Talent? Luck? Content?
Just what does it take to become a successful blogger?
When I started blogging, I set the lofty goal of receiving 1,000 unique visitors per day. I had no idea what I needed to do as I was receiving less than 50 unique visitors per day.
I would stay up all night writing content and I would stay up all day reading websites on how to get people to read my blog.
Eventually, I achieved my goal, but what allowed me to do it?
Great Content?
Professional bloggers like Darren Rowse, Shoemoney, and John Chow regularly recite “great content” as the best way to become a successful blogger.
But was it really my content? Probably not as I was a mediocre writer.
Back then, my articles were unoriginal and boring. I actually had no idea why anyone would read my writing.
Social Networking?
Other experts like Neil Patel claim social networking is the key to becoming a successful blogger.
However, I didn’t regularly build a social networking profile. As a matter of fact, I disliked both Digg and Del.icio.us.
And now, you are still wondering what allowed me to achieve my goal and I am going to tell you.
Discontent
As Thomas Edison once said, “Discontent is the first necessity of progress” and that is what allowed me to achieve my goal.
I was so discontent with my present situation (<50 unique visitors per day) I was unable to think of anything other than achieving my goal.
More specifically, every single day I would work with unending energy and concentration on achieving my goal and eventually I did.
I may not have done it in the most efficient manner, but I accomplished what I wanted to do and discontent allowed me to do it.
Are You Discontent?
Are you discontent with your present situation? Well, it’s time to use that discontent constructively and let it fuel your desire to becoming successful.
Bonus Tip
With discontent being the main trait of a successful blogger, comfort is the main trait of an unsuccessful blogger. As soon as you get comfortable with how you are doing, the chances of remaining successful decreases.
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Hi Derek – Discontent can be a great motivator can’t it? I’m always discontent with my progress, so I guess it keeps pushing me forward.
Like you, I probably haven’t done anywhere near enough to market my blog but I think I’m going to have to do something unusual to move further forward.
I’m discontent with the amount of money I’m earning from blogging and that is one huge motivator.
Discontent is really a underestimated. It’s really a good motivator.
Good blog! I like it.
@Cath: What do you mean by market your own blog? What have you done?
@Trevor: Thank you for the comment.
social networking has to be the biggest tool…
This is so true. I started my own blog only a few weeks ago but I wish I had hundreds of visitors already. It was discontent that made me set a goal of posting a new article every day starting tomorrow…
Let’s hope I actually do it. And that it brings me more traffic eventually
Great advice there Derek.
It’s so true, there’s rarely an easy route to getting hundreds of blog visitors. It’s just hard work and persistence.
If you’re determined enough then you’ll get there, hopefully
@Paddy Hopefully? You mean definitely.