I’ve got a spare ProBlogger Book sitting here on my desk with one of your names on it.
To win – in comments below simply leave a link to your blog (if you have one) and in under 250 words tell us why you need the book.
What do you need to improve on your blog? What questions do you hope it answers? What’s your biggest need as a blogger?
I’ll choose the person who I feel the book will help the most. The competition ends Monday Morning at 9am my time here in Melbourne – 24 hours from now.
update: Thanks everyone – I’ve closed this competition (and comments) and will announce a winner today.
to put it simply I don’t have a blog yet and want to start one.Also I have the system and the idea just need the expereince and expertise which you share in this book. This book should be given to me because it will guide me and give the insights which you think are usefull.
Hey i need the book because it’s a big distance to Romania. And that’s all.
Darren,
I’ve been a fan of your site for quite some time and I took al ton of your advice to build my own site. I know the book would help me with creating better quality posts, and that should be the intention of every blogger. I’ve seen what financial sites like mine has to offer, and I want to give my readers the best experience without confusing any investing terminology. Your book will allow me to better help these individuals. Thanks in advance.
http://www.thegearedinvestor.com
Why I need it.
Because my traffic from StumbleUpon doesn’t convert to subscribers.
Because my existing marketing strategies seem to only maintain my readership, not increase it.
Because I need to know how to make money from a membership site (my blog is low traffic at the moment so advertisers aren’t an option (except for Adsense and such which bring in very little, and I can’t find any affiliate products in my niche which I would love to endorse).
Because I want to figure out what on earth “niche” really means.
Hi – I could really use this book for my blog, http://www.busybeelifestyle.com. My partner and I have been working really hard over the last year to build content, improve graphics and technical aspects and create a beautiful and useful website for women. I did start with Google ads on the website right away, and I think eventually they could bring in a significant amount of money, but other than that I really haven’t monetized the website. Now that we are getting more traffic and are happy with our content and look, I’d really like to start concentrating on making more of an income! I’m convinced the website has potential, and I’d like to use the tricks of the trade to take advantage of our accomplishments so far. For example, we do extremely well with Google searching on our content, and I think I could take more advantage of this. I believe we provide a unique advertising opportunity and I’d like to put general advertisements on the site, but so far I have just been soliciting individual websites that look like a good fit. I’d like to reach out to other websites in our niche and build a supportive network, and I could also use some tips on building and making the most of partnerships! I’m looking for very specific ways to improve our traffic and monetize our website and am hoping your book can help focus my efforts and provide some great tips!
I run two blogs, http://www.weeklycrisis and http://www.kirbynonihongo, and I’d love to win a copy of the book because I’m a big fan of the site, read it just about everyday and like free stuff.
I recently started blogging. Every posting or contest entered I am doing it for the wealth of knowledge that comes with it. I have a blog where I will be focusing all my energy.
http://www.whateverebay.com
I want to inform and educate everyone out there; not to limit themselves on just one site to sell or just One form of revenue. Same principles as in life. Always have plan B.
I have read and know of many good sellers and some not so good to have had the door slammed in their face and found themselves without income.
I would benefit from your book and why I need it; simple, I would learn from the best, prepare my outline, understand the structure of a blog and other media available to promote yourself and others. Offers proper advice to empower others to pursue their passion.
Darren
I just wanted to say I loved the book, have it sitting on my nightstand. I read a chapter every few days as a refresher.
While I don’t need the book, I would strongly suggest to anyone posting in the comments hoping to win the book to just go out and buy a copy. It is worth the $20, you will make that back in a few days/weeks.
Thanks again Darren, I look forward to the next book.
This book would be useful for me because, while I have no problem getting people to visit the site, I do have a problem getting them to come back regularly :)
I want to know how I can turn visitors into readers.
I want to know how I can generate at least enough cash to cover hosting costs, and hopefully a bit more on the side!
I want to know how I can make the site useful and attractive to my target audience.
I want to know how I can expand my reader base without becoming gimmicky.
…and that’s just the start :)
Hi Darren,
I need your book because I don’t know what I’m doing. I keep reading and studying and hoping for a light bulb moment to happen. Clueless newbie on the loose needs help. If you see my blog you’ll know what I’m saying is true.
Sonni
I’m borrowing this book from a friend and really don’t want to return it! I’d love my own copy so that I can spend more time going through the exercises and working on improving http://distilledrose.blogspot.com. I’d really like to work better on my niche and on creating improved content, as well as a better site design. I’m an avid Problogger fan!
I’m hoping the book may give some good tips on using the social networking sites to increase traffic to my blog The More, The Messier. I’m having a difficult time figuring out how exactly to navigate them and use them most efficiently.
Hi Darren,
I have been reading your posts on problogger for several months and have been following you on twitter for a couple of months.
I also read dozens of other make money gurus, but there is no doubt in my mind that your common sense approach and easy explanations are what make you so over all popular. I thank you for all you do.
Now here is why I think that I need your book. I have been writing about genealogy for about ten years. Last November I started putting some AdSense ads and then some Affiliate Ads on my Upstate New York Genealogy Blog at http://ny-genes.blogspot.com and though I started out with a pretty fair rush, things have dribbled off for some reason.
My memberships are still growing, my serps are fabulous for the keyword phrase “upstate new york” (without the quotes and without the word genealogy.) Google just raised me up to a 4/10 the last time, but now my Alexa stats are climbing back up. I don’t get it.
I really need to find out what I am doing wrong. I need more traffic, and I need to get better conversions out of what I do have.
As I sit here in the sweltering heat, I know you are in winter and that you probably have not the slightest interest in Upstate New York. I also know that the subject will not matter to you and that you will look at my Blog with a professional eye. What a great opportunity! Thanks again!
Dick Hillenbrand
Hi Darren,
Why do I need your Book?
That would be because I just recently discovered your blog and already have learned a great deal from you just from reading your posts. Also, I have learned the best way to learn is to emulate (or learn) from someone who is already successful.
In my case, that someone is you. While I do have a blog, I am but a small fish in a big pond and I know your book will help me become a bigger fish, as well as help me to be able to do as you do, help people.
Just saying :)
Sincerely,
Michael
I need your book Darren because i ran a contest last month for one of my lucky readers to win a copy of the book you kindly gave as a prize and i never got to read it.
I wont mention my blog(s) because they are so embarassingly new.
First – a story of Wednesdays past.
I live in Geelong and couldn’t find the book here. When visiting Melbourne with my technology illiterate friend, I dragged him to all the bookshops which had it on order, but not in stock. By the days end, he not only knew about blogs but why books on firefox and Ipods exist :)
This brings me to my first reason: Cheap postage..
Reason Two: I can’t find direction.
I have several blogs can’t seem to find direction. I was diagnosed with anxiety last year. Concentration is difficult – and going through every page of Problogger.net is extremely daunting. I have been doing so and applying relevant information to my 6 month blog plan but I do know this book would make the learning process much easier.
Reason Three: It will benefit others.
Its part of my plan to give as much information away for free as possible. Many of my projects and e-books could easily be monetized. The niche I’m focusing on is personal finance. Considering the current issues many are facing I know that by giving the information away for free I can help a wider audience. I have 3 personal finance blogs aimed at different demographics. Two of these are the ones that could benefit most from relevant information.
Thank you for this kind offer. I know whoever you choose will find it immensely useful.
Hi,
I started my blog about photography at http://www.megapixelicio.us and you appreciate this book very much! Because I desperately need to increase my web traffic. Since I discovered your blog, I have applied all strategies that you have talked about on the blog for far with some good result (traffic increased by about 30%) but I would appreciate more tips and tricks to move it to the next level.
I think I create great content, I just need others to notice it and I think this book would help!
Thanks
I’ve been building my site for nine months and I’m finally seeing the results of my hard work but now it’s time to take it to the next level and I think your book will get me there.
http://thailandlandofsmiles.com
Ooooh! Consider me entered!
I could really use your book. I write a mom blog (stop rolling your eyes) that I have built up over the past 3 1/2 years on my own. I started it on a whim, and I have worked on it, developing it, for all these years on my own. I learned basic HTML to tweek the template on my own. I didn’t know about SEO until a few months ago. I didn’t know about mom blog networks for more than the first two years of writing it. I didn’t know how to market it or network it or anything, and yet I have built it up to be something great, with a devoted, if small, readership all own my own: no tricks, no bells, no whistles.
I don’t think it’s an ordinary mom blog. I think it’s helpful to people in some small way. It’s self-depricating, it’s funny, it’s heart-felt, and under the surface it’s meaningful. I have never been afraid to talk about how hard raising my kids is, I don’t shy away from the effects being raised in an abusive home have had on my ability to parent. I talk about PPD, about an alcoholic marriage, about me. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, and I think that means something to other moms.
I am at a cross-roads right now, where the blog is going to have to make the next big leap or I’m going to have to go back to work and put it on the back-burner. I really don’t want to do that. I’d really like some help making this blog become something amazing, something professional, something that I can make a small income from and continue to inspire women to rise above and keep moving forward.
Thanks for considering me!
Mr Lady
I’d like to reach internet-challenged baby boomers that don’t mind picking my brain but are hesitant to search the internet. I’d like to be able to direct them to a blog that makes people feel like they are talking to me and all links would lead them to useful oinformation. My dilemma is that I want to monetize my blog space but I’m not convinced that all links that earn money for me would build confidence in my readers.
For example, I work from home as an ESL instructor and I also write for a soap opera site. As a Google Adsense subscriber, I might be given a link to a work at home site that requires payment to look at the job leads. Therein lies the problem……I know that you don’t have to pay for legitimate leads but my new reader doesn’t and thinks I’ve just sent them on another internet wild goose chase.
250 words! I just want the book because i know that anything that has either your signature or stamp-of-approval must be good.
Does the book teach us how integrate a blog into our domain? Is there easy explanation on affiliate advertising?
PS. Longtime reader, first time commenting. This is an excellent way to boost your traffic, profile, affiliate-ranking, and readership-base!
I hear it’s the best tip book for bloggers…. prove it!!
please?
Amie
PS I really need to know how to take my growing vanilla .com wordpress blog, and turn it into a real website where I can have more control of design. I would like to add my twitter, travel blog and writing blog onto one site…
http://writetools.wordpress.com
Would love it to learn a few tips for my own three blogs and then pass it on to clients – to whom I constantly recommend that they consider blogging to open a channel to their audiences which moves beyond the one-way communication of traditional marketing to become a conversation.
Blogging as a not for profit requires all the nouse one has and more.
It is so much harder to use and harness the SEO techniques and get the message out and there is only so far that passion will take you before you feel as if you are hitting a brick wall!
Then you have to borrow other peoples experience and I’d really appreciate being able to use and build on yours!
I would like to double the site hits within the next 6 months; increase the features of the blog – using it as a spring board for other internet-based ‘services’; and improve my rankings so that the site features on the first page for a variety of engines and terms.
Even just writing those goals down gives me renewed ooompf!
http://www.tyleringram.com
I want the book so I can see what it takes to become a better blogger, so I can attract more visitors and earn money doing so. I would like to live comfortably and not pay cheque to pay cheque by the use of my blog and not have to ‘work for the man’.
I also think it would be cool to have a ProBlogger book sitting in my book case (which currently only has 5 books in it).
It’s been Ten years since I started building & designing websites on the Internet all of them died and the last one is struggling “www.ideasr.com”.
That’s why I started my blog, hoping I can make some money to finance my studies abroad.
I was hardly saving money to buy your book, but now I hope I’ll have mine form you Darren.
Friendly.
Practical is my middle name.
I’m 49 & my problem is there is so much technology & too little brain. I’m also a visual person & learn from books.
We homeschool & this prize will become a textbook in our school. We’ve graduated one & have 3 students to go, plus a 4 year old grandson.
My only niche so far are Kansas hitching posts. So I think I need your help.
Thanks !
Hey, Darren.
I’d love to get my hands on a copy of your book. My reasons can be summed up in one word: value.
It is my desire to create web content that consistently adds value to my readers’ lives. I have several ideas that I’m fleshing out right now. But I need a hand in executing those ideas. You’ve been there and I’m sure your book can help me with some of the strategies I need to learn.
I Tried to Buy your Book three times, but wasn’t able to buy it due to Insufficient funds.
I have been reading this blog for an Year, all the post written here are really helpful, but I get confused sometimes, maybe because, as you told that they are not in well order for blogger as the book is. If you take a look at my blog, you will find it highly influenced by your Blog. but apart from the design, almost everything is completely opposite to yours, be it Traffic, Loyal Readers, Feed Counts, Page Rank.
If I Still don’t Qualify for the book, I’ll Buy it in Near Future.
Anyways, Thank for Offering this Book.
I came “this” close to buying this book yesterday after reading your concise commentary on blog networks. I’m always on the read for anything to be a better blogger and writer, but with my wife’s birthday coming up, etc., I couldn’t yet justify spending money on myself. Keep up the good work!
Darren,
Thanks for having such a fun competition!
Why do I want a copy of your book?
I need to improve my revenue, subscriber count, even my tone.
I hope you book tells me how to attract more readers and turn them into subscribers, and how to reach out to advertisers in my niche in a professional manner.
My biggest need as a blogger? I need an explanation of carnivals, and other marketing techniques that don’t necessarily involve digg or StumbleUpon, though I’d like to learn more about those too.
We’ve been through many upgrades on my site already:
http://www.ThriftyMamas.com, but I really need to work on setting up a landing page, ’cause mines not cutting it!
Thanks for letting me throw my hat in the ring!
Connie
Having built and tweaked and modified and played some more over and over on my Freelance Photography Blog blindly for the last two years I think it is time to really turn things up a notch with information from someone who really knows what they are doing.
I research from fellow blogging sites and try to implement their strategies into my own. Over time this has caused my site to be a bit of a mish mash of styles and themes and just a bit disjointed. It would be good to be able to have a single source of information that is consistent and knows how to work everything together into a standardised form.
Problogger and DPS has been an inspiration for a while and I can relate to your writing style. I am sure that your book is just just as easy to read and has even more tips and guides to help take my blog to the next level
Website: http://LeesVoice.blogspot.com
Reason: I need all the marketing help I can get!
PS: Thanks for your excellent posts and for running this contest too!
I have several blogs, The one I really want to promote is http://savemoneyonyourgrocerybill.info.
I worked very hard writing an eBook about saving money on your grocery bill and I have yet to sell a copy.
I checked with my local library, but they don’t have the book. (I suggested that they add it to their inventory… but so far no such luck.)
I have heard so many good things about the book and would love to have my own copy.
Not only would it help me sell one of my eBooks, it would stop my husband from grumbling about how much time I ‘wasted’, while writing it.
If you look at my site, you can tell that I have recently just started and am new to blogging. I don`t have any posts, nor have I submitted my blog to the search engines yet.
I wanted to first find a great theme that is pleasing to the eye, but most importantly is user friendly and then modify it to my liking. I wanted to get the design and outline of the blog out of the way first, so I can focus on the content and the marketing of my blog.
I have now finished with the modifications and have installed the best plug-ins and am now ready for what is most important, content and marketing, what better time to have this book. As you can see from the site and menu options, I have big plans for the blog, I need something that can get me on the right track and introduce me to the world of blogging and be successful, I’m sure this book will help me with those things.
Hi, Darren! Here’s my link: http://shanelyang.com/blogs/articles/
1. “What do you need to improve on your blog?”
Other than adding quality content for the next 6 months, a new, elegant, colorful, more user-friendly custom design.
2. “What questions do you hope it [the book] answers?”
I’m most interested in the following chapters from the book: Blog Income and Earning Strategies; Blog Networks; Blog Promotion and Marketing; and Secrets of Successful Blogs.
3. “What’s your biggest need as a blogger?”
Honest, straightforward, and up-to-date information about how to monetize the blog.
I NEED your book to help me take my sad little blog from someting I keep talking about and planning to a reality. I did actually create a blog with Blogger, but I want to take it to the next level.
Questions? I have a million of them. I have been reading your blog daily for the past few weeks and it has given me some great tips and encouraged me that I could finally do it.
Also, the idea of making money doing something I enjoy like writing is a plus. Extra income is wonderful…Six figures would be great, but the the price of gas skyrocketing I woul be happy with 3 or 4 figures would come in handy.
Thanks for all the informative posts!
Darren,
I have borrowed a friends dog earred copy just to get some insight to how to get my act together. I’m jobless and have a passion for my music podcast & blog, but need to find a way to make it all come together so that I can earn an income from my podcasting & blogging endeavors.
Thanks for your consideration
Tara
ooopps, heres my link: http://queensartistspodcasts.com
more proof that I need your help.
I have a blog (Mom in the City) about raising young kids (newborns to five years old) in an urban environment.
I need the book in order to figure out how to stand out amongst all of the other “mommy blogs”. I know that timing (I’m SO behind in focusing on my blog) and talent are a huge part of the equation.
I’d like to learn the other tools and techniques to help transition my blog from a “hobby” to a “business” while still remaining true to both myself and my readers. Thanks!
Great idea! My site is here: http://www.booksonthenightstand.com
I would like the book not only because it will help our new blog become better, but also because I am working with many of my small, independently-owned brick & mortar retail customers to determine whether they should enter the blogging world to help their businesses. So the knowledge I get from your book would also help many others as I share my experiences.
Whether I win or not, thanks for doing this.
I am looking for any new tips that might help my Olympic blog.
http://2008gamesbeijing.com
I started blogging at the beginning of this year mainly to help draw traffic to my original site a website template store. It turns out that I really enjoy blogging but I know I need a lot of help.
Anyone who’s been around bloggers very long has heard your name. My hope is that the book can get me on the right track to becoming a successful writer and show me how make a living from it or at least an extra income.
I NEED your book because I suck at blogging!
P.S. I also have a truck payment due, would like to know how to make some extra money.
I’m a photographer and a dog lover. I’ve recently started a blog featuring dog photographs I’ve taken while I was in business as a pet photographer as well as on my travels around the world. This blog has a very specific niche market and I’m finding it a little difficult to draw new traffic. It’s been particularly difficult to drive search engine traffic my way. When it does come, it doesn’t stick because I’m obviously not marketing it correctly. I have big plans for the blog as I really want to make a difference in the world and this is my platform. I want people to share the journey with and need help to have them find my blog! :)
I need blogging help!
I love blogging at my little lifestyle blog http://skimbaco.blogspot.com and would like to make blogging my lifestyle. I pour my heart and soul to my blog, but it doesn’t really pay my bills. Actually I don’t get any income from my blog, and would love to learn more how to monetize it.
I think (I hope) I have a lot to offer, but my biggest challenge is finding my niche, now I write about various topics, and struggle with readers. My personal journey interests people and gets regular readers, but other topics, like product reviews get most traffic fro google. Trying to find a balance is difficult, and I’m even wondering should I have several blogs with specific topics instead.
I’m hoping your book would help me to figure out how to specify the niche on my blog and how to monetize my blog. Well, more traffic would also be very welcome.
I was planning on going to BlogHer next week to learn more about blogging, but got just out of hospital – I had 12 blood clots in my lungs. I was so bummed, not just because of my health, but because I had to cancel going to BlogHer.
Winning your book would just mean a lot to me, help me with my struggles with my blog, and be a nice pick-me-up for missing BlogHer conference.
Pretty please?
crap. I forgot to give my blog address: http://davidtinney.blogspot.com, hope this doesn’t knock me out of the running.
I have a couple of passions in my life. One is dogs, the other is photography. I’ve managed to combine them with my new blog http://www.thousandhound.com.au/dogaday. I have a desire to change our world for the better and am choosing to focus on improving the lives of dogs around the world. I can only do this if I have a strong following on my blog. While readership has been steadily growing through word of mouth I am struggling to draw search engine traffic that converts to regular readers. From reading your blog religiously I know that there are quite a few things I need to do to rectify this, but I really do need it laid out logically for me….like in your book! Please, please pick me!