When Darren Rowse of Problogger ran his (I hope annual) 31 Days to a Better Blog Challenge, I immediately jumped into the fun. Because Darren is one of the most financially successful bloggers on the ‘net, I knew his advice was 1) valuable; and 2) valuable! I stayed with the challenge through the whole 31 days, even though there were days I had to play catch-up, and days I had to miss altogether. And even though I’ve been blogging for a long time, Darren had brilliant ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of–at least not in the near now. Because Darren received so many requests, he put the entire 31 Days to a Better Blog into a PDF workbook form, and is currently selling it for $19.95. I bought a copy today, ran through the entire 94 pages, with these thoughts. (and if you’re asking why I would buy a workbook when I already have all the information, here’s why: I’m printing the workbook, then popping it into a three-ring binder with tabs for each of the 31 days – that way I can go through the workbook daily, checking off daily tasks, and at the end of each month, wash, rinse, repeat.
Review: 31 Days to a Better Blog Workbook
I like that Darren began by telling readers the purpose of the workbook (sold in PDF format): "The idea is simple. By the end of this challenge you’ll have learned 31 aspects of blogging and put them into practice. It is designed not only to fill your head with knowledge ABOUT blogging but also give you some concrete things to do to actually DO something with the knowledge." Each day consists of a blogging technique, examples, and a task. Some days the tasks will take you a couple of hours, other days only a few minutes. I like that Darren gives solid, concrete examples for each lesson. For example, on day one (write an elevator pitch), he tells you the exact
short and long versions of his own elevator pitches. If, at the end of the 31 days, you want to continue the challenge with more advanced techniques, Darren has a link to a newsletter that has occasional updates on the most important developments in terms of tools and resources to help you improve your blogging. In addition to the lesson, samples and tasks, Darren also includes a Notes section; this section typically includes more tips, other examples – - generally a place for more detailed information about the day’s lesson. Would I recommend the 31 Days to a Better Blog Workbook? I found the daily lessons to be valuable resources for building my own blogs, improving my blog techniques, and crystalizing my brand. The Workbook closely followed the lessons, but in putting the Workbook together, Darren cleaned up the lessons, added new material (and bonus material) – - even adding 6,000 new words of content. I think the Workbook is well-worth the $19.95; if you have a blog and want more traffic, exposure, or readership, I believe the Workbook is invaluable. Darren is one of the most respected bloggers around, and when he tells you how to improve your traffic and readership, you know his advice is based on real-life experience, not theory. So, if driving traffic to your blog is your goal, pop over and pick up the Workbook today. I suggest printing it out, getting it bound, or putting it in a 3-ring binder. But don’t stop there – - actually DO the tasks daily – - and I bet if you check your analytics on day 1 and your analytics on day 31 you’ll see an increase. I’m tracking my own traffic through the month of June – and will post a report in 30 days.
Thanks for writing a review on Darren’s 31DBBB. I was interested to read it but kinda left it in the back burner. I’ll try to find time and read it soon.
Great review Nancy.
All bloggers who wish to be a better and successful blogger should at least bought @problogger’s workbook.
A good nail in the idea….I was kinda undecided if I want to buy the ebook or just skim thru his series online….but your idea abt printing them out was a seller!
Gooood idea!
Thanks for this review Nancy. I bought Darrne’s ebook on Saturday and started on my 31 day challenge yesterday (31st May) and am working through it diligently for the whole of June.
So by 30th June I have gone through the workbook daily and the proof of the pudding will a highly trafficked blog
I guess it is a question of watching this space.
And committed, focussed actions everyday whilst I am watching that space…
See I don’t find Darren’s site or advice all that unique or useful personally. Props to him for being successful but I just don’t see myself buying a pdf book with his advice in it.
Mike you have your point but compare to others experts Darren’s site is no doubt a no nonsense blog that help NEW blogger get in the game.
Thanks for the review on the 31 days to a better blog. I was thinking of whether to purchase it or not.
I find problogger’s tips very useful and timeless. Haven’t really read any of his ebooks yet though