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I’ve been asked by a number of bloggers over the last few weeks how I’ve successfully lowered my Alexa score and driven traffic to my blog in one short month. I remember installing the toolbar a month ago and being north of 15 million and thought there was no way I’d ever touch 200,000. I wish I had some secret blogging tips to share, but I really don’t. My blogging tips I do have are common, but when used effectively, they can drive traffic to your blog.
Who is This Alexa Anyways?
Alexa is a service run and operated by Amazon.com. Through a fairly extensive formula, Alexa calculates its number each day. The major way Alexa collects this information is through the use of a toolbar individuals install into their web browser, and is only calculated by those who have this toolbar. They’re looking for things such as page views and the number of people who’ve visited your site. If you’re looking for a more in-depth explanation of what Alexa is and how it works, I recommend My Money Design’s post How I Got My Alexa Ranking Below 200,000.
Know Where to Look for Blogging Tips
Being new to blogging, I had no idea where to look for blogging tips. Before launching my blog I searched for blogs that fit my niche. Looking back, that was very helpful as it opened my eyes up to different ways to run and design a blog. I found that several bloggers would even provide helpful blogging tips. The one I found to be of most help was Jeremy at Modest Money. Each Wednesday for a number of weeks he provided blogging tips, many of which I found invaluable.
Comment, Comment and then Comment Some More
The two biggest reasons behind my success are blog commenting and sharing what I read. Blog commenting really provides two valuable benefits:
- Establishing relationships with fellow bloggers
- Bringing traffic to your site
Commenting on blogs can take a lot of time and I mean A LOT, especially if you’re trying to get to as many as you can in one day. I’ve had days where I’ve gone cross-eyed visiting blogs. If you don’t have time to visit dozens of blogs each day, narrow your list to ten and visit them, leaving comments every day. Through thoughtful blog commenting you can start to establish good relationships with other bloggers. And, truth be told, I’ve met some really neat people over the last month and look forward to getting to know many of them further.
Be Social
If I like something I’ve read, it only takes a few seconds to pass on the fellow blogger’s work. You can either do it through share plug ins on blog home pages, or you can use one of the many third party tools available. I personally like HootSuite, but there are numerous other tools out there. By sharing other bloggers’ work, you develop relationships that will only encourage reciprocity.
Make Them Want to Come Back
No blogging tips post would be complete without talking about content. Many would say that content is king. I don’t know if I completely agree with that, but it definitely is essential. Write material that will bring people back to your site and make it engaging. Find out what they want to read about while at the same time producing quality content. I will be the first to admit that content is still a learning process for me, but one that I hope to grow in over time.
When considering blogging tips, just remember that one’s Alexa rank is only part of the process and there are many other pieces to the blogging puzzle. The goal is progress, not perfection.
For more veteran bloggers, what are some blogging tips you can share that have worked for you?
Photo courtesy of: Frank Michel
Commenting and building relationships is VERY important in the beginning. Once you have started to build links, relationships with other bloggers/writers and readers, your content has to speak for itself. A blog with bad content can keep going for a long time just on pure commenting and link-building, but at some point the content has to push your site above other sites and really other forms of entertainment and information. I think you are doing a great job and I like to think I am as well!
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted..Ways to Increase Income
I completely agree DC. That relationship building takes time, but is needed and well worth it in the end. Thanks for the kind words and think you’re doing great as well!
I echo DC on that one, and you two are doing a terrific job!
I have been reading PF blogs for about 4 years and people drop here and there a few hints about their struggles and what is working for them. Jeremy made it much easier for us, which is awesome. You can also look into specific SEO pros blogs, like Pat Flynn’s, but how much you get out of it depends on the direction you want to take with your blog.
Pauline recently posted..How to save money on currency exchange
Thanks Pauline. You’re not doing too bad yourself either!
I agree that Jeremy has made a lot of things much easier and has been a great resource to me when I have questions.
Good post! You’ve done very well for yourself that’s for sure! I’m worried about managing my blog when I go back to work and have no computer access/seeing patients all day, it’s hard. Thanks for all the tips!
Catherine recently posted..Scared.
Thanks Catherine! I’ve not done it all myself though and am excited to see where the blog goes in the future. Time management is a huge thing with a blog because it can be a time hog.
These are all great tips! I definitely agree with being social. Reach out to other bloggers and your readers and make some great friends.
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You’re right on Michelle. Developing those relationships is key to success. I’ve met some great people already, and look forward to getting to know more.
Great tips! We are still learning as we go and we appreciate any help we can get! =)
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted..Why the Recent U.S. Mortgage Rate Drop is Great News
I am right with you Holly! I need all I can get, so help is always appreciated.
Social is the most important. I have met some awesome people who have reached out to me or that I have reached out to over the past few months.
Sean @ One Smart Dollar recently posted..What You Need to Know About PrePaid Debit Cards
I agree Sean. I’ve met some great people and being social is vital to that.
Greats tips and congrats on lowering the Alexa. I like the commenting(good thoughtful comments) and having good content. I know that a lot of people are concerned with traffic but it means nothing if they come to your site and don’t want to ever come back. Its almost the same as having great content but no one knows that you exist.
Thomas S. Moore recently posted..Search Marketing Expo East 2013 and Beyond
Thanks Thomas! Keeping them coming back is key, otherwise you’re just talking to yourself. Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve seen social people with bad content get well ahead of blogs with great content and no social, so I’d make sure and share. I think lots of new bloggers think they should post more often to gain traffic. Use this time to spend in the community. That’s more valuable than a post every day.
I do think that in the end, good content wins the day. You can’t spend every day forever visiting a ton of blogs to get people to visit your site. With bad content, people won’t come back on their own. It’ll be a never-ending job just getting them to come back.
AverageJoe recently posted..Did You Miss the October Tax Filing Deadline?
Great point Joe! Being social really does help take your blog to the next level. I am still learning how to balance the time I spend sharing and on other blogs vs. quality content for mine. If you’re not sharing AND your content is bad, then you’ll need to look for other ways to keep them coming back.
I agree with being social. It DOES take a lot of time however! That’s one of the biggest problems I’m having is finding the time to do that AND blog myself! I’ve yet to get involved in alexa and self-hosting and ads. It’s something I’m thinking a lot about though…
Budget & the Beach recently posted..42 Things in 42 Years
I know, it takes A LOT of time! But then again, what things that are worthwhile not time consuming? I think there’s a balance to be had and between sharing and your own blogging so others will want to come back.
Great tips here for sure. It does really take a lot of time at the beginning, but I believe as you grow, you familiarize yourself with the blogs you enjoy, build good relationships and can pull your foot off the gas a little. I’m nowhere near there just yet, but I also enjoy reading all the blogs around town! I just don’t have time to read them all, which is a bummer.
Congrats on the success, and I’m sure there’s much more to come.
Jacob @ iheartbudgets recently posted..How To Assess The Effectiveness Of Your Savings Account
Thanks Jacob! I agree, that over time you take ease up a little and maybe place focus on other things to promote your blog. I agree about not having enough time in the day to read everything, especially with so much good content out there.
Wow, didn’t you just join the challenge? You’re blog is on steroids! My best tip would be to share as openly as possible and not be afraid of linking to other bloggers. Also, I noticed that many people never bother to leave feedback to comments on THEIR OWN BLOGS. To me that just seems rude… I understand if you don’t care to read my blog but at least address comments on your own blog. It’s supposed to be a community, with sharing and caring not a 1-way highway.
Veronica Hill recently posted..10 Cheapest Cars for 2013
Yes, I just joined last Monday and have been blogging for five weeks officially.
I was wondering who would be the first one to mention it, and you’re the winner Veronica! I TOTALLY agree about those who do not respond to the comments on their own blogs. I know it takes time, but unless you’re getting hundreds of comments, how much time does it take to respond with a few sentences? You’re right in that it’s a community and I think responding to comments just further helps building those relationships which are vital.
Great tip on being open. That’s one of my struggles…making my posts my personal and relatable. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
Your tips are definitely a great way to build a successful blog. Commenting and networking drives a lot of traffic to a blog but it does take so much work, especially if you are trying to write new posts at the same time and have a life away from a computer
For the first 3 months of my blog I visited and commented on tons of blogs and spent a great deal of time on Twitter as well as posting 4 days a week. By the end of the 3rd month I was exhausted and ended up take an entire week off. After a while it is difficult to keep up the momentum. I like your idea of just visiting 10 or so blogs each day instead.
Tackling Our Debt recently posted..How to Save Money on Home Improvement Projects
It does take a lot of time. My wife has been commenting that her husband is a computer lately as I’ve been on it so much. That said, there’s a balance to have and it takes time to find it.
I think these tips are spot on! Way to go! One thing I would add would be to harness twitter’s firepower to drive others to your site as well-it doesn’t help with Alexa, but it’s not the most important thing.
Lauren @ L Bee and the Money Tree recently posted..How long have you been a prostitute?
Thanks Lauren. Twitter is a great tool to use to drive people to your site.
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Great tips — I wish I’d known the “stop posting all the time and share content” trick when I was starting out. Now I post 3X a week and have as much traffic as when I was posting 5X.
Kathleen @ Frugal Portland recently posted..More thoughts on buying a house
I know Kathleen. I am going to keep at it awhile with the 5X per week. I think eventually I’ll be going to a 3X per week schedule to help avoid burn out.
John,
Thanks for sharing those tips.
Although it takes time to post coherent comments to blog articles, as you mention, it’s a valuable part of the process that really boosts that interaction.
I also focus more on producing useful blog article with (hopefully) longer tails, than doing a large quantity.
Terry recently posted..Can You Become a Millionaire Bestselling Author in 3 Days?
I agree Terry. It really can help foster relationship building with other bloggers. That’s a great point to have useful posts as opposed to throwing just anything out there.
Great tips. The biggest thing for me is building relationships and commenting. You meet so many great people and you learn a lot in the process. Plus it helps build your traffic.
Miss T @ Prairie Eco-Thrifter recently posted..Are You Getting Ripped Off At The Gas Pump?
I completely agree Miss T. There are many great people out there in the blogosphere and you can learn quite a bit from them.
Commenting and doing guest posts have been great for me. Definitely helped me drive up my ranking and get my blog noticed!
That’s a great point Cat. I am just starting to look at doing some guest posts, I know it can be a very useful tool to drive new people to your site.
I certainly should be a prime example that persistence pays off. I installed the toolbar in mid August and am around 176K now with little technical knowledge. I had never even visited the twitter website until I got the blog up and running. It does take tons of time to comment and read everyday, but I actually enjoy it. I don’t know where I’ll end up eventually with the blog, but as long as it’s fun, I’ll keep it up. Most bloggers I’ve interacted with have been more than helpful, so that encourages you to always better yourself and your content. You’re doing a great job and I’ve enjoyed seeing you grow.
Kim@Eyesonthedollar recently posted..Can You Avoid Spending Money on School Fundraisers?
I am the same way Kim. I never had Twitter before I started my blog and have little technical know how. That’s why I am so thankful for all of the help that many provide in the blogosphere. You’re doing great as well and always enjoys reading your posts.
Great post and ya Jeremy is a pretty knowledgeable guy!
Mo’ Money Mo’ Houses recently posted..How Saving Small Amounts of Money Can Payoff Big
Thanks. That he is!
Awesome! Thanks for the mention John. I really hope people find that explanation helpful. I know I was completely clueless when I first started!
I’ll say – you have really made use of the commenting and being social advice! Keep up the good work!
My Money Design recently posted..My Money Design – October 2012 Update
Not a problem MMD. I’ve found it quite helpful information.
I figure the more I share, the more likely others are to come to my site and do the same.
You are doing great at getting a lot of commenters! and yes, it does take tons of time.
Marie at FamilyMoneyValues recently posted..The Family Office – An Insider’s View
Thanks Marie. I agree it does take quite a bit of time, but I think the payoff can be worth it.
Wow congratulations on your success. I have to say, that out of all of the posts I have been searching about this subject this one was the most helpful I have found. Usually site will offer their advice, only to bring you a sales pitch and a link to their book or paid membership for their site.
I really need to look into this Alexia site.
justin@thefrugalpath.com recently posted..Using Signs can Help You Navigate Your Financial Path
I am glad that you found my post helpful. As I said in the post, my success is due in large part to the help I’ve received from others out there.
Thanks for your kind words as well, I am glad to be of help. I am not much of a salesman, so even if I tried it would be a failure. Thanks for stopping by!
Great post, short and simple. As a new blogger I have been struggling with the learning curve of wordpress as well as time to create content. Thank you for being honest about knowing absolutely nothing when you started blogging. At times I’ve felt in over my head and its reassuring to know that it’s something most bloggers go through.
Thanks Marvin. I am still on that learning curve.
The great thing is that there’s a lot of great info out there and there are many great bloggers out there willing to help. Thanks for stopping by!
John, I was actually wondering the other day how you rocked your Alexa score below 200k in no time flat. Very helpful post… I also try to do the same, but find my time so limited with my other responsibilities (non-blogging) that sometimes I can only comment on a few sites a day.
I think it is probably true that the more time you have to put into your blog, the faster it will succeed. For example, I only post twice a week, which is all I can do time-wise. I’m expecting it will take me twice as long as others to gain traffic…. (although I’m not sure if this equation is true yet. I’ll let you know how it turns out
)
Jason Clayton | frugal habits recently posted..5 Tips for Getting a Higher Starting Salary
I think a lot of it has just come down to commenting tons and sharing as much as I can. It does take A LOT of time, but it is worth it if you can drive traffic to your site. I can completely understand on non blogging responsibilities, you have to have balance.
I ‘d be interested to know if there’s been any math done on how much someone posts and the time it takes to lower an Alexa score. It would be interesting to know. I’d do it myself, but then I’d need more time in the day.
Congratulations, you have done tremendously well in such a short period of time John.
It just goes to show that if you are ready to put in a solid effort you will get handsomely rewarded.
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Great post mate. I agree commenting takes time and if you have a family and a full-time job aside from a blog you have to have a strategy. ie: how many comments per day etc. I comment when I find a few minutes here and there but only after I read an entire post. There’s nothing that gets my gears fired up when someone doesn’t read a post or leaves one or two words just to get a comment in. If I have nothing to say, I won’t bother at all but that’s just me. I like to build relationships with bloggers that want to be part of what I call a “team” of people who want to help others like I do. This is more important to me than where the next buck is coming from or being part of the “in group”. If money is the end all be all for a blogger well then I don’t expect much in way of building relationships note I said end all be all. Cheers and thanks for the tips. I have the Alexa toolbar as do some of my Fans who have downloaded it from my blog. Cheers Mr.CBB P.S I can guest post if you would like.
Canadian Budget Binder recently posted..Mr.CBB’s Weekly Blog Post Picks~Oct 19,2012
Great points Mr. CBB. It does take a strategy because there are so many blogs out there and many of them are very good. If you don’t have one, then time just gets away from you.
Excellent point of looking at blogging as being part of a team. While we all have similar outlooks, they’re also different and the combined whole provides a great wealth of information that’s just not possible to get in one place. I view money as simply a side benefit from all of this as my ultimate goal is much like yours and to help others.
That said, I’d love to have you guest post sometime. Just let me know when!
Good tips and thanks for sharing. Though I’ve been blogging for a couple of years, I’ve just started to ramp it up earlier this year. I’m at the point of looking at blogging and related activities as potentially another profit center to dovetail with my main business of being a financial advisor so I am always on the lookout for good ideas like the one’s you’ve shared here. Thanks again.
Thanks Roger. That’s great you can use it as a way to somewhat supplement your main income. I hope to be at that point sometime in the future. Thanks for stopping by!
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Hey John, welcome to blogging, Yakezie, and Alexa stardom.
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Great tips! Jeremy @ Modest Money also helped Todd and I out a lot. Jon @ Free Money Wisdom was are biggest supporter…it helps that we were already friends and he really got me into blogging. It’s awesome to see your site going strong and productive in such a short time. Looking forward to seeing where it goes!
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Thanks John! Yea, Jeremy has been a life saver for me on more than one occasion. I have a few friends as well who blog and it’s nice to get their perspective. They’re also not in the PF niche, so it can be helpful to get an outsiders perspective. I am pretty happy with the growth as well and look forward to seeing where it’s going too.
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