We all know Janice from her blogging site MostlyBlogging, but did you know she has written a book packed with hints and tips to create content and increase your traffic?
I first met Janice about a month after starting blogging a meagre sixteen months ago whilst trying to figure out what the heck was going on. The newbie wondering what I was doing amidst long standing bloggers with huge followings and rich engagement. She hosts bi-weekly Meet and Greets and it was there that I first tried to find like minded bloggers to follow and, hopefully, invite a few into my community at the same time.
What I found was that not only did that happen, but I made some valuable connections and friends. Then I looked through her blog a bit deeper.
Stumble-Upon, Pinterest, Twitter, Flip-Board, Linked In and Google Plus left me thinking newbie forever. It all seemed obvious if you already had the know how, but to me it was new territory.
To a newcomer like me it was not only overwhelming, but down right confusing to sift the good ideas from the bad and required more time than I had to figure out what’s going on… not to mention an underlying sense that the real deals are kept under wraps.
Even recently I was engaged in a discussion on Facebook group where the community was talking about traffic stagnation and how to increase their profiles to attract more followers and engagement.
So, let me introduce you to Janice Wald’s book “An Insider’s Guide to Building a Successful Blog: Tips and tricks from the creator of Mostly Blogging.”
The overview
Are you a blogger? Are you ready to see your page views skyrocket? If so, you know the importance of using proven tips to engage readers, improve content, and increase blog traffic.
In 2016, there were over two billion social media users. Fortunately, this guide is the only roadmap you will need to send them rushing to your blog.
Janice Wald’s tips are proven by research and easy to understand and implement.
It contains step-by-step directions for content creation, tips for increasing readership, and advice about which tools to use to make blogging easier.
Follow her established strategies and see a dramatic increase in your blog traffic.
I gave it five stars and reviewed it on Amazon, from where I will drop an extract.
“With a book rich in advice like this, don’t waste time and energy trolling websites looking for the trade tricks. They are all condensed with easy to follow explanations from start to finish.
This book is the thing I wish I’d had almost a year ago.”
Find her book on GoodReads for more information and reviews.
Author Bio
Janice Wald is an author, freelance writer, blogger and blogging coach. She blogs at MostlyBlogging where she shares tips for bloggers and marketers and has been included in over thirty expert interviews and interview panels.
Available as an e-book on all devices you can buy a copy at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk or use the link below to see inside first.
Follow Janice across the web and keep up to date with networking news.
Thank goodness there are people like Janice in the blogging community to help beginners up the ladder. 🌼
My sincere apologies for the late reply; for some reason, known only to the filter systems, it was added to my spam folder along with several others. Yes, you are quite right. There is so much information for established bloggers that it can overwhelm someone starting up. I remember that feeling really well as I’ve only been here just over a year now. This book is a great introduction to improving blog and social media performance. Thank you so much for commenting and again, apologies for not seeing this sooner!
No worries. 🌼🌼🌼
Thank you! Hate it when that happens to nice folk 😊
hi,
With kind words. I am always happy to help!
Janice
Hi Gary,
Just hopping over again, in the hope to find out, if you are ok….
My husband and I have one week of vacation left, not going anywhere, just enjoying our free time together. Taking care of jobs around the house, we usually don’t seem to have the time for. So, kind of a working-vacation I guess 😉
Anyway, also more time to read, hence the visit to your blog…
Sending you a big hug, XxX
Hi Patty,
Thank so much for that! Been away myself and taking the time to reflect on things. Need to refocus and get back on task kind of thing. More, mindful even!
I think your version of a vacation is a good one by the way, time soaks up and hordes jobs way too much in today’s busy world. Sometimes it’s nice just to be able to relax at home and tick them off. There’s a few here to do on that score too!!
Thank you for popping over too. Hope to have more writing to display soon too 🙃 X
Hi Patty,
Welcome back from your respite and thank you for taking the time to comment on my interview.
Janice
Hi Janice,
Totally forgot to respond to content of the post . I feel Gary gave an great insight and overview about you and your book and will put it on my list ‘must-read-list’.
XxX
How exciting, Patty! Thank you in advance for buying my book! Thank you for writing back to let me know!
Janice
By the way – the colour of the comments boxes it not working well here because the background is almost identical to some of the text (the part after Liked By).
I’m with you on that; I’ve given up tinkering with this theme as I think I’ve outgrown it after a year of using it to get started. I have a re-theme planned so hopefully that will address things better. A case of now knowing what I want out of a theme; being able to do it is another thing entirely!!
I’m with you there, Gary. Sometimes it feels like there are waaay to many option in life! 🙂
Very true, but that is the time to step back and assess things. Prioritise and get thee away overthinking. I’m rather good at the latter unfortunately, but recognising that is the first step in being more mindful yes?
Moving back from the brink is the first backwards step. But if we don’t hold our ground and then jump, will we ever be able to fly?
It might sound a shade oxymoronic, but the first step backwards is often the first step forwards…in this context of course! Flying is a terrible conundrum if one suffers from acrophobia! Perhaps a metaphoric alternative such as catching the Orient Express might appease such people?
Hi Robert and Gary,
I love this metaphor. It’s true people might be afraid to fly. Therefore, we will help them board the Orient Express! Priceless! I may use that.
Janice
ha,ha. Feel free Janice. Can’t be doing with not having options open when it comes to positive thinking 🙂
I do hope we manage to simplify our selves before … Sorry, what am I saying. I mean me. I’m too complicated for me.
Ha, Robert…that’s down to complicated thinking and a mind that stirs it all up into a confusion pit. Try asking Denise that and see what she says 🙂
Yeah, Denise is real complex. She’s in her 70s and has just gone to Africa to found a new world order.
70??? ye gods; puts us to shame!!!
Yeah, don’t worry, Gary – when we get to 70 we’ll have already twisted the world around our respective fingers and so won’t have to go to the trouble of going to Africa and all of that, right? 😉
That’s the spirit! Up and at them! save a fortune on airfares too! Think of that as a mindful carbon footprint saving 🙂
Mindful Carbon Footprint Saving – how’s about that for an obscure title for … a band, or something. 😀
That sounds like a line by Gary King in World’s End! 😜
Ha. Saw the movie but don’t know it well enough to get the reference. 🙂
It was the running gag…”Good name for a band that, make a note of it.” No idea why I word associated it!! I’m rather good at doing that and digressing 🙄
Hahaha – yes, I remember now! The thing about movies like that (and maybe about Simon Pegg’s roles) is that I can identify with them. I mean, who wouldn’t try to behead zombies by skimming LPs at them, right? 😀
This actually sounds like a book worth investing in, Gary – did you got much mileage out of it yourself? I mean in terms of practical benefits.
OMG Robert, this got pushed into my spam folder for some reason. Sincere apologies; I really ought to check this way more often as I noticed another one form you just now too. Yes, I have used this book to show me how to get to grips with multiple platforms. I don’t profess to be an expert, but I am holding my own and this has shown me the way to go. My issue is time (as always) and trying to do too many things at once. Thanks for dropping in and again, so sorry Askimet pulled it out!
That’s okay, Gary – it’s only life. 😉
Agreed, expect the unexpected at all times 🙂
Or unexpect the expected. That could work too. 🙂
It certainly does and I rather like the re-wording. 😊
A great interview with a lady who most of us know and love …I just can’t keep up…lol … but I always learn something 🙂
Thank you kindly 🙂 So with you on not keeping up! A couple of us think she has clones dotted about and she is their overseer!! Puts me to shame 🙂
Ha Ha..little elves…I think she schedules …I have’nt got the hang of that yet and some programmes I don’t want to pay for yet either so manual it is 🙂
No doubt about that one!! I do it too for my author spotlights. Hers was scheduled a few weeks ago to coincide when she returned from a vacation. Much easier than I first imagined in WP! Not sure about self hosted, but blog ones should be up near the publish settings. I know WP has it right next to the publish now icon. Different on auxiliary apps though, but again I’ve not really explored those yet 🙂
LOL! Well, I did just get a chatterbox. Does that count is a little elf?
Janice
Sorry, dictating on the phone. Chatbot.
A what??? I just start getting to grips with things and you flipping well throw in a new curveball!!!! Now I’m wondering if I am talking to you or some remote Chatbot 🙂
What sweet words Carol! Thank you! Much appreciated!
Janice,
GREAT JOB!
Hi Alicia,
I agree. Gary did a great job with my feature. Thanks for commenting.
Janice
Hey Gary! What a great day for me to drop in!! What a lovely surprise to see my BBFFJ’s smiling face!!
You can never say enough good about her expertise, can ya??
Great stuff!
Ha-ha, clearly you were subconsciously drawn in by some mystical resonance! I have to say I’ve learnt an aweful lot off Janice, even if my aweful lot is not much on the grand scheme of things! Great to see you again too 😊
Lol! She is definitely a fount of knowledge!
Ha-ha; which clone are you referring to with that lol
lol
Hi BBFF!
How great seeing you here! Isn’t this exciting? Gary featured me.
Janice
I love it, BBFFJ!! Well deserved!!
157 people shared on Facebook! Exciting!
Flipping heck! That’s a result in a few days 🙂 Brilliant response 🙂
I very often check out Janice’s blog as she gives so many useful tips. I have also ffollowed some of her advice too! I will be checking her book out, that’s for sure!! 🙂
Me too; although keeping up with her tips is really difficult when I know half as much as I need to!! The books a really good insight into how she goes about things too. Many thanks for the comment and I’m sure Janice will be about to thank you too 🙂
I have tried several of her tips which have helped but i am still pretty ignorant about SEO and marketing! I might have to get the book! 🙂
Don’t worry, every time I think I’ve caught up; she pops something new into the mix! Mind you, I am in a much better place wrt that now so when I re-theme my blog I pretty much know what I want… famous last words 🙂
I know, it is a never ending learning cycle! 🙂
Tell me about it! There’s a really good FB group for bloggers that both Janice and I are in. I can give you the link if you want. I’ve tried several, but this lot are awesome at sharing media and blog posts all over. Also, any issues can be put in the timeline and any of us that can help pitch in very quickly. I’ve met a heap of bloggers I’d not normally hook up with too!
Thanks Gary. I would love to have the link 😁
I’ll give you a link to a WP post by a friend of mine that explains what goes on and when and has the link to the group’s FB page. You have to be logged into Facebook to access it and because its a closed group you will have to ask permission to join. Shouldn’t be an issue and you can name drop me in a message if you like. It might speed it up…then again it might put them off lol. Seriously though it’s really good. In fact two links; once it to Ritu (the friend) and one is to Suzie (also friend and host of the group)
https://butismileanyway.com/2017/07/11/big-up-your-blog/
https://suzie81speaks.com/2017/01/01/big-up-your-blog-my-facebook-group-launch/
Both have the group logo on and that takes you to FB.
Hope to see you there too 🙂
Hi Gary. I know both Ritu and Suzie as they are friends of mine too. I am a member of Big up Your Blog but am only just starting to use it as I have not had a lot of time lately. I will look for you on there, and thank you so much for sharing it with me 🙂
Wow, funny how the blogosphere shrinks the world right down. I’ve just put up a post called The God Strain on the Social Saturday part of the group. Should be easy to find, my avatar is three cartoon dinosaurs 😊
I am just on Facebook now Gary s so will be having a look 🙂
That would be wonderful, Judy. Thank you!
Janice
I always learn something from you, Janice 🙂
I am still a newbie after three years or so and find all the sharing sites frightening, but I am getting there. Thanks for posting this article. x
I hear you Adele, it’s mind boggling when you start out and everyone else seems very matter of fact about it. I only started in January 2016 and I joined a really good Facebook blogger group that is really engaging and full of help and support. Feel free to drop any questions and I can try and help or point you at someone that can 🙂
Gary,
It seems like we’ve been friends a long time. I can’t believe it’s only been about a year and a half!
I wrote Adele at her site and offered her any help I can provide.
Janice
That’s a good sign Janice! Thinking we are old friends and yet in time its not that long. Often suggest a good friend yes? 🙂
Definitely! 🙂
😊
Thank you so much, Gary. 🙂
You’re welcome 😊
I love posts/emails from Janice! I actually read them, learn something, and use her advice.
Same here, although I have a terrible time trying to keep up! That said I’m learning loads from her posts and, dare I say out loud, call her my go to guru 😊
Hi Lorna,
Thank you so much for this nice testimonial on Gary’s blog. Thank you! Great to see you here!
Janice
A super post. Lovely to learn about Janice’s book.
Thank you so much. Mind you I can’t keep pace with all Janice’s tips!! Glad you found it interesting 😊
What an awesome post Gary on an awesone writer. I will have to take time to study all your tips Janice. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. 🌹🌹
Thank you Esme and I’ll sort the “other” link up for next week on your blog to keep it in circulation that bit longer if that’s ok 😉
Perfect just let me know the date you want it published and when ready
Will do 🙂
Thanks Gary
Hi Esme,
Thank you for commenting on my feature and for calling me an amazing writer. Gary did do an awesome job on this spotlight.
You said you wanted to study my tips. I would love to have your readership. Thank you.
Janice
Hi Janice – What I said is the truth, I have visited your site many a time in the past, and just did so again, and hope I did it correctly, still a newby on the blogging game, and any and all help will be highly appreciated. I am trying to teach myself, but its a long and hard road ahead. Thanks for all I know I will be able to learn from you. Esmé
Very sweet. Thank you. Don’t hesitate to send me any questions you may have.
Janice
Mwah, thanks dear. You opened the flood gates, hope you know that. I am in fact trying to do some work on my WP page. If and when you have a moment, I would like some input on that from your end. I do not know how to make the “Follow me” widgets appear in a single row, next to each other and if its theme related, but at present they sit one below the other and taking up a lot of space. Any ideas from your end. You may want to have a peak at my page, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance. I am off to zzzz now, so will catch up again with you in the morning.
I’m happy to try to help. Are you self-hosted? That matters. If you are, go to dashboard, appearance, widgets to make changes. If not, WordPress.com has live support. They will make the changes for you. I went to your site. .com bloggers can ask WordPress directly for help.
Janice
Hi Janice – I am not self hosted, so I will check in with wordpress.com for help. Thanks for the info. Thanks for popping in here at my corner of the world.
Hi Gary,
This feature is amazing. Thank you so much for featuring my book. Thanks to this exposure, more people can learn about the book and the blogging and social media tips contained inside.
Janice
I have shared on all my social media. The feature came out great. Thank you again.
Janice
I thought you might given you are incredibly active on that front 🙂 Glad you liked it too; I have as much trepidation about these as I do publishing my own writing!!!
It was wonderful! I feel like you are my agent getting me this publicity! It’s moving people to purchase my ebook! I can’t thank you enough!
Janice
Book marketing is similar, but not quite the same to blogging. It needs drip feeding regularly and if you can get followers to latch onto pressing, sharing and raising awareness then you’re half way there. I always keep in mind each time that people who have not blogged or been around that long might never have heard about it too. The potential audience is thus renewing on each promotion. Really pleased it’s helping selling the book too. All very exciting yes 🙂
I was not aware of this drip promotion. See, we learn from each other!
Janice
When publishers say authors need to market I take it as they do a pre-publish and launch exercise that generates a lot of interest and movement. The drip feed (not sure that is a trade term as such, but it suits my thoughts) requires targeted recycling to keep the profile up. Not necessarily repeating the same message, but changing it and re-launching the promotion. Not to mention keeping in mind, social media has a regular intake of new people. They may never have hear of us or the books so they become a target audience; hence the drip feed approach 🙂
This technique would work in blogging promotion also especially on Twitter.
I think it’s a pretty universal method. I picked it up in local shop oddly enough. I overheard a voluntary discuss saying their advert on a board was not working so seemed pointless. I looked at it and thought it’s exactly the same one that had been there for months. That reminded me of a business school lunch from way back where they talked about public eye. People look for things that have changed, if an advert remains the same they switch off and no longer see it. If you look at TV adverts they run a month then change it to a new style and yet they are selling exactly the same thing. They do that because it keeps people interested in what’s new in the advert. Even on Twitter if the same post is thrown up on repeat people will soon switch off. There you have (IMO) to have break period before recycling it or re-hash it constantly which gets time consuming. I also believe in group sharing too. That attacks a far wider audience and hashtags or meta data then become an asset in the share. If you see my RT’s they will never have just, say, ThrowBackThursday, but a few others. Equally RTing several times finds me changing hashtags so it hits similar, but different streams. I think SU can fail if the share does not have the correct meta data to find its audience. Not to mention its GUI I rubbish lol
Hi Janice,
apologies for not getting back sooner, schools out so kids home and “stuff” needed doing!!! I hope the Amazon link works properly as it should show the look inside and book details without having to actually visit Amazon. I’ve now shared it around Google Plus and will shortly put it on my Pinterest, SU and Flipboard too. It has gone to Twitter and my FB author page. Fingers crossed you will get some decent exposure and I’ll throw it at the blog group at the weekend too 🙂
Excellent! Exciting! So far, the exposure is boosting book sales. I can only imagine with the added exposure on social media and more people being at their computers this weekend. Thank you so much!
Janice
My pleasure Janice. I try to ensure it gets two weeks coverage, which is why I drop them on a Monday. Anything on Twitter and I’ll tag you when I RT it 🙂
What a great interview! Janice does indeed have great tips!
Thank you Ritu, almost forgot this was scheduled after today’s boo hiss! I got to know Janice soon after I started blogging and even now I can’t keep up with her tips and advice. Now you know who my go too networking guru is lol
Lol!! You got a great guru there!
Very modest too! No idea how she manages to schedule so many posts either. Puts me to absolute shame!
😂😂😂
Hi Ritu,
Thank you so much!
Janice
You are most welcome Janice!