So while we’re on the subject of e-books… let me share another e-book I recently read.

This e-book was all about shaping your blog and growing your audience (kind of in contrast to the last e-book, but both have their place).

At first, I wasn’t too fond of this book because it told me that my blog sucked. Reading his content was hard because it was showing me I was doing all the wrong things to grow my blog platform. Not what I wanted to hear.

I grew to love the book quickly though, as I realized how right he was. His humor kept the book interesting, and I laughed out loud several times. And this e-book is what encouraged me to start my new blog. I have to say; his ideas work. I’ve implemented a few of them, and in the few short weeks that I’ve been writing it, I have had four to five complete strangers comment on my blog. Now if they keep reading remains to be seen, but I find it cool that people are finding it at all.

This blog continues to be Drew and I’s outlet to share our random lives with friends and family, and it will stay that way. But I’m thankful that I had a kick in the pants to start something new and fresh and focused.

Here are the main points I pulled out of the book.

1. A focused blog draws more readers. If you tell a random someone that your blog is about whatever strikes your fancy, they’re likely not going to read it.
2. Short is better. I’m longwinded in my writing, and I desperately need this reminder. People aren’t going to stick around for my 4,000 word essay on life.
3. You don’t always have to write awe-inspiring, original content. Share pictures, videos, or other blog posts that relate to your content. That sure takes a load off.
4. Be consistent. If you wait three weeks between posts, readers aren’t going to come back.
5. Share the love. Visit other blogs and comment. That act alone will encourage someone to click on your blog and read it. I’ve done this several times in the last month and have connected with some really cool bloggers. Not only does it up my readers, it allows me to explore some other blogs. There are some cool ones out there.

If you’re looking to expand and grow your blog platform, I highly recommend this book. Check it out here.