Six (6) months have quickly gone by since I started this blog. Without a doubt, it's been one of the most educational, rewarding, and fulfilling experiences I've ever had. For this post, I hope you won't mind me sharing some key lessons.
1. Keyword Phrases / Keywords are Vitally Important in Titles and URLs
Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools helped me identify the keywords and keyword phrases currently driving my blog traffic from Google searches. For my posts landing on the first pages of Google searches, it's due to specific keywords or phrases in either the title or post URL. Here are some examples:
* Example A — "state of inbound marketing"
* Example B — "best invitation on LinkedIn"
* Example C — "inbound marketing by brian halligan and dharmesh shah"
* Example D — "charlie rose ken auletta"
Search engine optimization (SEO) plays an important role in blogging. Since I'm not a famous blogger with hundreds of other bloggers linking to my blog, I have to pay close attention to optimizing my titles and URLs for Google searches. In each blog post title, I purposely use a keyword phrase or keyword that I think will have relevance or authority in Google. Each of these blog posts earned a first-page Google search result because of the keyword phrasings I highlighted above:
* Example A — 5 Insights from HubSpot's The State of Marketing 2010 Webinar
* Example B — 3 Reasons Why I Rejected Your LinkedIn Invitation
* Example C — Inbound Marketing by Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah Levels The Marketing Playing Field
* Example D — Charlie Rose's Conversation With Ken Auletta: Innovation, Efficiency, and Future Challenges at Google
This article by Danny Sullivan, Some SEO Advices for Bill Gates, clearly explains the SEO basics and why bloggers need to incorporate SEO into their publishing.
2. An Idea Collection Process and Writing Schedule Will Increase Your Blogging Frequency
Google rewards websites that frequently update their content. This is why blogs perform well in search rankings. Plus, every newly published blog post means another opportunity to index a new page in Google's search engine (which increases your chances of being found in organic searches). That's why you want to publish posts as frequently as possible.
When I first started, I struggled to publish a post once per week. As part of my 2010 New Year's resolution, my weekly goal is two per week. By focusing on this goal, I've seen an 80% increase in my blog traffic in the past four weeks. What's been the biggest difference?
A. I started an idea collection process. I now capture blog ideas in Google Docs, Delicious Bookmarks, or a personal email folder. I revisit these collection areas on a periodic basis to remind myself of my original intentions or thoughts for future posts. In the Google Docs file, I usually type out a few bullet points for future reference so I don't forget the idea. I find this tactic especially helpful if it's an idea I that may be one of my next four (4) posts.
B. I follow a writing and publication schedule. To hit the twice per week target, I start writing initial drafts on specific evenings or mornings. When published, the post might not necessarily be perfect and I've learned to revise later. And, that's a huge luxury blogs provide over other publishing mediums.
Here's some of the best advice I've read for improving writing habits and increasing blog post frequency:
* Chris Brogan on How To Blog Almost Every Day
* Chris Brogan on 27 Blogging Secrets to Power Your Community
* Darren Rowse on Your First Week of Blogging — Plan Your Future Blog Posts
What works for you so your blogs are found in Google searches? What do you do to post more frequently?
Please let me know. I would love to learn from your experiences!