I got this new book from Darren Rowse (aka ProBlogger) when it first debuted and have been eager to dig through it because I’m always on the hunt for outstanding resources for my WordPress training clients and new site owners. Here’s my honest review about what this book is and is not, and who will most benefit from it.
Getting Started Right
The first chapter is titled Set Solid Foundations and that’s the one thing most new bloggers and site owners miss. They want to hang the roof and start decorating the house before they pour the foundation.
I would add to that advice by saying that you will have more success with this book, or any other blogging advice, if you first have a solid knowledge base of how to use your CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress.
In the introduction, Rowse states that he is intentionally assuming that you already have your site setup and you’re ready to focus on content.
Develop Good Habits
Successful blogging has a rhythm where consistency is key. And, that’s the first topic Rowse addresses. He guides you through taking a breath and to think about your strategy and time investment.
That’s what the whole book is about – developing the habits and marketing mindset that will help you become a successful blogger.
On Day 1, Rowse shows you how to think beyond blogging post-to-post and helps you see the bigger picture of how to run a blog with the future in mind.
Start at the Beginning
Rowse doesn’t let you get bogged down right out of the gate with the details of how to squeeze the most SEO out of a post. Folks just starting out have not yet developed the marketing mindset to be successful with that yet.
Instead, you start with an idea, expand it to fruition, and then begin planning your blog posts for the entire week from that perspective. In the long run, this is a much more productive place to start.
Exercises That Count
You complete one chapter a day. Each of the seven days has four or five exercises that average about fifteen minutes. And, each one builds on the knowledge you acquired the previous days.
The habit you form with this book is think, plan, do with post ideas that are actionable. Rowse shows you practical tips on how to create a mind map that will have you so inspired that you’ll be creating quality posts for weeks.
And, you will start that process by creating what he calls the pillar, or core content of your site. It’s likely that you will be sending folks to this content again and again during the first year of your site. So, none of your time is wasted doing empty exercises.
By the Numbers
By day 5, presents another foundational element, which is to start networking and inviting others to your site. This is a key step to blogging success, and one that too many coaches place too high on the to-do list. Doing this too soon is like inviting folks to an empty house you just bought. Following the plan in this book, you’ll have a place for folks to sit and feel at home.
At the end of Day 7, Rowse invites you to take a breath again and review your blog to see if it is taking the shape you intended and is meeting the goals you initially set.
Who Will Benefit Most
This is the perfect book for those entering the blogosphere who want to focus on a successful strategy for content creation and developing solid habits that will payoff in the long run.
What the Book is Not
What it doesn’t address aspects of using site, and where to place important snippets of your content for maximum exposure and attention. And, that’s okay because this book is intended to be one part of your entire learning experience. I truly appreciate the fact that it is so focused and you will too.
Prized Resource
I purchased this book, and will be placing it on my Resources wall as an affiliate product. I’m super picky about what makes it onto that page because I only associate BlogAid with folks who know what they are talking about and offer high quality, high value products to my readers and clients.
I’ll be recommending Problogger’s Guide to your First Week of Blogging to all of my training clients who are first time site owners because it takes the same approach to blogging fundamentals that I take to website fundamentals. You will learn step-by-step, with each lesson building on the previous one, while creating a solid foundation for success.
MaAnna is a geek who can still speak in plain English and mashes up her background in both the techie and artsy worlds to teach non-geeks, authors, artists, and other creative folks the ways of WordPress.
