. The problem is you can’t self-promote at either site. How can you get tremendous traffic from sites that frown on you putting your links there?” 

This is true with StumbleUpon which is a great resource for driving traffic to you blog as long as someone and that someone is not you, shares it on StumbleUpon, I have submitted three of my posts on StumbleUpon and nada, zip nothing until I found the why! 😦  Reddit even trickier to utilize to harness the benefits of Reddit.

Both Janice and I believe in the idea of helping our fellow Bloggers out there that want to increase their traffic, perhaps gain some new friends along the way.

“If you are following our blogs, you will be apprised when the links to the respective groups go live” I have already worked on some graphics to place on the right side of this Blog.

This will be a clickable image pointing to the page to submit your post that you want to be shared on Reddit.

 

This will be the image for Jance’s Page if you want to have your post shared on StumbleUpon.

To close this post, I hope that you will take advantage of this new idea that Janice and I came up with.

Let me know your thoughts on this new idea!

 

4 Ways to Drive More Traffic to Your Blog!

We all want to increase our follow count and see the traffic views explode, I will get to that in a moment. But, first!

I was left with a lovely comment from Noorain that I want to share with everyone, and what better way to thank her for her kind words then to put her in the spotlight. Thank you Noorain I appreciate your heartfelt kind words of encouragement!

I would like you to read KatieB comment that was left for me. I do hope that she gets the follow back from everyone that she followed. I applaud you.  Katie! 🙂

This is working!

I really have to hand it to Haylee, she keeps me informed on how well this is working for her. Thank you for the comments Haylee!

https://aloadabobbins.wordpress.com/

Please Leave me comments on your success!

On your right side of the screen, I added a clickable image that is easy to find. I noticed that some were having some problems yesterday so I created this to make it easier on everyone. You can even leave me your links on this post if you like.

4 Ways to Drive More Traffic to Your Blog!

1. Add your link to my directory.
2. Double your exposer! Add your link to Janice’s directory
3. Danny’s Meet & Greet Party His Blog is Dream Big Dream Often. I will mention I just made a new connection from the Meet & Greet Party, I would like everyone to meet Gatsie her blog can be found here: https://gatsiesheikar.wordpress.com/
4. Jason’s Blog Opinionated Man has started a Review of Blogs which is a great Idea! Here is an excerpt from his page, “If you are interested in being included please send me your info to aopinionatedman@gmail.com. I will probably be doing more “reviews” than reblogs from now on. I still will always share things that touch my heart. Please, please remember who is doing the reviewing… me. If you are overly sensitive don’t sign up….” 

In earlier posts, I have mentioned having a Facebook Fan pages among other Social Media outlets. Janice Wald has written a great article showing 9 Ways the Bandwagon Effect Will Make You Change the Way You Blog.

• We make new friends
• Gain more exposure
• Other will be more inclined to follow yours immediately
• Word of mouth spreads and is still the best tool to market oneself

In-case you haven’t noticed I updated my menu.

Follow Directory is A Success Again!

A fast update to inform everyone how great this idea is working!

I have a few more comments I would like to share with you. I do wish for more feedback on your success! Leave me comments! I Don’t bite, promise!

On your right side of the screen, I added a clickable image that is easy to find. I noticed that some were having some problems yesterday so I created this to make it easier on everyone. You can even leave me your links on this post if you like.

 

Faraday’s Candle left this comment!

 

 

 

 

 

A Journey With You left this comment!

 

 

 

 

 

debbiedeywrites left this comment!

 

 

 

 

 

And if you want to Double your exposer or find new Bloggers to connect with, Please visit Janice at Mostly Blogging the link is here ask to be added to her directory. Janice and I are the only two that are doing this so far.

http://mostlyblogging.com/how-to-get-new-blog-followers/

• We make new friends
• Gain more exposure
• Other will be more inclined to follow yours immediately
• Word of mouth spreads and is still the best tool to market oneself

In-case you haven’t noticed I updated my menu.

 

How To Promote Your Blog!

As Bloggers, we must be aware of the vast competition that is out there from New to well-established Blogs. Self-publishing authors face this as well, everyone wants to get noticed in hopes of walking to the bank one day and or the hopes of that 15-minute slot on a talk show. Perhaps have a following of 10k plus. What can we do to better promote our Blogs?

When it comes to self-promoting your Blog, there are no secrets a fast Google search and there will be many articles on the subject. Here are some important guidelines to adhere to.

1. Content should be top notched: I know you heard it before and probably more than you like, Yet, this is a crucial aspect pertaining to Blogs that climb the latter and those that fall off. Delivering solid content that your readers want to come back for.
2. Post Regularly: I have read many articles on this subject and found that posting once per month is not going to keep your readers engaged.  On the other hand, if you post too often your previous post could end up buried and possibly fade away. It is a balancing act, some suggest six posts per day and others suggest four while some provide advice but no set number of posts.
3. Your Blog Should Have Character: In an earlier post I mentioned about being honest and open with your readers. Just like a warrior becomes one with his weapon, flowing naturally and gracefully as though watching a beautiful dance, your blog needs to become an extension of your own persona so that readers can relate to you.
4. Headings: I have to admit on some of my posts the headings are crap, garbage, rubbage whatever you want to call it. There I said it! I recently came across a Site Copyblogger founder Brian Clark and once I registered I found a passage that is a real eye opener and I hope it will open your eyes to. “Your headline is the first — and perhaps only — impression you make on a prospective reader. On average, 8 out of 10 people will read your headline copy, but only 2 out of 10 will read the rest. The better your headline, the better your odds of beating the averages and getting what you’ve written read by a larger percentage of people.” One analogy is when we go on that first date of job interview, first impressions matter!
5. Communication: Across the board on various sites stress this point. I found a list that might shed some light on this subject. “Here are just some of the elements of an effectively communicated message (blog content):Proper preparation of the message
   It must have clear purpose
   Keeping the User engaged at every step of the message
   You pour your heart into the message
   You must be passionate about your message
   It must be complete and correct
   It must help people make a decision (call to action centric)
   Most importantly, it must be considerate of the target readers’ views
   Communicating effectively with your readers is the essence of a successful blog. You can promote it across every known channel, but if it doesn’t come across as honest, you won’t be able to market your blog successfully.”(Dholakiya, 2012)
6. Variety: This is the one I like most. Your blog should offer some form of variety that will engage your readers. Most of us know that a majority of Bloggers don’t read a long post when just housing text alone. One analogy I can think of here is our pets like cats and dogs. Have you ever noticed your pet getting board of a certain toy or food. You and I with the same dish night after night makes for a boring conversation producing endless sighs. Your readers need variety. Add unique images from time-to-time. Videos are good too, but make sure they relate to your post.
7. Forums: Join established forums that pertain to your main theme. If your Blog pertains to fashion, then locate a fashion forum and make friends while leaving a pingback to your Blog.
8. Follow to Follow Directories: One method of promoting your blog as well as gaining new readers is to get listed on these directories.  Now, when you see you have a new follower out of nowhere be sure to follow back. I believe most of you know that if someone follows me I follow them back, so I advocate this concept. One site that offers this is Janice from Mostly Blogging that page can be found here: http://mostlyblogging.com/how-to-get-new-blog-followers/
9. Youtube Videos: “This is something that requires a bit of creative effort from your side, but if you get it right, and are able to link YouTube videos to your WordPress blog site, there is no better way to promote your blog. Start off with a video that is really simple and which helps you get the hang of creating videos for your blog. As you go along, you can get a little more creative and do something that is really innovative.” (Dholakiya, 2012) One of my Blogging friends Jennifer did just that and made her first video reciting one of her poems for hopefully thousands to see and hear. Way to go, Jennifer, you are taking chances those risks I mentioned in an earlier post. That video can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-54h7uo-pNU&list=PLEPn9EA5YtgPTEYeRDRcodLfc_E0BrfqV
10. Fan Page: I have discussed this in recent posts to use a Facebook Fan Page to promote your Blog among certain Facebook Groups that we can utilize. In the wise words of Dholakiya, “Yes, one of the better ways of using social media to promote your blog is to create a Facebook Fan page. What this means is that you need to create a landing page on Facebook that offers information about your blog, and what it is all about. By using this page, you can even post your blog articles, pictures and any other information related to your blog. It’s important not to confuse your fan page with your personal profile. They are two very different things. The latter helps you spread awareness about your blog, using your personal network, while the former helps you collect ‘fans’ who have subscribed to your Fan page; these fans actually want to know about any new updates and happenings on your blog.”
11. Twitter: When it comes to Twitter you have to keep in mind that this platform is to bring together like-minded individuals together.
12. Patience is a Virtual: My Dad once told me I had the patience of a Chinese Man while we were watching Enter The Dragon. I never fully comprehended that until I was much older. Bloggers have to have patience. Finding the how-tos and grabbing the keys of the Porshe pedal to the metal from zero to sixty in thirty days or less will result in failure.
13. I think I Can-I think I can! Just like the choo-choo we have to keep positive, focused and keep moving forward. I have seen too many Blogs within WordPress give up.

 

Sources:

http://www.copyblogger.com/

http://famousbloggers.net/promoting-wordpress.html