Blogging Elite Retreat :: Darren Rowse
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I know this is the post that most of you have been waiting for.
It was worth the wait. 
I feared that because I have spent so much time reading Darren’s blog that I wouldn’t hear anything new in his presentation. I was wrong. The thing I have found the most surprising about blogging is that really subtle things can have a really HUGE impact. The kinds of things that I would have overlooked in my first six months of blogging are now turning out to be some of my biggest wins - and I got lots of great, subtle stuff from Darren today on Day 2 of Elite Retreat.
So here’s Darren’s Subtle Blogging Success Secrets:
- The top left corner of your site is the biggest hot spot. If you look at his site, he’s got links to his posts that are most profitable - reviews and other posts packed with affiliate links
- Give readers a “job” when they show up - get them engaged and enrolled into becoming a member of your site. Hhmmmm… a few guest bloggers come to mind. I see your strategy now, Darren!
- RSS readers click through to your site more when you use images. And the lower the image in the post, the more they read.
- Depending on your blog topic, Darren recommends turning off time stamps on blog posts. You don’t want timeless content to look “dated”.
- Lastly, I’m going to totally steal his idea of putting out a weekly newsletter of a roundup of the top posts of the week. I had kind of thought that a newsletter would require me to write more content, but this is a simple idea that seems easy to implement. And he also said it’s a great revenue source and traffic driver.
He’s also hinted at some upcoming projects that I’m really excited about. I wish I could write more, but Lee Dodd is speaking now, and I really don’t want to miss another word of what he says.
But I do want to leave you with a GREAT quote from the Blogging King himself, on the subject of adding value:
“I don’t have the time or energy to create crap.”
Stay Tuned!
Sparkplugging Founder Wendy Piersall is dang passionate about helping people start & grow a business while maintaining life balance (somehow).
Dawud Miracle has one focus: to help you get it. The it? How your website, and blog, can change the way you do business. You can find out more at 
Teresa Morrow manages online book publicity and event promotion for authors, speakers and writers with her company 
You’re a lucky girl and thanks for letting us all live vicariously through you
Enjoy your trip!
Wendy, I can’t wait until you get back and give us the meaty stuff. Hurry! I expect you to take the laptop on the plane and have nice big write ups.
Hmm…I never thought of turning off the time stamps.
BTW, am I the only one who thinks that Darren looks totally different from his pic at Problogger?
So much information, so little time!! Thanks for keeping us posted Wendy.
Great tips here!
Newsletter’s top posts, taking off the time stamp…and my biggest problem: getting images up!
Thanks Wendy.
You’re doing a great job helping the ‘rest of us’ feel a part of the conference, Wendy, thanks.
I’ve been wanting to emulate the way Darren has those links to the “heavy duty” posts for a long time, but feel there must be a better way. All those frustrated designers/programmers out there, cranking out one blog theme after another … opportunity is knocking. This ties in especially with the time stamp tip … sequential ’strings’ of posts or articles are great for a diary, but they aren’t always the best organization for other information to share.
I make it a practice never to get into religious or political discussion but I bring this up as a point of interest. When noting how sincere and convincing a writer and speaker Darren is, how many people look at his CV and let the fact that he is a degreed and active church leader register?
One of last years “blogging stars” is Guy Kawasaki … if his How to Change the World blog isn’t on every one’s reading list it ought to be … is also a graduate of several well-regarded ministry institutions … doesn’t matter what your faith or creed, the principles sincerity, inspiration, focus upon goals and respect for your audience always applies.
Is it me or is Darren and Jeremy starting to look more and more alike?
Either way, excellent recaps from Elite Retreat, you’ve found yourself another permanent reader.
Thank you for the recap of Darren´s tips, I look forward to reading more from the Elite Retreat. And great quote
No Henrik! She’s my eMom - you can’t have her! I’m jk, I share.
It amazes that even though Darren gives out SO much information on his blog, he still has plenty of hidden gems to share in situations such as this one.
Hi Wendy! I am a new reader to the blog, and love this post! Darren is definitely amazing, and this is some SWEET advice! I look forward to making your blog a daily read and sending some traffic your way!
Have a great day!
Thanks for posting Blain, we look forward to seeing more of you around the eMom community.