Blog Like an Expert
I’ve been joyfully blogging for a couple of years now and for the most part, I have concentrated on bringing excellent quality articles…each one offering something unique to help educate and aid anyone working online.
Generally speaking, I feel that I have been successful doing it.
But, I want to be better. I don’t want to be average. I want people to notice me, come back frequently and get involved with my blog.
I’ve been following two exceptional marketing ladies for a couple of years now and both of them have really taken off this year with their online marketing business.
Naturally I paid attention. What were they doing that started driving such valuable traffic to their blog? Why was Sally Neill able to quit working for Alex Jeffrey’s after only six months?
Sally Neill who I consider both a personal friend and a highly successful marketer…is the best example of a blogger who has earned a gold star in the area of successful blogging.
She is the mastress (I like that word) of interaction and educational videos. She has learned the art of sharing her private life…opening up her authentic self to her readers all while she is educating them…and her readers are eating it up.
She is fine tuning the art of interaction with her readers. There’s always a video to watch (she has lots of great educational and entertaining videos on her blog), a contest to enter, a question to answer, a beer to buy… 😉
Who ever lands on her blog has plenty to keep them busy. Never a dull moment.
And, Google likes blogs that stay busy 😉
- You want an education…it’s there
- You want to laugh…it’s there
- You want to share a tender moment…it’s there
- You want to meet Jade her daughter…she’s there
- You want to meet Sally herself…authentic and real…straightforward and in front of the camera…transparent and ready to greet you…she’s there.
Sally more than any other blogger I know is aware of her audience, their needs and how to keep them happy and coming back.
One more talent that Sally has that I am going to emulate is the way she finds ways to include other marketers in and on her blog…promoting them and helping them in any way she can.
In videos, blog posts, comments…you’ll always find her mentioning someone that has helped her along the way.
She never misses that moment…that opportunity to help someone else out. And, now look at what is happening. The energy she has sent out so selflessly…helping so many other bloggers get attention for themselves…is now focused back on her multiplied tenfold!
The spotlight is on Sally! And, no one deserves it more. I must tell you how heart warming it is to have actually watched someone go from mediocrity last year…to a bright shining beacon in the Internet marketing world this year.
It gives the rest of us the hope and faith we need to hang on until it happens for us.
We would all do well to copy Sally’s blogging ways…she’s an excellent teacher and way-shower.
Here’s an article…written by Sally herself about how she has managed to break the blogging barriers and build a successful business with her readership…check out this post:
“What would you do…?” (while you’re there, check out the post by Barry Wells…another favorite marketer, and brilliant interactive blogger…on the same question)
This brings me to Dawn Kay. I met both Dawn and Sally in Randy Smith’s (another one of my favorite marketers) MoreMonthly.com forum…which has evolved into an excellent source of coaching over at InternetMarketingApprentice.com
Dawn has been a valuable source of support and friendship since my early days on the forum and I must tell you it has been a real pleasure to watch this special friend blossom into the blogger she is today.
Sally and Dawn are also good friends and I have a sneaking suspicion that Sally is coaching Dawn a bit in the background...and doing one hell of a job I must say! 😉
Dawn’s blog has become interactive lately…with questions and contests (where’s the “buy me a beer” Dawn? ;)…and check the activity and comments there!
Not only does Dawn offer a booming transcription service that I have personally used and can vouch for “First Class Transcriptions”, but she has become a smart, interactive blogger who is demanding attention and getting it.
Check out her interactive blogging activity:
She asked one question of three different bloggers and turned each one into a blog post starting with Sally’s answer. She also ran a contest last month…with the winner receiving an hours worth of transcription time for free…worth nearly $70.
She is getting attention…and I am paying attention.
Getting personal and making your blog interactive…along with great content, is the key to blogging success. Dawn’s and Sally’s blogs are proof of that.
Providing great content is only one part of the equation.
Content + Personality + Transparency + Interaction + Videos (both educational and entertaining)
A no miss formula for blogging success.
If you are ready to take your blogging serious…if you really want to shorten your learning curve and take your blogging and IM to the next level…
Sally will be opening her 1st coaching program in early July. Stay tuned for all details…this is one you won’t want to miss.
I know I won’t.
Stay tuned…next blog post I’ll be running my first contest! And, I really think the reward is cool!
See, I’ve learned from the best already 😉
One More Thing…
Notice the new Google plus 1 button at the top of the page? Most marketers were already aware that it was coming…but just in case..here’s where you can read about it and get your own Google plus 1 button 😉
Among other things, this is Google’s way of using social media as an indicator of how popular your blog is.
If you want to read more….
Don’t forget to Plus 1 me 😉 please…and Thank you!
(I know, I know I seem far behind because I don’t have a Facebook “like” button up yet…it’s coming 😉 I just had to study all the options before I committed.
You know, I can appreciate all these attempts to sort the best content for their readers, but if this “button” trend keeps up we’re going to have to perform button exercises as well as commenting on every blog we visit. lol Thank goodness for automation 😉
Filed under: General • Internet Marketing
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Hi Kathy, I’m so excited…… The first to comment….. doesn’t that make a pleasant change 😎
Ask and you shall receive: I’ve +1’d you 😉
Onto your great post Kathy. I’ve been following Sally on her blog, twitter and youtube for sometime now. In fact I was recently called a stalker… can you believe that Kathy, me a stalker 😆
Sally Neill Is my NUMBER ONE blogger. She educates her visitors and encourages them to do well. She has given us lessons that not only help improve our blogs but also little tricks to generate an extra income. As well tutorials to help us save money, which in my book is as good as making money, at times better.
I have seen Sally grow online and often admire her bravery. Especially with jacking her job in after just 6 months.
I love the way she is open on her blog and is always mentioning people and helping them along as well. She has mentioned me numerous times, as well as my rumbling belly (yes Sally I’m watching your comments as well) 😉
If anyone really wants to benefit from their blogging efforts they really should visit Sally’s blog.
Dawn Kay is also a great blogger that is set for greater things online. I really like Dawn and the way she comes across in her posts is just fantastic. I recently won a fantastic prize of a free transcription of an audio Interview, which i have to sort out soon. (good news Dawn, I bought a product for the bonuses offered by a promoter and have a target in sight).
I didn’t know that Randy’s MoreMonthly forum had become the IMA forum, 💡 I still have a set of bonuses to claim from Randy as well 😉 Honestly Folks it’s sometimes worth buying a product just for these great bonuses 🙂
Thanks for the mention kathy and your kind words are very much appreciated.
Catch up soon Kathy my friend, I can hear the dinner being served…. and yes Sally the belly rumbled again 😆
Respect and Regards to Sally Neill, Dawn Kay and of course your good self Kathy
Barry
Barry@The Newbies Guide´s last blog post ..Journey To Success Part 3: Taking Action
Hi Barry,
I guess we both appreciated Sally’s talents early on 😉
As for MoreMonthly.com it’s still around. Internet Marketing Apprentice is just Randy’s newest coaching endeavor 😉
MoreMonthly is still great for downloads 😉
Hopefully I learn from you, Sally and Dawn about how to be more interactive with my own blogging community 😉
Glad to hear mum is having some good days 😉
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
So nice to read your post.
You’ve done such a great job telling the world about Sally and Dawn. They both set a good example for all of us.
Sally’s blog is full of great information that’s done in such a way that it is a magnet of great stuff because of her ways.
Dawn is a wonderful person who really is heavy in the blogosphere. I see her everywhere.
She really knows how to get involved and add value to other marketers blogs by leaving valuable comments.
She also always has a lot going on over at her blog. When I visit Dawn’s blog there is always something interesting to read about and learn.
These two wonderful ladies know how Internet Marketing is done and I wish them much success.
This blog is always full of great interesting stuff too. You are the go to person for outsourcing. I’ve learned a great deal about it because of you.
Your posts are always full of great information helping others not only with outsourcing but very interesting topics.
I always look forward coming to your blog Kathy because I always leave with knowledge about something useful.
You three ladies are fantastic bloggers and Internet Marketers. I wish you all many, many good things.
Terry Conti
Terry Conti´s last blog post ..Action- The Master Gear that makes Everything Happen
Wow Terry…I don’t know if I’ve ever woken up to a nicer, more heart felt comment than the one you just left 😉
What a sweet way to start my day…and actually last night I was having one of the “self doubt” kind of times…so your email this morning was exactly what I needed to hear!
Sometimes you just wonder if anyone is really listening or your voice really has any weight in people’s lives…
And, just so you know Terry…you are also a very valuable blogger…and, I always leave your blog having learned something or been reminded of something that I needed to pay attention to.
You are appreciated for everything!
Thanks Terry…
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Yep +1’ed you 😉
And cheers for the mention alongside Sally & Dawn.
Definitely two cool people… I have to say that – they stayed in my flat, and even though they say they didn’t go through my hiding places… I suspect they know too much about me now, …hehe
On a serious note though… what great bloggers they are!
Sally is always telling me I helped her, and yet it’s me that links to cool videos on her site…lol Definitely worth many visits.
And yeah – I too suspect that Dawn has been secretly trainind by Sally to be another rising star 🙂
And I suspect you’re in ‘Sally’s Cool Crowd’ too Kathy…
Chat soon
Randy
RandySmith@InternetMarketingRambles´s last blog post ..Too Hot To Work – So here’s a Catch Up
Hi Randy,
Well, if it weren’t for MoreMonthly…your first baby…I would not have met either Sally or Dawn…
I am grateful to you for attracting such quality people to your forums 😉 😉
Haha…that was funny about them going through your hiding places 😉
I’ll have to ask Dawn if she has any inside info on you 😉 😉
Thanks for the +1 Randy and I promise to get my Facebook like page up soon…
Kathy
Hi Kathy, we had a conversation along time ago about co-operation within our friendly community and it certainly pays dividends. We can all learn from each other and we must help each other to be even more successful. Two great personal friends have been justifiably put in the spotlight here. Excellent post.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy…
We do have a wonderful supporting friendly community don’t we. I don’t know what I would do without my friends online.
You are certainly a prime player in our community Mandy…and one of the biggest supporters of all of us..;)
I do hope you had a wonderful birthday Mandy and that this is your best year ever!
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for making me aware of 2 such informative and powerful bloggers. I have just been over to their blogs to introduce myself and have bookmarked them so I can head back again and again to read their wonderful engaging posts and videos.
I have also +1’d you. You deserve it. Your blog Kathy is one of my favourites around, your outsourcing knowledge is second to none and your posts always keeping me reading right to end! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Regards,
Steve.
Hi Steve…
You have no idea how bad I needed to hear that this morning.
A moment of self doubt…yes…
You are my target for the next personal blog post…because I think you are an awesome marketer and business man…and one I follow very, very closely.
It’s so interesting that you spoke about how valuable these blogs were…when your blog is right up there with the best of the best!
Thanks Steve…for lifting my spirits this morning…
Kathy
Oh my Gosh – I love Sally – not literally, of course..lol. But I met her through Alex Jeffreys Forward to Marketing program and her tutorials were so extremely easy to follow and of course she had already started her own IM adventure by joining Alex previously, so she had quite a bit knowledge already, but you are right, she is such an easy person to follow, so full of joy and excitement and someone you REALLY want to follow.
I haven’t really met Dawn yet, but will be sure to follow the links, she sounds like such a great person, actually I have read from Barry’s blog that he won something with Dawn and Sally – bad for me for not really commenting.
I will go check out her blog now. Thanks for sharing all the links, they are very helpful to everyone!
Have a wonderful weekend, Kathy and hope to see you around my own blog soon!
Linda
Hi Linda…thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave such a nice comment!
Sally is definitely a rising star…but she is also one who will not forget her friends.
It’s because of people like Dawn and Sally that I am still around plugging away in the IM world!
I will head over to your blog this morning 😉
Kathy
Hey Kathy,
You’re a top “shout out sharer” and definitely part of the cool crowd 🙂
Thank you for the very kind words, I feel like you have always been by my side in my journey online, always supporting me, shouting me out and skype-ing with me when I have needed it, you are a true friend.
I never really knew Dawn until Randy’s forum, but that forum was the birth of many friendships (ours too) so I am glad to Randy for building such a great community.
Dawn is my bestest buddy online now, we just really click, probably because she is only ONE DAY OLDER THAN ME (ok ok, I am one day older than her) but I think being fellow leos maybe helps us get on so well lol.
Mastress- never heard that word before but I like it, you always know really cool words!
Kathy, you have the power to get everything you desire for your blog, I know the type of person you are and I believe there is nothing “average” about you and see a great future for you online.
In all honesty, I think we will all see massive success online as we are all geared towards helping each other achieve our dreams.
We will soon be a force to be reckoned with!
Thank you for a truly lovely post, your kindness put a BIG smile on my face.
Sally x
ps. Barry’s tummy does rumble in the videos (yes, Barry I read your comments too lol)
Hi Sally…
Randy’s forum has really been the birthplace of some fabulous friendships hasn’t it?
You and Dawn both have been wonderful friends. I knew exactly who to turn to when I was thrown into that course in the spring that required videos.
And, you responded exactly as I thought you would Sally.
Always there with a helping hand…but that is the single reason you are getting all that energy back multiplied. You have given so much generous energy out…it has multiplied and come back and now your star is rising quickly! 😉
Can’t wait to find out about your coaching Sally…I have full faith and trust in you and a friend and a leader!
Don’t change a thing Sally…just keep passing on all your great info and help…and love 😉
Kathy
Hello Miss Kathy,
I thought I would pop by and say hello after seeing Dawn & sally’s facebook profile links.
Yes Facebook can work in promoting blogs! hehehehehe 😉
I completely agree on Dawn and Sally doing really well this year.
It has been really cool watching Sally grow from this time last year to now.
She was so nervous when she left her full time job to join Alex. I knew she wasn’t going to be with Alex more than 6 months, but I also knew she needed to join Alex to spread her wings and learn to fly!
Which is exactly what she is doing now!
I love watching people grow and change and evolve.
And Dawn is starting too do really well with her transcriptions. I don’t know where she finds the time around the kids????????
OK speaking of kids mine wants dinner.
I hope everything is going well.
See you back here soon.
Cheers
Jacinta 😀
Hi Jacinta…Nice to see you blogging. You’ve been a bit quiet lately 😉
We are all happy for Sally and her success. I really believe it gives us all the hope we are reaching for…that soon the same thing will happen for us.
And, it will.
We must just keep on keep’n on 😉
Kathy
Hi Kathy
I have only been involved in this community since March of this year after I joined JT’s Masterclass.
My heart and thanks goes out to you all, I have learnt so much from so many people, each and every one of you are fantastic people always willing to help where you can and give so much support.
I love reading Sally’s Blog I always leave with a smile on my face, and plenty of notes telling myself “I must look into that, and I must do that”!
I love the way Dawn gets everyone involved with her blog and there is always something of great interest going on and her guest posts are excellent (Keep the coming Dawn) Dawn only lives a few miles from my parents one day we may just have to have a cup of coffee following a parent visit? 😉
I must thank you Kathy after reading one of your posts on out-sourcing I joined Tyrone Shum’s “Mass Outsource video e-course” and now I have a much better understanding of out-sourcing and the tools he has provided are excellent – thank you Kathy.
All you lovely ladies are great blogger’s you offer so much to your readers and I wish you all the success you deserve.
Catch upo soon
Ian
Hi Ian…
You are such a lovely addition to our blogging community. Always there with a kind word or words of inspiration, I just want you to know that the time you spend making others feel good…does not go unnoticed.
I am so glad you enjoyed Tyrone Shum’s videos and outsourcing info. He truly does give a lot of value and it is one of the reason he is such a grand success.
Don’t change a thing Ian…you bring smiles to peoples faces 😉
Kathy
Kathy,
I +1ed you and am going to go and get that button when I get done here.
Sally and Dawn are both great bloggers and we can all learn from them.
You do a great job on your blog also and what an excellent post. I was captivated to the end.
I love learning and sharing.
You have a great blog that I learn a lot from so keep up the great work.
Thanks
Dee Ann
Hi Dee Ann…
Another button lol…
Wonder when it’s going to stop…guess it is the way of the future 😉
Thanks for the kind words about my post. It’s not hard to write captivating information when your subjects are so successful and interesting!
Thanks for stopping by Dee Ann…I’ll be over at your blog soon 😉
Kathy
Hey Kathy
You little shout out sharer you.(lol)
Thank you soooooooooo much for all the lovely things you’ve said,they mean a lot to me and it’s having good friends like you that keep me going in this game.
And don’t forget if it wasn’t for you my blog wouldn’t exist today…
I was so close to jacking it all in when I lost my last blog and if it wasn’t for all the little talks we had together and you drumming it into my head that I wasn’t a quitter and quitting was the easy option…
I definitely wouldn’t be online today!
I do feel like I’ve learned a hell of a lot since then and I have changed the way I blog and I can honestly say that I’ve got Sally Neill to thank for this.
I have learnt soooooo much from Sally about relationship building and being more personal on my blog.
In fact it was Sally who told me that my fears were holding me back and that I should write about it(which I did)and surprise surprise people weren’t bothered that I was scared to do stuff.
In fact they enouraged me and suported me by tweeting and liking my post.
(Thank’s for that guys and girls you all know who you are)
So yeah Sally has been a huge influence on me, she gives me a slap when I’m not doing the things I’m supposed to be doing and continues to support me in everything I do and I feel soooo lucky to have her as my friend.
And in a few weeks time when Sally opens up her coaching I will be able to add mentor to that list too.
I’m going to be on it. I know you are going to be on it and I really recommend if anyone wants to bring their online business on a lot faster…
Then they should join us on it too!
Thank’s again for your lovely post Kathy and thanks to all of your lovely blog readers for their touching comments to.
I’m looking forward to your competition and don’t forget to get your Facebook like sorted before then so we can all like your posts and spread the luv for you.
Take care
Dawn
p.s You won’t find a buy a beer on my blog because I don’t drink, I leave all that to Sally lol.
Thanks Dawn…ok…how bout I buy you a cup of coffee 😉
I so remember when you blog went down Dawn. I was feeling your pain and so proud that you did not throw in the towel…and let it beat you.
I knew very early on that you had what it takes to make it in this online game Dawn. You’re smart, techie and lots of fun to hang with 😉
Your blogging has really taken off this year and I am paying close attention to you 😉
I wouldn’t be where I am today without your encouragement and friendship…
you truly are a special friend…
Kathy
Kathy, this is a good profile for Sally and Dawn. I have been visting Sally’s blog for over a year now, and I will now look out for Dawn’s site. You are right about Sally’s use of video, it’s certainly a powerful tool in Sally’s hands. Keep up the good work Kathy and continue to enjoy your blogging.
John
Leamington Spa, England
Hi John…
I was thinking about you the other day while watching the Space Shuttle go up for the last time.
I love visiting your blog because you always get my mind thinking, pondering and stretching about the Universe and its grand possibilities!
Thanks for the visit John and I’ll see you at your blog 😉
Kathy
There are quite a lot of things to respect to blog like an expert. Blogging like an EXPERt means having EXPERience. Practice and work and you will gain experience. Sounds simple but it’s not quite easy.
George Williams
Hi George…always nice to see you here.
Loved that you picked up on EXPER in the word EXPERt and the word EXPERience.
I honestly believe so many truths are hidden in the words we speak everyday!
Kathy
Hi Carly…
That’s the whole point. Don’t wait until you are sure of what you want to post…allow your blogging to connect you to your passion.
In the beginning…experiment. Post about different things and soon it will all come together for you…
Thanks for the visit 😉
Kathy
Hello Kathy,
Having only recently visited Sally’s blog, I also read her book ‘Newbies_next chapter’ and have to say, she really is a marvel.
Praise to you and all Kathy for writing such a wonderful post over two obviously well deserved ladies.
Take Care
Julie
Sally is one great lady, that is for sure! I had the pleasure of meeting her in Alex Jeffreys training and her videos have always inspired me. I actually miss those..lol.
Dawn, I haven’t really interacted with much and I need to do that very soon. The two of them are great examples of women doing the right thing with Internet Marketing. So often you see just them men, but us women are emerging and it’s about time, don’t ya think? 🙂
Sometimes it is hard to step out of our comfort zones and be the spunky and not so serious gals – that is something I have a problem with. I think of business as serious business, so i am serious myself. But, it I could just open up a bit more maybe more people would notice and I assume that is what you are after as well.
All in due time 😉
Linda
Yes Linda…all in due time. Very wise words 😉
Blogging is certainly an art and skill and hopefully I am getting better and better and it and people will notice 😉
You will enjoy Dawn’s blog…she’s a wonderful lady with so much to offer 😉
Thanks for commenting again Linda…
and, remember to not be so serious…because it is the laughter in life that makes people want to hang out 😉
Kathy
Hi Kathy, what I really like about Sally is her interaction with her commenters. 🙂 As we check out her every post and look at the comments section, you will see that she never fails to reply to a person who has left a comment on her entry. Sally and Dawn are really two empowered ladies that we can look up to when it comes to blogging. 😀
To become an expert, anyone will need time. Only time and experience will give you that ability. For newbies out there, there’s no reason for you to stop if you fail. Just continue on pushing your self and eventually learning will come that will help you become expert.
Hey Kathy, it wasn’t until I saw the photo of Sally that I knew who you were talking about. Being a bloke and all I’m not all that big with names but I definitely remember the face. It’s been some time since I visited her blog and I think I should do something about that.
You mentioned being interactive on blogs and it’s to that end that I would like to offer you a bit of advice. I suggest you install a plugin such as ReplyMe as this will notify when someone replies to a persons comment. So, if you were to reply to my comment I would get an email and more likely than not I would come back to continue our conversation 😉
That’s great advice about the plug in…I will definitely be following up on it 😉
Yes, please do pay Sally a visit again. It’s worth it 😉
Kathy
It’s always nice to see women that have become great at this, and even more they’re becoming leaders and innovators in the field.
I still have a long way to go, but at least i know i won’t be alone when i get there 🙂
I agree. It’s time for the divine feminine to shine 🙂
Kathy
I must say that this is really a great formula: “Content + Personality + Transparency + Interaction + Videos (both educational and entertaining)”. Though it can be a tedious work for a blogger who maintains more than a single blog, the benefit of which can be very promising anyway.
Mark@P90X Reviews´s last blog post ..I decided to try the P90X workout videos because I wanted to have a rocking body on my wedding
Feels strange reading about Sally opening her coaching program, now that she’s done it and from what i see on blogs she’s doing really great. Talk about exceeding expectations.
Michael@Best Microwave Oven´s last blog post ..GE Profile: PEB2060DMWW 2.0 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – White
I could personally say that Sally is really a great blogger! Just like any other bloggers out there, she has that determination to be at her best when it comes to blogging.
Samantha@Gardening Tips´s last blog post ..Apollo Precision Tools DT3795P 18-Piece Garden Tool Set Review