We’re at Day 20 (almost 21) in the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge and at two thirds of the way through the project I thought I’d give a quick update with a few random highlights, updates and thoughts:
1. We’ve got over 12,000 people signed up and at different stages of the process. 100 or so are joining every day. We’ve set it up in such a way that you’ll get emails starting at Day 1 so you can sign up at any time.
2. The 31DBBB forum area is cranking – those that seem to be benefiting the most from 31DBBB seem to be those interacting in the forum area – particularly those who are actively collaborating with other participants. The exciting thing is that while the numbers of people who’ve joined the forum are smaller – most people there are really genuinely interested in working together. A fantastic community is emerging there which I think we’ll continue after the end of the project. I’ll include some of the popular threads in the forum below.
3. Success Stories – A number of participants have reported significant improvements in their blogs. While everyone’s story is different we’re hearing feedback that some bloggers really seeing their blogs lifted to new levels (example).
4. Your Feedback Invited – I’ve just posted a thread in the forum asking for feedback – if you’d like to share some thoughts on how things have gone for you so far (good and bad) share them here.
5. Workbook Coming – I’m still planning on putting together all 31 days tasks into a workbook e-book which we’ll sell at the end of the 31 days at an affordable price.
All in all it’s been a positive experience. While there are a few things I’d do differently I’m really pleased with how it’s been going.
6. Popular Forum Threads – As mentioned above – here are 10 interesting threads in our forum area that have generated some great discussion in the last few days:
- What does your significant other thinks?
- Twitter List – Add Yourself
- Copyrights and How to Protect Your Writing?
- Donations
- Favicons
- How do You make Money?
- RSS subscription. To do or not to do???
- Categories vs Tags
- Statcounter, google analytics, site meter – which one?
- ProBlogger Budget?
Of course there’s also a discussion thread for each day of the challenge here.
@Darren rowse
I learned so much from 31 days build a beter blog project hope you also release a post containing brief summary of 31 days project with links to them.
ok I’m sold: I shall head on over to the forum and join up. What I find interesting is that the forum seems to fly in the face of other advice I read which said that you should either encourage comments, or encourage forum discussion, but not both because it splits the audience.
I’m learning so much. I signed on late so I am currently on day 6. It’s been a great project. I’m happy to have joined. Thank you.
Your tips have been a great help to my blog. There’s been an increase in my traffic and I also get referrals from this website. More power!
Darren, it has been terrific. My traffic growth is not dramatic but is steady. I think it’s due to my quality improving, and learning how to promote it.
Good goin Darren…
Its really helpful man…
I can’t believe my comment is in the top ten… and now I can’t think of anything relevant to say…
Workbook? Hmmm that sounds interesting!
Maybe I should reread “Leave Comments on Other Blogs [Day 20 – 31DBBB]”
I’ve found the project really useful and the forum is fantastic – I am glad to hear it’s going to be continuing. I haven’t always contributed massively but have been working through the tasks and have just had my most successful (as regards visitors) weeks and I am sure it’s not a coincidence.
This has been very successful. Loads of comments and awesome interactions between all people in the workshop. Can’t wait for more.
Darren, I’m just getting started and your site has been tremendous help. I can tell I’ll be spending time here on a daily basis. I missed the beginning of your 31DBBB. Any change I can get it from you? I’m too new and too far behind to get caught up, but I would love to take advantage of your expertise and apply your experience and direction. Thanks!
Darren, Guess it would have helped if I proof read that first comment. How foolish one can be in a hurry, mistakes. I meant “any chance I could get the 31DBBB” I bet you knew that already. Lesson learned. Thank you.
Hi Darren,
I really found this series to be useful. It’s a careful breakdown of all the basics of good blogging practices. It also helped me to give variety in my posts. Thank you for launching this series.
If only I could get the rest of my group of bloggers on board with you. That being said I really liked the forum on the budget and thought both you and your other great admin answered it well. I have also obtained some great advise by posting a question there myself, and made some new blogging friends there in the process.
This also helps with burnout, which can get to me when trying to motivate other women and maintain two blogs, plus be a mom to a teenager and work full-time (not at blogging).
Thanks for all you do –
Catherine
Hi Darren,
I am slowly working through the tasks and have seen promising growth so far. The list post was a particular success!
Thanks
Despite being confused by a lot of the posts I have learned a little bit from them.
Thanks for the valuable inputs and iam learning so much and at same time your tips helps my blog in generating more traffic.
Despite being confused by a lot of the posts I have learned a little bit from them.