As another year rolls in and people are just waking from hangovers (or still sleeping them off), I decided to evaluate my upcoming resolutions and goals here. Since the year ends in an 8, I came up with 8 for my online ventures.
1) Make More Money - It seems like a greedy top goal, but more money equals more comfort in life. Once you have money to live comfortably, you can also give back to others. While that's not the only way to give back, it's very helpful. So I put this at the top of my 2008 list. To do so I will have to evaluate my strategies and blog audiences better. I'm seeing what works and what doesn't, and it will be a continued learning process.
2) Improve blogs - that means site designs and layouts. I'm never satisfied completely with current blog designs even if they are pulling visitors. I always know this can be improved, especially when you use Blogspot. This blog rests on blogspot, until I make the decision to go for a domain. Why wait? Because right now I have several blogs, and making a decision on which to host has been a major point of contention for me. I urge those who can afford it and are serious about blogging to host their site as soon as possible, it's one thing I've learned the hard way.
3) Improve ranks - That includes this blog and other blog's RSS subscriber counts, Alexa ranks, PR's and other ratings. I've done very well so far on this particular blog, thanks to things like BlogCatalog, BloggingZoom, Social Media and Entrecard. Looking to continue this in 2008.
4) MakeTop 100 for a Squidoo Lens - This might not seem important to others, but when you're close once it makes you hungrier to get there. I'm nearing this goal as I type, and it will be a great way to start the New Year. Monetizer has come close before, and is curious to see what it brings in revenue. If you've hit top 100 with Squidoo, let me know if you noticed any drastic increases in revenue.
5) Make Top 100 of 45n5.com list - Right now I've moved closer to the top 100, at #164. Something about this list is inspiring, with Problogger, Shoemoney and John Chow sitting at the top. Being in their company in the Top 100 ranking of anything is pretty sweet.
6) Continue building social media networks - The ones I see becoming increasingly valuable seem to be Facebook and Twitter. Myspace in my opinion is being eclipsed and at times it seems very old-school compared to the new school players, especially Facebook. I haven't fully learned how to tap into Facebook, but this will be part of 2008. Also, I'm looking to build up my Digg, StumbleUpon and other valuable networks to see if I can harness that power more. If you're on Digg, I advise you to add people with
7) Improve time management - Belonging to so many social media, bookmarking, content, blogging and advertising type sites can really be rough. It's come to the point where I actually missed approving ads on Entrecard (apologies to any who felt rejected). When you belong to so many article, media and other sites it can be tough to prioritize. In 2008, I hope to sort through these and use them with better management.
8) Learn more SEO - this is an area I felt was one of my weakest, so towards the end of December I started toying with it more, and feel it's something I can do well with. I was able to achieve page 2 of a Google search result within a week or so on another blog. So I will continue to learn more about these techniques in 2008. I recommend Courtney Tuttle's Internet Marketing School to those looking to learn. I've seen very valuable lessons and info in there.
Looking ahead, things can always get better. And that's the main goal, keep looking forward this year. Hopefully everyone isn't hurting too bad in the wake of their New Year's Eve celebrations, and let's get ready for a great 2008!
1/1/08
The Monetizer's 2008 Resolutions
Win 1200 EC's from Earnablog!
It's a new year, and why not start it off with a load of free Entrecard credits? Earnablog has decided to bestow 1,200 EC's on one lucky winner in the New Year of 2008. The winner gets chosen on January 7th and gets the great bargaining power of all those advertising credits. As they point out on their post about the contest, 1200 EC's could buy you 5 days advertising on John Chow's blog. Or you could get lucky and get in on Problogger or John Cow..There's plenty of great advertising opportunities where you could make your blog more visible. You could also use those credits to simply turn around and give them away, increasing your own RSS or link backs to your blog!
Head over to Earnablog's contest details for more specifics on this contest. Make sure you are a member of Entrecard as well. If Monetizer wins, most likely you will see a big giveaway here of more Entrecard credits...Stay tuned, and good luck!
12/30/07
5 Resolutions for Bloggers in 2008
What a year it's been! As 2007 closes out and the big ball drops in Times Square, people are ready to make their New Year's resolutions. You know the tried and true resolutions that people make but never stick to. It's usually the typical resolutions: lose weight, make more money, pay off debt, be more religious, be nicer, put aside grudges, etc. etc...In the blogosphere, we should also have resolutions. Here's 5 the Monetizer is going to try to adhere to, and that you should also consider in your blogging for 2008.
1) Keep blogging - This should be at the top of every blogger's list. Keep at it with what you started. Don't let your blog fade away and fall into obscurity like so many others do. It takes work and devotion to create a successful online product, such as a blog. If it's a topic you're passionate about, it should be no problem to at least post 3 entries a week. One a day is ideal as it gives your blog site a ton of content for consumption by readers and search engines. Keep at it in 2008 and avoid falling into a serious lapse of blogger's block.
See: How to prevent blogger's block
2) Increase RSS subscribers - This usually comes as you generate more traffic, and of course having content that others will want to return back to. It is probably the best measure of your blog's success, beyond Google Page Rank and Alexa traffic rank. Having subscribers is positive feedback that your blog is providing valuable material. Here's a few ideas on how to get more RSS subscribers:
- Hold contests which require people to subscribe by email
- Use your RSS feed URL in your comment URL on other blogs
- Submit your RSS to directories, and use pingoat.com to ping.
- Provide sign up for RSS on your blog in convenient and visible spots.
- Publicize ways to sign up for your RSS feed on other sites (forums, social media, etc).
3) Increase traffic - This is listed after RSS only because I'd rather have 500 subscribers and a not so great Alexa score versus 10 subscribers and a great Alexa score. Subscribers means your content is attracting readers. Traffic doesn't always mean that. But nonetheless traffic is the best way to make money and gain subscribers. The more visitors, the more likely they will: subscribe to your blog, check out your moneymakers, or promote what you wrote somewhere else (Digg, Stumbleupon, etc). To increase traffic, try some of these free and easy methods:
Entrecard
BloggingZoom
SocialMarker.com
BlogCatalog
MyBlogLog
4) Clean up the Mess - John Cow has a recent post about cleaning up the clutter on your blog for the New Year. He also suggests things like adjusting the background color or image on your blog, and tidying up the sidebar and other areas. Making the blog more organized and less cluttered will go a long way in achieving the other goals as you will attract more readers. If you aren't a do-it-yourself type and can afford it, buy design services. A new Web 2.0 banner or even full blog design services can give a polished look for a New Year. If you're on a budget look around at free alternatives, such as new blog themes. You don't necessarily have to change the entire blog, but cleaning up clutter and distraction should be a goal.
See: It's the Best Time of the Year - To Clean Up Your Blog by John Cow
5) Make More Money - It should always be on your mind after you're able to create valuable content and get readers. I'm not saying be super greedy, but always be looking for the best ways to Monetize your blog. You can always refer back to the Recommended moneymakers here. For example, if you're just running Adsense right now, consider adding Kontera, Auction Ads, Widget Bucks and/or an affiliate type program. The more money you make blogging, the happier your 2008 might be!
See: The Monetizer's Recommended Money Makers
Make sure you stick to these goals for the coming year and you should start to see more blogging success. These things will help to create further results for you such as networking opportunities, more exposure and links back to your blog. it will take work and effort, but the end results can be rewarding. The Monetizer wishes a Happy New Year's and much success to everyone in 2008!
If you haven't already, Subscribe to the Monetizer RSS feed and enjoy the adventures in 2008!
12/29/07
Advertise on the Monetizer Blog
If you're looking to get your blog or site noticed, The Monetizer blog offers two very easy and cost-effective ways to advertise here:
1) Get a link on the Top Spots Widget - This Widget is placed high up on the left sidebar, right above the previous posts spot. For a $5 tip you will get prime exposure on a well-traveled blog (300,000 Alexa). The blog also enjoys a Page Rank of 3 from Google and is #178 and climbing the 45n5.com Top 100 Make Money Blogs. This isn't so much bragging, but more to let you know what you will get if you go with an ad here. To advertise just use the widget and click on the "get on my top spots" link. Your link and text will display for 30 days. Payment is made via PayPal.
2)Use the Free Entrecard 125x125 spot - This method is free and provides you a graphic 125x125 ad here. This widget is lower down on the blog, but still visible to visitors in the left hand column. All you need to do is head over to Entrecard and sign up, then upload your free 125x125 image. An ad here has ranged from about 40 - 69 credits, which is a very affordable "free" option. I've rejected just a few ads that I can recall, because they were political in nature. Feel free to advertise with the Monetizer this way if you already are using Entrecard or are new to sign up. You can find Monetizer on the Make Money category at Entrecard.
If you're in the make money online, internet, SEO, HTML, marketing or business realms those 2 methods are a good way to get some exposure for your blog or site. I'm also open to networking opportunities and guest posts as well. Feel free to contact me at Monetizer@myway.com with any questions or ideas.
