Nick Thacker's Blog, page 30
May 23, 2012
Why “Social Media” is Only Half the Answer
Note: Before I get too far into this post, I want to announce the almostrelease of my new book, Building a Blog for Readers: 101 Questions to Ask Before You Launch Your Empire.
If you’ve been struggling with getting readers to your blog, orwhatto talk about on your blog, this little manifesto is for you.
Since blogging and writing online is all about asking the right questions, this little book is going to help with that.
It’s going to feature questions from awesome bloggers and writers, like Pa...
What to Do When Your Awesome Plans… Fail Miserably
I’m writing this post May 23rd, about thirty minutes before it’s going live (I think), from my slapped-together glass IKEA desk in the converted 2nd bedroom of our apartment in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
We’re here, we’re safe, and we’re (somewhat) moved-in.
But first, the rant.
Everything I had planned for this blog and my work for early this week has been derailed.
First, our move-in date was supposed to be Sunday, May 21st, and we had movers ready to go then. However, there was a miscommunica...
May 17, 2012
Why Every Great Website Costs $10,000
[image error]Betcha didn’t know that.
Seriously–did you know that every single websitein the world that’s considered “good,” “great,” or “awesome and effective” cost someone $10,000 to implement?
Let’s break it down. But first, let’s understand why we’re even getting into this argument (you dodisagree with me, right?) in the first place.
Why I’m being ridiculous
Maybe I’m being hard-nosed about this concept because I work at a marketing company. Maybe it’s because I’m angry at all of those “But I havea websit...
May 15, 2012
How to Know If You Are Ready to Start A Blog
Wait… you already have one?
Hmm.
Well I’ve never read it.
How’s it working out for you?
If you answered “not well,” “not sure,” or “not what I’d expected” to the above question, it might be time to rethink your blogging strategy. This post is for you.
If you answered “I don’t have one yet,” this post is also for you.
Why this post is for you
Well, for starters, I feel qualified to talk about this topic. For once, I’m running a blog that’s actually focused on a topic I’m passionate about, and one tha...
May 11, 2012
On Growing Up, Living the Dream, and Getting Paid for It
When I was in 5th grade, I couldn’t waitto get into middle school.
When I was in 8th grade, Icouldn’t waitto move on up to high school.
And, of course, in high school, I was quickly disenchanted with being toldwhat to study, and I absolutely could not wait to go to college.
Guess what?
That’s how I’ve been my entire life.One thing just wasn’t good enough, especially with the prospect of something bigger and/or better waiting for me just over the horizon.
Let me get into the nitty-gritty details, j...
May 9, 2012
How to Write When You Don’t Know What to Write
[image error]I stared at my blank screen for an hour last night.
The cursor, blinking on and off, urged me to start. “Go on,” it beckoned, “just write.”
I thought of the WordPress admin panel and its helpful little prompt, “Just write.”
The cursor blinked again–one too many times. Frustrated, I slammed my MacBook Pro shut and joined my wife in the living room.
Writer’s block? Or just a lack of motivation?
Who cares–whatever I was feeling, the words didn’t get written last night. I used every possible excuse I...
May 2, 2012
How to Find the Perfect Audience for Your Book, And Sell It to Them
[image error]So you just finished writing a book. Awesome–now who are you going to sell it to?
If you’re not published by a major publishing house, chances are you’re going to sell it to your parents, your kids, your neighbors, maybecoworkers, etc.
You won’t, however, be selling it to a massive segment of the U.S. adult population–unless you’ve been building a list.
The power of the list.
The “list,” as it’s come to be known in marketing and advertising circles, is hands-downthe most powerful marketing asset...
May 1, 2012
Why Your Blog Design Sucks, And What to Do About It
photo:
!!!! scogle
Have you noticed a lack of visits to your blog lately? Maybe a plateau in Google Analytics showing consistent visits, but an apathetic readership?
Maybe you’ve triedwriting better headlines, moreepic content, or releasing a new great ebook, promising riches.
Why aren’t they responding?
Why don’t your readers care about what you have to say?
Maybe they do–but your design sucks.
Specifically, your design doesn’t do one of these things:
Capture attentionAsk for actionEngagePique...
