Join Us and Build a Better (Movie) Blog in 31 Days
Do you want to become a better blogger and build a better blog? Have you been struggling to build a larger readership, get more participation or more ad clicks on your weblog? Personally I have and I think many of you have striven to accomplish the same goals as well. I have come across Darren Rowse’s ProBlogger 31 Days to Build a Better Blog (31 DBBB) project which has helped thousands to improve their blogging skills and would like to offer you a chance to participate in our upcoming “Build a Better (Movie) Blog project.
The Basics
Simply put, Anomalous Material and everyone who signs up for this will go through the lessons and assignments of the 31 DBBB curriculum. I realize that most of us do not have the time or energy to blog every single day for 31 consecutive days so I will select only 22 of the 31 lessons to account for weekends off. If anyone is interested in getting through the entire curriculum, Darren Rowse will willingly offer a 25% rebate off his workbook (if we get at least 5 participants).
The How
Each of the 22 days, we will publish a post about that day’s lesson and homework here on AM. I would like every single one of you who sign up to contribute a guest post at some point during those 22 days. For each of these lessons, each participant will contribute at least one comment about what they learned, what they applied on their blog and how they improved their blogging for that day’s lesson.
The When
This event will take place throughout the month of August. I haven’t decided yet whether we will 5 days in a row during the weekday and take the weekend off or take Wednesday and Sunday off. Let me know what your preference is in the comments.
The tentative schedule will be as follow:
| 08/02 | Comment on a Blog You’ve Never Commented On Before |
| 08/03 | Email a New Reader |
| 08/04 | Declutter Your Sidebar |
| 08/05 | Introduce Yourself to another Blogger |
| 08/06 | Dig into Your Blog’s Statistics |
| 08/09 | Analyze Your Blog’s Competition |
| 08/10 | Create a Sneeze Page and Propel Readers Deep Within Your Blog |
| 08/11 | Respond to Comments on Your Blog |
| 08/12 | Make a Reader Famous |
| 08/13 | Explore a Social Media Site |
| 08/16 | Email a Blogger that Linked to You to Say Thanks |
| 08/17 | Go Shopping and Improve Your blog |
| 08/18 | Do a Search Engine Optimization Audit |
| 08/19 | Search for and Join a Forum |
| 08/20 | Conduct an ‘About Page Audit’ |
| 08/23 | Email an Old Timer Reader |
| 08/24 | Analyze Your Blog’s Competition |
| 08/25 | Run a Reader Survey |
| 08/26 | Interlink Archived Posts |
| 08/27 | Plan Your Next Week’s Posting Schedule |
| 08/30 | Link Up to a Competitor |
| 08/31 | Catch New Readers Up on the Basics of your Blog |
The Sign-Up
Simply let me know in the comments if you are going to participate.
The Prize for Participating
We will give away one copy of the workbook 31 Days to Build a Better Blog to one lucky participant via random drawing:
- Each day a participant contributes to the project (via comment) will count as an entry into the drawing
- A guest post will also count as an entry into the drawing
Any questions, opinions or random thoughts about this upcoming project? Let us know in the comments!
94 Comments
Wow, sounds like a lot of work. And I blog at least once a day, at least I have been for like a year already. Sometimes I spend hours looking for something to post xD
But hmm… cluttered sidebars, I think I could suffer from that.
It’s really not that much work if you think about it. Say the first homework is “comment on a blog you have never visited before”. Very easy right? Then simply come back here and comment on some aspects of that homework that we will talk about on the post for that day
Oh, my bad. I thought I was supposed to do a blog about those topics xD
Our 2 year anniversary is coming up later this month, so maybe it’s about time we started doing it right. Count me in, totally. Nothing jumps out at me for something to guest post out of that list, but I’m game to try whatever.
Thank you Steve! Glad to have you aboard.
Yeah sure why not. I’m always looking for new stuff to make my blog better and my one year anniversary is in August. So should be good.
Great! Thanks Travis
Hey it’s no problem man. I’m always up for a good challenge and I’ve always been supportive of AM…even if I haven’t been as vocal as I probably should be. This is a great thing though and I DO need to make improvements for my 1 yr.
That’s really neat. I’m up to me eyes and won’t be able to sign on (seriously, I’ve been dropping commitments left right and centre with work stuff), but I do appreciate the work you guys do in establishing and maintaining a blogging community – not just this, but in general. Thanks.
No problem Darren. You can always jump in and do some of the work as we go and as you see fit!
Interesting stuff. Just gazzing over the “assignments,” lots of it I already do to some extent. I might be willing to get in on it, but I’ll have to see how my schedule looks as we get closer.
I don’t expect it to take more than 15-30 minutes a day for the most part for participants. It’s really up to you how much time and commitment you want to put into this
Hmm, maybe I’ll hop in. We’ll have to see how my schedule pans out once we get closer to the start date. Be sure to remind me by then
Will do chief! Thanks for joining us
I would love to participate. I need to re-energize my blog again. I posted continuously for June with the TV Meme, so I think I can do it again, and most of those topics seems like less work than posting daily.
Awesome Jess! Happy to see you sign up for this
This sounds like a great idea – but incredibly time consuming. Is there a condensed curriculum?
Build a Better Blog: The Squatter’s Guide.
Ahaha Darren
@ Marshall: Actually, it’s really not that time consuming! It probably wouldn’t take more than 15 to 30 minutes of your time on most days. I know I made it sound daunting but if you go through some of the lessons/homework, you will realize that you put in as much time as you would like (from 3 minutes to days or weeks ahaha)
I would absolutely love to do this, alas I know I tend to take on way too much than I can actually handle and with just starting a class at UCLA, my daily work, writing a book, acting in a movie, and trying to deal with my car being totaled, I can foresee a tragic end to any other projects I take on.
I will, however, continue to check in on the articles people write! I read the book ProBlogger put out about successful blogging and can recommend it.
Hope this is successful for everyone!
Castor the LAMB missed an award this year………….it was most ambitious Movie Blogger. I know the summer is my sleep time, but even in the midst of my winter Hermitage I couldn’t keep pace with you. My hats off to you friend. I’d love to take part somewhere in here, but my summer schedule is so unpredictable that I just can’t do much until September. Good luck, and my hats off to you, as I’ll be reading each and every day of course.
Funny – the LAMMYs had a Most Ambitious in previous years, but it wasn’t too popular. Still, a good point and surely Castor would’ve gotten yet another nom there.
Cool, I think that it might be worth bringing it back.
Not only would he have gotten a nom but I certainly think he would have gotten a win. Because ambition might as well be his middle name.
Thank you guys for the great compliment
The best way to improve your blog it is to write killer content.
You can spend hours even days trying to re-design, re-configure your website. I didn’t get my site, CinemaFunk on the first page of Google for “film criticism” by constantly fidgeting with minuscule ways to optimize my site. Instead, I write the best movie reviews and essays I can output.
The items listed above are a good list, however, one month is way too short! Yes, too short. It will takes about one year to create the authority and credibility that creates the traffic and connections to keep your blog popular? Why condense all these factors into one month?
Not to be a smart ass, but isn’t it likely that you’re on the first google results page because film criticism is in your post header?
I get what you’re saying – and I don’t mean to rain on your parade – but there are lots of us who do consistently write “killer content” and not necessarily get the hits or attention that reflect that. I don’t want to name names, but… well everyone here can think of a couple (and no, I don’t write killer content, but I’m constantly trying to improve). There is an art to getting that attention and people to read your blog and – while great posts are pretty high up there – the quality of your posts means nothing if nobody can find the way to your blog in the first place.
I don’t mean to sound tetchy or adversarial, but I think that killer content should be a priority, but that this sort of thing has its place as well.
Darren, you’re absolutely right. I’m sure many of those who have comment on this blog run their own blogs, all of which I’m sure they strive to create the best content they can. And it should be the #1 priority. If you write just one great article, with enough social media juice, you can turn that measly article into a traffic builder.
Fitz, There are for more reasons why a website will rank higher. The is just one of the few in which you have total control over what content of yours Google indexes and displays in SERPs. Age, quality of links, quantity of quality links, quality of server, speed, etc, etc all have factors as well.
At first glance I think I’ve done some of the suggestions, but hey, it’s always nice to try new things in the name of readership
Sign me up, Castor, hopefully I can commit to do it every day… but at least you did have a weekend break.
Awesome Ruth! Glad to have you aboard
That sounds exhausting.
Have you been struggling to build a larger readership, get more participation or more ad clicks on your weblog? Personally I have…
You must be referring to the ad clicks, or are really, really impossible to satisfy. You have the best readership/participation of any blog (non-business) I read. Or you’re just insatiably greedy.
For example: So much so, in fact, that as big a fan as I am of receiving email replies of comments, I purposely don’t check the box on your site as it results in too many emails. All these competitions really have a way of making your readers…competitive (go figure).
It is, however, a great problem to have, though – isn’t it?
Come on, greedy? That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think? Power-hungry? Maybe. Tyrannical? Sure. But GREEDY? Ouch.
Ahaha Fletch. Everyone always looks to improve his lot, not the other way
Say you get 10 comments a day, you want to work on getting to 20 then 50, then 100! If you go from 1000 to 500, that would be depressing right?
Not necessarily, Castor – there is such a thing as being too big. Read this, or at least skim it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_150
Don’t think I haven’t noticed that phenomenon with the LAMB. There’s a fine line eventually…
You are absolutely right Fletch. Thankfully, I don’t think we have reached that ~150 number so far so why not strive to get there first
Personally, I can tell you that, at this point, I can still form a distinct relationship with every single one of you who comment here and remember who you are, where you are from, and some of the information I gathered from perusing your respective blogs. The thing that gets tough is responding to every comments as, for example, there was a total of over 1700 comments left on the blog last month. I do however, read every single one of them!
We will consider this. It sounds like a rigorous schedule a bit, but by looking at the schedule, I think a lot of the improvements could help.
Outstanding Luke. Thanks for joining us. You are obviously not forced to do every single lesson/homework and can do only the ones you think will improve your blogging the most.
Great idea Castor! Unfortunately I’m away from some of those days, so I won’t be able to commit to the project. But I’ll be watching out for those posts and will endeavour to do my homework, when I have the time:)
Thanks Olive. Don’t worry, you can jump in at anytime even if you don’t sign up right now.
I know it doesn’t make that much a difference since Castor is gonna be running this, but I probably won’t be able to participate much in this. Gonna be out of town quite a bit in August to do some premobilization training.
Castor, a meme by any other name is just as hellish. Which means yes, I probably will be participating.
Great to hear Andrew. I will be posting more about this a few days before we get started.
Thanks for pulling together this group Castor.
For those who are asking questions or commenting about 31DBBB – a few things I’d say as the creator of the workbook:
1. It’s designed as a workbook to look at 31 activities that you can do to build your blog in different ways. As you’ll see from the list above – some of them are focused upon design, some are about finding readers, some are about writing posts. Most of them are independent activities that you can do at any point and in any order (a couple build upon each other).
2. The workbook gives you a little teaching on each one (talking about the ‘why’ and giving some suggestions on ‘how’) and then gives you a practical task to go and do. The idea is that it’s partly about learning and partly about doing. You can of course learn and do all these things by yourself without the workbook – but I put it together because I kept coming into contact with bloggers who knew the type of stuff they ‘should’ be doing to improve their blog but who never did it and who wanted a little structure. So some of it is common sense stuff, but if you’re one of those bloggers who needs some structure it can work well.
3. The tasks are all designed to take about 15 minutes a day. You can of course spend more time on them if you want. Some people do them all, some people pick and choose. Some people do them over 31 days, some rush ahead and do them all in a week and others do them one per week over 31 weeks.
4. I’ve found that when groups of people do the tasks together that it becomes more powerful/useful. Partly because it keeps you a little more accountable but also partly because when you’re talking about what you do each day with others in your niche you start to learn from each other, build relationships with each other and start to see how you might be able to grow your blogs together.
5. Lastly – the comment about it being a long term thing to build a successful blog… I couldn’t agree more. This is not designed to be something that you do for 31 days and then have a successful blog. It’s designed to be something to teach you 31 activities that you can then o over and over again over the years. Some who did the workbook actually have made it into a monthly rhythm of activities that they keep doing.
It won’t of course suit everyone but it’s great to see a group forming here to do it together. Looking forward to see how you all go!
The great Darren Rowse on AM! Thank you for clarifying the 31DBBB curriculum. Maybe this will help get more people out of the woodwork.
Count me in. I am a big fan of Darren Rowse. I participated in the 31DBBB when it came out and it really improved my blog.
Excellent, glad to have you aboard Clarabela!
Hi Darren
I am very happy to see this. Actually I am planning to start a Movie blog. Bcoz its my passion, hobby everything..Thanks for your extreme support. Hope I gonna to start my blog on next week, and I am surely join in this Movie group on Aug 2nd..Hope i will do my best. Thanks for everyone who gonna make it happen as a Big success. All the best
Happy to see you join us Manikandan! Check back regularly for new updates
@Castor Yep sure Castor..Thanks for the update
How’s everything going so far?
We start August 2 but so far we have about a dozen bloggers who signed up for this. Let’s see if more of you step forward in the next couple weeks.
I’m down. I’ve already got the book!
Cool Blake, thanks for joining our group.
I would like to try this!
Excellent, check back regularly for new updates!
This sounds brilliant and like exactly what I need. Unfortunately, I am unable to participate in August but maybe I will check in anyway and see how you are all doing.
That’s totally fine Brenda. You can definitely jump in whenever you have time. Thank you for your interest!
Of course another good way to build a better blog is make it an attractive one. Really like the new background Castor.
Glad you like it Fitz
I’m the editor of an established movie reviews and news site but am always looking for ways to improve what we do. This sounds great; count me in.
-Thanks
Outstanding! Great to have you join us Dave
This sounds interesting!
Well, we would be happy to see you join us then!
This is perfect timing. I purchased 31DBBB about a month ago. I’d love to have a group to work with. My blog currently covers movies, TV, books and music. I’ve had a tough time finding an audience and like to find out what’s missing or wrong with my blog.
Glad to have you aboard Colleeng! Check back regularly as we are only 2 weeks away from getting this started.
Wow, this sounds great. Both of my kids are wanting to start up their own blog sites movies and music and this would be a great starting point for them, or would it?
They know nothing about how to set this all up though so I am trying my best to get them going, but this sort of stuff may just save us all alot of time.
Let me know please if this is a good way for newbie teens to start up?
Cheers
Mirika
Hi Mirika,
Absolutely! I think mingling with the movie community as a whole could be quite beneficial to them.
Excellent – count me in! Will you be emailing us for the launch?
~ Lee
I can email you if you’d like. I don’t plan on emailing everyone though. If you’d like to stay updated, check back regularly and subscribe to our RSS Feed!
Wow this sounds like exactly what i need – I’ve been running my movie blog for around a year now and I’d love for it to have a bigger readership! Count me in!
I am absolutely going to participate! This sounds like a great way to improve my skills and interact with some new and interesting people.
@ Chris and Donny: Great to have you with us
Stay in touch, we are only a couple weeks away! Feel free to browse our site and interact with the rest of the community in the meantime!
I cant wait for this to launch. I’m sure it will help many of the watch movie online blogs.
not a movie blogger, and no promise i’ll be able to keep up, but i’ll give it a shot
Sounds like fun. Count me in.
Excellent. I will email everyone this weekend and let everyone know we are getting started next Monday
I am in, I am not totally sure how its gonna work out but I’d love to participate!
I just sent an email to all of you who have officially signed up or shown interest in participating in our upcoming Build a Better in 31 Days project that will begin on Monday, August 2. This is just a quick reminder so everyone knows to report to our blog on Monday to start the project. Everything will be clarified then as far as expectations and plans for 31DBBB. I hope it will be really helpful to everyone of us who participates and allow for new connections to be made as well. If you know of anyone who would like to participate, do not hesitate to point them out to our blog.
See you all on Monday!
Castor
Wow, sounds like a lot of work! But sure, yeah, I’m in! Seriously have to start blogging again!
Awesome! The first post for Monday is in so it’s time to get to work everyone!
I think I have a lot of technical deficiency issues with my blog. I’m learning as I go. My blog has been up for two years now and I’ve had a hard time finding fellow movie bloggers. I’m happy to have found this group and I look forward to getting to know you all and spend time on your sites!
My blog is relatively established and grows more and more everyday, but I’m always excited to network with other like minded movie bloggers. I’m happy to be participating in this and hope I get the chance to read lots of new blogs as well as work with some of you as well.
Glad to have you aboard Donny!
Thanks Castor!
Am I the only one not doing this?
Your not the only one Ripley. I’m right there with you.
I want to do it! Hope I am not too late. I already write/blog full time for myself anyway and since my blog is my baby, I don’t mind working some more for it!
Sounds good! Welcome, jump in anytime you would like
Thanks Castor! Let’s see if I can catch up:)
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