Since day one I have been tracking this blogs Technorati ranking. While I do not feel that this is the best indicator of a blog’s performance, it does have a bit to offer. On August 11, 2007, I made a post discussing whether or not a high Technorati ranking is something to get excited about. Most people who commented felt that Technorati can be beneficial, but traffic is what matters the most. And I totally agree with this.
The first time that I checked my ranking it was 700,100. Of course, this was a few months back after my first post. As of writing this, my ranking has dropped to 94,996. As you can see, this is not the best ranking, but it does show that I am moving in the right direction. Even more so it shows that other bloggers are willing to link to ChrisBlogging.
Here are three things that have helped me to steadily increase my Technorati ranking.
1. I always take the time to comment on blogs with similar content as mine. This lets others know that I am out there, and in turn, helps to increase incoming links.
2. Do not be afraid to email other bloggers and ask to exchange links. While this may not always work, it has been successful for me a high percentage of the time. You may even get your blog mentioned without having to exchange!
3. There is no replacement for great content. If you provide posts that people want to read, you will increase your incoming link count. In turn, your Technorati ranking will continue to fall.
I don’t really have a goal as far as my Technorati ranking is concerned. But with that being said, I am interested in seeing just how low it can go!Â
For me, one of the most essential components of a successful blog is being organized. And by being organized I mean keeping a to-do list. I have a list for anything related to my blogging or freelance writing work. While these lists never stay the same due to a varying work load, they are always next to my computer no matter what.
My blogging to-do list is nothing special. Generally speaking, at the end of each work day I write my blogging tasks for the next day on a sticky note. There are two details that I always include as well as some extras that change from time to time.
1. Topic ideas for the posts that I want to write the next day. It is important for me to have topics in mind a day in advance as opposed to thinking them up on the spot. This not only helps the quality of my content, but also ensures that I do not have a run in with a bout of writer’s block.
2. The times that I want to add my blog posts. As you can imagine, this can change based on my freelance writing work and many other variables. Even though I could probably do without this reminder, it helps to keep me on track. Since I have to work in blogging around my freelance writing work, it is always nice to have a “set time†each day that I can devote to this.
Some of the variables that are often added to my to-do list include: marketing efforts, replying to emails and comments, researching new monetization methods, etc.
It is safe to say that I take things to an extreme when it comes to being organized. But this is only because I have found it difficult to stay on track with my blog if my work is not scheduled.
Do you think I am overdoing it? Do you have a blogging to-do list?
No matter what type of blog you are running, chances are that you have given readers the ability to get in touch with you. Some bloggers (like me) offer their email address, whereas others use a contact form that is forwarded to the address of their choice.
But the question is: do you answer the emails that you receive at your blog address? I have found through first hand experience that most bloggers are more than willing to answer emails. At the same time, some of the busier and better known bloggers either ignore emails altogether or send off short replies. While I know that these people have tons of email and busy lives, relationships are quite important; at least to me.
I strive to answer every email that I receive. In fact, if I receive a comment that touches me right, I will take the initiative and email that person. This lets them know that I care about what they have to say, and of course, shows that I am willing to lend my expertise when possible.
With all of that being said, I want to let my readers know that they are free to email me with questions, comments, or anything else on their mind. Meeting new people and helping others out is what this blog is all about.
