What’s the name and URL of your blog?

I blog over at Smart Boy Designs, mostly about blogging, internet marketing and social  media.

How long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging in some form since I was ten – so for ten years now. It’s been a fun journey. I love thinking back to when blogs were first starting to become existent, and editing static HTML pages was no longer needed. A beautiful thing, technology.

Why did you decide to start blogging?

I decided to start blogging because I’ve always loved to write. I’ve always had a pencil and paper in hand, jotting down the thoughts of life. Blogging seemed to be a great outlet for those thoughts.

 

What was the title of your first blog post?

I’m sure it was something simple like “Hello World” or “About Me.”

When I first started blogging at Smart Boy Designs, the title of the blog post was “How To Cure A Case of Adsense Earnings Syndrome.” I look back on those first few blog posts, and shutter with disgust. Sometimes you’ve just got to laugh at yourself, and be proud of the growth you’ve achieved.

How long did it take you to build a steady readership?

It has depended on the niche.

One of my first successful blogs/communities was over at Sleddoggin.com. It was there that I started blogging and building a community based on dog sledding. Because of the small niche for which dog sledding resides, it instantly attracted a large readership – and I built an email list of three thousand in only a few short months.

If you’re in a larger niche, it’s going to take a lot longer to build a steady readership.

What impact has social media (Facebook, Twitter) had on your experience as a blogger?

I don’t think I would have had the level of success I’m seeing without the use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites. The power and traffic they drive is phenomenal.

With my Twitter followers I’m part of a tweeting network of syndication called Triberr. With that system I’m able to have my blog posts tweeted and sent out to close to 900,000 twitter users. That’s priceless in my book.

What about Google?

Good still drives a majority of my traffic for all my blogs. There’s still huge power in search engines and I think there always will be. We’re noticing the trend of search engines becoming more social too, which is where even more traffic is going to be developed through their use.

What has surprised you the most about blogging?

The sheer number of incredible bloggers in the world.

It always amazes me how many talented, enthusiastic writers are out in the world. More people are able to write well than give themselves credit for. When I have some extra time I always enjoy browsing blogs and reading what everyone has to say about life.
Has blogging changed your life? If so, how?

Through blogging I’ve become changed in many ways. I feel like I’m more open now, and I feel like I’ve developed a deeper sense of compassion through blogging.

I’ve also seen that blogging has allowed me to be creative in many ways, and to learn how to hone the skill of writing. Writing is a powerful skill that everyone can develop; for which they can use it in powerful ways.

What do you expect to change the most in the blogosphere during the next year?

I feel like many bloggers who once were obscure are going to be found and read at a larger level. There are so many more ways for bloggers to connect and become “heard” in this world, and with their effort, their content will be read by a larger audience.

I also expect to see an even greater push for blogs to become perfectly viewable on mobile devices, and offer mobile services. Power will be placed in that area.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s considering blogging?

Blog from your heart and be genuine. Don’t go into a niche only because you expect to make money. You’ll burn out quickly and won’t last amidst the competitive nature of the blogging world.

I find some of my greatest joys by blogging on smaller “niche” blogs for which I have a huge passion, and often, those are often the blogs that bring in a larger income anyways.

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