After going through all of the lessons, and moving on to build another website; do you continue writing and posting three times per week...as long as you have something to writ
Thanks for bringing this up Shelli, it's a question that needed more clarification for me as well.
Great question - cause writing FOREVER sure sounds like another potentally life-sucking job. (unless you LOVE your topic and LOVE to write, that is)
I have a blog that sucks. It looks terrible. I have maybe a dozen blog posts on it. I haven't updated it in years.
And it still makes me $500/mo.
Why?
Cause what I did write on it was really really liked by visitors. It was valuable information and met a need.
When people like the content, google will reward you with rankings. And once you hit number 1 on some decent keywords, you'll be off and running.
I honestly thought that my rankings and my earnings would wither to nothing when I stopped writing. But I had to stop to try to save my marriage - it took too much time and I still had a full time job.
Bit it grew over time.
And I was shocked. Still am.
I don't have the SEO science to tell you for sure - but I really think it's more important to have HIGH QUALITY content than high quantity.
I"m writing and blogging again (thanks to motivation by being in WA) and my goal is to write one post per week but it has to be awesome. If it's not awesome I'll keep writing or editing until it is. Even if I don't meet my deadline.
Hope that helps!!
Other people may have different opinions - this is just what worked for me and my experiences.
Good luck!
Ryan
I tend to write a couple of articles at a time then take a day or so off. Doing research for more topics on my days off.
Thank you so much Ryan! That really does help. I'm glad to hear your site is still earning!
I heard an interesting take from the creator of backlinko.com
He said on his popular blog backlinko.com he only has 36 articles but all rank very well. He said it doesnt matter so much about how much content but how good the content is, how well its promoted and backlinked.
He said his case study proves the common adage of more content = better rankings wrong. He recommended instead if you prefer to not write so much content to make sure the content you do have is well made and well promoted.
I would link you where he talked about this but I think he sent it out in an email newsletter. I liked his take on things and I think can be useful for us who don't want to be making tons of content.
That may be true but did you read the post from backlinko creator Neil Patel who wrote constantly for 3 years to hone his skills
"Hey,
How did I take Backlinko from a blank WordPress installation to a 7-figure business?
And how did I grow it in such a way that I reach over 1.5 million people every year, take plenty of time off to travel, and do work that I truly love?
Did I have connections with influential bloggers and journalists?
Heck no!
In fact, when I started Backlinko, no one in the marketing world had ever heard of me.
Like most people just starting out, I launched with:
- Zero email subscribers
- Zero Twitter followers
- Zero traffic
So I had to build everything from the ground up.
Did I pump out hundreds of articles?
Absolutely not.
A lot of people think you need to publish a lot of content to get higher rankings in Google.
***That's because a lot of so-called SEO "experts" say: “If you want higher rankings keep your site regularly updated with fresh quality content.”
That sounds nice… in theory.
But it’s a myth.
Case in point: I’ve only published 36 total blog posts on Backlinko.
(And those 36 blog posts generate 140k unique visitors per month)****
Did I have a team of people working for me?
NOPE!
Backlinko was (and still is) largely a one-man show. Yes, I have a small team that helps me with this and that. But I still do the writing, planning, strategy etc… and even quite a bit of the outreach.
Despite the fact that I’m a one-man show I consistently outrank mega authority sites like Forbes, Wikipedia and Copyblogger.
I’m emailing you today to show you that, no matter where you’re at right now, you CAN succeed with white hat SEO.
Seriously.
So if you’re already having success with SEO -- and want to take your game to the next level -- you totally can!
And if you’ve struggled with SEO in the past, no worries. You can quickly (and I mean quickly) turn things around.
The best part?
You don't need a team of people or special relationships to succeed with SEO. Yes, connections and a team of people help. But they’re definitely not required.
The only question is:
How did I do it?
I follow a simple, 2-step process. And it’s a process anyone can follow (including you).
I show you exactly how the process works in this new video.
And when you’re done watching the video, make sure you download and fill out the worksheet. I created this worksheet to help you implement the content from the video.
That said…
I know why you subscribed to the Backlinko newsletter. It’s because you know that white hat SEO can help you grow your online business.
And this video will help you with that.
Specifically, you’ll learn:
-How I grew my organic search traffic by 642% in just 3 months (and I show you how you can replicate my success)
-How Dave Peralta hit the #3 spot in Google for his target keyword (hint: he used the 2-step process from the video)
-How I built a site that went from zero to 10k/month… in just 120 days
-And a whole lot more
So go ahead and watch the video right now.
And make sure to watch the entire video.
It’s 13 minutes (and comes with a worksheet). And it's only available for a limited time.
Cheers,
Brian "
I think the point he's making is if your writing tons of content but thats taking away from you investing in your existing content and nurturing it than it's a bad thing.
You have to decide what kind of blog you are...if you want most of your posts to have value you dont need to write as much quantatively but qualitatively create and promote the content you do make.
Thank you! I don't mind writing content. I actually really enjoy it! I just was wondering if I move on to other sites, or if I build and build this first site. I like the quality instead of quantity idea for sure.
Very true. Also look at it from this perspective. If your making tons of content but its taking away from your ability to promote it and backlink to it...then you should find a better balance.
Yes - the more content you write the better you rank and more traffic will land on your pages, eventually turning into paid traffic.
I use to dread writing content because I thought I would run out of ideas. Since I watched this video I have ideas coming out of my ears. Alphabet Soup Technique - 2018 Edition
See more comments
Do you continue writing content forever?
After going through all of the lessons, and moving on to build another website; do you continue writing and posting three times per week...as long as you have something to writ
Once the niche is exhausted, then it's time to move on to the next site, that's what I intend to do anyway...
Taking a break from writing by outsourcing content and scheduling the posts then over a monthly basis will give you a break when you need it
Example - outsource 6 articles and schedule them out over 6 weeks. (one per week)That way your site gets fresh content and you get a nice break if needed
Its also much more fun to outsource and publish 3k+ word articles instead of writing them!
I've always struggled with the idea of outsourcing content creation --- if the market can sniff out inauthentic posts --- then why do it? Would like your thoughts.
When I am too busy and have zero time, that's when I will outsource. I found a guy who writes better than me and before I publish, I spend an hour going through the content making sure it's all ok and edit paragraphs where needed.
They get clear instructions / formats / templates etc so that way they know exactly what I expect.
I only do affiliate marketing on a part time basis and the outsourcing helps speed up the process of building out a site
Sorry, I can't share! I ended up buying from several other crap writers till I found him!
Outsourcing costs money so I don't let it out of control. But it's better value for money than spending money on Facebook ads or ppc from my experience anyway...
If you invest money in content, you have it forever.
But your Facebook ads / ppc only last for a specific time and then it's gone.
Best of luck to you !
Never give up on the first run...
Try everything - that's my Moto. Then focus on the best things that give results.
Thanks for bringing this up Shelli, it's a question that needed more clarification for me as well.
Great question - cause writing FOREVER sure sounds like another potentally life-sucking job. (unless you LOVE your topic and LOVE to write, that is)
I have a blog that sucks. It looks terrible. I have maybe a dozen blog posts on it. I haven't updated it in years.
And it still makes me $500/mo.
Why?
Cause what I did write on it was really really liked by visitors. It was valuable information and met a need.
When people like the content, google will reward you with rankings. And once you hit number 1 on some decent keywords, you'll be off and running.
I honestly thought that my rankings and my earnings would wither to nothing when I stopped writing. But I had to stop to try to save my marriage - it took too much time and I still had a full time job.
Bit it grew over time.
And I was shocked. Still am.
I don't have the SEO science to tell you for sure - but I really think it's more important to have HIGH QUALITY content than high quantity.
I"m writing and blogging again (thanks to motivation by being in WA) and my goal is to write one post per week but it has to be awesome. If it's not awesome I'll keep writing or editing until it is. Even if I don't meet my deadline.
Hope that helps!!
Other people may have different opinions - this is just what worked for me and my experiences.
Good luck!
Ryan
I tend to write a couple of articles at a time then take a day or so off. Doing research for more topics on my days off.
Thank you so much Ryan! That really does help. I'm glad to hear your site is still earning!
I heard an interesting take from the creator of backlinko.com
He said on his popular blog backlinko.com he only has 36 articles but all rank very well. He said it doesnt matter so much about how much content but how good the content is, how well its promoted and backlinked.
He said his case study proves the common adage of more content = better rankings wrong. He recommended instead if you prefer to not write so much content to make sure the content you do have is well made and well promoted.
I would link you where he talked about this but I think he sent it out in an email newsletter. I liked his take on things and I think can be useful for us who don't want to be making tons of content.
That may be true but did you read the post from backlinko creator Neil Patel who wrote constantly for 3 years to hone his skills
"Hey,
How did I take Backlinko from a blank WordPress installation to a 7-figure business?
And how did I grow it in such a way that I reach over 1.5 million people every year, take plenty of time off to travel, and do work that I truly love?
Did I have connections with influential bloggers and journalists?
Heck no!
In fact, when I started Backlinko, no one in the marketing world had ever heard of me.
Like most people just starting out, I launched with:
- Zero email subscribers
- Zero Twitter followers
- Zero traffic
So I had to build everything from the ground up.
Did I pump out hundreds of articles?
Absolutely not.
A lot of people think you need to publish a lot of content to get higher rankings in Google.
***That's because a lot of so-called SEO "experts" say: “If you want higher rankings keep your site regularly updated with fresh quality content.”
That sounds nice… in theory.
But it’s a myth.
Case in point: I’ve only published 36 total blog posts on Backlinko.
(And those 36 blog posts generate 140k unique visitors per month)****
Did I have a team of people working for me?
NOPE!
Backlinko was (and still is) largely a one-man show. Yes, I have a small team that helps me with this and that. But I still do the writing, planning, strategy etc… and even quite a bit of the outreach.
Despite the fact that I’m a one-man show I consistently outrank mega authority sites like Forbes, Wikipedia and Copyblogger.
I’m emailing you today to show you that, no matter where you’re at right now, you CAN succeed with white hat SEO.
Seriously.
So if you’re already having success with SEO -- and want to take your game to the next level -- you totally can!
And if you’ve struggled with SEO in the past, no worries. You can quickly (and I mean quickly) turn things around.
The best part?
You don't need a team of people or special relationships to succeed with SEO. Yes, connections and a team of people help. But they’re definitely not required.
The only question is:
How did I do it?
I follow a simple, 2-step process. And it’s a process anyone can follow (including you).
I show you exactly how the process works in this new video.
And when you’re done watching the video, make sure you download and fill out the worksheet. I created this worksheet to help you implement the content from the video.
That said…
I know why you subscribed to the Backlinko newsletter. It’s because you know that white hat SEO can help you grow your online business.
And this video will help you with that.
Specifically, you’ll learn:
-How I grew my organic search traffic by 642% in just 3 months (and I show you how you can replicate my success)
-How Dave Peralta hit the #3 spot in Google for his target keyword (hint: he used the 2-step process from the video)
-How I built a site that went from zero to 10k/month… in just 120 days
-And a whole lot more
So go ahead and watch the video right now.
And make sure to watch the entire video.
It’s 13 minutes (and comes with a worksheet). And it's only available for a limited time.
Cheers,
Brian "
I think the point he's making is if your writing tons of content but thats taking away from you investing in your existing content and nurturing it than it's a bad thing.
You have to decide what kind of blog you are...if you want most of your posts to have value you dont need to write as much quantatively but qualitatively create and promote the content you do make.
Thank you! I don't mind writing content. I actually really enjoy it! I just was wondering if I move on to other sites, or if I build and build this first site. I like the quality instead of quantity idea for sure.
Very true. Also look at it from this perspective. If your making tons of content but its taking away from your ability to promote it and backlink to it...then you should find a better balance.
Yes - the more content you write the better you rank and more traffic will land on your pages, eventually turning into paid traffic.
I use to dread writing content because I thought I would run out of ideas. Since I watched this video I have ideas coming out of my ears. Alphabet Soup Technique - 2018 Edition
See more comments
Whenever I try to submit a question at the writing pen; it won't let me submit. It's like the button doesn't work. Am I the only one with this problem or does that feature no
See more comments
I can't submit a question, does anyone else have this trouble?
Whenever I try to submit a question at the writing pen; it won't let me submit. It's like the button doesn't work. Am I the only one with this problem or does that feature no
See more comments
I've had a new website for some time, but I'm still nervous to delete my original Site Rubix site. It just seems so MAJOR to delete a website! It asks if I want to delete it.
I'm not actually clear in siterubix, but on my opinion, if you already move your site to a proper .Com domain, it is no harm if you delete the siterubix hosted content. Important is you delete it after 30 days as I assumed it is more than enough time for Google to index your new .Com content.
Hi Shelli
I have the exact same dilemma. On my SiteManager it clearly states that I can delete the SiteRubix one as it's been 14 months since I purchased my own domain and it is safe to delete. However, I can just not bring myself to do it - what happens if it isn't safe to delete and my whole "real" site disappears?
Feeling your pain.
Regards,
Megan
What happens if I delete my site rubix site?
I've had a new website for some time, but I'm still nervous to delete my original Site Rubix site. It just seems so MAJOR to delete a website! It asks if I want to delete it.
I'm not actually clear in siterubix, but on my opinion, if you already move your site to a proper .Com domain, it is no harm if you delete the siterubix hosted content. Important is you delete it after 30 days as I assumed it is more than enough time for Google to index your new .Com content.
Hi Shelli
I have the exact same dilemma. On my SiteManager it clearly states that I can delete the SiteRubix one as it's been 14 months since I purchased my own domain and it is safe to delete. However, I can just not bring myself to do it - what happens if it isn't safe to delete and my whole "real" site disappears?
Feeling your pain.
Regards,
Megan
I installed the Childfy Plugin, as a lesson said with Kyle. But what happens when I activate it? It doesn't really explain anything. Does this create another themed website?
Put simply, the main reason to create and use a Child Theme is so that when the Main Theme author updates the original parent theme you do not lose your custom code.
ok, let's say
OPTION 1
Parent Theme Name = ShelliParent
You do not create a child theme... but you need to make some custom changes, for example, you access the ShelliParent theme footer.php file to customise the footer text (e.g. change from Powered by Wordpress - Theme by ThemeMaker ... to ... Powered by passion - All Rights Reserved.)
then... the theme-maker makes an update to the theme maybe due to the upkeep of Wordpress compatibility or to add new features or bug fixes... and you need to update it because you need those changes/fixes...
What happens now is that your footer.php code change is over written by the theme update with your Footer area going back to default showing Powered by Wordpress - Theme by ThemeMaker again! And so for any other custom change you made! You have to apply all code changes again!
OPTION 2
Parent Theme Name = ShelliParent
You create a Child Theme called ShelliChild and activate this child theme as your currently active theme. You then make those same footer changes or any other custom code change...
Eventually the theme-maker comes up with an update to the Parent Theme and you need these updates....
Now you can update the ShelliParent theme and you will benefit from the new bug fixes and new features but you will also KEEP YOUR CUSTOM CHANGES... because the ChildShelli theme 'inherits' the changes/code from the Parent Theme but also keeps your custom code changes!
So you can now keep your changes and keep updating your parent theme to inherit fixes etc...
I hope this helps :)
Wow! Yes. This does help. I really appreciate all of the time you have taken to explain this to me. I think I finally get it!
Try this, it will explain child themes and how to create one. Hope this helps. :-) Create a Child Theme in 5 Minutes
I'm not sure about childfly but if it's a child theme maker it usually appears on the side dashboard, maybe under settings or another tab if it doesnt appear as it's own setting.
There you answer a few questions of how you want your child theme set up and it makes it for you. Either your own copy of the theme you can edit or something that uses the parent theme but adds to it.
Then you go to themes and make this copy of your parent theme the active theme. In editor on the top right it lets you switch between themes you are editing. Make sure you edit the right theme (your child theme).
No it just copies your old website and lets you edit your current theme without affecting the source code.
This is useful because sometimes you forgot what youve changed and need to have a copy of the source theme unedited as reference or a backup.
Yea that's it. It's a precaution is all. Lets say your theme updates due to a wordpress update and something you changed in your functions.php or stylessheet.css no longer works because of one small addition you made. Well with a child theme in place this wont shut down your whole site since you can see where you've made changes to the original parent.
Ok. Thank you. I really appreciate you explaining that. I know we should only have like 5 plug ins, so is it a good idea?
It is recommended for everyone to have a child theme. If you want to save the plugin you can make one manually but it isn't simple like with a plugin.
A child theme plugin is small and even though it is recommended to have less than 5 how much function they have is also important. If this is your 6th or 7th plugin it's not that big a deal (but maybe if you have really big other plugins it could be.)
Personally, I find it very difficult to stay under 5 plugins as do probably most sites as they grow. It is more of a benchmark/guideline rather than a rule. Many successful sites such as cnbc.com likely have many plugins and have bad site speed scores.
I would recommend trying the plugin 'code snippets'. While also a plugin it lets you skip making a child theme and lets you make changes to the functions.php file without the need for a child theme.
See more comments
Do I need to do a childfy theme?
I installed the Childfy Plugin, as a lesson said with Kyle. But what happens when I activate it? It doesn't really explain anything. Does this create another themed website?
Put simply, the main reason to create and use a Child Theme is so that when the Main Theme author updates the original parent theme you do not lose your custom code.
ok, let's say
OPTION 1
Parent Theme Name = ShelliParent
You do not create a child theme... but you need to make some custom changes, for example, you access the ShelliParent theme footer.php file to customise the footer text (e.g. change from Powered by Wordpress - Theme by ThemeMaker ... to ... Powered by passion - All Rights Reserved.)
then... the theme-maker makes an update to the theme maybe due to the upkeep of Wordpress compatibility or to add new features or bug fixes... and you need to update it because you need those changes/fixes...
What happens now is that your footer.php code change is over written by the theme update with your Footer area going back to default showing Powered by Wordpress - Theme by ThemeMaker again! And so for any other custom change you made! You have to apply all code changes again!
OPTION 2
Parent Theme Name = ShelliParent
You create a Child Theme called ShelliChild and activate this child theme as your currently active theme. You then make those same footer changes or any other custom code change...
Eventually the theme-maker comes up with an update to the Parent Theme and you need these updates....
Now you can update the ShelliParent theme and you will benefit from the new bug fixes and new features but you will also KEEP YOUR CUSTOM CHANGES... because the ChildShelli theme 'inherits' the changes/code from the Parent Theme but also keeps your custom code changes!
So you can now keep your changes and keep updating your parent theme to inherit fixes etc...
I hope this helps :)
Wow! Yes. This does help. I really appreciate all of the time you have taken to explain this to me. I think I finally get it!
Try this, it will explain child themes and how to create one. Hope this helps. :-) Create a Child Theme in 5 Minutes
I'm not sure about childfly but if it's a child theme maker it usually appears on the side dashboard, maybe under settings or another tab if it doesnt appear as it's own setting.
There you answer a few questions of how you want your child theme set up and it makes it for you. Either your own copy of the theme you can edit or something that uses the parent theme but adds to it.
Then you go to themes and make this copy of your parent theme the active theme. In editor on the top right it lets you switch between themes you are editing. Make sure you edit the right theme (your child theme).
No it just copies your old website and lets you edit your current theme without affecting the source code.
This is useful because sometimes you forgot what youve changed and need to have a copy of the source theme unedited as reference or a backup.
Yea that's it. It's a precaution is all. Lets say your theme updates due to a wordpress update and something you changed in your functions.php or stylessheet.css no longer works because of one small addition you made. Well with a child theme in place this wont shut down your whole site since you can see where you've made changes to the original parent.
Ok. Thank you. I really appreciate you explaining that. I know we should only have like 5 plug ins, so is it a good idea?
It is recommended for everyone to have a child theme. If you want to save the plugin you can make one manually but it isn't simple like with a plugin.
A child theme plugin is small and even though it is recommended to have less than 5 how much function they have is also important. If this is your 6th or 7th plugin it's not that big a deal (but maybe if you have really big other plugins it could be.)
Personally, I find it very difficult to stay under 5 plugins as do probably most sites as they grow. It is more of a benchmark/guideline rather than a rule. Many successful sites such as cnbc.com likely have many plugins and have bad site speed scores.
I would recommend trying the plugin 'code snippets'. While also a plugin it lets you skip making a child theme and lets you make changes to the functions.php file without the need for a child theme.
See more comments
Do they help with ranking, or do they direct people when they are searching? Do we want everything we think people might search? Thank you!!
This should help explain categories and tags https://marionblackonline.com/categories-vs-tags/
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What do the tags and categories do for us?
Do they help with ranking, or do they direct people when they are searching? Do we want everything we think people might search? Thank you!!
This should help explain categories and tags https://marionblackonline.com/categories-vs-tags/
See more comments
Once the niche is exhausted, then it's time to move on to the next site, that's what I intend to do anyway...
Taking a break from writing by outsourcing content and scheduling the posts then over a monthly basis will give you a break when you need it
Example - outsource 6 articles and schedule them out over 6 weeks. (one per week)That way your site gets fresh content and you get a nice break if needed
Its also much more fun to outsource and publish 3k+ word articles instead of writing them!
I've always struggled with the idea of outsourcing content creation --- if the market can sniff out inauthentic posts --- then why do it? Would like your thoughts.
When I am too busy and have zero time, that's when I will outsource. I found a guy who writes better than me and before I publish, I spend an hour going through the content making sure it's all ok and edit paragraphs where needed.
They get clear instructions / formats / templates etc so that way they know exactly what I expect.
I only do affiliate marketing on a part time basis and the outsourcing helps speed up the process of building out a site
Where did you find him at and will you share him? LOL
Sorry, I can't share! I ended up buying from several other crap writers till I found him!
Outsourcing costs money so I don't let it out of control. But it's better value for money than spending money on Facebook ads or ppc from my experience anyway...
Cool. Thanks for sharing your experience.
If you invest money in content, you have it forever.
But your Facebook ads / ppc only last for a specific time and then it's gone.
Best of luck to you !
I know. The one guest blog post I allowed on my site was pretty useless. I got gun-shy!
Never give up on the first run...
Try everything - that's my Moto. Then focus on the best things that give results.
OK. Thank you so much!