097: 5 Questions Most New Bloggers Struggle With.

You’ve just started your blog, but what’s next? Running a blog seems daunting and frustrating when everyone says you need to focus on SEO or have that media kit. What are these things and are the necessary? And what about setting up a theme without spending a lot of money?

[featured-image single_newwindow=”false”]

In today’s episode, we’re answering 5 of the most common questions new bloggers struggle with. I plan to tackle these common questions and break down their answers into bite sized chunks you can understand.

Listen to episode: (0:41:43)

0:00

0:41:43

097: 5 Questions Most New Bloggers Struggle With.

1) What are some of the best ways you’ve found to automate your blogging?

One of the biggest questions I’ve seen in the groups I frequent is this one. When you become consistent in your blogging, you’ll find you don’t want to be writing and publishing a new post while of vacation. This is where automation comes in really handy.

There are a few things you can do to automate your online business.

Batch produce your content and use the built-in WordPress scheduler.
Set up your WordPress blog with Automatic’s Jetpack and send your post to social media.
Connect your Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Use Buffer or Hootsuite to push your content out.
Use Coschedule to automate your sharing on a calendar system.

2) What are considered good website numbers (or even social media numbers) to have before you create a media kit?

Most bloggers desire to begin monetizing their site or maybe you’ve written a book and you’re told you need a media kit. But what is one?

A media kit is a page on your website or PDF download that promotes you, your business, or your book/service. It’s a way to let potential buyers, radio/TV hosts, and advertisers what you’re all about.

You don’t need a media kit, but if you put one together here’s a few things you’ll want to include.

A mission statement
Who you are and your accolades
Testimonials
Frequently asked questions
Interviews offered – i.e. podcast interview, radio, or Television.
Services/products
all or few – up to you.

3) How do you improve bounce rates and what are typical percentages in the early stages?

You may have heard that you should focus hard on getting your bounce rates as low as you can. But what is a bounce rate? If you have set-up Google Analytics, a bounce rate is when someone enters your webpage then exits that page and leaves your site.

Now, you’ll find a lot of information on the internet that tells you your numbers should be as low as possible. if it’s lower than 60% bounce, then you’re doing well as a blogger. However, I have some good news, if you’re bounce rate is at 73%, which is where I’m at, you’re still doing well.

You don’t need to focus on your bounce rate to know if you’re doing good or bad. Instead, focus on how many return visits and new visits you’re getting every month. Those numbers will show you’re doing better than a simple bounce rate.

4) What is the best way to get folks to sign up for lead generators or content upgrades?

I’ve talked a lot about email and email opt-in lately. This is the number one way to build your online influence. Everyone talks about using social media to build your blog, but building that email list is better.

If you want to ever sell any products, books, or services, having that email list makes it easier to get your message to those who care the most. When you arrive at a website, you’ll often find an email form where you are asked to give your name and email to get a free gift. But where are some of the best places to put those content upgrades?

Homepage.
Right sidebar near the top.
Bottom of every post.
On the footer

The key, make it stupid easy for people to sign up. I highly recommend Convertkit for your email service provider. Click here to get a 30-day money back guarantee.

5.) What are the best free WordPress themes?

Here are some of my favorites:

Twenty-Thirteen.
Twenty-sixteen.
Simple Bootstrap
AccessPress Parallax – used at Living Lights Media

[reminder]What other questions do you have that you’d like me to answer?[/reminder]

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING:

Thank you for listening to today’s show. If you enjoyed today’s show, tell somebody and share this show with them.If you find value in what I write each week, encourage someone to sign-up at here. I would greatly appreciate the help.

My goal each week is to bring a message of clarity by giving you the tools you need so you can transform lives and reach the world with the message on your heart.