Man, the highs and lows this week looks like my Google Analytics graph (think: sideways view of the Andes). It was a week marked with promise and let downs, lessons given and lessons learned.
Here’s the rundown:
Think globally – In my post on Breaking into freelance writing I very pointedly told folks to head on over to Textbroker and sign up as a way to start some freelance writing. Well by doing this I gained a brilliant opportunity to be one of those arrogant Americans who believes the world revolves around the US. It never even occurred to me that Textbroker would not allow sign ups from those outside of the US. Imagine my chagrin when this was (very nicely) pointed out to me by a reader who tried to do exactly as I had suggested. I was embarrassed and a little angry with myself for my assumptions.
The lesson: It’s called the WORLD wide web. Not the US wide web. Remember that your readers are as close as your monitor, and as far away as a dozen time zones or more. Take the time to do a little research on something you recommend.
Also on the overseas front – I received an email from a nice gentleman in India who was wanting to become a regular contributor to Tumblemoose. I was pretty stoked to say the least. I responded to his email said I’d love to consider him, could he please send a writing sample topic specific to the Tumblemoose genre. What I received was a rather scathing email regarding how insulting I had been, that he was a professional with professional credetentials and so on. Yikes. I had looked at his web sites and his journalistic skills were in order.
The question: Was I wrong to request the sample from him? I don’t know. Comment feedback, please.
Great Expections – I’ve been using Twitter regularly for about six weeks now. I started following Darren Rowse’ Twitip site and found a lot of great information there. I had an idea for a guest post so I emailed the contact form. Darren really is a stand up guy and he responded back in a timely manner, saying to send it to him and he would consider the article. Well, he accepted it and said it would go “live” in a day or two. You can just imagine how excited I was. I got Tumblemoose cleaned up and sparkling for the anticipated “Open House”. I read every post on making the site sticky. Then I wrote a post to try and incorporate as many sticky features as possible.
Bam! The post at TwiTip hits the streets. Oh, man. I better check my stats and see how much bandwidth I have left. I wonder how much traffic Hostgator will allow? I wonder if I should call them and let them know? I wonder… Uh? Wait! What’s that sound? (mournful wind blowing, scattering my cousins the tumble-weeds through the front door) Silence. Whaa?
Over at TwiTip, things are chuggin’ right along. Great comments from folks. Everyone’s having a good time. Oh, there’s a party going on all right. But it’s a couple of houses down the street from Tumblemoose.
Expectations minus results = a pretty big gap. Now, It’s REALLY important that you folks understand that I ain’t gripin’. The information was important to get out there, and I am proud as can be that a post by lil’ ol’ me was accepted by someone who is so well respected in the blogging community. For some reason, I just assumed that my traffic would go through the roof.
Lesson learned: Keep putting your best stuff forward in as many venues as possible. Don’t freak out about how much traffic something will or won’t get you. Every notch on the post (no pun intended) is a good notch.
I learned a lot more than what I’ve posted here, but I’m already at 650 words, so I’m going to cut it short.
I’m actually pretty happy with everything I’ve learned this week. I’ll apply it all and be even better next week.
Are you there in the photo? Just like a rock man.
Thanks for sharing what you learned. I am going to think about the WORLD wide web ideas. I also think it is okay to ask for sample in most any situations.
Jessie Ann Heekin
Jessie Ann Heekin´s last blog post..Selfish or self-employed in the truest sense
I agree with Jessie Ann Heekin, internet has flatted the world and most of barrier are pull down. Bloggers should start think globally like you write.
Haha. Thanks, Phao Loo
Hi Jessie. Thanks for the comment. It was really an eventful week. I could probably fill a second post!
George
It’s entertaining — and instructive — to look at Google Analytics and see where your readers come from. And it’s humbling, too, to see that my little blog is read in Azerbajian and Zimbabwe. It has made me acutely aware that when I recommend sources that they are either universally available or are marked as available on in a certain geographic area. My commenters have been good at giving local sources, too, thank goodness.
I can really empathize with you on your Twitip expectations. I, too, wrote a post for Darren which he published. And the results? Lots of good comments on the post, but may 3-4 visits to my site. I was disappointed, to say the least.
But “every notch on the post is a good notch” is so true. I’ll keep putting myself out there, and little by little, it will pay off.
Mike Nichols´s last blog post..The Evil Trick Anxiety Plays on You and How to Turn the Tables
Mike, That’s an awesome comment, right there. Thanks for the validation, on several points.
It’s nice to see you here.
George
Hi George,
This post is just begging for my 2 cents. So here it is…
1. I recently have realized just how much we need to consider the rest of the world in our writing on the web. I have had some friends give me some suggestions on making my writing less US centric. Most recently I made the mistake of emailing someone and asking how their Thanksgiving went. Duh! Didn’t think twice that they lived overseas.
Not that we mean to be this way, but it happens. My guess is everyone is a bit focused on their own country and culture because they can’t help it. But I do appreciate those nice folk who are more world savvy then us who point us gently in the right direction. I am happy to say that I have taken and applied just about everything my friends have told me to make my writing less US centric.
As for the guy from India. Doesn’t sound like he is too professional at all. His writing may be excellent but it sounds like he may be lacking some “people skills”. Obviously we don’t know the exact details of the email. But if he specifically stated in the email to visit his websites to check his work then you may have to admit that you didn’t do your due diligence and chalk that one up to a lesson learned through experience.
2. You know. The web has really seen a run up in the # of blogs recently. I can tell you from experience I have clicked through on guest posts to see the authors site in the past but not so much anymore. You used to be able to go to a website and find another website like it. Now everything is “niche”. Unless your guest post said you write about Twitter and social media I can see why you didn’t get too many visitors. Its not what those readers are looking for. I see blogging really evolving and I am excited to see where it goes!
Cheers
Jeremy
Jeremy Day´s last blog post..What we all know about health, but don’t do.
It should be learn’t not learned.
Well done George! No wonder you are getting famous, that was a lot for a week.
100kjob´s last blog post..It Is Really a Mind Game
George,
yes it has been a week hasn’t it. Hey it’s only Wednesday and it hasn’t even started yet! I can relate to this post almost word for word.
I live in my own little world too. Been there, done that. What is up with that division of countries!!
And you know what? That “professional” writer should know just how busy we all are. Maybe you don’t have time to “investigate” his whole blog. Send a sample and make it a little easier for someone you are trying to work with!
I left a comment (first time)on a site yesterday that is written by 3 authors. I was somewhat confused by the message of the post but eventually thought it was written in the opposite opinion. Anywho, my comment was ridiculed on Twitter, Yeah, you’re welcome.
As far as your article with Darren. Be patient. I am still getting traffic from StumbleUpon articles that were submitted a month ago. I know, been there done that. I want it and I want it now.
Okay, you got me going for the day. (is my comment longer than your post?)
Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie´s last blog post..Blogging Success According To My Favorite Guru!
Great learning George! I wouldn’t worry too much about not getting instant traffic. You’ll be getting your name out there, and credibility, and twitter followers for sure. I’m not convinced (yet) of the benefit of having lots of twitter followers, but being a ‘known name’ can only be of benefit to you in the long run.
Joanna Young´s last blog post..How Do You Know When The Words Need to Go?
Hi George,
First, how can you be writing from a US-centric point of view? You live in Alaska
I probably would have made the same mistake when mentioning Textbroker …
If someone wants to write for you then they need to chill if you actually ask for some writing samples.
And I didn’t get much traffic from Twitip either – not as much as I thought I would. But I was still thrilled that Darren accepted the article. I do click through to a guest writer’s site when I like what was written. Maybe people are too busy writing their fawning comments to notice who actually wrote the article.
If you need a laugh, my post today might crack you up
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..7 Secret(ish) Things About Me
First, don’t beat yourself up for not thinking globally. It happens to almost everyone (or I hope it doesn’t happen to just me), but quite frankly when I write I’m mostly writing for free. Right now, I’m at a place where I may make a couple of bucks here and there, but I’m definitely not getting paid enough to hire a nanny or housekeeper, so my attention gets stretched in a million different ways – so if I miss something, or my readers have questions…I’m glad for them to feel like they can ask. But, don’t beat yourself up for not having every base covered, all you can do is look into it once it’s brought to your attention on several subjects. Unless of course, you’ve somehow found 10 extra hours in each day…then, please do email me. lol
As for the writer…he shouldn’t have gotten his panties in a wad. YOU were going to mesh his name with your brand and YOU wanted a sample. I don’t think that’s too much to ask, no matter how many awards he’s gotten. Speaking of, just because you get an award, it doesn’t mean you’re all around brilliant…it just means somebody somewhere liked something you wrote. I’m sure he had lots of prestigious lovely awards, and spiffy…but that doesn’t mean YOU would like his writing style or what he planned to write about on your site. So, dear writer…take a few breaths, and either be humbled or the world will do it for you…your stuff may be glorious but you could really learn some humility.
And, I’m out.
Ashley´s last blog post..Pregnancy Fears
Hey Jeremy. In order to make my site even more sticky, I’m offering two for one comment value so your comment is now worth 4cents!!
All seriousness aside, I appreciate your thoughtful commenting. it is possible that I didn’t apply as much due diligence as was warranted for the situation. I admit that.
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..What this writer learned this week
Aaron:
Thanks! Something else I learn’t this week!
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..What this writer learned this week
100k:
Hehe. Hey thanks a bunch. It has been a busy week!
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..What this writer learned this week
Hi Dee.
I appreciate your words of wisdom. And don’t get me wrong, I’m glad for the TwiTip posting and after reflection, that is the most important thing to me. Any traffic I get is a bonus.
Hey do you have the names of those ruffians that ridiculed you? I’ll put on me kilt and head right over to Tumble-ize ‘em.
Cheers!
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..What this writer learned this week
Hi Joanna
I think you are right. I’m kinda happy to be just twitterin’ along right now!
george
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..What this writer learned this week
Kim, You are a hoot. I did get a smile from your post – commented, I did.
Luv the whole AK-vs-US thing.
Fawning comments, lol…
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..What this writer learned this week
Hey Ashley,
Thanks for the reminder. I have a tendency to be a little hard on myself. it’s a good thing those titanium plates in me skull have lifetime warranties!
I appreciate your thoughtful comments here. You always give me a lot to think about.
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..What this writer learned this week
Hi George,
Great post and like you said it’s only Wednesday. I have to admit that even though I am from Ireland I write like I’m from the US. When you start writing on the internet you have to get used to everything being in US dollars, your writing, grammar, etc, all has to be written in US English unless specifically stated otherwise. Guess it goes to show that the World Wide Web isn’t really world wide, probably just US wide.
Delighted to hear about your guest post and like you said any traffic is better than none. If just 2 out of 10 visitors become regulars then your doing really well.
With all this to add to your knowledge bank, who knows what next week will have in store.
Amanda Evans´s last blog post..5 Reasons To Start Ghostwriting
Amanda,
Wow, that’s a great point. It’s kinda funny. I’ve had to do some writing for a few companies that wanted the use of UK English. In my head, I always put myself in that kind of mindset and remember every UK movie I’ve ever seen ( I watch a lot of Indies – in fact I remember a Scottish one that had subtitles! lol!) Anyway I try to use not just the spellings but the mannerisms as well.
Just so I’m clear, do you live in Ireland right now?
Tumblemoose´s last blog post..What this writer learned this week
Hi George,
Yes I’m Irish born and raised here. Most people do however assume that when you’re not from the US that you’re from the UK. I suppose there is only a couple of thousand miles in the difference
Amanda Evans´s last blog post..5 Reasons To Start Ghostwriting
Amanda,
Yeah, that’s true, I guess. What’s a few thousand miles amongst friends?
George
Hi George: Well, you got a quality link from Twitip and getting all dressed up in preparation for “the stampede” got your blog in better shape
I’ve been in both situations: waiting for huge amounts of traffic that failed to show up and getting huge amounts of traffic unexpectedly.
Marelisa´s last blog post..Five Ways to Keep Your Spirits Up During the Holidays
Hi Marelisa,
Thanks for coming by and commenting. Those are fantastic observations. I did take care of a few tweaks that I’d been putting off and I was able to put together a post that wrapped up a few things I otherwise probably would not have done.
I am most happy with the experience. It is interesting to note that in some ways it seems nearly impossible to determine what any one thing will do in terms of traffic. I’ve put together stuff and when I’ve posted it I thought, “Oh, this is brilliant! I should get about a thousand Diggs from it!” You guessed it, I got bupkiss. Other posts that in my mind were almost “nuisance” posts because I had to put SOMETHING out there have driven hundreds to the site.
It’s a topsy-turvey world!
George
Hey George you learned a lot! And to get complaints from your International Audience means you must have one. I think you did fine with the sample request, it was unprofessional of him to pitch a fit, in my opinion.
For what it’s worth, from what I’ve seen looking at the stats from my forums, far fewer people than you’d think click through on links than you’d think. I think you are like me and are a click through fool, but other people not so much. Just remember your name is getting out there!
Tracy´s last blog post..Read Twice, Post Once
Hi Tracy,
Point well taken. Yes I have learned a lot this week as I do most.
I’m grateful for every single thing that happens in my life, including all of this Tumblemoose business.
Gratitude is the biggest attractor.
Cheers!
George
Hi, George. Love the last line of this post: “I’m actually pretty happy with everything I’ve learned this week. I’ll apply it all and be even better next week.”
(I’ve been following you on Twitter for a bit, and tweeted some of your posts to my network. I don’t think you follow me [Linda704], so I thought I’d let you know.)
Linda704´s last blog post..A Powerful Experience
Hi Linda704,
Hey I DM’d this as well. I thought I was following you but when I went to my stuff, it turns out I wasn’t. I fixed that little problem though.
Thanks for coming on over and commenting and thanks for the Twitter RTs!
George
I enjoyed learning from your evaluation post today and I work at looking at my blogging week on Friday afternoons, contemplation on Saturday and new plan on Sunday.
I make a list of all the things I learned and read about on other blogs, then I attempt to figure out how that relates to the success of my blog. I really am enjoying learning about this medium and all the writing I am doing.
I am still very frustrated by how slowly I learn these things, Barbara at BWAB just wrote about all the letters instead of full words…and I can’t even get on Twitter or Stumble Upon properly..yet…tho I am nearly done with the Traffic Rush course…
so if you hear a bit of frustration – it’s true, but over all I am very pleased with what I am learning and all the connections that I have made so far…I will get there..
Thank you for this good post and more learning material for me to contemplate.
Patricia´s last blog post..Anatomy of a Fat Cell
Patricia,
I’m so happy that you are moving forward. You know, darn near every accomplishment someone has is based on a good attitude. I think your attitude about figuring out all of these very complicated thins is exceptional. You just keep plugging along. Things will come your way. Work past the frustrations and know that everyone out there is really pulling for you.
George
I don’t think your request to provide a samples was insulting. If they really wanted to be a guest here they would. In the “paper world” you sometimes have to go through hoops to get published. In the “paper world” you get rejection letters. All you asked for was a relevant sample. I think your potential guest author over-reacted.
Hi Emma,
Thanks for dropping in. I appreciate the feedback, I really do. I never gave a second thought to requesting the sample. If the positions were reversed, I would have expected a sample request from whomever I was pitching to.
Cheers
George
Hi George – You have had a busy week. Whew! Hey, congratulations on your guest post on Darren’s blog. That’s a great accomplishment and one you should be real proud of.
You site looks nice and tidy. Isn’t amazing how much we can get done when we think we’re getting company? It’s the same thing I do at home.
Barbara Swafford – Blogging Without A Blog´s last blog post..Twitter – Social Media’s Hidden Gem
Hi Barbara,
It certainly was a busy week!
And yes, I’m extremely proud of the guest post over at TwiTip. It really has been a great experience.
I have to tell you, it felt EXACTLY like I was cleaning the house for company. lol
Cheers!
George