Today I have great pleasure in introducing you to the brand new ProBlogger Podcast and the next incarnation of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog.
Over the last couple of years I’ve lost count of the number of people who have said ‘Darren you really should start a podcast’.
I’d always nodded my head but quietly list in my mind a long list of excuses not to including ‘I don’t know how…’ to ‘I’m so busy…’ to ‘what if nobody listens…’
But earlier this year something changed when people suggested I start a podcast.
I’m not going to tell you exactly why I changed because I tell you that in the first episode (that went live on iTunes over the weekend) – but it was like a switch got flicked somewhere in my mind and I found myself starting to dream about starting one of my own (and as I did my list of excuses began to dissolve).
I decided while on a month long break in the US in April to create a ProBlogger podcast and in my presentation at Chris Ducker’s conference in May I announced I was going to create it and after one of the attendees (I’m looking at you Lane) pressured me to put a date on when I’d do it I impulsively said it would be launched within 2 months!
Little did I know how much of a job I had in front of me because rather than start off with a steady weekly show I decided that my first month of podcasting would be a daily show based upon the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Workbook!
Episode 0 is Live
Today Episode 0 of the podcast went live on iTunes and day 1 of the 31 Days to Build a Better blog series will kick off on Wednesday (1 July)! You can find show notes and listen to the podcast on our podcast site here.
In the first episode:
- I share why I decided to start podcasting
- I talk about 2 traits of successful blogs that inform how the podcast will work
- I share my plan for the first action oriented 31 days of short sharp podcasts based around 31DBBB
31 Days to Build a Better Blog
Having run this month long challenge numerous times before I know the potential it has to help bloggers bring about transformation on their blogs.
Tens of thousands of bloggers have taken the challenge (and many have completed it numerous times) so I’m excited to be doing it again and would love to have you along on the journey.
Don’t feel you need to do it daily (it’s designed to do at your own pace) but please do subscribe to the podcast here on iTunes.
Please Help Us with a Quick Review and Rating on iTunes
Once you’ve listened to the first podcast (it’s only 16 minutes) please take a moment to give us a rating (hint… 5 starts is good) and a review – it helps us get the word out about the challenge and the more on it the better for everyone!
A Note about the 31DBBB WorkBook
This podcast series is based upon the 31 Days to Build a Better blog workbook and follows the same 31 days in it – however you do not need a copy to follow along.
While there’s definitely more material in the eBook (in fact there’s a bonus 7 days includes in that) you will give value from the podcast without it.
However if you do want to have your own copy of the 31 days of material (plus the 7 extras) to use on an ongoing basis please use the coupon code PODCAST50 during the checkout from the sales page to get 50% off the workbook for the next month.
No pressure though – as I say you can get a lot of value out of the podcast alone if you choose to do so.
Update: Here’s the Full 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Series
It’s been over a month of podcasting now and I’ve learned so much. The first 31 episodes were downloaded over 120,000 times in the first month and I’ve now started a second series on finding readers for your blog.
Many readers/listeners have asked for all the first series episodes to be listed in one place. While it’s on iTunes I thought it might help to list them here too. Enjoy!
- Episode 0 – Welcome to the ProBlogger Podcast and 31DBBB
- Episode 1: How to Create an Elevator Pitch for Your Blog
- Episode 2: How to Write a List Post
- Episode 3: How to Find New Readers for Your Blog
- Episode 4: How to Improve Your Blog by Watching What Other Bloggers Do
- Episode 5: How to Convert a Casual Blog Reader into a Loyal Long Term Raving Fan
- Episode 6: How to Get Your Blog Mobile Friendly
- Episode 7: How to Create a Link Post for Your Blog
- Episode 8: How to Build An Effective Social Media Strategy for Your Blog
- Episode 9: How to Build Your Profile and Drive Traffic to your Blog Through Forums and Social Media Groups
- Episode 10: How to never run out of ideas for blog posts and be aware of latest developments in your niche
- Episode 11: How to Come Up with Hundreds of Blog Post Ideas for Your Blog
- Episode 12: How to Create an Editorial Calendar for your Blog
- Episode 13: How Going Shopping Can Improve Your Blogging
- Episode 14: How to Update Key Pages or Hot Posts on Your Blog
- Episode 15: How to Improve Your Blog by Partnering with a Blogging Buddy
- Episode 16: How to Improve Your Blog by Solving a Reader’s Problem
- Episode 17: How to Improve Your Blog by Watching a First Time Reader
- Episode 18: How to Create a Page That Propels People Deep Within Your Blog
- Episode 19: How to Write an Opinion Post to Draw People in to Your Blog
- Episode 20: How to Leave Comments on Other Blogs
- Episode 21: How to Conduct a Policy Review For Your Blog
- Episode 22: How to Pay Special Attention to a Reader
- Episode 23: How to Write a Post That Contains a Call to Action
- Episode 24: How to Use a Magazine to Improve Your Blog
- Episode 25: How to Ask Your Blog Readers a Question
- Episode 26: Spend 15 Minutes Improving Someone Else’s Blog
- Episode 27: How to Update Old Posts In Your Archives (including how to find Broken Links)
- Episode 28: How to Write a Review Post
- Episode 29: How to Develop a Plan to Grow Your Readership
- Episode 30: How to Dig Into Your Blog’s Google Analytics Stats
- Episode 31: How to Plan Your Next Month of Blogging
These 32 episodes are just the start of the ProBlogger podcast. While these were daily episodes from now on I’ll be publishing 2 podcasts a week. To get notified of when they come out subscribe in iTunes and/or subscribe to our ProBloggerPLUS newsletter.
Awesome podcast Darren, I just subscribed. I’m ready for the 31 day challenge.
I’m a total novice and have started to build a Later In Life Planning blog that targets making plans for living longer and focuses upon make provision for getting older. Your plan of 31 days to get it right is perfectly timed for me and I’ll be following all along the way.
Many thanks
Oh its a great news that you start a podcast. congrats
I’ve listened to your first podcast just now Darren. Really amazing stuff and I liked how you started it off..
Many more to go. Subscribed to your channel.
Great first episode Darren! You always do great things.
Looking forward to the rest of the episodes. :)
A podcast that is long overdue … can’t wait to hear more episodes!
Great news! Long overdue. The radio show on NPR can’t be too far behind… :)
Awesome podcast Darren, I just subscribed. I’m ready for this challenge.
Congrats – this is a great move! Looking forward to hearing them :)
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us..I have just subscribed
Great pleasure to introduce a new brand pro blogger podcast, waiting for 31 days to build a better blog workbook..
Congrats! darren. I’ve been subscribe this blog more than 2 years ago. I was developed my Blog less than 1 years with trick-tips from Problogger. Thanks OM darren :D
Fajar,
Is your SEO steadily improving while taking heed to ProBlogger’s blogging tips?
Darren,
How did podcasting work out for you when you 1st started using it?
Downloading now – listening to podcasts are a brilliant timesaver :)
Hi Darren Rowse
I am very Exited about 31 Days to Build a Better Blog ,So I sign up to se more of your good stuff
Day 2 and so far it has been great, informative and doable …………..here is my Day 2 List challenge page
https://juliepowell2014.wordpress.com/2015/07/02/10-fantastic-day-trips-explore-melbourne/
Could you do me a favor in the next podcast post that have links to make them link to another tab. When I link to the new page (tab) it interrupts the podcast and I have to start over again. Thanks
I find the podcast an excellent idea for I don’t always have time or the want to read a lengthily write up on steps to take to become successful. I can listen to the podcasts on my way to work (30 minute drive to and from). In addition, the podcasts, for some reason, stick in my head more than reading something would. But the best thing about the podcasts, as Darren said, you can always go back and revisit it and do the 30 Day program over and over again.
Well said Nikki! All these benefits make podcasts one of our favorite mediums for consuming information.
And in addition, I also think podcasts are more entertaining and expressive than plain text, which makes them a joy to listen to.
wow..it’s great news
I think it is a great idea because it will help busy people like me to just sit down and listen rather than reading which takes a lot of time. I have followed problogger since its inception in 2004 and i won’t stop, you guys have helped me learn a lot about blogging in general. Thanks Darren for making our life much easier now at problogger by introducing this awesome podcast!
Great indeed! Was a delayed decision, anyways not too late… appreciated!
Darren you are awesome, I am so so happy that you did this! Glad to help out! HA. :)
Thanks for your suggestion to Darren. To a great extent, it’s because you of that we are getting this podcast Lane :)
I can listen to the podcasts on my way to work . In addition, the podcasts, for some reason, stick in my head more than reading something would.
Great news! Long overdue. You always do great things.
Super excited for this. My blog is fairly new, but I have seen great success so far. Trying to get more involved in every way possible. This is BTW, the best site EVER for blogger resources. Thanks
I totally agree Donna. No better place for blogger resources than Problogger. Your website looks great too, but I couldn’t find the blog. Is it still there?
That is really cool. I think podcastings on blog is a very friendly topic for readers. Thanks
I purchased the 31 days to build a better blog yesterday. My card was charged but I never received anything saying I was signed up. No access. No nothing. I also used the 1/2 off code but was still charged the entire amount.
I hope all is well with this now Donna? I understand you got in touch with Darren. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks Darren for giving us such a great gift. People go to college to learn their trade and you bring the college to us. I appreciate it.
Oh, Darren. Without your support, I never would have launched jocopost.com and the blog contained within it. I fell behind on some assignments and saved ’em. And of course, your book is like Dr. Seuss/Green Eggs and Ham–one for the ages that I need to read over and over again.
I did buy the book, to support you, even tho you share your knowledge online. Nice of you to post all the episodes here today in one list.
And finally, to any new listeners, trust me: Darren’s voice? Wowser. Bonus!!! He could read you the vitamin content on the back of a cereal box and thrill and engage you. (In the US we say vite-a-min,long i- but just now, pretending Darren is reading it, I know, he would say vit–a-min. Bless you, Darren. You make a difference in this world. Someday I will repeat assignment 2, and post a Listicle outlining 7 ways you do that!
Tracy Thomas
finally a blogger. Just got SEO’d yesterday. Fighting the good fight here in Kansas.
Up to episode 8 and really liking it so far! As someone who has thought about blogging for a while but haven’t quite found the confidence to start, I am finding Darren’s advice extremely helpful and inspiring. So glad I found this resource, I think it might just be the push I need to start my own blog :)
Hi Darren! Thanks for sharing such vital information. As like everyone else, I also like to learn to write a better blog and wants to be an active and successful blogger. It will be great if I could learn something from your podcast. I will download it on the prompt note and will definitely give it a try. Cheers.
Hi Ovais. I just checked your blog and it’s a lot better than a lot of blogs out there. You have lot of useful posts and the design is great too. I am sure you’ll be more successful in the long term.
All set for the 31 days! Great and very promising podcast.
Congratulations Darren! Not only the podcast is a good step with regard to your current audience, it’ll also spread your message to a whole new segment you didn’t tap into yet.
Darren,
This problogger podcast is pure gold!
Keep up the good work sir.
I think the key to promoting our podcasts (and I am starting one this Thursday) is to employ some brain theory. We need to paint the picture, for busy people, for where and when to listen. So yes, some listen whilst commuting. But I work from home, as do many.
“Listen to this podcast while you are puttering around the kitchen. Fill your mind with good and useful thoughts while chopping those veggies and fruits. Marinate your mind while you are marinating the meat for tonight’s dinner.”
Thanks as always for spreading nuanced quality podcast. It was very well-presented and approachable. Good job and looking forward to more podcasts.