Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

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February 13, 2008

How To Win At Blogging and Keep It Real

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 1:10 pm

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by Guest Writer Alex Shalman

I have been blogging actively since December 15th, 2006, and have gained a world of experience while doing so. If there was any technique or trick for increasing visitors, or comments, or captivating an audience, I have tried it.

Some people would say forget the tricks, and stick to content, after all, content is king. I’m not here to say whether or not content is the ONLY thing that matters, but I’m here to let you know how to take your content element to the next level.

Be the content. In the beginning of my blogging career, not everyone in my life was actively involved in what I was doing or knew about my blogging. The more I became a personal development blogger in my life, the more that reflected on the blog.

Personal development, meaning constant and never ending growth, is part of who I am in every facet of my life. People close to me no longer think that this is a passing hobby, it’s more of an identity now.

Tell the people. If you don’t tell them, they won’t know. I took responsibility for people not knowing about my site, and actively began telling my friends about it. I would enroll them into all the possibilities of what the site is, and where it is going.

They became excited to be on that journey with me. My friends jokingly say, ‘Hey Alex Shalman, from www.AlexShalman.com.’ I think that’s hilarious! My girlfriend tells everyone she knows about the site, I think that’s precious.

Be your word. Not everyone took what I do seriously, not even after I told them. Two of those people were my parents. Over time, the more I became this personal development person, and the more this made our good relationship a great relationship, the more they believed in the validity of what I do.

The other day we had relatives staying with us, and I caught my parents telling them about the website. My dad even asked me about my Alexa traffic. Now that’s funny, and heartwarming.

From the heart. I remember Liz told me that when I write, I sometimes sound like I’m talking down from a podium. It wasn’t personal. I think this was partly due to me being an inexperienced writer and not having control of what my writing voice sounded like.

Now days I try to incorporate my life, and get as personal as I can, in order to give a part of myself to my readers. This is a much more engaging form of communication, because I’m talking to you, my friend, instead of a crowd of people I don’t know. I want to know you.

Remember to be proud of your work and tell people about it. Be the content, be your word, and blog from the heart.
___________
Alex writes about personal development at AlexShalman.com.

Thank you, Alex.

–ME “Liz” Strauss





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16 Comments to “How To Win At Blogging and Keep It Real”

  1. February 13th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
    Mother Earth said

    Hey Alex,

    This year I declared that business is personal, and that getting personal is really what I am all about. I’ve always worn my life on my sleeve so why not live up to it in my business world. Every time I get vulnerable I reach someone new. Some of my business arena’s have not really fostered getting
    “personal” or looked down on it. This is where actually *being* personal has been just awesome. I think its the best trade secret on the planet. I agree with you that a blog, it’s platform, the way we learn as we decide what our voice is pretty darn powerful. I am touched at the way your family is supporting you.

    Very nice to meet you.

    Mother Earth aka Karen Hanrahan
    http://www.bestwellnessconsultant.com

  2. February 13th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Karen!
    I agree that personal service and the personal touch is where you excel! I know that with this decision you’re just going to soar through 2008!

  3. February 13th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
    sarah said

    I think that the keeping it real part is what will gain long term success. I have automated much of my business with the freedom business system and it has given me the time I need to make sure my blog presents honest and helpful information.

  4. February 13th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Sarah!
    Keeping it real is definitely a key to being a long-term blogger. It’s just too hard to do this kind of writing every day if a person also has to be less or more ot other than we really are. As you say, “honest helpful information,” the same stuff that we offer our very real friends is what makes the connection easy.

    Real is what works for me too. :)

  5. February 14th, 2008 at 3:01 am
    Meikah Delid said

    Hi, Alex, these are just inspiring words! I’ve been blogging for two years now, and this year, I wanted to be a better blogger. And I want this part of my mantra: Be the content, be your word, and blog from the heart.

    Very well said!

    Thanks, Liz, for giving Alex a space in your blog! Keep in inspiring more people! :)

  6. February 14th, 2008 at 5:16 am
    Alex Shalman said

    Hi Meikah,

    When you are the same person, in family, in friendships, and in business, you don’t have to waste the energy on keeping up a different facad, and figuring out who you have to be today. You can use that energy more efficiently to move forward in all areas.

  7. February 14th, 2008 at 5:19 am
    Alex Shalman said

    Liz,

    Thanks for having me on, you’re the best =)

  8. February 14th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Alex, you’re right! Be human, be real! :)

  9. February 15th, 2008 at 6:42 am
    Online business is all about transparency | David Airey :: Graphic and Logo Designer said

    [...] How To Win At Blogging and Keep It Real [...]

  10. February 16th, 2008 at 12:26 am
    mountainmama said

    Thanks, Alex, great post. I found it really timely, as I’m in the process of taking my blogging up a notch.
    My personal blog has been a great learning experience and tool (especially on the division of on-and off-line self), and now I’m about to launch a second blog with a more specific niche (about our habits and patterns).
    I have done plenty of reflecting on how much of myself I will be revealing in this second blog, and how much of my world will be included. Your words echoed my conclusions - just put my heart into it, and keep it real.

  11. February 16th, 2008 at 7:17 am
    Alex Shalman said

    Mountainmama,

    It sounds like your second blog is going to be right up my point of interest. Come visit me at my blog when you begin, I would love to read some of it.

    Thanks for stopping by Liz’s place!

  12. February 16th, 2008 at 9:52 am
    Daily Common Sense said

    very nice!

  13. February 16th, 2008 at 11:04 am
    Panama Trip: The Video (and Guest Post) | Alex Shalman . com said

    [...] the opportunity to write a guest post for Liz Strauss over at successful-blog. It’s titled How To Win At Blogging and Keep It Real. addthis_url = [...]

  14. February 18th, 2008 at 6:18 am
    CatherineL said

    Hi Alex - this is a great post. It’s far more interesting when you make your writing more personal.

    Getting the balance right is something I struggle with, so I’ll be checking out your blog for tips.

  15. February 18th, 2008 at 6:25 am
    Lodewijkvdb said

    Hey Alex,

    Good message you got here. Not telling everybody around you about your site and what your doing resonates with me. I tend not to tell people about it, I guess I should!

    Funny now I think of it, online I do a lot of promotion and offline I shut up. Strange…

    Thanks for that! And it’s great seeing you post here, buddy =)

    PS: Hi Liz! I couldn’t come by your place and not say hi to you =)

  16. February 19th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
    Airing Dirty Laundry « Meandering Ramblings… said

    [...] is a fantastic article about blogging and “keeping it real”. I guess I do that then [...]

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