Methodically Dissecting Blog Traffic and Monetization – John from ESI Money (+ special guest)

Updated

December 7, 2017

But wait, there’s more!!!

Yes, using that corny phrase for my H2 tag makes me happy. Deal with it, Google.

In addition to this amazing chat with John, the last 1/3 of the episode features a special guest!

Steve from Think Save Retire joins John and me on the live FinCon stage!

Our own little 3-way recorded in front of 1,500 people. #snicker

Steve is another widely-respected and accomplished money blogger, and one who has recently retired to boot (at age 35).

We chat…

Top 2 money tips that aren’t said enough.
Top 2 blog tips that aren’t said enough.
Early retirement and RV life
Which ad networks Steve and John switched to….VASTLY increasing revenues

This episode is long, informative, slow, insane, valuable…..and I love every single second of it. Ciao 🙂

Listen to my episode with John from ESI Money:

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Show notes and referenced links

John’s site: ESI Money
Mediavine – Publisher network that Steve and John use.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Getting Things Done – Definitely going to check this one out.

Key takeaways from today’s episode with John (and Steve!)

Ok buckle up, because I want to touch on several key points.

1 – A methodical approach to blog traffic (part 1 – the costs)

First, can we all appreciate the level to which John breaks down his plans and organizes actionable steps?

It’s insane, and something we all need to do more of (even if we NEVER get to where John’s at).

First, bad news:

Being more “methodical” or “deliberate” about growing your blog comes with an unavoidable cost:

Time
Energy

Two things you probably feel you’re lacking, especially when it comes to your blog, am I right? I’m right.

Methodical planning times time. As in, you actively sitting down away from distractions, thinking about goals, thinking about your future, and working backwards, step-by-step.

If you don’t care to take the time to actively think…you’re refusing this methodical approach.

No hard feelings, we’ll catch ya next podcast. As for me, I’m feeling a bit inspired to do more of this, so I’m taking a lunch break to Waffle House today to deliberately plan out my blog for 2018.

(not only is WH delicious, but they also have NO wi-fi, making it a fantastic place to sit and think)

2 – A methodical approach to blog traffic (part 2 – action steps)

As far as something you can do today to work towards this, here’s what I’d recommend.

Step 1 – Schedule out a distraction-free time to think and brainstorm

Again, this is important. Dedicate a bit of deep work time to it.

Step 2 – Start with desires and dreams

What do you want from your blog…most of all? Influence? Fame? Money? All of the above?

Don’t say traffic. Traffic is a means to an end. (So is money, really, but still). Do you wish to quit your job? Start a thriving business? Identify your personal dreams, specifically relating from your blog if necessary.

Step 3 – Translate dreams into a huge goal(s)

You’ve heard of SMART goals right? It’s basically an acronym to translate vague dreams and desires…into specific, measurable, actionable goals.

For 2018, what is your #1 blogging goal?

What metric? Traffic, downloads, MRR?

Define a big, hairy, audacious goal for 2018. Give it a face and a name, a timeframe.

Example: By the end of December 2018, I want to have 10,000 loyal email subscribers.

Step 4 – Methodically break down said goals

Break down your huge goal into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Turn years into months, months into weeks, weeks into days. Continuing on the above example:

I want 10,000 subs
I currently have 943
That’s roughly 755 subscribers/month from Jan to Dec

Furthermore, growth doesn’t happen in a linear fashion like that…

I want 10,000 subs
I currently have 943
Jan: 50
Feb: 100
March: 200
April: 300
May: 500
June: 700
etc, etc, etc

Take your huge goal, and break it down realistically into smaller segments. Months and weeks preferably.

Step 5 – Define strategies to meet segmented goals

Now for the hard part…what do you have to do in order to hit those smaller chunks?

Continuing the example:

Jan – 50 subs – Continue posting 2x weekly w/ content upgrades
Feb – 100 subs – Organic, + 1 FB ad campaign to my most popular post
March – 200 – Organic, FB ad, free course freebie
April – 300 – Organic, REALLY push free blogging course freebie
May – 500 – Organic, run small giveaway ($300-500)

Etc.

Step 6 – DO THE WORK

I can’t say this simply enough, and I know John would agree with me: all this is for naught if you don’t follow-through.

Sitting at Waffle House and dissecting your 2018 blogging goals is easy.

Doing the work behind the strategies is hard.

Good news is…

Now you have a roadmap. A methodical breakdown to take you from yesterday to your dreams. One day at a time.

2 – One more thing for increasing traffic…

Publish more.

Sorry, another one of those lame answers that requires both time and energy…but it’s effective.

Analyze your blog traffic over time, and you’ll discover far more traffic on days where you publish content. If it’s traffic you want, publish more content.

However, do NOT assume I am considering traffic as a go-to metric. I’m not at all. Traffic is a means to an end.

However, publishing more frequently has other distinct advantages as well, such as increasing brand awareness (yes, I just cringed typing “brand awareness”), building trust with your followers, etc.

If you’re interested in learning more about finding the balance between frequency/quality/results, check out this post on finding the perfect blog post schedule.

Pst. Want to see my actual 2018 goals?

Check out the bonus video using the form below. It’s super quick and digestible, and I’ll share my personal 2018 goals with you 🙂