My M.A.G. for 2008 – Part 2
Monday, December 31st, 2007Yesterday we talked about Part 1 of my Most Audacious Goal for 2008, which is :-
Bringing this blog to a readership of 15,000 page views a day.
We covered the areas of:-
a) Knowledge Gathering
b) Content
c) Traffic and
d) Technical Stuff
Today let’s follow up on the rest of landmarks in my journey to meet my MAG for 2008.
a) Advertising / Business Model
I have not put much thought on this. Right now, this blog is not seen as a money source. If I look at the improvements in my own personal life that my foray into blogging has resulted in, this investment has already paid itself over many, many times. By far, the best investment I have ever made in the area of self improvement.
Still, stories like “I made $3,828.72 in March” does have a ring of excitement. So I intend to embark on this someday soon.
Maybe I should consider this model ……. And this idea, which is consistent with the message D4L is promoting also looks attractive.
And of course, there are many graciously given guides like:-
- Single Ma’s 7 ways I can earn money while blogging,
I am sure that with the generosity of the senior bloggers, there will be lots and lots of guidance on this.
b) Blog Design
First, my sense of style and design is something that even my wife is not proud of. And she is a really tolerant woman. Second, I am technologically challenged.
So when I read seemingly nonchalant statements like ….”I have just tweaked my design..”, I just go green with envy.
I like The Digerati Life’s bright, cheery and welcoming style. I hope to model my new blog on this.
From the designs of the other blogs that I read, certain aspects appear appealing. I have noted some of these, and have asked a web designer to create a new design for me.
I should also have some widgets and whatchamacallits.
The new design is scheduled to come online by the 8th February 08.
c) Blog or Blogger Branding
This has also not been figured out yet. Most of the blogs I read give me the impression that the bloggers are very passionate and driven people. And mostly serious.
Maybe Brip Blap and Punny Money give me the impression that they are a little laid back guys, though no less serious in the articles they produce.
The blogger who stands out, in my mind, with a brand, is the Fabulous Single Ma. When I read her posts, I get the feeling that she is smiling, has a gleam in her eye and is humming something catchy as she writes her posts. That is how she seems to have positioned herself.
I have no idea what image my blog or posts create in the minds of my readers. I hope it’s that of sincerity with a dash of humor.
d) Blogging Etiquette
I have not done any searches in Problogger on this specific matter. Most blogs give the universal advice that we should be polite. For example, MMND’s 12 success tips for newbies.
Frugal though she may be, cultured and well versed in the social graces is the Duchess. She took the trouble to welcome readers of the Simple Dollar and Consumerism Commentary who dropped by due to the Duchess being mentioned in the former and her guest post in the latter.
I, too, had a spike in readership, when Zen Habits made a mention of my blog as a Blogger of Kindness. Being a little dense, I did nothing other than feeling pleased as punch.
Now that I have learnt a little social grace, I hope Zen Habits will accept my belated thanks and so would his readers who dropped by. Please be assured that you were most welcome. And that you are equally most welcome to visit again.
I am preparing a file under the various headings mentioned, where I’ll make a note of something I pick up from all the reading and learning. Then I have to steadily and ploddingly work on this list. I expect this list to be dynamic and ongoing.
So too, shall be my journey in blogging.
I think the target will be tough, but not impossible. (I am saying so, only because others have done it before). Whatever the outcome, I am sure I’ll enjoy myself and improve myself at the same time. So there is no downside for me at all.
It looks to me that my MAG for 2008, is a goal and a plan has been developed to meet the goal. Nevertheless, it would be great if my MAG could be scrutinized by an independent party.
I would be grateful if Patrick of Cash Money Life would have a look and see if my Most Audacious Goal for 2008 meets his SMART guidelines and also if Mike of Quest for Four Pillars can confirm that my MAG is not just a wish.
Thanks in advance, guys.
And the day, I feel brave enough to apply to host a Carnival, I’ll feel that I have arrived!