What Has This Blog Done For My Business?
In March 2009 I had just started looking at using the Internet for marketing. I was trying to get my head around PPC when someone said, “Marcus you’ve got to get a blog, it’s the next big thing.” So I did.
For the next nine months I thought I was having a good blogging month If managed to post four times! What a joke. To be honest I was focused elsewhere and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out how a blog fitted into the picture anyway.
My success with PPC was a bit like my Roulette skills – dodgy! By the end of December 2009 I was ready to try a new marketing method. I had no idea what, so in the mean time I decided to read lots of other blogs. Slowly but surely I started to understand what blogging was all about and by the middle of February 2010 I felt sure I had found the key to my online marketing success.
I already knew that people didn’t join a network marketing opportunity but rather the people in it. My business had to be about me and my blog was going to be my HQ, my online home and my shop window. It was going to be a place where people could get to know more about me and what I believe and even more important, it was going to be where I could share what I was learning with others. It has been all of this.
From March I started to collect stats on my blog with the goal of becoming a serious and successful network marketing Internet business blogger.
Over the last four and a half months my blog stats have done all the right things. The numbers that should have come down like my Alexa ranking, has and the numbers that should have gone up like my traffic, has. Translated this means more followers, leads and business partners, exactly what I wanted.
In addition this blog has helped my business in the following ways:
- It has led me to meeting and interacting with some of the most awesome marketers right around the world.
- It has taught me many technical Internet marketing skills.
- I have learned where my traffic comes from so this means I can focus my marketing where it counts.
- I have learned what my most popular posts have been so I know what my followers want to know more about.
- I know what search terms people use to find my blog so I can target these keywords to reach more people.
- I know which countries most of my followers come from so I can target these markets specifically.
- I know which days and time of the day my blog traffic is at it’s highest so I know when it’s best to reach a wider audience.
If you don’t yet have a blog, isn’t it time you did?
This post has been in response to a blog meme. This means a blogger tags other bloggers with their post to have them answer a question for example. This meme was started by Ana Hoffman who asked the original question.You can see Ana’s post on this subject here : How Blogging Can Increase Your Lead Generation by 67%.
Peter Fuller was tagged by Ana and wrote his answer to the question which you can read here: How Has my Business Grown Since I Started my blog?
Peter has now tagged me and so you have just read my response. The idea is to see how viral this question can go. Ana will receive the most links as the originator of the meme because everyone links back to the original post and then I will of course get links back from everybody I tag.
I will be tagging bloggers who as far as I know have not yet been tagged for the meme. Remember you don’t have to be tagged to participate.
So I am tagging the following to answer the question: “How Did Your Blog Kick-Start Your Business Success?“
Jordan Schultz | Jodie Thompson | Ryan Biddulph | Ilka Flood | Susanna Hess | Erin Smith | Tracey Walker | Yo Le
Answer the question in your next blog post, link it back to this post and Ana’s post and tag some of your blogger friends to do the same. Thank you and be assured if you start a meme I will support yours too.
Please leave me a comment and be sure to share this post with your followers if you believe they will derive some value from it. Thank you.
My goal? Helping you achieve yours.
Post Image: Svilen Milev
Tagged with: internet business • MLM Blogging Tips • Network Marketing
Filed under: Network marketing Internet business
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Good morning Marcus.
I have to say I thought I knew all about the benefits of having a blog, but you really laid out some great reasons that I hadn’t thought of.
Personally, I liked “I know which days and time of the day my blog traffic is at it’s highest so I know when it’s best to reach a wider audience.”
Knowing that information, you could set up your autoresponder to hit their inboxs just after they visited your blog. It’s like you knew they were there or something
Michael A. Novak recently posted..The Best Industry to Learn Leadership
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Hi Michael,
I am pleased to read your observation. When I thought about writing this post I wanted to concentrate on blogging benefits that are often not expressed.
What you suggest re one’s auto responder is exactly right. Timing is a crucial aspect to understand when it comes to the Internet.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
I felt the same way at first about a blog. I NEVER thought of myself as a blogger and now I post every single day! I like how you said it was you HQ or another guy talking about it being your own piece of internet realestate. Blogging is freakin awesome!!
Thanks!
Erin Smith
Erin Smith recently posted..Overcoming Your Fears
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Hi Erin,
I agree totally. If I had to choose only one marketing platform it would be a self hosted blog without a doubt!
~Marcus
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Marcus, you have done a great job with your blog and have provided great value.
You have come a long way since February.
Thanks for participating in Ana’s blog meme.
Peter Fuller MBA recently posted..How has my business grown since I started my blog
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Hi Peter,
Thanks for tagging me in this meme my friend. It is an awesome question started by Ana.
Thank you too for your support. I always did have a lot of content to share with people I just had no idea how best to do it and then came along blogging and I was smiling!
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
I had a similiar situation back in 2008. My blog sucked (lack of better word). I learned so much by following other people and I soon began, in 2009, to start over.
I’m glad I did because I went on to learn that everyone has value within them that people wanted to hear.
The blogging platform allows us to share that experience and make a difference in other people’s lives.
Have a great day,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff recently posted..Using the Law of Reciprocity Makes Running Home Business Easier
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Hi Jerome,
You have a first class blog my friend and the value you share is exceptional. I have read and followed many blogs, yours being one of them. Doing so has and continues to be an ideal way to learn from others for free.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
What an awesome concept. I must have been under a rock because I’ve never heard of a blog meme before. That’s really cool. Blogging is certainly my favorite platform as I get to express myself and provide great content for others. It’s your own piece of real estate online. Gotta love it.
Fontella Williams recently posted..Everyone Wants Me- But They Won’t RSVP- Will You
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Hi Fontella,
I must have been under that same rock!
It is a great idea and I look forward to seeing how our community uses this to their advantage. I agree with you, blogging is awesome!
~Marcus
[Reply]
What a cool idea Marcus
I never would have known you found your blogging mojo as of February 2010. It’s obvious that you have picked up worlds of knowledge and have applied them constructively to make your blog the success that it is today.
I had no clue what blogging was in the beginning and didn’t see its purpose. Now I see the power in having a one-stop-shop content portal.
The first thing that any aspiring online entrepreneur should learn is effective blogging, and this is accomplished by reading the Big Dog’s blogs and practicing much of what they preach. Start learning from Day 1.
Thanks for sharing your story Marcus.
Ryan Biddulph
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..3 New Ways Through Which I Generated Network Marketing Leads This Past Week
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Hi Ryan,
I agree with you, it’s an awesome idea.
It feels as if I have been blogging for a lot longer Ryan. I’m a fast learner
and I have made sure I apply what I learn.
When we love what we do and blogging is something I truly am passionate about then things just fall into place naturally.
Thanks for your ongoing support Ryan.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Great idea. I learn so much from you Marcus. Keep it up my friend!
Keysha Bass recently posted..Let’s get it done todayJust do it!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Hi Keysha,
Always awesome having you visit. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. It’s knowing people like yourself that makes it so worthwhile.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
So that’s what a blog meme is and how it works. I was totally fuzzy on that.
My blogging experience looks pretty much like yours by the way. Still learning
Have an awesome day!
Ilka
Ilka Flood recently posted..Are You Sabotaging Your Own Network Marketing Success
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Hi Ilka,
A meme was new to me too but I like the idea a lot. I am sure we will be learning forever more Ilka.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
You definitely have a great blog and you always provide tons of value. It is no surprise that you have seen the success that you have. Keep up the good work.
Fred
Fred Williams recently posted..What Is Your MLM Lead Generation Goal And How Are You Going About Achieving It
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Hi Fred,
Thank you my friend. Awesome to have you visit me here and thank you for contributing as you do.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
What a great post! Thanks for tagging me. The wheels are turning already…
This blog meme could be really fun! I’m looking forward to jumping in.
You’ve done an outstanding job with your blog. It’s amazing how our thoughts grow and develop as we keep pressing forward with our businesses.
Thanks for all you do!
Susanna
Susanna Hess recently posted..What Does My Blog Have In Common With The LA & Sydney Airports
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:04 am
Hi Susanna,
I look forward to reading your post Susanna!
Thanks for your support and kind words about my blog. It is much appreciated.
~Marcus
[Reply]
awesome man, Just totally awesome dude.
Kareem Williams recently posted..Prospecting Is The Key To Your Residual Income!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:50 am
Hi Kareem
Thanks for leaving your comment.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus
These are some common issues faced by a lot of people starting out.
What is uncommon is to take the time and honestly evaluate what you are doing wrong and then correct it.
But that is just the technical side of it. There is also the philosophical side of the matter in appreciating the connections and the knowledge gained by doing what we do.
I think your blog is the perfect blend my friend.
Steve Shoemaker
steve shoemaker recently posted..Strategic Branding-Who Are YouInc
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:50 am
Hi Steve,
It is all a process and as long as we continue to learn we have to get better. Thanks for the great comment.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Luv the concept Marcus! Blog meme soundz fun.
Looking forward to the ride Marcus.
Keep ROCKIN
~Maria Eves~
Maria Eves recently posted..Empowered Entrepreneurs
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:07 am
Hi Maria,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes I got so excited I wanted to tag everybody I knew then I figured I had better leave some for others to tag too. Ha ha.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
wow, congratulations. You are a seasoned blooger, I wouldn’t have thought that you started it only in February this year.
The specific benefits you get from your blog are amazing, they make me think. Chances are I need to specify my own strategie a little bit more according to the information that’s available.
Thanks for sharing.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Anatomy Of Quitting – Oliver Tausend’s Example
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 2:20 am
Hi Oliver,
I guess I did have a long and slow apprenticeship though. Ha ha…
Yes one can truly get the most amazingly targeted information from your blog which is very helpful for strategy.
Thanks for the awesome comment.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi, Marcus – somehow you really managed to touch me with your post (stop doing!).
I love your reasons for blogging: they make so much sense. I once told my husband that I would’ve done blogging for free, because it gives me such personal satisfaction from all the interaction I get out of it.
We’ll have to keep this one between us though:).
By the way, for some reason I never got a trackback for your post; I only learned about it when Susanna posted hers. Not good.
I would really love to keep track of all participants, since I plan on writing another post about all these findings…
Thanks for your links to my blog!
Ana Hoffman
Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe recently posted..SEO vs PPC Faceoff- Which Side Are You On
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 2:17 am
Hi Ana,
Well firstly than you for staring this meme! Awesome.
I agree with you about blogging, it is hugely self satisfying despite anything else. I won’t say a word by the way.
I am puzzled about the track back failure.I did send one to you and Peter. Will see what I can do to correct that.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus, great post. You are absolutely a leader in the MLM Blog Movement.
Ty Tribble recently posted..Game Plan and Strategy Before Tools
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 2:13 am
Hi Ty,
Always an honor to have you visit and comment my friend. Thank you.
~Marcus
[Reply]
I just caught wind of this whole Meme thing, its very interesting to say the least. I gotta say Marcus , You guys always find a way Lol.
You really laid out allot of interesting
facts about having a blog, Am a believer.
I think You guys just opened the flood
gates to something huge.
Thanks for sharing.
~Jonathan Sweeting~
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 2:04 am
Hey Jonathan,
It’s always great to introduce innovative ideas so yeah give it a go… get meming my friend!
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
Great job with the blog meme.
It is really a cool concept and was tagged by Susanna.
SO I look forward to passing it on myself.
I hope all is well with you.
Keep it coming my friend!
Tommy D.
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Prospecting Hero recently posted..Home Based Internet Business Strategy How To Transform Your Blog Post Into The “Hulk”
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 1:52 am
Hi there Tommy,
Thanks my friend. I look forward to reading your response too. Actually I have not visited your blog for a little while so I’m headed there right now.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus, I am so excited by this post! Never heard of a meme, or of tagging for that matter. Don’t know how to keep track of my blog stats. Still have much to learn, and am learning a lot of it from you. I haven’t been tagged, but I am going to do this anyway and tag a few of my Unified Tribe friends. What great fun. And by the way, Australia looks absolutely amazing. It is on my must-visit list, so maybe I will see you some day. Regards, Laurie
Laurie recently posted..Is it really better to give than to receive
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 24th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Hi again Laurie
Awesome to hear that you are going to do the meme. They are a lot of fun. I am sure the people you tag will enjoy the activity too. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you with anything.
Australia is a fun place and it would be lovely to meet you. I have met so many wonderful people through business and my blog.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
Apparently I was under that rock with you, never heard of a meme before. Thank you for the hatting, much appreciated.
All the best,
Alan
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Hi Alan,
No problem. Now we both know!
~Marcus
[Reply]
Great success you are having Marcus! Thanks for sharing. It helped remind me to take a closer look at the statistics of my traffic!
Cara Oberfoell recently posted..Get Rid of Stinkin Thinkin and Develop a Millionaire Mindset
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 28th, 2010 at 5:25 am
Hi Cara,
Nice to have you visit. Yes it’s amazing what you can learn from statistics!
~Marcus
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