Another newbie for your critique, tips on promoting my new blog and affiliate products to promote.

25 replies
Hi guys,

I have 14 posts on my new blog right now. Wanted to wait until I have 50+ posts up and running to do any promotion. But realised that there's a whole lot to learn.

Besides, I thought it's a good idea to get some feedback on my content and writing before carrying on. Any feedback - good or (especially) BAD - to improve on or consider is greatly appreciated!

moneyhabitmuse dot com

I've read through many good suggestions about promoting websites/blogs here. The thing is, I want to nail one thing at a time. Instead of trying to do everything altogether.

After reading some content on my blog, can you suggest the best platform to begin with?

I thought pinterest could be the best place from what I've glanced from other successful bloggers - lots of tactics to increase exposure but the said tactics don't seem to work any more.

Facebook then? Or Twitter?

I read something about Web 2.0 backlinking here but haven't heard of it. Is it a good place to start?

Can you throw ideas on affiliate products to help my potential readers? Anything - broad or specific - that crosses your mind.

In a nutshell,
1. feedback on content and writing on my blog
2. best social media platform to start
3. affiliate products to consider

Thanks!
#affiliate #blog #critique #newbie #products #promote #promoting #tips
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  • Profile picture of the author Mehkar Naz
    I suggest you medium.com this site collect huge traffic you can easily submit your blog and can get huge traffic to your blog.
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  • Your content and writing are good. How many daily visitors you have? Are you using paid traffic or just free traffic? Of course FB is the best social media to start.
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    • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
      Thanks for taking the time and take a look. Wasn't sure if my content seems to be too much of "me me me" or sounds patronising (though my intention is good).

      I'm just learning how to interpret Good AdSense report which I've had since last Friday. Visitors nearly non-existent. I'm looking into all the options. Started reading about promotion the day before I posted here. So, very new to all this.

      I thought "Do one thing at a time. Do one thing well" should be the way but probably start with Facebook and Medium.

      Thanks again!
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  • Don't too worry about the 'uniqueness' that you have, your readers may like it! Yes, you need to focus on one method and master it before going to others. Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
    Where this goes is going to come down to traffic. There aren't any "build it and they will come" scenarios online.

    Treat your blog like you would treat a real business. You need to market it like you would a real business and network with people who can help your business. Make contact with anyone in the life skills space and develop a relationship with them. Comment on things they write, engage with them on Twitter, Facebook, Linked-In - wherever they are. Ask them to contribute quotes to pieces you write, see if you can contribute anything to what they write.

    Hopefully, the relationships you build will lead to some social mentions and you can gain traffic from some of the people who follow them (and then the followers of those followers). Even better, you might even get some links to things you write from them.
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  • Profile picture of the author creogen
    I like your content, and as the others mentioned - place a bet on social media especially blogging platforms. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by moneyhabitmuse View Post

    Hi guys,

    I have 14 posts on my new blog right now. Wanted to wait until I have 50+ posts up and running to do any promotion. But realised that there's a whole lot to learn.

    Besides, I thought it's a good idea to get some feedback on my content and writing before carrying on. Any feedback - good or (especially) BAD - to improve on or consider is greatly appreciated!

    moneyhabitmuse dot com

    I've read through many good suggestions about promoting websites/blogs here. The thing is, I want to nail one thing at a time. Instead of trying to do everything altogether.

    After reading some content on my blog, can you suggest the best platform to begin with?

    I thought pinterest could be the best place from what I've glanced from other successful bloggers - lots of tactics to increase exposure but the said tactics don't seem to work any more.

    Facebook then? Or Twitter?

    I read something about Web 2.0 backlinking here but haven't heard of it. Is it a good place to start?

    Can you throw ideas on affiliate products to help my potential readers? Anything - broad or specific - that crosses your mind.

    In a nutshell,
    1. feedback on content and writing on my blog
    2. best social media platform to start
    3. affiliate products to consider

    Thanks!
    Do you have a large following on social media? How many followers? Or are you just getting started? If you're just getting started it will take time to build up your following.

    But why only focus on one? Why not use multiple platforms?
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    • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
      Just getting started. Signed up for a Twitter account yesterday and trying to find my way around it - all very confusing

      Reading around, one of the many reasons why bloggers fail is that new bloggers spend too much time on social media, trying to do everything at one go or something along that line. Another thing is, keep writing content without testing out a few first.

      So, I thought I'd start with one platform until I can get the hang of it. And become really good at it before moving on to the next. And get some potential readers' response before publishing more content. So, hopefully, they'll direct me to where I should focus more in terms of content.

      I don't know. I just wanted to avoid the common pitfalls of new bloggers that the pro-bloggers pointed out.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    I'm a huge fan of:

    - promoting other bloggers on my blog and through social media; friendships form, and friends promote your blog, boosting your traffic
    - genuinely commenting on top blogs in your niche
    - guest posting on blogs in your niche
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    • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
      I keep reading this - blogger outreach and guest posting. More of this than social media. But I find it quite intimidating to approach successful bloggers
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  • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
    If I add a facebook business account to my personal one, will everyone get to see my business account profile and vice versa?
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    • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
      Originally Posted by moneyhabitmuse View Post

      If I add a facebook business account to my personal one, will everyone get to see my business account profile and vice versa?
      They are separate. People on your personal account will not see business posts (unless they follow your business page). People on your business page will not know what your personal page is.
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      • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
        Thanks for that. Took me ages to look for answers. But wasn't still clear. Just to make sure I understand correctly, people on my private account cannot see even my business name? So, they can't, say, do a search and see what it's about?

        Just want to keep things separate at the moment.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel1000
    Woow. Fifty blog posts before you start promoting?

    Why would you do that?

    The writing is actually the easy part. The promotion is hard.

    As for your site, there are a few suggestions I'd offer.
    1. Ditch the exclamation marks (you should only use them once every one hundred thousand words).
    2. Keep an eye on your punctuation and capitalization. I noticed a few mistakes after just glancing through.
    3. Reduce your use of "that"
    4. You can also cut out the use of -key words. They help you talk in passive voice which weakens your writing.

    Keep it up and please start promoting so you can get traffic and subscribers which start the cycle all over again for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
      Re: 50+ blogs - well, 2 successful bloggers in my blog income reports post, they had 40 and 49 posts when reported their first income around $500, which took less than 6 months. So, I thought I'd benchmark them. I know for every successful blogger, there are 1,000+ bloggers who fail. Thought - why not try what they did?

      That was the idea anyway. But the niche is different. So, it's probably best to test out the existing content and go from there before adding more content.

      The writing may be the easy part. But editing seems to take forever. And it never ends. I keep going back, trimming down and getting rid of the fluff.

      You're right - the general consensus on where we put our effort into seems 20% content writing and 80% promotion. Precisely why I was seeking advice.

      1. Ditch the exclamation marks - I know what you mean. I don't like the excessive use of them when I read others' blogs which is why I didn't use them for the sake of it. I feel it's there only when I feel appropriate. But will go through again and see.

      2. Punctuation and capitalization - oh no! I don't see them I literally read through my content a hundred times except for blog category. Read out loud many times too. Maybe I can't see them because I read too many times. I hate getting basics wrong.

      3. Reduce your use of "that"- that's an excellent advice - thanks! Spotted quite a few already from 3 posts and got rid of them. I see what you mean. A huge difference it made.

      4. Cut out of the use of keywords - I aimed to make Yaost all green. Will go through and see.

      Thanks again for your helpful advice.
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      • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
        Originally Posted by moneyhabitmuse View Post

        Re: 50+ blogs - well, 2 successful bloggers in my blog income reports post, they had 40 and 49 posts when reported their first income around $500, which took less than 6 months. So, I thought I'd benchmark them. I know for every successful blogger, there are 1,000+ bloggers who fail. Thought - why not try what they did?
        Careful. Bloggers are as trustworthy as used car salesman when they state their incomes. Just a word of warning.

        The writing may be the easy part. But editing seems to take forever. And it never ends. I keep going back, trimming down and getting rid of the fluff.
        Do it correctly, the first time and move on. It's a blog post, not a technical or scientific journal. Treating it like one won't do anything to change the reality of its actual significance.

        2. Punctuation and capitalization - oh no! I don't see them I literally read through my content a hundred times except for blog category. Read out loud many times too. Maybe I can't see them because I read too many times. I hate getting basics wrong.
        There are many tools that can help you with this, starting with whatever text application you are writing your post in, before actually moving them over to your blog. Oh, you're skipping that step? Then you are getting the results you deserve. Additionally, you can always use the extensive resources listed at Gramarrian.com or the online tool at Grammerly.com to effectively make your post as close to perfect as possible. There is no excuse for sloppy editing. Not in 2018.

        3. Reduce your use of "that"- that's an excellent advice - thanks! Spotted quite a few already from 3 posts and got rid of them. I see what you mean. A huge difference it made.
        I don't know if English is your first language as I honestly did NOT read the entire thread, so I apologize if I missed a reference to that. I'm bringing it up because your posts are riddled with instances of very poor sentence structure. While you can get by with, "A huge difference it made," a more common and acceptable sentence structure would be, "It made a huge difference." Please accept this in the spirit in which it is offered and that is to help you, not insult you. Neither of us gain anything from that.

        These small points add up to becoming a large window through which you and your posts are viewed, ultimately forcing others to pass judgement on the totality of your effort. If you don't master the basics, nothing else matters. You can promote your blog like crazy, but if you are successful in driving traffic to it, people will look once and move on if you damage your credibility by not offering them a professional presentation, long before they get to the meat of your message.

        Just something to consider.

        Cheers.
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        • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
          Treating it like one won't do anything to change the reality of its actual significance.

          haha. It's definitely not a scientific journal. Since I read "On Writing Well", I'm obsessed with the fluff. Make writing as tight as possible.

          "Grammerly.com to effectively make your post as close to perfect as possible. There is no excuse for sloppy editing. Not in 2018."

          I use Grammerly. When I said "oh no, I don't see them", it's because I really don't seem them. If I don't get even those basics right with a tool like Grammerly, I should give up already, right?

          ...... is to help you, not insult you

          No, you aren't insulting me AT ALL. I genuinely appreciate your time and advice. You could've ignored my post but you didn't.

          ... your posts are riddled with instances of very poor sentence structure

          From what you mentioned, I'm assuming that you meant my posts on here, right?

          ("that" here is what's been pointed out. It's just how I write, which is not incorrect. But I see it flows better without on blog posts. Thanks again, Daniel.)

          May I ask you a massive favour? Would you be able to read "About Us" on my blog (my username.com)? Other posts are too long to ask.

          It'd be really grateful if you could provide feedback. Basically, apply all the points you've raised here to my blog post. I didn't particularly try to make a post here as perfect as I can, you see.

          Totally agree with you on the last point which is why opinions from experts such as yourself are priceless.

          Thanks again! ( I definitely need "an exclamation mark" here )
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          • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
            Originally Posted by moneyhabitmuse View Post

            [B][I]I use Grammerly. When I said "oh no, I don't see them", it's because I really don't seem them. If I don't get even those basics right with a tool like Grammerly, I should give up already, right?
            What? What kind of question is that? Are you looking for an excuse to quit? The idea is to improve, every day, with every post. You do this by reading, writing and THINKING.

            No, you aren't insulting me AT ALL.
            Hmmmm. I'm losing my touch. lol

            I genuinely appreciate your time and advice. You could've ignored my post but you didn't.
            I live to serve. lol

            From what you mentioned, I'm assuming that you meant my posts on here, right?

            ("that" here is what's been pointed out. It's just how I write, which is not incorrect.
            Uh, if it's not correct, that only leaves one option. Think about it. Denying reality won't change it.

            But I see it flows better without on blog posts. Thanks again, Daniel.)
            Who's Daniel? You - or do you think that's my name? Sorry - I'm confused.

            May I ask you a massive favour? Would you be able to read "About Us" on my blog (my username.com)? Other posts are too long to ask.
            Of course I would 'be able to.' I think you meant to ask, Would you please read my "About Us," post. Yes, at this point I am busting your nards.

            It'd be really grateful if you could provide feedback.
            NO!!! "I'd be very grateful if you would provide feedback." Sorry - I can't help myself and you're not following the first law of writing. Thinking about what you are going to write, determining the proper way to write it and then check it carefully for errors. NO ONE will want to help you if you are not going to take the most basic steps to improve your writing skills. You should be able to make an entire post, that is error free. All it takes is a little attention to detail and pride in what you present to others.

            Basically, apply all the points you've raised here to my blog post. I didn't particularly try to make a post here as perfect as I can, you see.
            I do see, but I don't agree that you shouldn't be doing so. We all make basic mistakes, especially when rushed, but to not make a concerted effort to put your best foot forward is not a good reflection of how you view your own self-image.

            Totally agree with you on the last point which is why opinions from experts such as yourself are priceless.
            Please! The only thing I'm an expert at is blowing through wads of cash and failed relationships.

            Thanks again! ( I definitely need "an exclamation mark" here )
            Yeah, that's a good one.

            Oh, I'll read your post, tomorrow, at some point. My day starts at 5 AM and by this time of day my cataracts and glaucoma diminish my ability to read. This post was made using Dragon Dictate. lol

            I will do so. PM me to remind me. Fridays are my busiest day and I possess the retention of a mollusk.
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            "He not busy being born, is busy dying." - Bob Dylan • "I vibe with the light-dark point. Heavy." - Words that Bob Dylan wishes he had written.

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            • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
              Are you looking for an excuse to quit?
              Not an excuse to quit. It was my way of saying I really don't see punctuation and capitalisation errors on my blog posts.

              You do this by .... THINKING.
              I think I was thinking too much here. ha. I changed from "could you please read..." to "would you be able to read..." because I wanted to be VERY polite about asking.

              Denying reality won't change it.....Who's Daniel?
              We got our wires crossed here. There's no denying. I was giving an example on what Daniel (the previous poster) advised. "That" in a certain sentence on my blog posts wasn't grammatically incorrect but I see that (<-- another example) it does flow better without on blog posts. So, I thanked him again.

              But I'm confused now after reading some successful (and highly educated) bloggers' posts. There are many "that"s in them just the way I write. So, do I go back to all my posts and remove the ones like the above example? Or leave them be.

              NO!!! "I'd be very grateful if you would provide feedback."
              Ha! You totally got me there To be fair, I did write "I'd.." then changed it. See, sometimes, too much thinking is as bad as not thinking. What it all means is that I still have a lot to learn.

              NO ONE will want to help you if you are not going to take the most basic steps....
              Can I wholeheartedly disagree with you here? Wonderful people here (including yourself) did already help me with advice even if they saw the imperfection in my posts, you see.

              ...make an entire post, that is error free.
              I aim to. When I posted here, asking for feedback, it was more about the overall flows and the messages of my blog posts e.g messages I try to convey - do they come across well, can you see what I'm trying to do here, is it easy to read, do I sound condescending, does it make you cringe, is it too much of me me me and so on.

              It wasn't about grammatical errors. Because although I know I'm not perfect, in my mind, these are the basics of basics, which I thought I got in place. But I get the feeling you'll pick up quite a few. And you can be as brutal as you want to in pointing them out. I'll be more than happy and grateful.

              PM me to remind me. Fridays are my busiest day ...
              PMed you. Enjoy the busiest day!
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  • Profile picture of the author Chet Marlin
    @moneyhabitmuse: this is probably off topic, but I really like your theme! Did you use the free version or pro?
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    • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
      It's the free version. The most important factor was it's responsive. And a clean and simple design.

      Good luck!

      P.S I just PMed you with a link to the theme that I use because I wasn't sure if adding a link here is against the forum rules.
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  • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
    As promised, I read your page. I sent you a PM.

    Optie
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    "He not busy being born, is busy dying." - Bob Dylan • "I vibe with the light-dark point. Heavy." - Words that Bob Dylan wishes he had written.

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    • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
      Thank you for your helpful feedback. Really appreciated.
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      • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
        Originally Posted by moneyhabitmuse View Post

        Thank you for your helpful feedback. Really appreciated.
        No problem. I invoice on the last day of the month. :-)
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        "He not busy being born, is busy dying." - Bob Dylan • "I vibe with the light-dark point. Heavy." - Words that Bob Dylan wishes he had written.

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  • Profile picture of the author moneyhabitmuse
    I've now gone through all my blog posts and removed exclamation marks except one. I thought I've used it sporadically but there's quite a few. I've also reduced "that". Since my blog posts are in a conversational tone, it makes sense to reduce it as suggested.

    Punctuation and capitalisation - I can't still see them. Would this be one of the "mistakes" examples from my blog posts - "People are so stupid", ..? I know, in American English, a comma should be inside quotation marks but not in British English.

    If you happen to see any punctuation and capitalisation errors, and plainly obvious grammatical errors I'm just not seeing, please let me know here or via PM.

    Thank you!
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