For Those Who Struggle - including me
Now let me clarify that. I'm not really struggling, in many areas of my life I have the best what I could wish for and I'm extremely grateful for that. The "struggle" I'm on about is writing.
But before I get to talking about my writing or lack of writing, I want to say something else. I was very active on this platform in my first months and I spent so much time here that I felt it was not good for me if I wanted to achieve something. It was hard for me to keep the balance so I decided to step back and first build something valuable, then report about it here.
But today I've changed my mind. Thanks to Twack, I realized two things: writing WA posts might help me overcome my struggles, and it might help some of you if you feel the same, or similar.
So here is what I wanna share with you.
Some of you might remember I registered a domain on 1.1.2020 for a niche that has been my passion. Some say it's a great niche with big perspective but what I can tell you that choosing the keywords for articles was darn hard.
It seemed like every keyword I thought of was taken. Well, of course it wasn't. I found some keywords that looked very promising. Low competition, like 30. But then I wrote the article, did all the SEO tricks Jay recommends and when I looked at my ranking, it was bad.
But I was determined. My goal was to have 30 posts by the end of March and 100 till the end of this year. So I kept looking for keywords, writing and publishing.
I did manage to have 30 posts by the end of March. However, it's May 3 and I have only 34 posts out. And it doesn't seem getting any better.
What is my problem, you may ask? Well, there are a few things. First, I have low energy in spite of relaxing a lot, eating healthy, going for long walks. Nothing has changed when I compare January a February, the months I was full of energy, and now. There is even more sunshine now and spring is my favorite season.
But I am tired all time and I just do what's necessary, which is translating and teaching, things that bring me money immediately.
Second thing is that it is very demotivating when you have written so many posts without hitting "the jackpot". Especially if you look for keywords for hours, and not only in Jaaxy. Even if you know your website is still young.
Maybe it's not that bad, I've just looked at my GA and found out I had 17 visitors yesterday, out of which 11 were organic. There might be some progress behind the scenes.
I strongly believe in online business in long term and I know it takes time. And it is necessary to write and publish. And write and publish.
So I can't expect much success with 30 or 40 blog posts on my website. I have to keep writing.
So what am I doing now? Apart from writing this post that I hope will encourage some of you who also don't feel happy with your results, I'm waiting for the time when I get my energy back. My website won't run away. I have to be patient.
I believe knowledge is power and we all can increase our value just by learning. So in this time, I learn, read and keep my eyes open. Reading posts of some good friends here always makes me feel good.
I'll leave it by that. I'm curious how you feel, if you experience any change in your energy or any struggles.
Be well, healthy and safe, my friends.
Lenka
Recent Comments
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Thanks so much for sharing this. I haven't been as active in the community in months. Why? Similar to you it seems. I needed to get something up and running and have something to speak about. I could ask questions but I needed to get my site up with content.
I changed my focus to start to drill in some more content. It was hard. I am in a niche that is competitive and scrutinized and I have wondered if I made a mistake and had any idea what the heck I was doing. Truthfully, I got a little burned.
I did some keyword research but just couldn't get any traffic. Its competitive. I did try to target some low hanging fruit but also write some articles that may be very difficult to rank for, however would make sense for users who may come to my page.
its been a long road (just over 1 year) but at least google recognizes me now. I am still not getting double digit visits daily, sometimes now I do. Mostly bot traffic however when I do get an actual person they do tend to read and look around (love to see those times on page and other pages on my GA users stick around to read).
Just last night I had one person come through my highest performing posts (one about a product I promote), they even clicked to contact me with questions about potentially buying a product. Ironically, this happened the exact time when I was out on a long run questioning myself if I was actually succeeding or know what the heck I was doing. I could feel the snarks of friends or family and even my wife if I talked about my little side hussell. maybe perhaps I have something else to show for it?
Its a long road and a small battle to win. I was energized to see the traffic and get the email from a real person. I was also invigorated to know that my exchange with them truly helped them. I love to know that I make a difference and yes there is a monetary goal. However, making a true difference is goal #1, the rest will follow.
thanks for the share, I hope this helps to lift some others that are going the the struggle as well.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your thoughts, Benjamin. Yes, it is a great feeling knowing that you helped someone, we often just need the reassurance that we don't work in vain.
Sometimes all I need is the reassurance that my articles are well written, interesting or something. It helps me when I request site comments. I know a lot of what people put there is just for the sake of being approved, but it still feels nice when you get a good one.
And some of them are nice and very long, saying they really enjoyed the article and found it helpful.
I really need this reassurance also because English is not my native language and even though I know my writing is correct, I wonder if it's readable, entertaining and good enough.
I guess I just have to have patience and believe everything's gonna be allright.
Just like you.
My niche is also extremely competitive. Well, we have to put our best efforts in and believe.
Benjamin, you are doing great!
As I told Lenka, think medium to long term and KEEP AT IT.
Do not give up.
Just when you do will be the moment that you are turning that sharp bend and will never see the success that awaits you.
I wish you the very best.
Cassi
Well said, Lenka. Inspiring and motivating to read!
I have the same feeling sometimes, but i take a short break from the whole thing and something else. That makes my mind relax and sort things out.
Actually one of the things i do, which really works in order to get the groove back is reading questions to technical stuff about Webhosting and the other classrooms here at WA. That puts my mind to work with other stuff instead of going in circles.
Further, in the last part of your post you said about knowledge is power, which is one of the core properties of affiliate marketing and in life general. I still learn with every step in what i do. If i get stuck somewhere,i leave it be, do something/learn something else and then come back to where i got stuck and try once again, never giving up.
Stay safe and keep pushing forward.
kind regards,
Roy
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience, Roy. That reading of technical questions sounds like a good thing how to trick your mind, or get unstuck.
Yeah, there is so much to learn. I'm happy that I've always loved learning, at least that makes all this easier.
All the best, stay safe!
Lenka
I completely understand! I am over 6 months in and still struggling to get consistent traffic and any more sales (I've had one). It really is nice to know I'm not alone! I won't give up either.
I hope you are able to feel renewed energy soon! In the mean time, Keep On Keeping On! (a favorite saying among my family:))
Heidi
It's nice to see that I didn't write this post in vain :) There's probably more people here who struggle than those who just move on successfully without having any troubles.
Keep on keeping on, nice that! Thank you, Heidi!
I think that is true! We love to celebrate our successes, but sometimes we need to talk about failures/unmet expectations that will help us grow as well.
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Hi Lenka
A lovely post. I always struggle with writing and ideas for subjects to write about.
I have taken a step back from WA in the last month whilst I concentrate on another aspect of my business which is going to be on a more day to day level.
At the same time though my niche (sustainability) has been with me for many many years, and many words have been written on the subject. So I have been considering what angle I need to approach the subject in order to make it a niche of a niche, and I think my stepping back has worked, (And I have had to go back to work following a 10 week lockdown).
Perhaps a stepping back may work for you in as much as if you write about some other things for a while (particularly for WA) whilst just keeping your main passionate niche in the background then perhaps the alpha side of your brain may get to work and get some ideas developing
These are the ramblings of an old man, but I hope they may give you some inspiration, and as ever I wish you success.
Hi Marcus,
you are right, it sometimes helps to step back and see things from a different perspective for sure. In my case, it is even more complicated because I have many interests and maybe talents and I've been on a quest what to do that would be sustainable in long term, what I would really enjoy. I've been looking for my life purpose.
I have translations and lessons that bring me income but out of the things I do in my free time, the only activity I do without struggles is drawing and painting. I completely forget about time and enjoy it. So maybe it's what I'm supposed to do.
I love writing on WA as well, it's just expressing my thoughts and sharing my life with this awesome community. I don't enjoy writing based on keywords though, it doesn't allow me to be in the flow. But I understand it's necessary for ranking.
Thank you for sharing your insights and kind words.
Lenka