Tell us about a time things came this close to working out… but didn’t. What happened next? Would you like the chance to try again, or are you happy with how things eventually worked out?
Inspiring Max was born on Mother’s day—12th May 2014. I knew nothing about blogging but thought I would give it a go anyway. As a self-hosted blog, I soon realised I had a lot to learn about how I was different to other WordPress.com sites. It was a very slow process. I was frustrated. In July, after completing Blogging 101 I had—34 views, 13 visitors and only 1 follower. So I stopped blogging and prioritised other things.
In late August I was off work sick for a week. I had nothing to do so I popped back to my site. To my surprise I had a few followers, several more views and an Inspiring Blogger Award. I was humbled and excited. Suddenly I got it. Blogging is a long-term journey—a commitment not only to yourself, but also every one who reads you blog. We all grow together and allow each other to reach our own individual goals. By the end of December 2014, my goal was 100 followers. I ended the year with 110 followers and now I have 335. It may have been a slow start but Inspiring Max is on the move.
Somewhere around September I learnt not to focus on the followers but the views. If people were regularly viewing more than one page of my work I was happy. This usually meant they would come back again. The more I connect with my blogging community—the more they connect with me. I view 3 new blogs a day that I interact with. As a result, I am excited to have been viewed by people in 105 countries—many of whom I didn’t know existed. I love the coloured in world map of where Inspiring Max has been.
My advice to bloggers is make sure you have great content and keep going. When you are discouraged visit new blogs. Connect with your community at every opportunity and overtime—your community will connect with you. Blogging is a rewarding experience that has allowed me to grow in ways I would have never imagined possible before. Thank you for sharing my journey. I look forward to our future together. To celebrate I offer you a virtual glass champagne instead of a cigar.
I agree with you about blogging being a long time commitment. I find I get more traffic when I add a blog. When I find time I will select a few new blogs I ha e visited and go and visit. The more comments made the more traffic you will get. I just my first year of blogging I am please with it. From book reviews I have broadened my topics .
http://idahobluebird50.wordpress.com
Comments really do start the relationships with people. I think they also serve as a reminder to later viewers as to your interest in the topic.
Yes, their several bloggers that I enjoy very much. For a sucessful blog you need to work atcit. I try to read every blog I get unless I have no interest. One fellow send music I not really but I consider a friend we both took blogging 101 together.
Valuable info for newbies right here! Thank you! Practical. Doable. Re: “great content” – any specifics on this? I’m taking the Writing 101 course in April and will bring it up, if it’s not already in the curriculum! 🙂
By great content I mean what ever you are interested in but making sure it is well written. It makes a big difference to even simple things if it appears the blogger cares about their site. Write what you know and love. There is an audience out there for everyone. The broader your vision the easier it is to find your people, The courses are great and will teach you a lot. I did them twice and learnt different things both times.
Congratulations on a great milestone. Totally agree with your analysis.
Great advice!
inspiringmax;
Congratulation for achieving such a remarkable height.
I wish some day; you will visit my blog; because, we both follow each other’s blog long back.
Wishing you all the best…………
Thank you. I like how you base your posts around the title of your blog.
Congratulations to you these 10 000 visits
Thank you. Blogging is an exciting pastime. Every day is different.