Do it for the traffic, or not?

March 2, 2006 By

Brian Clark is saying Steve Rubel is a hypocrite when he says blogging “is not about the traffic.” (Brian’s report on getting traffic is useful, though, even if you say it’s not about the traffic).

I’ve been getting asked “how do you get traffic” a lot lately.

That’s the wrong first question to ask about blogging.

What’s the right one?

How to write a better blog! 43 folders has some tips on that.

Anyway, I didn’t get to the Under the Wire conference. Sigh. I slept in and missed my plane and now I’m headed to the New Communications Forum conference to get ready for our speech tomorrow.

Filed Under: Blog Tips
  • http://www.coursebywire.com/ Brian Sullivan

    Geez - I hope using “justify center” everywhere and place white text on a navy background aren’t some of those great tips on writing we all should follow.

    Did you actually follow the links to here:

    http://www.elmoreleonard.com/index.php?/forums/viewthread/20

    to see those 10 tips?

    Good illustration of how a lousy design/presentation fouls what might be great content (I really couldn’t force myself to read long enough to find out).

  • http://www.coursebywire.com Brian Sullivan

    Geez - I hope using “justify center” everywhere and place white text on a navy background aren’t some of those great tips on writing we all should follow.

    Did you actually follow the links to here:

    http://www.elmoreleonard.com/index.php?/forums/viewthread/20

    to see those 10 tips?

    Good illustration of how a lousy design/presentation fouls what might be great content (I really couldn’t force myself to read long enough to find out).

  • http://www.makeyougohmm.com/ TDavid

    Actually that’s not 43 folders with the tips, that’s renowned author Elmore Leonard with the tips. And Brian Sullivan (rightly) above calling out the odd centered text. Somehow I’m guessing that wasn’t Mr. Leonard’s doing.

  • http://www.makeyougohmm.com/ TDavid

    Actually that’s not 43 folders with the tips, that’s renowned author Elmore Leonard with the tips. And Brian Sullivan (rightly) above calling out the odd centered text. Somehow I’m guessing that wasn’t Mr. Leonard’s doing.

  • http://goalsuccess.typepad.com/goaltips Brad Isaac

    Hey,

    He’s remaining “invisible” by hurting your eyes so much you can’t see him ;)

  • http://goalsuccess.typepad.com/goaltips Brad Isaac

    Hey,

    He’s remaining “invisible” by hurting your eyes so much you can’t see him ;)

  • http://www.jasonpettus.com Jason Pettus

    Well, that second question answers the first, doesn’t it? That’s what I answer as well, whenever someone asks me the same question - “If you want to increase traffic, write something that people actually want to read.” That’s the beauty of blogging, in my opinion, that it’s literally no more complicated than that.

  • http://www.jasonpettus.com/ Jason Pettus

    Well, that second question answers the first, doesn’t it? That’s what I answer as well, whenever someone asks me the same question - “If you want to increase traffic, write something that people actually want to read.” That’s the beauty of blogging, in my opinion, that it’s literally no more complicated than that.

  • http://hman.wordpress.com/ Henry

    Great tips! Oh wait, forget that exclamation point! Whoops. Speaking of traffic, have you any idea if ’17 views’ in the Blog Stats in WordPress means unique visitors or rather page views?

  • http://hman.wordpress.com/ Henry

    Great tips! Oh wait, forget that exclamation point! Whoops. Speaking of traffic, have you any idea if ’17 views’ in the Blog Stats in WordPress means unique visitors or rather page views?

  • http://polizeros.com/ Bob Morris

    The best way to get traffic is to have content people keep coming back to. And to know your audience.

  • http://bobmorris.wordpress.com/ bobmorris

    The best way to get traffic is to have content people keep coming back to. And to know your audience.

  • Mike

    I agree that’s the wrong question. The real question is, “how much valuable content are you ready to give away for free?”

  • Mike

    I agree that’s the wrong question. The real question is, “how much valuable content are you ready to give away for free?”

  • http://stevenewson.blogspot.com/2006/03/on-m-list-its-little-bit-about-traffic.html Steve Newson DOT net

    On the M List it’s a little bit about traffic

    It’s okay for Steve Rubel and Robert Scoble to say that it’s not about traffic but down on the M List it’s at least a litle bit about traffic.

  • http://www.bradfitzpatrick.com/weblog/259/hugh-mcleod-uncorked/ Brad Fitzpatrick

    Granted, I’m far from being the best writer in the world, (that’s why I draw pictures for a living) but aren’t some of the best blogs the one’s that sound like someone’s speaking directly to you in an every day voice? A conversational tone? I think those tips are great for article, essay, and book writing, but I’m not so sure for your average bloggers should get too hung up ‘em. I like the “real” factor… so if that means breaking some of the rules, so be it.

    Grammer Shmammer. :)

  • http://www.bradfitzpatrick.com/weblog/259/hugh-mcleod-uncorked/ Brad Fitzpatrick

    Granted, I’m far from being the best writer in the world, (that’s why I draw pictures for a living) but aren’t some of the best blogs the one’s that sound like someone’s speaking directly to you in an every day voice? A conversational tone? I think those tips are great for article, essay, and book writing, but I’m not so sure for your average bloggers should get too hung up ‘em. I like the “real” factor… so if that means breaking some of the rules, so be it.

    Grammer Shmammer. :)

  • Bob Ackman

    It helps to be an insider at a company lots of people are interested in. I’m pretty sure people don’t read this blog for the meticulously crafted prose.

  • Bob Ackman

    It helps to be an insider at a company lots of people are interested in. I’m pretty sure people don’t read this blog for the meticulously crafted prose.

  • http://glpelletier.wordpress.com/ Guy Pelletier

    Bob,
    I read this for the wit and banter, occasionally Robert leaks out some good stuff that I have not been able to find anywhere else. Besides, when scoble posts you can be certain that somebody will like it and somebody will hate it!

  • http://glpelletier.wordpress.com/ Guy Pelletier

    Bob,
    I read this for the wit and banter, occasionally Robert leaks out some good stuff that I have not been able to find anywhere else. Besides, when scoble posts you can be certain that somebody will like it and somebody will hate it!

  • http://www.supergeekblog.com/ Jake

    “The best way to get traffic is to have content people keep coming back to. And to know your audience. ” from bobmorris and
    “I agree that’s the wrong question. The real question is, “how much valuable content are you ready to give away for free?” ” from Mike
    Those two comments hit the nail on the head here. Constant fresh content that is worth reading to a number of people are what bring the traffic. My personal blog has rather low traffic, but the content is not designed for a high traffic. The other blog I am a part of, I have noticed the traffic going to it depends on one major thing: frequency of updates. The more we post to it - the more people who come back to visit and link it, thereby increasing the traffic.
    -Jake

  • http://www.supergeekblog.com Jake

    “The best way to get traffic is to have content people keep coming back to. And to know your audience. ” from bobmorris and
    “I agree that’s the wrong question. The real question is, “how much valuable content are you ready to give away for free?” ” from Mike
    Those two comments hit the nail on the head here. Constant fresh content that is worth reading to a number of people are what bring the traffic. My personal blog has rather low traffic, but the content is not designed for a high traffic. The other blog I am a part of, I have noticed the traffic going to it depends on one major thing: frequency of updates. The more we post to it - the more people who come back to visit and link it, thereby increasing the traffic.
    -Jake

  • http://www.seobuzzbox.com/ Aaron Pratt

    I get a kick out of mindless content bloggers, their advice is always “add good content” like content is some sort of dish to feed search engine robots.

    I am also finding in my humble weenie blogs that “traffic” is directly related to my level of passion. The only other thing you need are friends, go out there and introduce yourself, links are important.

  • http://www.seobuzzbox.com Aaron Pratt

    I get a kick out of mindless content bloggers, their advice is always “add good content” like content is some sort of dish to feed search engine robots.

    I am also finding in my humble weenie blogs that “traffic” is directly related to my level of passion. The only other thing you need are friends, go out there and introduce yourself, links are important.

  • http://www.jtony.com/ JTony

    I’m way down on the U list somewhere, I’d guess, and I think that blogs are NOT about the traffic. Blogs are about getting your words and pictures out to other people who will find them interesting. Depending on the topic of your blog, that may be a huge number of people, or it may be just a few.

    What I hate about all of these “Blogs are about X” ideas is that they are all wrong because they look at blogs too narrowly. Blogs are like Books. You can’t say “Books are about X” (unless X = Reading… and then you still have wordless picture books to explain).

    The only blogs that are about traffic are the ones that are in it more for the cash than the content. These would be things like single company marketing blogs, and blogs that rely heavily on their advertising for income (and the best of them still value content over the cash because they know that the content is what got them the the point they could make money in the first place).

    I totally agree with Aaron above. If you have passion in what you’re putting out there, there will be people who want to see it. If you want them to see it, then by all means, get out there and schmooze, but remember that you’re schmoozing to get the content OUT, not bring the readers/viewers/searchbots IN.

  • http://www.jtony.com JTony

    I’m way down on the U list somewhere, I’d guess, and I think that blogs are NOT about the traffic. Blogs are about getting your words and pictures out to other people who will find them interesting. Depending on the topic of your blog, that may be a huge number of people, or it may be just a few.

    What I hate about all of these “Blogs are about X” ideas is that they are all wrong because they look at blogs too narrowly. Blogs are like Books. You can’t say “Books are about X” (unless X = Reading… and then you still have wordless picture books to explain).

    The only blogs that are about traffic are the ones that are in it more for the cash than the content. These would be things like single company marketing blogs, and blogs that rely heavily on their advertising for income (and the best of them still value content over the cash because they know that the content is what got them the the point they could make money in the first place).

    I totally agree with Aaron above. If you have passion in what you’re putting out there, there will be people who want to see it. If you want them to see it, then by all means, get out there and schmooze, but remember that you’re schmoozing to get the content OUT, not bring the readers/viewers/searchbots IN.

  • http://jkeyes.com/2006/03/write_a_better_blog.php jkeyes.com

    Write a better blog

    Scoble says the question should not be how to get more traffic. It’s “write a better blog” and traffic will follow. Pretty relevant for this modest little blog — brand new and no traffic at all yet, so it’s all…

  • http://www.njconcierges.com/ Serge Lescouarnec

    Well, I think Brian has a point, Steve’s post was a little contradictory.
    I guess it is no fun to write and not being read. I think patience, decent topics, a little humour and regular postings get you an audience.
    For example my contributions over the past few months to Wine Blogging Wednesday has brought me a number of readers (next one on March 8 is on Rhone and Rhone style wines).
    Another recent post on Artichokes was an add on to a piece from Elise on Simply Recipes proved also popular.
    On a final note, to start with you have to enjoy writing.

    Serge
    http://www.njconcierges.com

    Blog:
    http://sergetheconcierge.typepad.com

  • http://www.njconcierges.com Serge Lescouarnec

    Well, I think Brian has a point, Steve’s post was a little contradictory.
    I guess it is no fun to write and not being read. I think patience, decent topics, a little humour and regular postings get you an audience.
    For example my contributions over the past few months to Wine Blogging Wednesday has brought me a number of readers (next one on March 8 is on Rhone and Rhone style wines).
    Another recent post on Artichokes was an add on to a piece from Elise on Simply Recipes proved also popular.
    On a final note, to start with you have to enjoy writing.

    Serge
    http://www.njconcierges.com

    Blog:
    http://sergetheconcierge.typepad.com

  • Adam

    You make missing a flight sound like it’s not a big deal ;-) I wish I had someone paying for my airfare. sigh. I once slept in on the day of my flight and nearly crapped my pants when I saw the time, but I made it cause the flight was delayed.

  • Adam

    You make missing a flight sound like it’s not a big deal ;-) I wish I had someone paying for my airfare. sigh. I once slept in on the day of my flight and nearly crapped my pants when I saw the time, but I made it cause the flight was delayed.

  • http://dewittewilson.blogspot.com/ dewitte

    In looking over a number of non-technical blogs, I have to think that there is a certain theraputic value to blogging. I see stories of day to day activities, essentially a diary - and writing these down must provide some closure to the days’ activities. In analyzing my own blog, I’m essentially keeping a warehouse of facts and sites and even “how-to’s” that I refer to more often myself as I don’t see that many visitors.

  • http://dewittewilson.blogspot.com dewitte

    In looking over a number of non-technical blogs, I have to think that there is a certain theraputic value to blogging. I see stories of day to day activities, essentially a diary - and writing these down must provide some closure to the days’ activities. In analyzing my own blog, I’m essentially keeping a warehouse of facts and sites and even “how-to’s” that I refer to more often myself as I don’t see that many visitors.

  • http://www.scottandmargo.net/ Scott Gentzen

    It’s been said in some of the other comments I think but…

    I was a blogging birds-of-a-feather type session (at a certain little conference in Orlando in January) and a similar question came up. The answer stuck with me…it was something like “we don’t need more readers, we need more writers.”

    That’s the main thing I took from the discussion. If your writing gives people a reason to want to come back and keep reading, they will. You can promote yourself all over the place and you’re not going to keep your traffic consistent.

    Of course, knowing that is easier than doing it as my blog is evidence of. I’m not really worried about promotion though. When I find my voice, if it turns out to be interesting, I’ll get the hits. If I don’t, no big deal.

  • http://www.scottandmargo.net Scott Gentzen

    It’s been said in some of the other comments I think but…

    I was a blogging birds-of-a-feather type session (at a certain little conference in Orlando in January) and a similar question came up. The answer stuck with me…it was something like “we don’t need more readers, we need more writers.”

    That’s the main thing I took from the discussion. If your writing gives people a reason to want to come back and keep reading, they will. You can promote yourself all over the place and you’re not going to keep your traffic consistent.

    Of course, knowing that is easier than doing it as my blog is evidence of. I’m not really worried about promotion though. When I find my voice, if it turns out to be interesting, I’ll get the hits. If I don’t, no big deal.

  • http://www.technologyevangelist.com/ Ed Kohler

    It wouldn’t hurt for bloggers worrying about traffic spent more time worrying about creating content that readers may find valuable.

    Consistent posting seems to help, which seems odd to me since I tend to read blogs through Bloglines so get around to reading what a blogger has to say when they get around to saying something.

  • http://www.technologyevangelist.com Ed Kohler

    It wouldn’t hurt for bloggers worrying about traffic spent more time worrying about creating content that readers may find valuable.

    Consistent posting seems to help, which seems odd to me since I tend to read blogs through Bloglines so get around to reading what a blogger has to say when they get around to saying something.

  • http://www.ambrand.com/ Ambrand

    Q. how do you get traffic?
    A. increase your incoming links, even leaving aside Googles PR, having more incoming links is likely to attract more human visitors. Now the question is how do you get people to link to you? Well write good content, and it just happens!

  • http://www.ambrand.com/ Ambrand

    Q. how do you get traffic?
    A. increase your incoming links, even leaving aside Googles PR, having more incoming links is likely to attract more human visitors. Now the question is how do you get people to link to you? Well write good content, and it just happens!

  • http://www.copyblogger.com/ Brian

    “Just write good content, and the links just happen!”

    Some people benefit from a little help and guidance. There’s an entire business sector called the “publishing industry” you might want to check out.

  • http://www.copyblogger.com Brian

    “Just write good content, and the links just happen!”

    Some people benefit from a little help and guidance. There’s an entire business sector called the “publishing industry” you might want to check out.

  • http://www.jtony.com/?p=124 JTony.com » More Important Things to Write About than Blogging

    [...] Earlier today I saw a blargument (an argument between bloggers on their blogs… isn’t it great how I keep inventing these words?) about whether or not blogging was just about “getting more traffic” to your site. I don’t want to rant, but what a stupid, waste of electrons argument! Seriously dumb. [...]

  • http://peterdawson.typepad.com/ /pd

    Why should my content be good for others ?? And why the heck would I want traffic ??

  • http://peterdawson.typepad.com /pd

    Why should my content be good for others ?? And why the heck would I want traffic ??

  • http://animus.mechanus.org/index.php/archives/2006/03/04/smaller-bloggers-cluster-together-to-survive/ Smaller Bloggers Cluster Together To Survive? at Animus Ex Machina

    [...] Kent Newsome has talked in the past about driving more traffic to a blog and some the important things to keep in mind about blog building. Scoble also posted a reference to Elmore Leonard and writing styles to “make yourself invisible” in the text. Both of these links are worth-while to read, but if you’re short time-wise, read Kent Newsome’s post on the 10/90 rule. [...]

  • http://pigeonblog.wordpress.com/ pigeonblog

    I think my blog’s quite good - for a pigeon.
    Love to know what you think.
    Kind regards
    Brian Pigeon
    http://www.pigeonblog.wordpress.com

  • http://pigeonblog.wordpress.com/ pigeonblog

    I think my blog’s quite good - for a pigeon.
    Love to know what you think.
    Kind regards
    Brian Pigeon
    http://www.pigeonblog.wordpress.com

  • http://slashstar.com/blogs/tim/archive/2006/03/21/Its_not_about_traffic_its_about_readers.aspx Loosely Coupled // Tim Marman’s Weblog : It’s not about traffic, it’s about readers

    [...] readers over a lot of “traffic” any day. Share this post: Email it! | bookmark it! | digg it! | reddit! Published Tuesday, March 21, 2006 4:21 AM by Tim Filed Under: Technology, Other Ramblings,Personal Stuff, Syndication [...]

  • http://slashstar.com/blogs/tim/archive/2006/03/21/Blog_for_the_readers_not_the_traffic.aspx Loosely Coupled // Tim Marman’s Weblog : Blog for the readers, not the traffic

    [...] readers over a lot of “traffic” any day. Share this post: Email it! | bookmark it! | digg it! | reddit! Published Tuesday, March 21, 2006 4:21 AM by Tim Filed Under: Technology, Other Ramblings,Personal Stuff, Syndication [...]