It’s that time of year again! We’re making a jump back into the ProBlogger 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge with Shelley from I’m Still Standing. If you’re interested in improving your blog, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about what we’ve got up our sleeve this summer…
Hello from Shelley!
Good morning to all of our SITStahs and welcome! I am so excited to be kicking off our next 31 Days to Build a Better Blog program.
I started blogging in 2009 at I’m Still Standing and jumped onto the bandwagon with the help of Darren Rowse, who is the Zen Master behind the 31 Days program. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but going through the program gave me a good push. (Like a shot of espresso!)
During the winter of 2010, I reviewed my site and thought it was time to “look back” and see where I could improve. I know everyone can improve on something, so I pulled out Darren’s book and lead the Winter session of the ProBlogger challenge in the SITS Forum. We had a great group of bloggers who worked with me for the month to improve their sites. It was a real pleasure to read everyone’s posts and understand how the program helped them.
Darren’s program works, which is exactly why you should join us for the month of June for our summer ProBlogger Challenge!
This time around, we’ll be approaching Darren’s program a bit differently. We’ve SITStah-fied his challenge, giving participants two ways to participate.
Starting in June, you can choose between two options:
Option 1:
Work through each of Darren’s assigned tasks Monday through Friday in The SITS Girls discussion forum. Because we will not be working on weekends, you’ll be done with the program about mid-July.
This option is for those of you who really want to work through everything the ProBlogger program has to offer. Starting June 1 under the 31DBBB June group, we’ll publish key points to discuss, a task to work on and questions to answer daily. Rest assured that your blog will improve. And Shelley will be with you every step of the way to answer any questions you might have and even keep you going with a giveaway or two.
Option 2:
Focus on only a handful of the 31 activities. Our plan is to slow down the program more than ever. On Mondays and Thursdays, we will publish a post in the Education channel here on SITS, bringing you some of our favorite ProBlogger tasks. While we won’t be working through all 31 activities, we’ll be focusing on a handful of activities in detail and ensuring that everyone has a chance to complete them. What’s more, because we plan to run the 31 Day Challenge several times a year, you can join us again and again as we work through different sections of Problogger’s book.
The choice is yours! Summer is a busy time for all of us. Our goal is to work through the Problogger program in a way that works best for everyone.
Here is a bit more about what you can expect during the month of June…
- On Mondays and Thursdays in the Education channel on SITS, we will publish an overview of the activity we’ll be focusing on, a quick and easy “homework assignment”, and a handout.
- For those interested, we will be assigning participants into small groups. Our goal is to provide a great networking opportunity and a way for you to receive feedback on your blog. Check out the Sign-Up section below to learn more.
- At the end of each week, we’ll send out an e-mail to the group with highlights and a recap.
Why you should participate:
When the ProBlogger challenge is over, you will have:
- Written a variety of different types and styles of posts
- Learned techniques for coming up with new post ideas
- Promoted your blog in a variety of ways
- Built relationships with readers
- Reached out to and developed working relationships with other bloggers
- Developed an editorial calendar for your blog going forward
- Discovered ways to be more connected to your niche/topic
- Designed a plan for the next month of your blogging
How to Get Involved
We hope you will join us! You can come dressed as you are; pj’s, slippers, curlers, sweats… bring coffee, tea or a mimosa, if that’s your early morning routine…
To get started, here is what you need to do:
- Buy the eBook: You can purchase ProBlogger’s e-book, 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, here. Darren has generously offered us a coupon code that reduces the cost of the book by 33%! Simply enter the code, SITS33, at check-out and save big!
- Join The SITS Girls Discussion Forum: If you are not a member of The SITS Girls discussion forum, consider joining. It is super easy and just takes a minute. You can find the forum here and step-by-step instructions here.
- Get Connected on Twitter: During the upcoming months, we’ll be using the hashtag, #SITS31DBBB. If you are new to Twitter, don’t worry! We have plenty of tips and tutorials to get you up to speed. Check out Don’t Be Afraid: A Twitter How To from The SITS Girls and What’s With All the Twittering from Shelley.
- Check out Shelley’s SITSGirls31DBBB list on Twitter: If you are on Twitter, follow @SITSGirls & @shelleyellen. You can also get added to Shelley’s participant list on Twitter. It is a great way to stay connected during the challenge months. I will be sending out many tweets!
- Add the badge: Tell the world that you are working to improve your blog by hosting the official button on your site. You can find it here.
Sign Up!
Sign ups for the small groups are now closed. Final group assignments will be e-mailed to participants on Thursday morning.
If you missed the opportunity to sign up for a small group, never fear! You can still find bloggers to work through the challenge with. Simply send out a tweet using the hashtag, #SITS31DBBB, and ask if anyone is interested in connecting. Another option is to check out the active groups in the forum and request to join one.
Please note that participating in a small group is completely optional. You are welcome to simply read and follow along at own pace too.
FAQs
Since this is the third time we’ve run Darren’s program, we thought it might be helpful to answer some of our most commonly asked questions up front…
Do I absolutely have to buy the ProBlogger book?
No, but we strongly encourage it. You can follow along with the class without the book. However, you will increase your experience during this program by about 1000% by having the book by your side. Plus, Darren is offering 33% off of the normal price using the code, SITS33, through the end of June!
Am I required to sign up for a group?
Nope. We are offering group assignments only to those interested. If you do not have the time to dedicate to working in a group, no problem! Simply follow along by reading the posts in the Education channel on SITS and keeping up with the posts in The SITS Girls discussion forum.
Will you e-mail me daily to remind me to participate?
In order not to overwhelm anyone in e-mail, we’re opting to send out weekly summaries of what’s happening during the June Challenge. To receive these e-mails, you’ll need to submit your info in the Google form in this post. If you would like to receive daily e-mails from us, try subscribing!
Oh no! I can’t participate during June. Will you offer this program again?
Absolutely! We are now running the ProBlogger challenge once a quarter on SITS. To read more about when the next challenge will happen, go here.
I signed up for a group, but none of my group members are participating in the forum. What should I do?
Don’t worry about a thing! Simply find another group and get back on track. To connect with another tribe, check out which groups seem to be active and ask to join. Another option is to send out a request using the #SITS31DBBB hashtag on Twitter. It is a great way to connect with other bloggers. You’ll be amazed how fast others respond.
I am having such a difficult time with the forum. My profile picture isn’t showing up, I can’t update my user profile, HELP!
Everything you need to know about the forum can be found on our FAQs page for #SITS31DBBB in the forum. Head over here to learn more.
Looking forward to another great month of learning and improving our blogs with ProBlogger!
The 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Summer Challenge is a program that Darren Rowse, aka Problogger, designed so that bloggers can improve their sites in about a month. Follow along in our Forum, with the #SITS31DBBB hashtag on Twitter, and on Facebook. It’s never too late to jump in!
Here are the topics we’ve covered to date:
- Kick Off Post: Learn How to Blog {Better} with Problogger
- Join a Forum and Start Participating
- Why Top 10 Lists Work for Bloggers
- Analyze Another Blog (With a Twist)
- How to Blog using Link Posts
- Monitoring Content with Google Alerts
- What Did a Calendar Ever Do For You?
- 10 Ways to Dazzle Readers with your About Me Page
- Using Google Analytics to Find Blog Topics
- Can You Find the Spam Blog Comment?
- Problogger Wrap-Up and Look Ahead
How exciting! I bought the ebook months ago, and just finished building my blog – now I just have to build the content and implement the program. Its so much easier with support from SITS! Way too excited about this!
I’m excited! I launched my blog in March and I know that I need to kick it up a notch.
Jen-MamaZen recently posted..Siggi’s Icelandic Style Skyr Strained Non-Fat Yogurt COUPON GIVEAWAY
Twitter: kg_photography
says:
I loved the 31BBB challenge. It was amazingly helpful and having the workpapers has helped me continue to improve, because I can review what I learned. It’s timeless.
Have fun, Everyone!!! It really will improve your blogging.
Through the Lens of Kimberly Gauthier, Kimberly Gauthier Photography recently posted..Guest Post- A Shade of Purple
Seriously considering this – now I just need to find $19.99 to purchase the book!!
Lizzie recently posted..A funny old feeling
Wonderful! I had done the challenge with Shelly in Winter, but I’ve fallen behind on my blogging a bit — work’s taken over almost everything else! June might just be a relatively less stressful month for me, so I think I’, going to join along for the ride!
Modern Gypsy recently posted..Spritual Sunday 41- Oprah on The Secret
I’m in, again. This is a really great way to work on getting your blog better and better. And it is so much better when you are working with a group and can get feedback. And the connections you make are just as well!
Michelle Steiner recently posted..Alternatives to a Tilled Garden
Shelley,
I need to make a couple of adjustments to which site I’m going to be working on. I’m going to work with one of my other blogs, while I work to do some upgrading to the ranch blog. Which means I want to change my twitter name so that I can build up tweets as well.
Once we get started with the challenge, I will be sure to tweet and post under the alter ego.
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
I know marketing, but I feel like blogging is a whole other game and I’m still a newbie. (even though I’ve been blogging since July 2010) I’ll do this too and see if I can step up my game!
Eve recently posted..Networking at Bloggy Boot Camp Boston
Twitter: Mrsourna
says:
I absolutely loved the 31DBBB challenge. I’d do it again this summer but I can’t so I’ll have to wait till the fall. I think everyone should try it at least once, you’re surprised at what it pulls out of you!
Stephanie @ Our Marriage Adventure recently posted..They are coming
I participated in this last year, but lost my focus about halfway through. These is the perfect opportunity to try it again.
Bethany recently posted..I Like a Little Scruff
I did the 31DBBB last time and loved it. Didn’t get to every task, but participated in all of the daily discussions and did most activities.
I love Shelley (she is THE most amazing mom for anyone who doesn’t know!) and am so happy she is running the challenge! I will try to participate some and get those tasks I didn’t do the first time around.
Jean recently posted..I am a Theta Mom
Can’t wait for the new challenge to start. I enjoyed participating before and I love the new twist with the small groups and Monday/Thursday options. Thanks for putting this all together for us!
I did this last year just after I had started blogging and I learned SO much!
Living the Balanced Life recently posted..Who is stealing your time
Woohoo! Grabbing my participant button now. =)
Penny Lane recently posted..How To Love Filing
Twitter: coolfamilyblog
says:
I was doing the challenge in February but had to quit…not enough time to work so fast. Not sure if I’ll make it the whole way through this time either, but I wanna give it a shot. I’d love to be in a small group of like bloggers for commenting and support
Jenn @ Coolest Family on the Block recently posted..Mommy Promotion
Twitter: sheswrite
says:
Hi Jenn! I’m on here too! Let’s 31DBBB together!
She’sWrite recently posted..Semper Fi- A Marine’s Run
I had SO much fun with this last summer and am looking forward to doing it again!
Lindsay | DesignerWife recently posted..email makes the world go ’round
Twitter: osvme
says:
I have another question! What if you’re not a review blogger? Does this still work?
Twitter: SoniaBarton
says:
Just what I need. I was thinking of redoing this! I love the 2nd option!
Great challenge! Good luck to all participants.
Vi recently posted..What is size of your bag
Twitter: ChristyHomeMom
says:
Yes! Can’t there aren’t many things I commit to with blogging. I love this series .)
Christy, Home-Mom recently posted..Update Your Fan Pages Username to facebookcom-UserName
I’ve been blogging for several years but I’ve lacked focus, resulting in sporadic posting as well as not knowing what direction to take my blog. Recently I decided to put more effort into building up my blog and this program sounds like the perfect place to learn how take things to the next level.
I’m excited about the program and meeting fellow bloggers!
Jennifer recently posted..A New Beginning
Since I just started up a blog for my travels in Japan, this will be very helpful! I’m excited that I found this just in time!
Kaley recently posted..JET PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS – THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD
Did this last summer for another blog that I crashed. Did it in the spring again. Now doing it for a different blog but will jump in here to connect with others. I have been taking my time and doing each step this time instead of jumping around. It is great for learning and meeting others.
Eileen Ludwig recently posted..Join Forum participate connect communicate
I’m looking forward to participating in this challange. I have two blogs at the moment and I want to improve and wasn’t sure how to improve. Looks like a great way to make a better blog.
Donna
http://www.cruisingwithmsd.com
http://www.dishwithdonna.wordpress.com
I am so excited to be starting this! I have been freelance writing for over a year now, but have always wanted to start a blog. My blog is new so I am excited to be starting off on the right foot. I can’t wait to meet fellow bloggers!
I just launched Punk Rock Mommy this week; I’m so happy that SITS is doing 31DBBB I again. I tried joining in the very 1st 31DBBB but I wasn’t able to complete it, this time around it seems like the right time to be able to do 31DBBB with SITS this summer. I’m super excited to join in!
Punk Rock Mommy recently posted..S is for Summer Fun
I can’t wait! I’m really looking forward to trying to improve my blog and get some fun out of it!
ok – i just signed up – when do I get assigned to a group? Can I just hop into one tomorrow?
Looking forward to learning from all of you. I bought the book a few weeks ago and am slowly making my way through it so feedback and shared experiences will be very beneficial.
Amy recently posted..3 New Ways to Attract More Twitter Followers from WordPresscom
Um, no – I have not recently posted that article and have no idea how this attached to my comment. Obviously, a lot to learn here…
Twitter: sheswrite
says:
I am sooo excited about this, I’ve been wanting to do it for awhile and I feel my blog desperately needs the help!
She’sWrite recently posted..Semper Fi- A Marine’s Run
This is going to be a great boot-in-the-pants for me. I’m slighty (slightly?? extremely!) technophobic, and living in China makes it tricky to blog what with Blogger, Facebook and Twitter being blocked.
So with 31DBBB I’m hoping to pull up my socks, finally learn about social networking (you mean it’s not meeting friends for coffee??) and overcoming my fear of technology, plus learning a whole lot along the way. Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Fiona at Life on Nanchang Lu recently posted..Yanqing Lu- 6pm
I’m looking forward to this program! I’m really excited to be apart of a group and learn as much as possible ! Thanks… ~ Take Care
Tracy recently posted..Jim Shore…
Definitely in for one of these but I can’t decide! I downloaded the book though and I can’t wait!
Andrea (Lil-Kid-Things) recently posted..Please Induce Me – Guest Post
Twitter: BlessingCounter
says:
I would really like to participate. I do have a question. Since my blog is faith base I want to be able to still be devotional when writing the suggested post topics. Will I be able to do that?
Deb recently posted..Awesome Blessings – 43 & 44
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Absolutely, Deb! All participants should be writing about topics that pertain to their niche! It is how you are going to get the most out of this event.
So happy I found this in the nick of time! Very excited to grow as a blogger.
Twitter: greenearthbazar
says:
I can’t wait to get started on this again. I participated last summer and absolutely loved it. I gained so much valuable information from participating last year and highly recommend giving it a try if you’ve not done so already.
Michelle recently posted..Peaceful Wednesday- One – My Six Word Memoir
Twitter: MyMamihood
says:
This is just what I needed! I am on board! Not sure if I can do the Monday through Friday but love the fact that we have options! Yay SITSGirls!
Sili recently posted..Lord of the Ring
Twitter: multiplemama
says:
I thought I already signed up but just in case here I am again! Love 31DBBB!!!!
I’d love to participate, but I’m a little late. Is registration still available?
WAHM Hosting recently posted..Happy Memorial Day & other holidays
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Sadly, no. Sign ups for the small groups are not still available. However, you can still join us! Check out our FAQs page in the forum to learn more:
http://www.thesitsgirls.com/forum/showthread.php/956-FAQs-Let-s-Answer-Your-Questions!
Twitter: BoonieSooze
says:
I am finding these articles to be extremely inspirational. One thing at a time, I’m making steps each day to improve my blog.
Susan in the Boonies recently posted..Heart Broke
I had no idea about all this help! Will definately check out the book…awesome!
Suzanne The Fairchild Farmgirl recently posted..And I will name her
I’m a little behind on things, since I lost my internet service most of last week. but I’m caught up and ready to roll!
Busymama recently posted..Karma Bites You Back- But Only If You Bite First
Hi- I bought the book today and am determined to catch up! Can you get me into a forum group???
Twitter: SITSGirls
says:
Great news, Deana!
To learn how to join a group at this point, check out our FAQs page for 31 Days.
http://www.thesitsgirls.com/forum/showthread.php/956-FAQs-Let-s-Answer-Your-Questions!
I have been wanting to purchase this ebook for awhile but every time I get a few extra dollars, something always comes up. I’m glad to know that I can still participate without it!
ChatWithKatrina.com recently posted..What are you favorite summer recipes
Aw I am just now hearing about this but it sounds like such an amazing and helpful idea! Is there anyway I can just catch myself up?