2009 Planning Guide - My Gift To You!10 Steps For Gaining 150+ New Subscribers Per Day
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One of the hottest topics that I see pop up for new bloggers is the strategy of gaining RSS subscribers. Having subscribers to your blog means repeat traffic, which in turns means more potential revenue for your blog through sponsorships and sales but it also means so much more. It is an indication of authority in your niche, social proof that your blog is worth reading.
I often get emails from readers who are so frustrated because they are putting loads of time into building a quality blog with great information but their readership seems to be going nowhere. They are lucky to gain one or two new readers a day and their blogs are costing them money instead of earning revenue.
Over the past few months I have focused a lot of time testing and tracking different strategies for gaining subscribers and I have been able to consistently grow my daily subscription rate and it keeps getting better and better. Here are the top 10 things that you can start doing right now to explode your subscriber rate.
1. Get Your Own Domain
This is the very first thing I recommend that everyone do if they want to be serious about blogging. I have to be honest and say that I ignore 95% of the blogs that are hosted with services like Blogger or WordPress. I realize that there are a lot of bloggers that use these services but if you look at the large majority of successful bloggers they are hosted on their own domain. As soon as I even see a link that has something like “blogspot” in it, I absolutely cringe. Most of them look like cookie cutter sites and the first thing I think of is SPAM and it immediately gives me the impression that you are not an authority on the topic you are talking about. Even if this is not true, you need to understand that perception is reality for people that do not know you and you only have a few precious seconds to make a solid first impression. It is way too easy to hit the back button on a browser!
2. Give Them a Reason and Time to Trust You
One thing that is hard for people to understand is that a person will subscribe to your blog because they feel that you can fulfill a need that they have and they trust that you are a reliable source. This might be encouragement, advice, prizes or even humor but whatever it is, the majority of subscribers will need to be proven that they can trust you. It is important to be patient and do NOT jam affiliate offers down their throat, do NOT lie to them and you need to understand it takes time to build trust. We are often in such a rush to make money that we lose sight of building a trusting relationships with our readers and we rush into marketing to them.
3. Give an Incentive
This is another one of those questions I get asked frequently. Why are you giving away this eBook away for free? Why is CommentKahuna free.. what is the catch? People have become so tainted because of all the crap floating around and so suspicious of everyone that it amazes them when they actually find out that we are giving away something of value for free.
Why do we do it?
Because the mailing list we have grown from these two product alone is almost 50 000. Yes, you read that right, 50 000 subscribers, which means 50 000 people we can potentially market to. The added benefit is these lists are extremely responsive because they feel like they get value and we have earned the right to email them. Now of course this is not 100% for everyone, but out of all of our lists, the ones that are created through offering a valuable free product or service are always the most valuable.
What are you offering your subscribers?
Create a blog series and then put it into PDF format and offer it as an eBook, put a script on your blog that calculates something for the reader such as what their “healthy weight should be” or “what there $/day goal should be for their business” (hmm, that is a good one… if any of you do this I will link to you but give me credit for the idea), pay someone at Elance or oDesk to create something for you… the list can go on and on. Just make sure it is something that is worth while and related to your niche.
4. Tell Them To and Explain Why They Should!
This is the number one thing I see on peoples blogs that have low subscriber counts… they are expecting the readers to already know why they should subscribe to your blog. This goes hand an hand with the “Give an Incentive”, just by adding “Subscribe” or “RSS Feed” on your blog is not going to get people to subscribe. Give them a reason to and this does not mean just give them an incentive… Tell them exactly why they should subscribe!
If you are giving away a free eBook, do not just say.. “Subscribe and Get My Free eBook”
Would you subscribe for that reason? Of course not!
How about something like… “I Made $##### Last Month and This is the Exact Steps I Used to Do It”
This second one is much more effective, you are telling them why they should subscribe.
5. Put it in Front of Them
You will actually be witnessing a bit of a template change here in the next few days because of this. The current John cow template (that came with it when we bought it) is a great template that gets a lot of mention but it is not exactly the most effective template from a marketing perspective. When people first visit the blog the first thing that stands out above everything else is the header… which is nice but not really something that causes my readers to take action. The header is too big and takes up far too much valuable real estate on the blog. The template that is coming (just getting a few finishing touches), has the header graphic a lot smaller and also puts an opt in box right in the top right hand corner.
The number 1 thing I want my readers to do is notice the opt in offer. Once they opt in then they can read my posts and look at the ads but I want them to first of all subscribe!
Make sure you also put the subscription box front and center! This goes for contests and anything else you offer. Do not just make a post about the incentive, make sure you also have it noticeable to readers no matter what page they visit.
6. Use Aweber and FeedBurner
I love the way these two services work together. FeedBurner first of all tracks your feed stats for you but also formats your feed so it is compatible with more services. Aweber on the other hand allows you to not only offer the subscription via email, which FeedBurner also offers, but allows you to email your subscribers separately and you own the list. With FeedBurner you can not email your subscribers separately and do not actually own the list. Aweber is one of the few services that works perfectly with FeedBurner and tracks your subscribers.
Make sure to install the Feedsmith WordPress plugin so you can be sure FeedBurner catches all your subscribers.
7. Be a guest Blogger
Being a guest blogger on a already high profile blog can go a long way in building up your credibility. The funniest thing with this however is I have had a lot of people ask if they could guest post for me and they have sent me absolute crap for content. Spelling and grammar errors, boring content and nothing really worth while. If you want to be guest blogger then create a worthwhile piece of content and make sure it is 100% unique. Also make sure that at the end of the post you tell the reader how to learn more about you… and sell yourself! Do not just say “Learn More about me at…”, instead give them the benefits they will receive for visiting your blog.
8. Ask for Referrals
Constantly adding fresh and worthwhile content is effective but in my opinion an even more powerful way is through word of mouth recommendations. I can truthfully admit that I have subscribed to a few blogs without even reading a single post but just because someone I trust and respect has recommended them. Do not be afraid to ask your readers to give you testimonials and refer you to their readers. If you have friends that are bloggers, ask for a link… the worse that can happen is they say no.
9. Make it Worth their While to Recommend You
Contests and affiliate programs are both very effective strategies to exploding your subscriber count. Give your readers a reason to promote you that is worth their while. Appease to your readers needs and offer ways they can satisfy those needs by helping you grow your business. You will get a much better response to your “Request for Referrals” by giving them a beneficial reason to do so then you will get by just asking them to do it.
10. Test a Track
This is the absolute most important strategy of all. Make sure that you are doing controlled tests and are tracking the results. Do not simply implement something because someone told you to, instead test it and make sure it works. Every market is different and what works for one will not necessarily be the best for another. I recommend at minimum you install Google Analytics and set goals that track your conversion rates.
So what other tips do you have to add and what is your comments about the 10 I wrote about?
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Oh man. Just the post I needed in order to reach my goal of 1,000 subscribers! I’m already implementing every single one of those tips, except for #3 and #6. In order to reach my goal, I guess I’ll need to execute those last two pieces.
Sly
Sly from SlyVisions dot Coms last blog post..Working On My First Site Flip
I totally agree with you Sly….
Cow has show us the way…. We should use it….. And hope that the subscriber stats will increase….
shawals last blog post..Unique Blog Design 1-Year Anniversary Contest
This is definitely some good stuff over here man, John hit it on the head. The strategies may not be super secret new aged mystic ninja tactics, but they are proven tactics that are being used daily.
Keep pressin Sly, you’ll reach your goal.
Normal Joes last blog post..Blog Flipping Gone Wild Contest
How about be way controversial. People love to hear the next dumbass post a person does. Works for me.
Hmmm..sounds the idea is from the controversial John Chow. Well, you are correct. There are really people who want to become controversial to get noticed. But you should have guts and be ready to face harsh comments..
I guess giving incentives is the best strategy for gaining subscribers.
Although nothing beats good solid content..
Ganeshs last blog post..What’s Going On
These are awesome tips. I’ve got a blog myself but the rss subscribers number can be better. It’s only about a month old, how long do you think before I can expect to see the numbers grow?
Andre Thomass last blog post..A Revelation I Had As I Was Waiting In A Queue - This Could Affect Your Life Big Time
I missed the part where the 150 per day came in to it. That number seems pretty high to me.
Yes Its Almost Impossible but I will going to try this Tips and see if I can make it Possible …. Thanks for this Tips !!!
Haroon Hameeds last blog post..Are you People Hungry for Traffic Results?? Join BootScootin’Traffic Today!
Thanks for all the great and well timed advice.
I especially appreciate and respect the reminder to take the advice and personalize it and modify it for myself.
too many folks take things too literally and dismiss their own creativity when trying to create their OWN voice.
oh,
btw,
p.s. please send 150 visitors per day to my site, I am lonely and need traffic
thank you
Bry
Bryan Blisss last blog post..Another blowout contest at johncow.com
Are you going to be going to Google’s RSS feed so you can run AdSense in your newsreader feeds? I see over on John Chow that he is seeing big increases since this change was made. I know it means leaving Feedburner, but can you afford not to?
Hmm….150 per day you say, yet there isn’t any quantification for that number. Looks like a perfect example of a catchy headline, with the same old blather in the middle I can read most anywhere.
I’m outta here…tired of the BS Mr. Cow.
Who are you?
This is the first comment you ever make on this blog and you make a smart ass remark. Yes it is to create a headline that pulls but over the past 7 days we have been achieving that amount of new subscribers, using these strategies, to Johncow and so there is the justification.
Go be negative somewhere else.
“..perfect example of a catchy headline..” well at least he had something right - heh
I for one found the post very helpful, apparently I am one of the 150 as I just signed up
These may be ‘obvious’ for marketing geniuses like Arnold (doubtful) but for me it’s all news and appreciated!
- Thanks
AzAkerss last blog post..Introducing Pixlr: The Best Online Image Editor Yet
Some people are always looking for the new catchy gimmick that will give a ton of free traffic with no work. Not many like the idea that boosting traffic requires connecting with people. Really connecting with people is something that’s been going on since prehistoric times, so a lot of it ISN’T going to be new. Readers who come expecting a hot “trick” are always going to be disappointed at reading about real-life methods that actually work.
However, the ways you suggest to take advantage of technology are new, and I haven’t seen them explained in that much detail anywhere else. Thanks a bunch!
Maybe smart ass remark, but he is right in what he said. Your 10 ways to increase RSS subscribers are the same ones I read everywhere and your headline is simply false bait.
I like your site and your content but I agree with Arnold’s comment.
Jeff, this is exactly what we do here and we have been averaging these numbers. To say the same old blather.. you want me to make something up just to sound new… those 10 steps are exatly what we do here. Please also show me where the same 10 are shared with others… by reading other peoples comments, sure looks like they appreciate the info… that is FREE!
These 10 steps are just AWESOME. I agree with #10. Track and test. I was just at a SEO convention in Atlanta and really the only way you know if something works is if you test it and track your success. If it does not work, move on… There are 2 types of people in the world. Most of just like to subscribe to get the “free” info and then let it sit in our email. Then some of us read it and implement it. Which one are you? My suggestion - if the info is going to help you be successful and make the life style you want. Then take ACTION. ‘-)
Awesome… glad you like it.
Wow, the previous comment was a bit harsh in my opinion. I happen to like your content
If I may, I’d like to add something to the list. Its no secret that people like blogs that are authentic and unique. We have been helping our clients who happen to be professional bloggers and traditional website (ecommerce) owners to stand out with high quality voice over audio in strategic spots on their sites.
Most blog masters think this is beyond the budget but, if you work directly with the “voice”, its very cost effective and has tested well.
Thanks for the other tips and I look forward to more great posts.
Steph
thanks Stephanie, ya there are people like that everywhere. As for your tip.. thats a great tip that I know a few people recommend.
Good stuff. I’m a little confused about #6 “Use Aweber and FeedBurner”. I ahve an account with both services, yet I’m not sure how to set up the email subscribers to go on my Aweber list instead of a Feedburner list. Even more confusing, I’d know how to tell the difference.
I have been working hard on my blog. This process you describe, has really made a job out of blogging, but I am loving it.
Are the visits referred from here automated? or do you visit the blogs that visitors have in there comment luv? I have noticed that this URL comes up in my stats so I was wondering.
It looks good to see 6 subscriptions a day at my site. I have printed this post, and have every intention of studying how I might implement this information on my site.
By the way, I just turned on my blog (opened up to search engines), I understand most here already know what I mean, but when I downloaded your book there were many things I didn’t understand, so decided to make it clear anyhow. Well many things you talk about, I still don’t understand but I am learning.
Can’t believe how much I have learned here, thanks a lot for offering this for free, my view on guru crap has changed. After all the stuff I bought and got NADA out of, seems to be the norm. JohnCow is refreshing!
Kevin
john you really know our(bloggers) emotion
Sarv007s last blog post..My Freeware Directory, Now openly, "say No To Software Piracy"
Hahaha…Nice post and it has just caused that I’ve subscribed to JohnCow via RSS
That was a great post John, I like the incentive part… simply an ethical bribe.
But I am confused how to use both aweber and feedburner together.
Should I stick to Aweber alone? Or Feedburner alone? Or how to manage both of them effectively. I think that this is a questions most of the bloggers are asking. It would be great if you can make a post about that!
I explain it in detail in this post…
http://www.johncow.com/initial-on-page-optimization-with-a-dash-of-feedburner-and-aweber-day-11-of-cowpetition/
Nice one - And I’m just doing 2 out of the 10 steps you recommend
Bookmarked, stumbled and keep the 10 commandments on my notebook.
Cheers!
Noobpreneurs last blog post..Your Store Location: Rent or Buy?
Cool, glad you appreciate the post
Nice Comments - I started out on your list way back because of traffic Kahuna. Later I was referred to John Cow (not knowing it was you) and signed up here as well.
Then I won a contest. Yeeeha!
Then I bought Traffic Kahuna . Nice.
It took you probably 18 months to make money from me. I think people do not realize that the whole process starts with that initail sign up and quality content.
Buzzoodle Rons last blog post..Virtual Assistant Blog
I loved both your book “Building A Business Not A Blog” and your posts. You give great solid advice from obviously years of experience which I really appreciate.
I cannot understand why people have the need to slate others work as in the comment from Arnold. I suppose there is always one. These negative people never get very far in life and lets hope he has already unsubscibed from your list…no loss for you or for the rest of us.
Looking forward to your next post
Paula.
I guessI need to be more diligent on doing a few more of these tips. I do a couple of them but I will implement more over the comming weeks on my blog
Bruno Augers last blog post..Home Business Ideas - Online Money Making
Persistancy and consistancy on the blog , would help even when you dont get desired results
WebtrafficROI.coms last blog post..Download the Yahoo Buzz Plugin
May I add to #5 (Put it in front of them, in case people have forgotten by now.) In addition to a sign-up box top right, I do a separate sign-up as a post every now and again, so that when a new reader reads something they find interesting, when they scroll down to the end of the post, there is an invitation to subscribe waiting to scoop them in.
hmm.. good strategy, thanks for adding it.
This post is awesome and inspiring, thanks. I have never been disappointed with your approach. You gave so much for free over such a long time that I do trust you and value your opinion. I hope to copy that approach. All the best.
Stompernets new business development Journal The net Effect has a number of great, sophistocated yet simple to follow proven methods for developing traffic.
A little SEO goes a long way, especially by having topics optimized for the keywords that people who are searching for that info will like.
by being easy to find in search when people are on a quest for your specialty information pretty much guarantees they are hungry for what you got even before they land on your page.
great tips!!!!.lol. Feedburner is really nice for monitoring subscribers:)
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These are all great ideas…coming up with a good incentive is the hardest part!
Chelles last blog post..Catch a Man Cheating: A How To Guide
Great tips! I use a lot of these myself, but need to work on a few more. Thanks for sharing what is working for you.
Melissa Eatons last blog post..Instant Blog Feeder - AutoSchedule Your Own Blog Content
Great post and information as always. I subscribed (under different email) when the contest between you and Garry first started.
If the headline weren’t catchy, people wouldn’t read it. You give the steps that you use. People can take it or leave it. Your posts have always been spot on.
Debt Consolidation Articless last blog post..Kevin Trudeau Reviews — Reviewing Debt Cures
Hi Mr Cow,
i found your site a few weeks ago and that free ebook really inspired me to start my own blog. Keep posting and i will continue reading, thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad that I am subscribed, now I don’t have to blog hop just looking for more blogging tips. I got to work on that ‘asking for referral’ though… I don’t know how to do it without looking like I’m begging.
No.1 kinda made me frown though, I do believe it would be better to have a self-hosted blog. I plan to do that, but when I do, I wouldn’t look down on free-hosted blog. Some do contain worthy materials, mind you.
Whoops - I’m still at wordpress.com. Didn’t know it was a “bad neighborhood”.
My last blog was Can A Big Seminar Make You Fat?
grandmapegs last blog post..Cameras at weddings, garage sales
Just an update - now the proud owner of grandmapeg.com so will probably go back and try to get this up to speed. Thanks for feedburner/aweber material.
grandmapegs last blog post..Cameras at weddings, garage sales
Smacking my head…why didn’t I think of these before I spent
so much time beating my head against the wall?
What service do you use to download your free Ebook?
Can you please expound on that?
Love and Peace,
Weddingzilla
Weddingzillas last blog post..Pink and Green Wedding Theme
I just have the ebook uploaded on my server adn then have the link in the email that people get once they opt in.
Is there another system than aweber ?? cause as a newbie i think its little bit expensive to subscribe aweber yearly. Do you have any suggest for me ??
Thank you john.
to start with I would recommend that you just use the free feedburner system. Build your business up so your making profit that an be reinvested, as aweber is about 20 a month.
Nailed by the cow! I have six monetized blogs on blogspot, thinking initially that my web page building career would launch once I learned Wordpress.
I feel if there ever was there was a challenge, this internet marketing field is one of the toughest to succeed in. I spent twenty-years in the engineering and systems integration space, but the intricacies of designing a 700+ channel fiber-to-the premises project for Verizon pales in comparison to the minute, excruciating, 12-hour days I have spent trying to make one thin dime in this blogging-PPC-SEO business. I just joined the PPC-Coach, with the promise that following a focused, committed leader, who actually returns emails and IM’s can help a newbie like myself gain some traction. The Cow’s advice is accurate and true. Respectfully, nachase http://donotreadthisblogunless.blogspot.com/
Nicholass last blog post..PPC-Coach - Join them now!
Another round of great ideas from the cow! Contests definitely help get subscribers, especially if your blog is not on a topic that people get hyped up about … like Home and Garden for example. Using Jason’s ideas we’ve gotten 1,000 subscribers since starting 2 contests on Rafter Tales in mid-August. Not bad for 2 weeks
domainpubbers last blog post..Labor Day Weekend Last Chance To Win August Contests
Really connecting with people is something that’s been going on since prehistoric times, so a lot of it ISN’T going to be new. Readers who come expecting a hot “trick” are always going to be disappointed at reading about real-life methods that actually work.
Great list. I’m using a few of these tactics right now to try and gain 37 subscribers! Uh huh! You heard right! My goal is THIRTY SEVEN!
What?
Cheers!
Jay
SuiteJs last blog post..Sunday Morning Sacrifice: You Could Be $37 Richer Just By Reading This
great information here! i’ve been struggling with increasing my readership, so these tips will definitely help out…i’m already using some of the tactics, but can’t wait to implement the rest of them!
Anthony Dinh - DiariesOfABlogger Contest!s last blog post..Affiliate Marketing Apprenticeship Program - Lesson 4/13
Hi,
Sorry, i don’t agree with idea NO 1 and NW 7 very much. I’am using blog hosted by Blogspot. There are a a lot of secret inside blogger / blogspot. If we want to give services to public, we must be authoritative person. So ideas NO 1 and NO 7 is useless.
Thank you.