Promotion = Only 32 Posts, with 239 Comments, Having 50 Subscribers, and a PR 3…Never Say Die!
Welcome to D.S.W.M., where Direct Sales meets Online Marketing. We cover it all, as elementary as possible because we know you’re new. Got a wish list? Skribit! Like what you see? We offer Full Feed updates.
Read to the end for a big link love fest for those who participate.
First and foremost, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! to all Moms and expectant Moms out there, did you call yours? :-). This post is for all Bloggers far and wide that think it’s “just not happening”…it WILL.
Since I make it a point to tell everything that happens on or to this Blog, here goes.
Read to the end for a big link love fest for those who participate…
Those of you that have been with me since the beginning, know that this blog hasn’t been up all that long. I started 8 months ago in October 2007, although it doesn’t look it.
That may seem like a lifetime to some, but it really isn’t. Especially since I really didn’t start promoting much until the last couple months.
Over the last month or 2 I have really started devising a promotional strategy when I am figuring out the how when and why of it all…..organization in this business of Internet marketing is KEY.
I will be sharing these personal strategies with you as well.
Now, why am I so excited to announce this “feat” of mine? Well, dare that I may I am going to compare myself to Darren Rowes, the mastermind behind the extraordinary Problogger Blog (which in itself should draw 4, 432, 898 comments to this post, and not all good :-)).
OK, before you send the lynch squad, please follow me here. Obviously Darren has pulled things off to an almost unmatchable level and I along with thousands of others hold the highest respect for him…but if we “compare” a few numbers, you’ll see why I’m excited so far 
Darren - 3yrs, PR6, 3000+ posts, 4o-60K RSS subscribers on any given day, averaging 20-60 comments per post (from what I’ve personally seen)…again, a phenomenal feat by any standards.
D.S.W.M (me) - A few months, PR3, 32 posts, 50 RSS subscribers (thanks I’m sure to my going Full Feed) and averaging 5-20 comments per post.
Can you see why I’m a little excited by these numbers? Can you see why I WHOLEHEARTEDLY THANK MY READERS & SUBSCRIBERS for being so responsive to what I offer?
I hope so.
I hope for 2 other things as well…..1. That all those reading me, know I am not bragging here, but truly emphasizing the need to NEVER give up, it CAN be done, you just have to keep on keepin’ on…cliche perhaps, but oh so true
Trust in yourself. Believe in yourself. Others will follow suit.
2. That all the Problogger fans (for which I certainly am one) and even Darren himself don’t come after me with a pick axe for even infering that I “compare” LOL. I’m sure you can see now what I meant by the word
How are YOU doing so far? Be sure to comment and share with us. You may link to any and all Blogs that you talk about (I don’t just want a link list….share your thoughts & numbers high or small, sad or happy and why) .
A little added bonus for those that take the time to share 
Psst - always feel free to Skribit me with any suggestions you may have! (Widget to the right.)
To our mutual success!
Dennis
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Note: I try my very best to write as clear and concise as possible. Despite all efforts I may have missed something or not explained it in the best way possible. Please let me know if this article has helped your marketing efforts. If you have any questions regarding anything here, contact me anytime. Got a topic suggestion; something you’d like to see? Skribit and others will vote on it as well. Either way I would love to hear from you.
Popularity: 28% [?]
Tags: Blogging, darren rowes, full feed, internet marketing, organization, problogger, promotion, RSS
May 13th, 2008 at 11:16 am
That’s a big ratio of comments to posts. Good sign!
May 13th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Thanks Stephan, I hope I can keep it going!
Awesome stuff as always on your sites, keep it up!
May 14th, 2008 at 7:10 am
WOW Dennis!
This is fantastic - and great courage in comparing yourself to Darren! hee hee. But the numbers are certainly a good sign (and I wouldn’t put yourself down either in comparing yourself - your posts are open and honest and informative - and I really feel that you are speaking to ‘me’. Not just some person ‘hiding’ behind a computer screen. You certainly know how to relate to your readers - and perhaps this is why you are getting the comments.
You also give me hope - I was thinking of giving up on my blog - a few times, because only a few comments, very little traffic. Admittedly though, I haven’t been promoting it, nor have I written as much as I would like (it started as a ‘hobby’ blog, but its going to become more professional with a new look and theme! and more value to my readers yes - I am getting some.
So thank you for the inspiration. I won’t give up. I will continue to follow people like yourself, caroline-middlebrook.com, Yaro (entrepreneurs-journey), Darren and some other great blogs (eg zenhabits.net, lifehack.org) - there are so many out there actually - eek - as MODELS!
And - I will believe that I CAN do this too in this world of ‘information overload’!!!
Once again, a great and open, informative and inspiring post - and I also look forward to finding out more about your promotional and organization strategies!
I am so glad you are excited - I would be!!
Warm Regards
Meg
Adelaide, South Australia
Megan McCarthys last blog post..Coming Soon …!
May 14th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Hey Megan,
LOL I am hoping Darren sees the links and has a moment to “check -in”, that would be awesome.
Thanks so much for all the kind words, I’m glad I can help in anyway possible.
I definitely do try to personalize in my writing, I’m glad someone caught that!
Everyone, novice to pro has thought of giving up more then once…and I’d gamble that some have the thoughts even after “turning pro”, never think your alone in that.
If the feeling gets too strong, take a break…your business wont fold up over night or even over a few days.
“Modeling” is very helpful, just be careful with it. Take a little here and a little there, but be sure to have YOUR OWN VOICE in the end, that’s very important.
Too many little guys take from the big boys and all they come off as is a cheap copy…watch that.
Whether its big pushes or baby steps, just keep pushing forward.
If/when you hit a plateau (and you will here and there), just step back and re-evaluate.
You can do it.
May 15th, 2008 at 1:31 am
If you’re happy with what you’re doing, keep going at it. As long as you give people good advice and don’t beat around the bush, I don’t think you can go anywhere but up in terms of subscribers, traffic, etc.
Bathroom Vanity Cabinets Guides last blog post..1
May 15th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Hey thanks Ricardo, that’s good advice for anyone
May 17th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I find your blog very interesting and know I can learn lots here from you. I don’t know much about blogging at this point I’m just starting out but I’ll be back here looking for tips often.
Thanks for your all your info, encouragement, and hard work.
Tiffanys last blog post..1
May 17th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Hey thanks so much for dropping by Tiffany, it’s awesome to see you here . Hope to see you ’round more often!
May 20th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Allthe best Dennis, been reading your comments in alot of sites and decided to have a feel of your site myself. Continue the post and bring on board new ideas.
Monica x
Chloes last blog post..1
May 20th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Well thank you Chloe (Monica?). I hope you like what you see and I will see you more often
May 24th, 2008 at 5:05 am
Hi Dennis
Me again! Yes, you certainly do write for your readers - and you are very interactive - this really helps! I feel uncomfortable going to blogs, where sometimes the blogger seems to be ‘vacant’ and only writes articles (never responds to comments), or has ‘become too important’ to respond.
I think one should always monitor/respond to comments, as blogs are interactive communities of a sort. I know you do, and I do (when I do receive a comment! great feeling!!).
It helps readers feel like they ‘belong’ and can contribute, mean something, and they are acknowledged in the effort they make to comment (most readers don’t make this effort - so it certainly says something about your site, when you do receive comments - and of course the subscribers!)
But then again, my point above about the ‘absent or vacant’ blogger may be a little harsh - because obviously, the more readers one gets, the more comments/emails - and the less time available to respond. Its a hard balance I guess.
I used to be in contact with a great new online friend a couple of years ago (before he became ‘famous’ - what you would call a ‘guru’ now in the multi-millions), and we had quite a bit of email exchange. But now that he is ‘up there with the big guys’, I can’t get a ‘peep’! Even with direct phonecalls to NY from australia. I did get to meet his assistant though - lovely person
but I hold no harsh feelings and do hope he is enjoying his success - it must be wonderful!
Anyway - thank you so much for your encouraging words. I am re-inspired! I do get worried about my infrequent postings, especially from illness (but this will change, as I have made it onto a special listing for a new medication, which will put me into remission this year - so keep fingers crossed!!).
:0)
So - patience! When I am ready - and have my proper posting ‘plan’ in place (and moved to wp) - then I can really start promoting and know that the value/content will be there for people. I always feel better after I have written something, so - need to develop a more systematic routine/schedule/editorial calendar.
I take great comfort in your words: ‘your business wont fold up over night or even over a few days.’ (although its often more than a few days! - but again, this will change and I will get the subscribers too - I WILL, I can and I will!)
And I am going to have a look at your article about reaching a ‘plataeu’ too.
I also understand what you are saying about ‘modelling’ others. I won’t directly ‘copy’ - I am just looking at how different bloggers write, styles, structures, formats, etc. And what type of postings readers seem to like. I always write in my own ‘voice’ - I can’t help it! I tend to ‘wear my heart on my sleeve’ and write too much at times (gee, I wouldn’t have guessed it, Dennis thinks!) hee hee
Actually - my blog is older than yours (although not that many more postings, and less subscribers, less promotion) - but I have only had a few comments. ….
QUESTION for ‘one and all’! - thus - what do you (or anyone else?) think it is about your posts that triggers the comments? I know you are interactive, ask questions, etc. But do you have a specific strategy - or idea that would also help me and others to draw more comments to our articles??
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
BTW - You mentioned in one of your other responses, that you would be ok if I contacted you - we can talk about what we are doing - and perhaps some advice on wp? Is this still ok? If so - this would be fantastico!!
If not, I understand - esp. if time constraints. I need to find your email address again - I think you put it on another comment response - but just in case, if you would like to touch base, my email is:
meganmccarthy2ATbigpond.com (put your subject title in CAPITALS so I don’t miss it, if you do)
I would love to know more about what you are doing in the ‘elementary series’ - a much-needed area, as said in another post/comment/response - many blogs miss the step in-between, with some assumptions. And a series would be great. I would also be happy to contribute in anyway if you need - perhaps we can ‘grab’ some of the info/goodies and free memberships, relating to your sites, from my other blog (Resellers Delight and web2.0 - I have a huge rolodex of free downloads and memberships if you are interested (eg your free marketing memberships posts coming?)
I am thinking of turning that blog more into a ‘resource’ type blog anyway.
BTW - I heard about caroline - I hope she is ok - will try to post on her blog to find out (and also wanted to ask her some questions about my planned ‘online journey’ blog too (and what’s even better - the domain name is free!!!)
oh dear - yes I am doing it again - digressing. Find a comment from me - trademark - rambler!! hee hee
Well, I do hope to hear from you if you would like? Or I will try and find your contact details again.
All the bestest Dennis
Megan (meg)
Adelaide, South Australia
Megan McCarthys last blog post..Coming Soon …!
May 25th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Hi Megan!
Nope, your comments regarding absent owners were not a bit harsh. I personally do not care how *busy* someone gets. Everyone is busy, we’re all in this together after all. If people can take the time to acknowledge what is written, the owner can take some time to acknowledge them.
Period.
Now I’m not saying he/she has to reply to 50 or more comments one by one, that’s too much for most. Just do what others do (like Caroline for example)…..skip down every 4-5 and do a multiple response:
@Bill
@Tom
@Alice
etc etc., nothing wrong with that and everyones satisfied.
As for your guru “friend”, it’s good to see you have such a good outlook on it as most wouldn’t, including myself…what he did is just wrong, you know what they say about being nice to the people you meet on the way up….
Without going into to much detail, the same thing happened to another online friend of mine…she even helped this woman become a guru by introducing her to people she wanted to meet…..ugh.
My fingers are crossed and hoping for the best. When you are somewhat squared away and moved to WP, I’d be happy to help anyway I can devising any *plans* for ya
Yes, you can absolutely contact me anytime you wish…I may not be able to chat at any specific time but always feel free to contact me. One thing you can be sure of, is i will never just “blow you off” like others may
All of my info is listed on my Contact Page - 3 messengers and email. I prefer Yahoo, but use all 3, so pick which ever is easiest for you.
If you use email, you should also put your subject title in CAPITALS
Ahh my “elementary blog network” idea is dead. But DON’T DESPAIR! As I wrote here due to a HUGE outpouring of feedback, it has been decided that we will discuss everything right here.
An all-in-one elementary written web marketing blog (check out the new tagline lol).
Funny you should menti0on what you did, as I have decided to bring my Free Marketing Membership Site back to life
(Nothing to see yet, but the about page is still mostly accurate.)
We can discuss some of your stuff for it also, ya never know
“QUESTION for ‘one and all’! - thus - what do you (or anyone else?) think it is about your posts that triggers the comments? I know you are interactive, ask questions, etc. But do you have a specific strategy - or idea that would also help me and others to draw more comments to our articles??”
I saved this for last as I think it’s a very important (and much debated) question.
You made a good point about being interactive and asking questions, as an ACTION trigger at the end of a post is an excellent and must do way to “auto engage you readers.
The 2 keys for me are Hitting Your Target and proper Promotion…
My “target” is direct sales professionals who may be newbies in the online marketing world…needing all the info they can get, in a clear and concise manner.
Promotion - this is where my “comparison” to Darren may come into play. Do you think he still needs to *actively* promote? I’m thinkin’ probably not lol. He receives tons of comments per post largely due to the fact that he already has thousands of subscribers that receive each post on a daily basis.
The rest of us however have to pound the virtual pavement and do it correctly - again hitting the target…
Taking Darren as an example again…i highly doubt he would promote his photography blog to those looking for blogging tips and vice-verse; at least not in the beginning.
Hit your target, promote, and engage
Perhaps others will come by and give their piece on it also.
I will be doing a post on this in the near future, so be on the lookout for that. of course I’ll give credit where it’s due so look for a sweet backlink
July 8th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
91 posts, 871 comments, PR3, started on 18th of February this year, and have around 40 RSS ….. maybe there still is hope
July 8th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Yes! Not even a full 6 months? Very well done my friend