I said in the intro to my last post I’ll share with you my findings from my recent poll. Initially I didn’t have any intention of doing that, it was purely designed to help me meet your needs better when the new blog goes live (hopefully) early next month.
However, I had some amusing comments and there were some interesting points made that I hadn’t considered. If you were one of the well in excess of 100 people that took the time to let me know your thoughts, a massive thanks!
1. Question on Length of Posts
In the first question I asked what you thought of the length of my posts. This is something I am acutely aware of because I realize that many people like to be able to scan a post of bullet points and take something of value away from it inside 7.2 seconds.
My big concern is that a lot of what I do simply doesn’t work like that. I see self development and life coaching sites doing this kind of thing, but I can guarantee you, for the majority of people there will be no lasting beneficial change.
Also a couple of people asked me to ‘get to the point’ quicker. Sometimes I confess to rambling because I can, but a lot of the time as with my joking around, there is a method to my madness.
It maybe I’m writing in nested loops or trying to set up the take away in such a manner that you’ll actually remember it. That can take time and sometimes just dropping the facts on you isn’t enough.
Many people know the information, but that’s seldom enough in and of itself. It’s actually integrating that knowledge into the unconscious that’s the tricky bit and that’s something I’m often thinking about.
Giving you an abstract piece of information is one thing. Giving you an abstract piece of information and allowing you to link it to something more tangible, relevant and personal to you, quite another. The latter is exponentially more powerful.
Action: I’m going to work on keeping the length down when I can, but will occasionally assault you with a long post when it’s required to explain a process in the depth make it useful.
2. Question on Going Off Topic
This surprised me because only 2% of respondents were put off sufficiently by my occasional ramble away from life coaching and self development to hit the back button. A further 9% dozed, off but a whopping 89% of you either didn’t really mind or licked your lips in excitement.
Action: This is seldom planned anyway so I’ll relax in the knowledge that if I want to vent and rant you’re cool with it, as long as I don’t go completely postal about SunTrust bank on a daily basis.
3. Question on Topics
Ok so you really threw a curve ball at me with this and I really didn’t expect the results’
63% of people want more life coaching case studies. Yet when I posted one fairly recently it wasn’t particularly well read. On the flip side, only 17% of people want more posts on blogging and Twitter yet conversely they tend to be more popular.
I’m guessing the latter bring in temporary traffic in that disappears back from whence it came when I move back into life coaching or general self development.
There was no doubt though that over 40% of you relish the prospect of me having my gonads ripped off by the doberman of my choice. One rather creative person combined this with question 5 and suggested video posts of me having my testicles ripped off.
Action: I think I’ll add some more life coaching case studies as I move along and also as almost 50% of people requested more on NLP I can take a look at that too.
4. Question on Guest Posts
Only 11% of people don’t want guest posts and a thumping 87% of you like to read an alternative viewpoint if the post is up to scratch that is.
Action: I already turn down 3 out of 4 guest posts that are sent my way because I think they aren’t right for any number of reasons. Then I get a brilliant post like Mike Panebianco’s ‘The Skinny on Real Confidence’ last week and I’m just itching to share it.
That will remain the same, I’ll post guest material as and when the right stuff comes in without setting up a specific schedule and being forced to publish something I’m not completely happy with.
5. Question on Video Posts
Only 35% want to see more video posts with the rest being either not bothered or averse to them.
Action: I’ll do the occasional video post and upload to YouTube, but unless I think it’s a must share I’ll just mention it in the footer of a written post and give you the opportunity to click through if you so wish. Alternatively, you can just subscribe to my YouTube feed and cut out the middle man.
6 & 7. Question on Product Review
Another one that surprised me as only 29% of people want more product reviews. Maybe that is a reflection that I have the balance about right I’m really not sure. What came out from the follow up question is when I do do reviews, books are the most popular type by some margin.
Action: I made the decision a while ago to try and avoid reviewing crap product and that will stay the same. If I get sent a book to review and hate it I’ll not review it rather than waste space telling you why I didn’t like it.
8. Question on Frequency of Posting
78% are happy with the frequency of posting at twice per week. A surprising amount of people, equating to 12%, think I post too often and 10% not enough.
Action: It’s been fluctuating between 2 and 3 times per week for a while now, but from 1st June it will be strictly twice per week on Sunday/Monday and Wednesday/Thursday.
9. Question on What You Want To see More/Less Of
This was an open question and yielded some interesting suggestions and showed the diversity of readers.
A number of people said I should retain the cartoons (sorry it’s not going to happen) and a number of people said I should drop the cartoons (congratulations you got your wish!). Two people even want me to go image free so posts are easier to read on a phones.
One person requested porn star interviews and I am currently on the case with that one and another thinks I should swear more! Two people suggested I should have all my posts edited before publishing and another thinks my writing style, including typos, is endearing and was worried that would change when the blog swaps over. My style of delivery most definitely will not be changing.
I occasionally get e-mails pointing out my appalling editing skills and obviously it’s an issue for a minority of people. However, I’ve written posts that take me hours and when I get close to publishing everything always looks right to me!
It’s not that I don’t re-read posts, it’s just that I have a tendency to see what I expect to see because I just want to hit publish.
Action: Involving another person to edit for me is a complete non-starter because of how I work, so I’ll try harder, but I suspect it may be a question of putting up with it.
10. Question on How To Be Rich and Happy
33% of the people that took the survey already have How To Be Rich and Happy and think it was worth every penny. 12% have the book but haven’t read it yet (slackers!), 1 person bought it and has been disappointed (if that’s you, contact me and I’ll give you a refund). 24% of people haven’t bought the book and feel guilty for not doing so. No problem, let me remedy that my saying go and buy How To Be Rich and Happy now and relieve yourself of your guilt in a matter of moments!
One person suggested there should have been another option, that of;
“I haven’t bought it because I can’t afford it”
Well the reality is that is exactly the kind of person we want to help, so if that’s you, contact me and I’ll either mail the hard copy if you’re in the US or the ebook if you’re overseas. I do have your IP address that I’ll want from you, so no fibbing to get a free book.
I was a disappointed that 17% of people are sick of me going on about it. It’s such a fine line, if I never mention it nobody buys it, but if I go too far over the top I look salesy and pushy.
I have been very hands off in the past compared to many bloggers with my own product and selling myself. I can’t be arsed to craft carefully written blogs that are in reality selling platforms dressed up as posts. It seems fake to me, so if I want to sell something I’d rather it be obvious and that fits much better with the ethos of A Daring Adventure
I spend between 12 and 15 hours a week working on my blog and it’s free and always will be. However, I do need to generate clients on an ongoing basis to put food on the table. I also want to sell 1,000,000 copies of HTBRAH because I believe so passionately in the book and what we’re trying to achieve with it.
I hope you understand that, but if it’s too much to put up with, you know where the door is ;-)
Starting on June 1st I’m going to conduct a 30 experiment into gaining more energy. My wife Helen will be joining me so if you’re up for the challenge I’d love to have you on board too.
Tim Brownson is a Certified Life Coach and has been unsticking people and helping them reach their true potential since 2005. If you would like to know how he can help you
I’m really hoping you don’t increase the swearing and porn stars, cause that would probably stop me reading.
I think that 17% of your readers being sick of you going on about HTBRAH is an ok figure. You’re not going to please everyone, and if you reframe it then 83% of your readers are fine with you talking about it. Or 83% of the survey respondents anyway.
What is a 30 Experiment? I’d be interested in more energy, but I’d like to know what I’m getting myself into first!
Ya I am also supporting point number 8 for frequency of posting, most of the people liked your blogs so you will have to post twice in week.
Everyone loves dobermans.
@ Melinda – I suspect the porn stars wont come into play. It was an interesting idea though.
@ Anthony – No problem with that one.
@ Bob – Not sure they do Bob, but they should ;-)
I can’t wait to find out what odd search term brings google traffic to this post that combines the words “dobermans” and “porn.” Just can’t wait.
@ Alisa – Me neither, the bribery opportunities should be immense!
Tim
This was a wonderful source of information for me. I branched into blogging a couple of months ago so it was illuminating to discover what your other readers thought.
By the way I still have my autographed copy of “Don’t ask Stupid Questions” which you sent to Scotland for me! It will always be treasured even though it can be downloaded now.
I will be sorry to see the cartoons go. I am finding that good ones are hard to source.
Perhaps one day when I become a grown up blogger I will try for a guest slot! Best wishes and thanks!
@ Marion – Think bigger! I’m happy to read any guest posts sent to me and I’m sure you’re very capable.
If you like the cartoons I use, check out this link and click on the guys portfolio. They are about $1.50 each.
http://www.istockphoto.com/user_view.php?id=361997
I think that’s not suprising that 63% of people want more life coaching article.
The life coaching industry is still relatively new, having only been officially recognized for approximately the past thirty years. Because of this, coaching is still very much an unregulated practice. There are two major certifying boards attempting to change this: the International Association of Coaches (IAC) and the International Coach Federation (ICF). Both organizations have been around for about 15 years and each have rigorous qualification standards and testing that must be achieved prior to certification.
Ben Tien
I think its good you ask what your readers want – but remember, they’re your readers i.e. they read you as your are now. Changing to suit the needs of some (or even most) may lose others. Personally, I think that so long as you’re cool with how your blog looks, feels and reads, then you’ll continue to keep a loyal following of people who want to digest your stuff – even if that following changes slightly. Preaching to the converted, I know – but you can’t please everyone.
Now go get your nads munched!
I think it’s actually brave of you to ask opinions of your readers on these matters. I’m kinda new to the site but kudos! And you’re working to implement these changes. My advice–not really an advice but a reminder is that you can’t please everyone. And well, good luck!
@ NLP – In isolation I don’t think it’s surprising either. But off the back of my last one that had a relatively low page viewing, it didn’t really stack up.
@ Mark – The thing that will never change is my writing style and the way I deliver information.
I actually hate my blog now! I think it looks dated and the colors that were once cool now wear on me. A change is due and we’ll see how it goes. Thanks for the feedback!
@ Megan – LOL, tell me about it! I know some people will like the changes and other wont, such is life ;-)
Hey Tim. Nice title. I heard about you from Johnny’s recent post, so I checked you out and now you’re in my Google Reader. I’d say that if you’re a life coach (and you are), then blog about… life coaching. And if you want to do a product review, or point out a product, then link to someone who’s already done it and call it good.
One more thought: the world does not need more help with Twitter. Stick a fork in it. It’s done.
@ Ben – I just turned Twitter over and you’re right it does appear to be done.
I have a simple request – could you please go back to full RSS feed instead of the newly introduced partial one? I read your blog exclusively through my RSS reader and wouldn’t want to unsubscribe, which is what I do when I encounter a partial feed…
Thank you in advance and thanks for all the blog entries!
@ Tanuki – We’re still in the testing stage. I honestly am not sure what way we’ll go with that although I confess to leaning toward publishing the full article through RSS. Hold fire for a few days whilst we iron some issues out.
found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later