31 Days to Building a Better Blog Challenge
I believe blogging is a great way to achieve success. And success doesn’t need to be only measured by financial means. Success as a blogger can be measured by the number of followers you have, the amount of interaction your blog receives through comments, social media mentions and bookmarking, the notoriety you gain by being the expert in your area and the satisfaction you receive by providing relevant, timely and interesting information.
Whether your dream is to build a great company, inform people about your passion, fight an injustice, teach people how to do something or some other reason, blogging can help you accomplish it.
I want to become a better blogger, and I want to help you become a better blogger, whether you’ve got years of experience or are simply considering starting your first blog. (And, you might be like me – I have lots of experience blogging for others, but not for myself – so this is something I want to and can do just for me.)
So, I’m inviting you to come along on a wild – but instructional – ride with me (and my partner in crime – more on her in a moment).
31 Days to Building a Better Blog
Darren Rowse is one of the most successful bloggers on the planet. He authors the ProBlogger blog which boasts 136,000+ RSS subscribers and has helped thousands of people learn to earn a living through blogging.
Several years ago, Darren did a 31 Days to Building a Better Blog project. Thousands of bloggers participated as Darren posted a blogging lesson and gave a homework assignment each of the 31 days.
I bought a copy of 31DBBB for $20 at the end of last year. I skimmed it, made some feeble attempt at doing the work . . . and then set it aside. While I had intended on going through it on my own (now that I have my own blog), it’s always more fun to do new things with other people and share in the learning. The only cost is to buy Darren’s ebook. There’s no cost to participate in the challenge. Now that any cost objectives have just been obliterated are you game?
I want to do the 31DBBB process with a group of people who are as passionate about blogging and self-improvement as I am. It doesn’t matter what your experience level is. I’d love to see a group composed of blogging newbies and those who’ve been blogging for years. More important than blogging experience is a passion and willingness to commit to about an hour a day, every day, for 31 days.
I know I’m asking for a big commitment. But I wouldn’t make that commitment myself if I didn’t believe it was worth it. And, after the 30 Day Blog Challenge, I think this one might be a piece of cake. Okay, it will take work, but no more than the Blog30 Challenge. 
Speaking of blog challenges, I will also be participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge at the same time. But there will only be 7 days of overlap, so I’m not worried.
A Partner in Crime
I’m also pleased to announce that Michelle Shaeffer will be my partner in this endeavor. She’s a “tech-savvy Wordpress Guru type person,” a perfect complement to my “I-know-enough-to-be-dangerous” tech expertise. She’s also whip-smart and a lot of fun. And, yes, that’s the same Michelle over that the Ultimate Blog Challenge.
What We’ll be Learning
You might be wondering what we’ll be covering in our 31 days. Allow me to enlighten you:
- Analyze a top blogger in your niche
- Find a blog buddy
- Create a squeeze page for your blog
- Leave comments on other blogs
- Hunt for dead links
- Promote a blog post
- Write a variety of post types
- Call your readers to action
- And much, much more!
You’ll be monitoring your website analytics to see how they change over the course of the 31 days. The point of doing what may seem like a random bunch of tasks is to increase your and your blog’s online visibility. This is no small task, and the rewards could be huge.
In the end, my and Michelle’s hope is that you’ll lift your blog to a new level that enriches your readers’ experience, attracts new readers and creates a higher level of awareness of your presence in the blogosphere. How does that sound?
What We Need from You Today
We’re giving you PLENTY of time to consider this, since it won’t start until August 23. But there’s a lot for Michelle and me (well, mostly Michelle) to do between now and then, so that’s why we’re asking now.
If you’re interested and want to participate with really fun, insightful and highly attractive people 
, then please send a “Yes, I’m in!” response in the comments below. You can also write on the Savvy Freelance Writers Facebook wall if that’s easier.
And, if you know of someone who would be interested in this, could you let them know about it by forwarding this page to them?
Oh – this is probably a good time to mention that this won’t happen on 31 consecutive days. I think we should get weekends off. So, 31 week days. This means the program would end on Monday, November 4. Just in time for the holidays.
One Final Note
If we have at least 5 participants, Darren will cut us a deal on the 31 Days to a Better Blog ebook. So don’t rush off and buy it just yet! And do let us know if you want to participate.
And, hey, while you’re down there in the comments, could you click the Recommend button? Please?
Thank you!
P.S. I’d love to say I came up with this brilliant idea, but that honor belongs to Paul Steinbruek at OurChurch.com (and, of course, Darren who gave birth to the concept initially).
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50 Responses to “31 Days to Building a Better Blog Challenge”
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Melanie Kissell (28)
Ginny (16)
Suzanne (13)
Michelle Shaeffer (7)
Michele Scism (6)
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The Hired Pen
Twitter: DanielleMcGaw
says:
Did you guess that I would be first to jump in? I actually bought the book when it first came out and I’ve been through parts of it but never really gotten started. So, this is a great opportunity as far as I’m concerned.
One thing that bugs me about having an e-book is that it is in PDF form, which means you can’t take notes and stuff like you can on paper. BUT if you convert it to OneNote or Word you Can. I blogged about it here if anyone is interested:
http://daniellemcgaw.com/31-days-to-build-a-better-blog/
So, yes, totally in Lisbeth!
Danielle McGaw recently posted..New E-book Project – and You’re Invited To Play!
Danielle, I am so pleased to see you jump right in! Thank you for that.
And thanks for passing on your blog post. I wasn’t aware of being able to convert a PDF into a Word, Excel or rich text doc. That will come in very handy. That tip is priceless! I’m looking forward to the challenge and to getting to know all the participants better.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Lisbeth Tanz, Lisbeth Tanz. Lisbeth Tanz said: 31 Days to a Building a Better Blog Challenge http://bit.ly/b7WwY1 Want your blog to thrive? Here's the recipe. [...]
Twitter: morecristina
says:
Count me in! I am ready, willing and determined for this challenge. Couldn’t have come at a better time!
Cristina
http://www.askcristinamoreno.com
So happy to hear this is coming at a good time for you, Cristina. We’re thrilled to have you join us.
Twitter: grtshoppe
says:
I was referred by Michelle (the REAL Small Business Muse) — I’ve been following her for over 2 years now and have learned so much from her! I would love to join this challenge and I am hoping to bring along some of my friends that need help with their blogging too
I’m excited to be a part of this!!!
Kimberly – welcome! We’re thrilled to have you!
Count me in! I am looking forward to another challenge. Right now I am have been taking in many challenges to build my name and brand! If I may be of any service please let me know!
MJ Schrader recently posted..You Might Need to Quit Your Job if…
MJ – so glad you’re adding your voice to the mix! Welcome to the party.
Twitter: outsourcejim
says:
I’m there with ya Lisbeth!
Don’t think Ed Dale’s Challenge will be over yet, but hey–it’s only sleep. I can do that when I get old LOL
Mtn Jim
p.s. join us ’round the campfire?
http://www.campfiremastermind.com
Mtn Jim Fisher recently posted..Screw The Search Engines!
Alright! So happy you’re joining us Mtn Jim! Thank you for the MM invitation. I’d love to participate, but I’m in two groups already. Perhaps with those end?? However, feel free to promote it on the Savvy Freelance Writers FB page. You might get some takers there.
You already know I’m in!
Yes, but it’s always nice to get the confirmation! So looking forward to working/playing with you in this endeavor, Michelle.
I’m in, Lis; and I’m excited! I need something like this to get me off the dime and get more people to my blog! Looking forward to it!
Karen, I’m jazzed that you’re joining us! According to Darren, this should be a game-changer blog-wise for anyone who participates.
Yeah! This will be great for me too, so count me in. The timing is perfect. It will give me a chance to finish up some of my other commitments before this starts.
Wonderful! I’m so glad you’re able to join us – and get all those “other” things out of the way so you can focus on your blog.
Hi,
I am fairly new to blogging,so this couldn’t come at a better time for me!
I am definitely in!
Judy
Judy, we’re happy you’re part of the group and that this came at a good time for you! Welcome.
Twitter: joanneluke
says:
Hey Lis,
Count me in – I’m so looking forward to “creating a better blog” pretty much fresh out of the gates.
Jo
Jo – It’s great to have you! Thank you so much for joining!
I’m in! I did the 30 day challenge, but I need to get more people to come to my blog!
Cat – according to Darren Rowse, this will help with your traffic. I’m excited to get started!
Yeeeeeeeeessssssssssss I’m in. This will be a challenge for me but I know i can do it
Marielly – LOVE the enthusiasm! Thank you for deciding to do this. You will definitely learn new things.
Twitter: ResultsLady
says:
Awesome idea Lis, I love this. I am all for anything that is going to increase our blog traffic. What I love about the concept of blogging is that it’s an easy way for us to support each other’s blogs. I love that this is going to happen right at the end of our Ultimate Blog Challenge http://ultimateblogchallenge so it will give us the next step to keep our momentum going. Thank you to both of you for doing this. Michele
Michele Scism recently posted..Top 5 Reasons to Join a Blog Challenge
Michele, welcome aboard; I’m so happy you’re coming along with us. And glad you posted your link to the Ultimate Blog Challenge in your comments. I’ll be talking about later this week or weekend. This will be fun!
I’m in. I can’t wait to get started!
Julie – welcome! I can’t wait to start either! Glad you’re looking forward to this.
Twitter: melaniekissell
says:
You knew I’d show up here, right?
Wish I could also participate in the “Michele & Michelle” ultimate blog challenge (I LOVE them both!). But my schedule won’t allow me to be that overzealous so …
Looks like you’re the one who’s stuck with me!
Melanie
Melanie Kissell recently posted..So You want to be a Freelance Writer
Stuck with you? Oh contraire! I’m thrilled you’re joining us, Melanie. You bring such great insights and thoughtful conclusions. You are most welcome here.
Twitter: cindyclemens
says:
Looking forward to it. I also did the 30 day challenge in June and will be doing the Ultimate Blog Challenge starting on August 1st. I find that I do well if I have peer pressure
Will bookmark this post so that hopefully I will remember to check back.
FYI: Maybe you should add an opt-in form that really only goes to a basic thank you page for now so that anyone who is interested can at least give you their email address. That way when you are ready for us to officially sign up you can shoot out a quick email. Just a thought
“See” everyone soon,
Cindy
Cindy Clemens recently posted..Facebook Events Gets a Facelift
Cindy, thank you for joining in! Yes, your thought about an opt-in box is a very good one and our site will be up very soon. I mainly did this post to see if the interest was even there for the challenge. I needed that info to get a discount code from Darren. We more than have enough – yeah! I will be sending out emails to all those interested as soon as the site is live. Thank you so much for joining us!
I’m in, too. I’m doing the Ultimate Blog Challenge…this seems like a great follow up effort.
(my site will be up and ready this weekend…still in the “building” phase)
Sheena, this is great – I’m glad you’re joining us and up for doing two challenges at once (even though there isn’t a great deal of overlap). It will be fun!
I took one look at Melanie Kissell and jumped right in! “You may want to consider giving me a ramp to climb higher surfaces” — sound familiar? August 23, eh? That gives me plenty of time: yeah, right! As Marielly writes: this will be a challenge but I know I can do it. Thanks for your enthusiasm Lisbeth.
Ginny recently posted..Hello world!
Ginny, you’ll learn a lot AND be able to kick off your blog right. Just a thought – if you want to start putting content on your blog more consistently, check out my friend Michelle’s Ultimate Blog Challenge (www.ultimateblogchallenge.com). Yes, there are 7 days that overlap with this challenge, but you would be writing a post every day with hers – a great way to get into the habit. I’m so happy you’re coming along with us!!
I missed the first call-in yesterday (I was considering entering your friend Michelle's Ultimate Blog Challenge) because I had a meeting with the plumber PLUS I couldn't figure out how to convert time. Is it too late to get notes from that call? There are 7 days that overlap, you mean I would be blogging on two separate sites for 7 days? One more question, would it be good to choose a blog topic beforehand? I'm not trying to sell anything or promote anything and these days I don't feel too passionate about much
so I was thinking about blogging about my fascinating life! I want to invite some friends, too: Amy, Barbara, and Ruby.
Ginny, I would encourage you to do both challenges. The 31DBBB is quite different from writing a blog post each day and each challenge will, um, challenge you in different ways. No, you don’t need a blog topic beforehand, but it makes life easier. The easiest way to begin this process is to look at the categories you want to talk about. Say, dogs, music, government work, living in CA, etc. Within each of those categories, generate at least 10 “headlines” you could use. If you can do this, then you’ll be in a much better position to write each day, because you’ll have created somewhat of a roadmap. And remember, on the Ultimate Blog Challenge, you only have to write 100 words. Know how long that is?
This sentence is 100 words long and it just seems to go on and on and on, without end or even purpose – but that’s not true because I’m just trying to show you how short 100 words can be because it’s really, really not that many words when you get right down to brass tacks and all of that, since it’s probably closer to a fleeting thought, a whispered idea, a veiled threat – eek, where did that come from you ask – no idea since I’m just rambling along here on this bumpy road of life and love that’s my calling.
Whew, maybe a little less coffee in the morning would be good for me.
Oh – and do invite your friends! Our website should be up soon!
I invited Sheila (Ruby): she’s in.
Ginny recently posted..Hello world!
Lisbeth:
Thank for setting up this challenge. It is sizzling hot with two blog challenges in the month of August. It is a great opportunity to get exposure with readership and increase traffic to your site just to name a few benefits. Lisbeth once you have the link to the site let me know so I can share it with all the members of the Continuity Blogging Community. Look forward to this challenge. Jane
Jane Lee recently posted..Are You Monkeying Around with Your Surveys
Jane, you’re very welcome! I agree, people who do both challenges are sure to see positive changes in their blog’s visibility. Michelle and I are working hard to get the site done ASAP. Thank you so much for putting it out to your community! I’m also glad you’re participating because I think you’ll bring a great voice to the party.
I am in! I was part of the 30 day challenge but unfortunately could not complete due to an ER visit that landed me in the hospital for 5 days. That was my first time blogging regularly. I enjoyed it, I met new people, including finding your blog and site and I can’t wait to participate in another one.
Renee recently posted..Carb Free Eating
Hi Renee, just want to be sure that you know this challenge is not strictly blogging, but other things as well. The idea is to increase your blog’s visibility via several means. If you are only wanting to do blogging, you might want to check out http://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com. That one starts Aug. 1 and is strictly blogging. (I hope you’ll consider doing both!) Thank you so much!
That will be good too – the other activities. I would still like to participate. I signed up for the ultimate blog challenge when I saw it here the other day, but yours will give me a great opportunity to build a following.
Thank you! I'm looking forward to the community and group deal.
Twitter: gwenatanner
says:
HI Lisbeth, I'm in, of course
Especially since I don't have to start now. I'm going to send your link to a few people who showed interest when I posted about it last month. (I"ll give you the scoop later).
Thanks for doing this!
Gwen
Gwen, thank you so much for your generosity. Working very hard to launch the site today (tonight) – I will definitely be in touch! Thank you again!
Thank you for launching this challenge! I've been trying to push myself, but I think a group effort is just what I need – as well as the expertise this will bring.
Lynn, welcome! I’m glad you’ve elected to join us. You will definitely learn some things you may not have considered before. I look forward to getting to know you better!
[...] 31 Days to Build a Better Blog — Lisbeth [...]
Twitter: SuzanneWesley
says:
I definitely need tips on increasing my blogs readership. Count me in.
Let me know about the eBook, since it looks like you definitely have enough for a discount already. I have not read it yet, and I’m fairly new to blogging, at least doing it regularly, so I’m eager to read it!
Suzanne – so pleased you’ll be joining us! The information you’ll learn might not always be the sexiest stuff, but it’s important to know and use when blogging. Be sure to register at the site so you’re on the mailing list! http://www.savvybloggingsuccess.com.