This post might rub a few people the wrong way. But it is has to be said…
I’ve decided to stop reading most of the content that has to do with the “Internet Lifestyle” niche. With a few exceptions (ie: relationships I’ve built through this blog), I’ve hit the ole unsubscribe button on everything that has to do with this niche.
Why?
Simply put – I find that most of the content is completely useless.
What you’ll usually find on an Internet lifestyle site are articles like the following:
Having an Internet business is GREAT – Go buy this product to learn how to do it!
OR
How to be super-duper-really-awesome-and-spectacular in your life
OR
7 secrets to minimizing your possessions to 113 items
OR
21 perfect destinations to become location independent
I’ll admit I’ve published similar articles on this blog. But I’ve learned this kind of content does NOTHING for anyone who wants more freedom in their life.
It’s kind of like putting the cart before the horse. If I was interested in the Internet lifestyle, the FIRST thing I’d want to learn is how to support myself. Not how to travel to an exotic location.
What I don’t like about most Internet lifestyle sites is they don’t provide viable solutions for earning income. They’re full of sizzle, but not a lot of steak. In my opinion, if you talk about this topic then you MUST provide useful content that people can use to become financially free. Case closed!
A Wake-Up Call to ALL Internet Lifestyle “Gurus”
I’m not trying to insult any particular site.
In fact, this post was prompted by a decision I made a few months back. I’ve come to realize that more than 80% of my early posts provided little to no value. Basically they were warm and fuzzy fluff articles that weren’t actionable.
Since then I’ve made the commitment to create free content that makes a difference in people’s lives.
Sometimes I fall short of this goal. But I’m always trying to raise the bar to that next level.
My point is this.
I’m issuing a challenge to anyone who runs a lifestyle design OR an Internet marketing blog.
Create content that provides genuine value to the reader.
For instance, the majority of your articles should help people in the following five ways:
- How to become more financially free
- How to maximize the time spent on an Internet business
- How to streamline an Internet business
- How to run a business from any spot in the world
- How to find enjoyment and fulfillment from your Internet business
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out in a market. This is especially true in “Internet Lifestyle” niche. The sites that succeed are the ones that provide lots of great value to the reader…for FREE.
My Three Favorite “Internet Lifestyle” Blogs
Let’s end this post on a positive note.
I already mentioned what I don’t like about many sites. So let’s talk about what I DO like.
The blogs that get my attention are the ones that provide in-depth, step-by-step information.
They offer “how-to” articles that walk me through a technique where I have little experience.
Or they provide special insight into a tool I haven’t used before.
Or they discuss “hacks” or tricks that help streamline my Internet business.
When it comes to the “Internet Lifestyle,” I recommend three blogs that provide a ridiculous amount of awesome content:
- Pat from Smart Passive Income
- Ana from Traffic Generation Cafe
- Glen from ViperChill
None of these people asked me to link to their site. In fact, I’m pretty sure Pat and Glen have never even heard of me. I’ve included them here because they are the perfect example of how to build a site that provides real value to the reader.
Anyway, I’ve made the commitment to bring my content to the next level.
Have you?
Take Action. Get Results.
Steve,
Right on buddy. This has been my overall problem with the niche because of the same situation. We get keep getting hit with what it’s like to run an Internet business but then there’s little to actually show us on how to get started.
I admit, I do enjoy reading a lot of the post but it’s sort of like watching the Food Network or Travel Channel; you more or less get a glimpse of something you want but you still know it’s currently unobtainable.
There’s always a point where someone holds back. You can get a nice, long post that shares some of the steps leading up such as “build a list” but then you never get the breakdown of how to then run the list. (Which, your previous post was totally amazing, it’s good to see someone that actually shares this process vs. trying to get people to sign up for an Aweber account).
All in all, I too have removed about 80% of the blogs on my RSS. Not as disrespect to the blog owner but that I had to make the correct assessment on whether I was actually learning vs. just entertaining myself. It’s something that people generally don’t do because they feel they’re going to hurt someone’s feelings.
Yeah,
It is an interesting thing. I did once enjoy reading many of the same things I am bashing. Like you said, it is”fun” to watch. And I still may let one slip every so often for that reason. but I think a blog should be 80% actionable 20% fluff not the other way around.
Without naming names… but I am thinking of a BIG one in this niche, the guy is a great writer, very good to pump you up and get you excited, but one day I realized that he really didn’t say shit, and what he did say was incomplete and even misleading.
Most of my blog reading time now is dedicated to keeping up with the people who come here. In other words working on those relationships. fortunately many good bloggers, such as yourself do come here and do not fall into that category
Well, that’s sort of the nature of the game is it not?
Let’s take ProBlogger as an example. Sure, a lot of the information is helpful to many but the blog is aimed at people that are, in essence, just getting started.
It isn’t that the content couldn’t be better but that’s the market that it goes after. Why do heavy work to talk about the higher end stuff that has less overall people when the beginner market is always the largest.
It’s a lot of fluff all around. A million bloggers telling us a million ways to do a single, common sense item.
Gain followers on Twitter? Be personal.
Gain traffic to your blog? Write content that doesn’t suck.
Make money online? Treat it like a business.
Don’t really need a laundry list of items to explain these things especially if the content is very vapid in nature. It’s a lot of people telling you the bare minimum but not giving concrete examples.
The stuff you’ve put out here on SSS has been infinitely more valuable than a lot of the products that “gurus” and the “big boys” cover. Unfortunately, these people will still get the majority of exposure because people, deep down, don’t really want to do these actions because they’re difficult – they just want to interact and have the illusion as if they were.
Emperor wears no clothes.
(People would greatly benefit if they read SaltyDroid sometime)
Salty Droid is funny, and it’s amazing the stupidity that the IM gurus record. Sad comedy that we get to enjoy. +1 for that blog.
And how many blogs about blogging can you read before your eyes start to water? Very few. The basics are all there and there’s practically nothing new to the basics. I also think many new folks are done a great disservice by making things seem just so freaking simple. I’ve found that if you want to stand out, make real money, build a sustainable business that is an asset, and then start to diversify so that your one site isn’t your entire life, that takes more than “here’s how to get new followers on your blog” level material.
But again, who wants to hear that? Some, but fewer than can be sold on the dream and the “Internet Lifestyle.”
Exactly Robert,
There ARE barriers to business.
Why do you think an MBA takes years to get yet people still think that reading an MBA in a Book will suffice. There’s a lot more to everything than people want to share.
Like anything, you can’t really expect to jump into a blog and have it automatically act like your business. There are items like copywriting, marketing, content creation, product development, customer service, technical support, documentation, taxes, client relationships, advertising, insurance, law and so much more.
The good thing is that we CAN bypass a lot of the smaller hurdles that face entrepreneurship in such items as needing to setup a brick and mortar shop, sourcing products, dealing with banks and more but business is still business – it’s the platform that’s changed.
Rather than chasing this idealistic lifestyle that you read from a Top 23 Tools of Lifestyle Designers – what about actually taking action on a post that’s highly specific such as “How to Incorporate your Online Business” (this is a question to all).
At the end of the day: work is work.
Some people are going to hit it big but it’s just like the lottery; it’s a fools game to hope for the winning ticket. Instead, take the actions that are the hardest so you understand the process and system that will ultimately create a REAL lifestyle business.
Problogger is actually not the blog I was going after. I think they do have some actionable items. It may be repetitive once you have become sufficiently “read” but they have are well written and a great place to “start” ( a high fluff content but not 80%)
There are some popular sites that give a lot less than that. All hype. Little action.
Part of it may be the nature of the game. When you talk the “advanced” stuff people aren’t going to be buying your Market Samurai and Aweber products. They already have them and know why they are good.
In a sense I can understand. If I could make 20K a month selling fluffy stuff….you bet I would be pure fluff. but I would RATHER be making 15K a month talking about stuff I find really interesting and I think is really helpful and not just selling pipe-dreams
I think there is a strong case for the market deciding these factors. You end up catering to the paying customers you want. My hope is that somewhere along the line there is a discerning customers base that wants real actionable information instead of “Rah Rah! Go get your money! Live on Beach!”
On a curious sidenote, I have been going and commenting (in the bad “nice post” manner…but hey what can i do…i am human) on a lot of decent PR youtube channels to drive traffic recently to my youtube. A fair piece are the sleazy internet gurus. I swear to god if I see one more, “here I am on my boat interviewing this guy who will make you rich” video I will puke.
Just thought i would share that. Totally unrelated.
Steve, Thank you for writing this and for being honest enough to own, that at times you have provided content that has been rather lacking in ‘practical’ usefulness. That’s the position I find myself in also, as I really try to nail down what my blog, message and audience is really all about.
I wrote something similar recently about personal development blogs, not nearly as well written, succinct or as good as your piece. I think mine may have been something of a rant or vent. But I really agree with everything you have highlighted here.
I too have become ruthless with my reading and stopped getting feeds of all the blogs, I was consuming but not learning anything new from. I takes a bold person to own their mistakes and highlight the things that really need to be taken to the next level. Cheers for this, I loved it, tweeted
I’d like to add, that maybe the reason we see so many fluffy, written articles that are not particularly useful, is because their just easier to write. They don’t require you having any practical personal experience even, just the ability to present an idea or concept clearly. I too have offered wondered where the “meat” was after getting to the end of such articles, and I realised that the “meat” was being preserved from ‘premium’ readers.
Some if it is blog progression. I think it is natural to find your focus over time.
You have two very good reasons why there might be a lot of fluff. SOme of it is just people mimicking what they see. Hopefully those people will start to really create their own unique content over time. I can understand that type. Even if I do not really want to read the same 5 bullet point for the upteenth time.
The other type though sort of bugs me. I believe in giving away a lot for free. Every Monday I have been trying to write a long involved post that really digs into a specifc topic. Almost a mini-info report. Now there may be MORE I could say because writing a ten-fifteen thousand word post is impractical, but I try to pack a lot of meat into 3 thousand or so words.
Now every ‘good’ post doesn’t need to be long, but the gurus could STILL give away really good info and still have more than enough to talk about for “premium” members. That is… if they really are gurus.
At least that is how I see it
There are some bloggers like Pat, Brankica, Ana and glen and a few select others, that repeatedly over deliver with their content. Sometimes their knowledge and insight, just blows me away and I can only imagine how many hours of hard work, research, editing and formatting goes into posting such a mega post. Bloggers like this really up-the-ante, and when one of their products feel like it will meet your needs, you buy with confidence. I haven’t read your Monday posts, but will definitely be tuning back in for the goodness.
I agree to this post. Due to the overwhelming content posted daily on blogs and send to inboxes, it is better for newbies to single out the 1-2 biggest authorities in their niches and focus on learning from them without distractions from other users who also claim to ‘know it all’.
For sure!
There are a lot of good things we found on, “less popular” blogs. But it is hard for a new person to know what is good and what is fluff and even misleading. There’s certainly something be said for new people sticking to couple blogs until they have a better idea of what is good and what isn’t.
Hi Steve,
Those three blogs have definitely set the benchmark. Pat Flynn is easily one of my favorite blogger.
Glad to know that you are having some self reflection and i truly believe you are on the right track. I always find so much value in your posts. Keep the good work up.
Thanks Lye,
I agree. Pat rocks, as do the others. It is nice to know that you always get some sort of content from him that can progress you forward.
Hi Steve
I just have to say a big I AGREE with you 🙂 Have limited my blog hopping as after blogging for a few months realised how time consuming it all was and what for??!!
Sure, got my blog out there, have made some good connections but some of the stuff that is out there is just same old, same old fluff! And even worse, some is inaccurate and misleading!
You bring an honest and refreshing perspective to it all Steve. Thanks. Much appreciated.
Patricia Perth Australia
Connections and networking are a great reason TO interact with a lot of blogs. I think is still something important. Specifically for bloggers that are struggling to be found. Once you been found by a court people and your struggling to get better, it is important to have some real meat in the blogs if you choose to visit
Kick ass and take names Steve – awesome. And it needs to be said about more sites actually.
I’m curious what this “Internet Lifestyle” thing is anyhow. When I tell people I live in Thailand, my IM friends ask if I’m living the “Internet Lifestyle.” I say I’m living in Thailand with my family for a year because I set up my businesses to operate like that, and I can work from anywhere. If that’s the “Internet Lifestyle” then I’m all for it. Next stop NYC.
But I agree with you fully. People really need to start getting a bit more business savvy because at the end of the day that’s what we’re doing. Yes we use blogs and market online and promote affiliate products, but all of that makes us business people. And that takes more than a “blogger” mindset to be successful at. I won’t recite the numbers as I’m sure many here know how many businesses fail. But most don’t talk about the business side because it isn’t glamorous.
I can say from experience though that not paying attention to it can land you in a $30k hole, at least it did me. Credit ruined for years – try getting a loan later – not going to happen.
So while it’s great to hang out on blogs in our niche and network, we all need to remember that we are now business people. And that side of things can be very fun too.
So while it’s great to hang out on blogs in our niche and network, we all need to remember that we are now business people. And that side of things can be very fun too.
Well said Robert.
Haha, the internet lifestyle… I think is a dream. I like the term as a concept, because it promotes all the things that ARE good about working online full time.
Location independence, setting your own hours and being accountable only to yourself (but needing to make the $$ to survive)
So yes…I would say you ARE living the internet lifestyle. At least as “I” see it.
Unfortunately I think many also include the preconceptions of having a yacht, mansion, servants and working only a 4 hour workweek. All theoretically possible, but as we know…but both unlikely and only even possible at all after a TON of hard work.
Some people sell the dream without ever trying to point out the realities or any way to achieve it. That is what irks me. I don’t even mind the sporadic, “look at my lifestyle” posts. After all I cannot claim innocnece, over the past year i have pooped out a couple myself. But keep them few and far between. (like I feel you should with rants like this one…lol)
When the bloggers answer to “How do I achieve the internet lifestyle” is “Get Aweber” and learn to use “Market Samurai” there is a disconnect. (both great tips BTW..just only ‘part’ of the answer.
As for digging a hole. been there. done that. I am almost out of my debt hole now. I know what you mean. It can get rough.
Well enough ranting for now. Wind me up…watch me go.
Hi Steve, now that I’ve been blogging for a year, I’ve really changed what I read on other blogs. I am beyond the basics now so I really look for bloggers who give me the steak as you put it. 🙂
I agree with your list of what a lifestyle design blog should give the reader. I haven’t written many lifestyle design posts at all because I prefer to interview people who are DOING it and use them as examples. I will probably write a post on what I learned from a past business, mostly focusing on what not to do.
Jennifer,
I think this may be part of our natural progression as bloggers. Maybe we all move slowly away from the stuff that is “common” over time once we see what is common and what isn’t.
I think your blog is almost more of a travel-log than a real “internet lifestyle” in your case it is all about “meeting” interesting new people and seeing what life is like for them. Like you said i have never seen you really doing what i would consider a “lifestyle design”
Your blog is all actionable (as you say… sometimes warnings) and geared towards telling interesting stories.
OK when RObert and Murray get a room I’ll comment. Until then I ‘m taking my bat and ball and…. oh who am I kidding.
First off 7 secrets to minimizing your possessions to 113 items
OR
21 perfect destinations to become location independent
LMAO! Nice
As for the post and the direction it and your blog are heading I say hear hear.
I am noticing a common thread among bloggers who ‘get it’ to steer in this direction (read Murray and Robert again) and I too am jumping on the bandwagon (or is that off it?)
I read a comment from Corbett Barr today (you should go read his traffic and annual blog report – its brilliant) and in the comments he says ‘Your blog is never going to be a business until you have a product to sell” and although this is just one direction you can go when jumping off the ‘internet lifestyle’ bandwagon – I think he clarifies exactly where I need to go ,and more imporantly -why I have not arrived there yet.
The sites you mention are indeed good resources, and I have to admit that Ana’s growth has been nothing short of incredible.
I have tried to keep up with her, oh how I have tried – but to what end.
Oh this brings up another point.
Blogging is as personal as you are, so what works for others will not necessarily work for you. While the gurus try to distract you with their sales copy – the hard working bloggers can distract you in the same way.
Cut out the noise and focus on your journey.
Good to see you cutting out some of your noise mate – of course I doubt you will ever get rid of the incessant buzz that is yours truly. (I hope?) LOL
Robert and Murray get a room. LMAO
I have checked out Corbett Barr from time to time. he is one of those guys that goes the other way (not in a gay sense) for me. I keep meaning to check him out more frequently and always forget. The few times i have been by his site I did see things I liked.
I agree wholeheartedly with his statement ‘Your blog is never going to be a business until you have a product to sell” (that you just told me about 😉 )
That is why I have been busting my ass working on what I hope will be a really kickass (and realistic) affiliate marketing ebook. It has been a long process and I have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into making it.
-ok, I got a paper-cut when i did a printout and cried like a school girl
I agree, I think we all started at roughly the same time. Or at least that was the point that i got serious. (for the first few months I barely paid attention to this blog) and though I have had some good growth that I am proud of, it has been nothing like hers. Quite amazing.
And I will always like your incessant buzz. Even if it is just to read the most amazing headlines EVER
I’ve been in Internet Marketing for around 5 years or so. I built my web development business using PPC and a massive amount of online marketing (not with big read headlines). I run multiple businesses, etc. etc. Here’s the thing for me.
I have a great respect for you Steve for two reasons:
1. You give a hell of a lot of info here. Your email autoresponder was GOLD, and I refer people to it every day. In fact, I have your graphic in my personal marketing swipe file and am working to implement the strategy too. That post alone goes past courses I’ve paid for. Solid gold.
2. I would suggest that your site here is in a popular niche, namely the make money online niche. Yes, that is what it comes down to for me. However, you aren’t spouting stats from *this* blog, you’re telling us how you are making money in your other endeavors. THAT is really the #1 for me when my head does the comparisons it will naturally do.
That’s the difference between the blogs I read and those I don’t. Alex, Murray, Moon, Thomas, Kevin, Pat (as you mention) and others make money outside of their blogs, which are effectively also in the “make money online” niche, which happens to be pretty popular. I give these folks respect and read their posts.
Enough rant. Things need to be shaken up. So many people are sold a false dream because it sells better. If you aren’t trying to convert the masses there’s no need for that crap.
Hey Scott,
Your pretty much echoing what I have been thinking the last two months. I have to clean up my Reader but have stopped visiting most blogs. Time to ‘do’ more, ‘read’ a little less (or at least from better sources). I’m sure I’m guilty of the same but I’m trying to do the best I can.
Right on Steve!
Yup! it tis’ that time for sure. I have still been making some rounds, specifically of those that come here a fair piece. But I simply cannot spend 3 hours a day getting out and reading 100’s of blogs and commenting. Somethings gotta give.
Hey Scott!
Dude, thanks for mentioning my blog here and it’s an honor to know that in a “why most internet lifestyle” gurus suck article, you highlight me as one of the exceptions. Much appreciated. Cheers, and I wish you all the best!
-Pat
Pat,
I definetly like your blog. you are the “real” deal and I love that you give real honest advice. Even when I disagree (rarely) I find myself wondering how I am wrong…lol
Hey Steve,
What a great post! I really dig your honesty and forthrightness and as far as I’m concerned you are one of the trailblazers of a new kind of blogging especially in the “Internet Lifestyle” niche.
I deleted a few feeds and unsubscribed from a few lists because all I was getting was a little bait and then an affiliate hook to some product or a self inflating post about how awesome they are and how they don’t give a crap what anyone thinks of them. Honestly, it made me feel sick so I took my attention away – that’s what it’s about afterall – getting and keeping people’s attention – and besides they don’t really give a crap anyway 😉
Now I spend my attention where I find the best value, like here at SteveScottSite!
So good on you for writing this and for always giving top class content and no BS – you rock!
Gabi 🙂
Thanks Gabi,
I am glad you find value here! 🙂 It certainly would be a lot better if more of them had something to say. Either they really have nothing…or are ‘saving” it for something. Either way it does the rest of us no good.
No one with any sense can be mad at you for this post, and you’ve said a mouthful. I lament that many times you visit these sites and don’t learn anything, which I wouldn’t mind as much if they at least made me think about something. I have the same gripe with free seminars that spend an hour saying nothing, only to pitch a $100 seminar at a later time. Just throw us a bone every once in awhile, I figure. I’ve noticed that John Chow has started doing that every once in awhile now, and that can only be a good thing.
You do make a good point. Even if they do not “tell” you anything, there can be something to be gained by making you “think” about something important. But like you said…few even do that.
I havent been by John Chows site in a wile. he is someone who definitely HAS knowledge, so if he shares it could be worthwhile, but he also certainly does a lot on the ‘fluff” side too. It could certainly be worthwhile if he gives out real quality.
Steve, I’ve been reading your stuff for some time and I gotta tell ya, this is maybe the most impressive yet, as I can tell it’s a subject you’ve been thinking quite a bit about and if anyone can speak it, it’s you— been there, done that.
The subject here is that of ‘raising the bar’. Yes, absolutely. It needs to be done, and in no industry maybe more than the ‘internet lifestyle’ one. A whole lot of talkers and a very few walkers, ya know?
Loved it and off to share Steve, other people need to hear this.
Marcus
Thanks Marcus, very nice words!
I agree, there are a lot of people who will show you fancy cars and hot lifestyle (which I do not have yet…though I make a decent living) with no real plan as to how to get there.
That is what I like about your site too…you have had success and you only talk about what you know and your experiences, not create a dream, inspire people (I will give them that) and the have a murky path to success that entails heaps of products of which some work to a degree and others are flat out scams.
Yeah, there are so many stories about how the internet lifestyle is going but it is rare that write about how to achieve it. That’s kind miss guided in my opinion.
Very true. I personally know a few people who are living this “lifestyle” but they are all in the, “work 12-14 hours a day 6-7 days a week” variety not the “do nothing-live on a yacht” types.
Is that “level” of the lifestyle possible? Probably. Easy…hell no.
Hi Steve:
You have made your opinion very clear about blogging and have even excluded yourself, in a way from the norm that you are expecting in blogging.
However, I do like the three blogs you have selected, but there are innumerable other blogs of the similar nature and I like them all.
Fran A
Thanks Fran,
Actually, I didn’t exclude myself. Although I think I have never done it egregiously, I know on a few occasions I have written fluffy pieces that could fall into the “all sizzle” “no steak” variety. I am just making a conscious decision to stay away from that as much as possible
Hi Steve:
This certainly is a better way of putting it to the point and that is the beauty of a writer to express things in the right order of perception which you have. Thanks for correcting me and this reminds me I did not do what I preach. As in my current post I wrote an effective blogger must write to the point and under or over hype is not effective. But I guess I over indulged here. So I will be more careful in future.
Fran A
Steve,
When you start criticizing yourself, I begin to feel worried. You’re already doing a freaking good job here with your content and with your readers. It makes me wonder where I stand compared to you… LOL
Anyway, I’ve always been a frequent reader of your articles. Love it and what really makes me come back on and on again is the quality of the articles here. My focus these days is on people who will help me achieve my goals. I see quite a few comments with bloggers going through the same “transition process”. It seems that blogger do go through a stage of life online too 😀 I think strong actionable content is rare online and your blog is one of those that really beats the crowd to it. I’m looking forward to you setting a new bar here. Can’t imagine what it would be like but I’ll be frequently checking your blog!
LOl, Thanks Bryan,
I don’t think I have been *that* bad. Maybe even in “acceptable” limits for a fluff/content ratio. Hopefully certainly now that i do not post daily. Trying to get “something” out every day for a year sometimes let articles get posted that I might not have done otherwise.
Again, thanks Bryan, as I know you put care in your posts too, it means a lot that you find mine quality.
I agree that I do think there is a lifecycle to these things. Maybe at some point literally NOTHING is fresh. Some of the blogs that might be “excluded” in my book are ones that may even be “good” for a beginner.
Though when I see someone explain a topic really well and in depth, I am impressed. Even if I know every word. It becomes the kind of thing, that I think, “I wish I saw THAT article 5 years ago.”
Thanks for a great comment. have a wonderful weekend
I read viperchill on a weekly basis, but I haven’t heard of the other 2.. I’ll give them a try:) I like a lot Glen’s articles, especially the one about seo, or how to write an ebook, how to get comments and retweets:D and heck, he knows what he’s saying.. he has hundreds of comments:)
Viperchill is an excellent site for sure and I just go onto Pat’s a few weeks ago. Never heard of Ana’s though. Cool article and great recommendations.
I definitely agree with most of the things you said. A lot of these lifestyle bloggers are all fluff and never ever give you the real meat and potatoes. Nothing of substance. All I wanna learn is something simple: what actions do I need to take to have the best chance to make money? Don’t tell me no story about you laying on the beach, or how getting rich is the best thing in the world. Tell me HOW.
Well, if these are you new goals for this site, count me in as a reader. I have created a new rule for myself though, for every new blog I subscribe to, two have to be unsubscribed to, so that’s a lot of responsibility I’ve placed on you 😉
You’re certainly right. It’s very easy to get stuck in this rut of producing content for the sake of it, and not exactly to produce a wealth of value for your readers. Appreciate the reminder. I just looked through some of my past blog posts on a range of blogs, and it’s interesting to see how little value some have.
Thanks Steve, I found Pat’s blog a few months back and he’s been on my shortlist of blogs to read. If you put the other two blogs in the same company, I’ll be sure to check them out. Thanks again.
Hi Steve, I’m glad I found this post — I thought I was the only one who felt this way. My blog isn’t about IM, but I try to be both entertaining and helpful, which is probably why traffic is growing 125% month-over-month.
I can only spend a little time each day reading bloggers writing about blogging, so I’m pleased to have spent it with you.
Hey there Steve,
I definitely agree, and I think the problem is that some of the people who take on this niche are just learning about the process themselves – they haven’t really learned how to become financially free, so they have nothing more to say than the regurgitated fluff you find on any other blog in the same niche.
I personally find nothing wrong with a writer learning more about a particular topic who documents the journey as the person goes along. I often do that on my blog – in fact, that’s how I come up with new blog post ideas. Something will happen while living out my everyday life – it might be a challenge that I had to overcome, a new discovery, something I’m pretty excited about, or whatever. I’ll then talk about whatever it was.
So, if I previously struggled with something and successfully overcame that obstacle, I’ll write about it and talk about how I was able to do so.
And there’s nothing wrong with that. The problem lies when you’re writing about something you barely know anything about, and you’re basically just regurgitating information you’ve read on other blogs in the same niche.
I loved the examples, Steve. Pat Flynn is a personal favorite. 🙂
Christina
Thanks so much for this article, Steve. It’s really applicable to my niche, which is self-help/personal development/spirituality.
This industry is full of “fluff”…literally. Your challenge to provide useful content is really what I needed to hear. I want to challenge my readers. I don’t need them to agree with my point of view, necessarily, but I want to challenge them to improve their lives.
Your article did that for me…it challenged me to become more articulate and precise in my own writing/content, as a newer blogger. Thanks for the great guidance.
Hello Steve,
I agree, there is so much hype that never stops coming from the gurus.
I too have unsubscribed from most of it and find my time is more available to provide value to my readers.
Thanks for the post.
The problem with most people is that when they write for their own blogs, they “assume” it’s best for their readers as well.
When I was in the beginning stage of having an internet business, I was having a lot of issues. So I know what my readers would have trouble with too. People who did not walk the talk find it difficult to find out what their readers might be interested in.
Another point is that not all articles need to be step-by-step. I believe that you need to create content with various readers in mind. If a moderately experienced person in the IM niche comes to my blog, i don’t want them to find article link “how to set up a WordPress blog” or how to install a particular plugin and so on. That would certainly signal to them that this blog is just for newbies, which most blogs are not.
So mix up the contents. I don’t see anything wrong in writing the kind of articles you mentioned as you don’t want to see, as long as those blogs write the step-by-step articles too…
Wonderful article Steve. Made me think a bit
Thanks Adarsh,
You do have a great point. It is fine to write articles for newbies. It is fine to only have an interemediate level of experience and write articles for those starting out. For me personally it is just important that the blogger clearly claim that. I see a lot of people who obviously only know the things they have read on other blogs just p[arroting back what they read. That doesn’t do anything. But something like “what I have learned in 30(60,90.120) days of blogging” (or something like that) could be an excellent article.
It gives fresh experience from someone just there…It could be BETTER for a person just starting out than an article from someone who has been blogging for years. But it is not based on claims that the person hasn’t reached.
One of my favorite blogs for a long time (the guy stopped blogging) was one that was clearly for beginners. He would do screenshots and step by step instructions for the simplest things in blogging. But every single person I met who was just starting out I would send there. Because it answered every single question someone might have with zero experience.
I agree with you on this point Steve. Those “gurus” should tell us how to create that lifestyle first before they try to sell us those “dreams”. As newbies always need step by step plan to know what to do and how to do them effectively. In fact, I’d love to read more about how to streamline a web business and how to find more passion to complete the task every single day.
Btw, nice post man 🙂
Duy,
Yeah. Even the word “guru” is one I dislike. (Unless it is in reference to an actual Hindu/Buddist etc. Guru) many people just slap that title on until it becomes meaningless.
Action is the keyword. Sure sometimes “rah rah” stuff can be heartening. It has a place. But unless there is a heck of a lot more tips showing “how to do things’ then it is fairly pointless in comparison.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!