As of today, Planting Dollars has been alive and well for 2 months, but it’s growth has been more than I expected thus far. It’s still just barely sprouting into the the giant tree it will be one day, but I’m happy that it’s sprouting quite quickly.
As of today it’s ranked 265,565 on Alexa via a 3 month average (even though it hasn’t been around 3 months yet), it’s one month average is 122,661 and it averages 212 visitors a day with 754 page views. Not too shabby for just 2 months!
So how’d it happen?
Before I started this blog I told myself I’d work on this blog a minimum of 3 years and that I wouldn’t even focus on making money for the first year. As a result I’m focusing only on content and marketing. Currently I have goals of achieving 100,000 page views a month and an alexa rating of over 50,000 by the beginning of June this year.
Here are the main areas I’ve focused on.
Guest Posting
This has drawn a lot of traffic to my blog and also secured some backlinks on high ranking websites. Through guest posting I’ve been exposed to new audiences who’ve given me active feedback about my articles and through guest posting I’ve attracted new readers to the site. This is probably the most beneficial activity I’ve done thus far and something I’d highly recommend to other bloggers. If you provide a great guest post to another blogger they’re getting great content, while you’re getting a backlink and more exposure. Gotta love the win win situations. If you’d like to see where I’ve guest posted you can see a list on the archives page.
Commenting
The first weekend I started this blog I spent literally the whole weekend commenting on every blog on the Wisebread top 100 and other blogs I found through blogrolls as I went around the blogosphere. This alone has been a catalyst for active dialogue between other bloggers which drives the comments on this site. Also adding the Commentluv plugin and top commentors on the left column of this site was done so to encourage comments. I love comments!
Alexa Challenge
The alexa challenge was a great idea because it gives a concrete goal to shoot for. There’s just something about numerical goals I love so watching my alexa ranking grow has been a great experience. You can see more about the alexa challenge here.
Emailing
Having dialogue with other bloggers has been fun and has also allowed me to pick the brains of bloggers who are much smarter than I am. Being young I still have a lot to learn and really appreciate those who have more experience than I answering my questions along the way.
Writing at least 1 post a day
I have a 1 post a day minimum on this blog and in the future will probably up it to at least 2 posts a day. This allows greater incentive to come back to the site since there is always fresh content and in the future will be beneficial because there will be more articles (with SEO) for Google to index and people to find in the search engines.
So there you have it. Basically I comment a lot, guest post a fair amount, and write at least one post a day that I try to make valuable to my readers. The results of these actions can be seen via the chart below which is from February 13, 2010:
I’ve also poured a lot of myself into this blog which I think makes it unique. I plan to add a lot more information to the site and have enough content ideas to keep me going for several years no problem. I also appreciate the active feedback and comments from those who’ve taken the time to visit the site.
Thank you to everyone who’s come to my site, actively contributed, and provided me encouragement along the way. It’s only been two months, but it’s been an awesome experience and I look forward to more growth, discussion, and feedback.
Image from Bonguri
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{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
Good work Ryan. I have to admit your blog is one of those that makes me wonder if I should reveal more of myself on Monevator. Then again I don’t live in Hawaii, so I can’t offer up cool snorkelling videos – can’t really top that!
I’m find Sam’s Alexa challenge much more engrossing then I expected, too, and I agree it’s good motivation. Alexa is very strange though – I’m seeing a lot more visitors then you (no willy-waving here, I’ve been around for two years and my progress was a *lot* slower than yours) and yet you’re above me in the rankings. I think it’s perhaps because a lot of my readers are from the UK, but you’d expect Alexa to adjust for that.
Anyway, congrats on a great two month start!
Monevator´s last blog ..Weekend reading: Real estate realities
Nice work Ryan! I can feel your enthusiasm. It is so fun to progress. It gets harder and harder the lower we go, hence partly reason why the Yakezie challenge started. After the initial 6 month period, I started to fade, so I’m happy to rely on a network of potential Yakezie members to pull me and others along.
Do you have a Twitter account btw?
Glad Monevator is on board too.
Best, Sam
Financial Samurai´s last blog ..Getting Busy This Valentine’s Weekend! (Singles Especially)
Ryan – Congratulations on the successful ride! You have worked hard, produced some amazing content and contributed to the PF blogging community at large. You deserve all the success that comes your way.
To Monevators questions regarding Alexa, my perception has been that the Alexa score is driven in large part by others that use the Alexa toolbar and visit your site. I’ll freely admit that I have not enjoyed the kind of traffic that many others have had in total but I have still seen significant improvement in my Alexa score.
I thing Samurai has the right idea on how to achieve a new level of growth, united we stand, divided we languish. At least as far as Alexa is concerned.
This is great, I love your style and actually found you through a guest post you did! I totally agree with you on your points about exploding traffic to your blog especially the one on commenting… that has been my secret sauce so to speak, that and checking my Alexa score constantly to keep me pumped
Good one!
Hey Ryan,
Looks like you are posting some pretty nice numbers! Can’t wait to see what you are doing in 6 months if you keep this effort up. I really struggle with posting a new article each day due to work and my other websites, so I usually only get 2 or so up a week.
Keep up the great work!
Tom
Tom | Build That List´s last blog ..The Aweber Code….And Why You Need To Promote It!
Ryan:
Your blog is great. I found out about it through Lisa if 2 create a website. You blog is one of the best that I have come across. What you have done in a short amount of time is awesome and also inspiring. I get pumped up from post regarding “Why do you want financial freedom.” I bookmarked your site immediatly.
Congratulations on the great success! Soon your 3 month ranking will be closer to your 1 month ranking. Isn’t it nice to see a big jump every day? To me it’s a big motivator. Hopefully, we’ll all be on top the 100 list soon and people will be clickong on us! Except for Lean Life Coach…he’s already made it! And based on his progress, could break the top 50 soon!
Congrats on your recent success! I love commenting on other blogs too, but I think it is because I love reading everyone’s views on different topics.
Your pageviews vs visits is amazing! Since most of my traffic is from search engines (way over 65%) my bounce rate is embarrassingly high. Way to go!
Ryan,
Excellent post! Guest posting is something I’m trying to get started so I can reach to new audiences and spread my link around
I am impressed with your progress and will be checking out Wisebread.
Thanks for the great ideas!
Moon Hussain´s last blog ..Quit Making Your 101 Excuses And Embrace Those Challenges!
I think your Alexa ranking alone (amongst other things of course) is reason to visit and see what is going on here – anyone who gets in the top 1 million of Alexa is at least worth spending some time on in my opinion, because it is territory that is not simply achieved by throwing up a website.
Jeremy Johnson´s last blog ..How To Be A Hot Nerd
Hi Ryan,
I found your site through Lisa’s youtube SEO video. I am really impressed by the success you have had in generating traffic to your site.
I launched my site (www.krishikafashion.com) in early Dec 2009 and have not had any organic traffic to the site. My site is not a blog, but rather a catalog.
I was wondering if you have any advice on how best I can generate traffic for my website? At the end of the day I am trying to sell products through my site!
Thanks,
Krishika
Ryan,
I’ve cruised through some of your posts and i particularly like his post because it hits home for me. I just started a blog last week and have a huge desire to help small businesses. I am new to the blogging scene and knowing that with passion and some drive you can get people to view your site. People viewing your site is what drives readership. I could have the best articles in the world and have no one reading them. Thank you, I’ll be following up on your blog. I like the personality brought to the words.
-Eric
I saw Moon recommend you. Nice job on the blog. I’m looking for a guest post on how to drive blog traffic/Alexa ranking since this is not something I’ve achieved yet to the extent I’m willing to stand up and call myself skilled enough to tell others about it. Interested in working with me?
JadeDragon@innovativepassiveincome´s last blog ..How to Create eHow Articles that Stink
What a motivating track record! I can certainly attest to daily posting attributing to a rise in my numbers/traffic. Since I’m passionate about passive income building, I’ve stopped putting my blog on the back burner and now consider it a labor of love — not something that gets updated when I’m no longer swamped with work. In fact, I’ve even lessened my work load to make time for blogging because as with any solid business plan, the long-term goal will always pan out in the end as long as you put in the initial work.
Ryan, found your site thru the Yakezie! Always good to find a site with fresh thoughts and insights! Sounds like you’re doing some good things!! Looking forward to more dialogue with you in the future!
Jason @ Redeeming Riches´s last blog ..How to Get a Bigger House Without Buying a New One
I found this post REALLY helpful. Launched my site on Feb 21st! Am having a wonderful time…… and am amazed at the blog world!!! I have a million years experience in finance including work and education, but I’m a novice blogger!!! What do you see as the downside to the Alexa Challenge? If I download the toolbar, will my ranking go on my site?
Thanks for a great post.
Barb
Barb´s last blog ..How to Get What You Want Out of Life & Have the Cash to Pay for it
Hi Ryan:
I also found your website from Lisa’s Case Study on your site. I congratulate you on your success and applaud the success of others.
How many days or months prior to your website launch did it take you to create what I see today? Also, what do you (and others) consider a launch date? Is that the date you bought the domain name?
I find myself getting lost in the business end – concentrating on website design and layout, Alexa rankings, AdWords/AdSense, trending, affiliates, niche’s, ebooks, site traffic, profits, guest posting, tweeting and networking.
Thank you for a great site and I look forward to more!
This post is very inspiring! I can certainly understand the hard work, not to the extent that you’ve poured out, because you have been working really hard. But the hard work that I’ve poured out has, in my eyes, been very well worth it but it’s obvious I have quite a way to goal to achieve my goal. This gives me a lot of encouragement and inspiration. It’s posts like this, that causes me to search for like minded people (such as yourself) who are inspiring! Thanks and keep up the good work we’re all pullin for ya!!
Jarrod@ Optimistic Journey´s last blog ..The Benefit of Living an Optimistic Lifestyle
Hey Ryan,
Your alexa rank keeps on improving. i think the 50.000rank was just a stepping stone. Your rate of progress is really challenging, it encourages me never to give up. I think all is possible, its just a matter of understanding the business you are into.
harvestwages´s last blog ..Budding Entrepreneur – Do You Have What it Takes to Cut It?
I’m not understanding the whole Alexa concept. My scores are dropping instead of increasing over the past couple days.
I did an internet search about that, and most people said Alexa doesn’t matter anyway and not to worry.
Is that true?? I dunno. I thought I was making things better, not worse. LOL
Scott Barron´s last blog ..Why Use A Website Worksheet?
Ryan!
I’m more than impressed!
In 2 (4 months now), you’ve done more than more than most bloggers ever do.
You’re definitely an inspiration.
Talk to you soon,
Guy
Guy G.´s last blog ..Grocery Saving Tips – Tips on Budgeting
Hey Ryan, this is very impressive results but you shouldn’t place “much” trust into Alexa’s ranking system. It’s bias towards who has the toolbar installed. Now this isn’t to say your blog isn’t successful (by far it is very successful) I’m just wanting to let you know Alexa isn’t as accurate as you think. For we know your site could be in the top ten thousands. In my personal opinion no one should place to much faith into Alexa. For more information Google it…
Noah Rainey´s last blog ..Nofollow or Follow Links?
“122,661 and it averages 212 visitors a day with 754 page views.”
My site’s Alexa rank is playing steady at 150+T for several months now averaging 300+ uniques per day and close to 800+ and up page views per day.
A friend’s blog is at 60T for almost the same daily stats as mine. If Alexa is really that reliable, I would be seeing at least similar or even close numbers. I trust GA more.
Mathdelane´s last blog ..5 Dreadful Blog Comment Pitfalls You Should Avoid
Nice blog! Really great content and very inspiring! Wish you success with it and with all your dreams.
Roman Soluk´s last blog ..Music and its impact on our life
This is.. An absolutely fantastic read. I’ve been thriving in social media, which would have a lot of potential for the blog I’m working on, but between Blog Carnivals and Comments; I’ve been genuinely stumped as to where else to go in regards to building up a blog.
I actually discovered your blog through Lisa Irby. I never see you on any of the Blog search engines, so I’m quite surprised at how far you’ve come.
The REAL kicker is that I don’t know of any social media channels you put yourself through!
I could only imagine the results then! Whew!
If it was strictly guest posts, blog comments, and mailing behind the scenes in just the course of two months; I gotta confess. You’re pretty darn good at marketing through those!
Aury (Thunderdrake)´s last blog ..Hoarding Dragon Basics – Investing in Precious Metals
This is very helpful, just like the other blogs. This is very inspirational to everyone to all the upcoming bloggers also. Continue the great work and god bless.
Good information. It would be fun to have similar posts / challenges about Google rankings.
Enjoyed reading this post as reminded of my blogging journey a while back. But don’t get caught with Alexa rankings – a bit misleading. For example I get about 180K visitors a month, but have a 120K alexa ranking….anyway good to discover this blog.
Very interesting post. I’ve just started at PassportPete, and it’s quite reassuring to see that Alexa ratings can be gained that quickly!
PassportPete´s last blog ..The best credit cards to take on your holidays
Great job, thanks for sharing the tips. I for one can use them.
Hi Ryan
Very interesting (and motivating) post. I share some of the doubts expressed above about Alexa but can’t find fault with you amazing visitor/page view stats. Well done.
Neil´s last blog ..Solve Your Debt Problem – Talk About It
Really useful stuff. Thanks Ryan.
It’s great to hear that you’ve had real results so quickly. I think that the single, most important thing that is needed to achieve success is interesting, unique content. The longer you spend creating entries that people haven’t seen before and will want to read, the more likely your site will achieve success. You site has proven this.
Congrats!
Web search optimization´s last blog ..Understanding Meta tags
Interesting post!… I’ve been looking into the “Alexa Rank” lately. I should get into the top 100,000 by Christmas!…
Take it easy…
David Edwards
Great post Ryan! I found out about your blog from Lisa Irby at 2CreateAWebsite, and I really have to agree with what she says about how nice it is to see someone who’s a go-getter and creates his own opportunities.
My own blog is about my martial art coaching work and writing, and I deal a lot with intrinsic motivation and taking personal responsibility. So I’m always impressed by people who demonstrate these qualities, whether it’s in my field, the personal finance world, or any other – and the success of your blog is a great example of what’s possible with the right attitude!
Wow, these are really great results. Congratulations. I have just checked my Alexa rank and it’s over 10 million… yikes! Looks like I have a very long way to go!
I enjoyed this article very much. Although this post is quite dated, I would like for you to know that I think its still excellent! You really came a long way through the ladders and still going up. Good luck on your journey friend.
Mr Prestigue´s last blog ..Chilean miners finally rescued!!!
I must to say – it’s fantastic result, Ryan! I’m bookmark this article and it will be “how to: for me. I try to do myself the same thing with my blogs. Thanks Ryan for this great ideas – how to grown up blog and your blog is really awesome! I’m even looking for the same wp template, really cool!
p.s. try to see Wisebread top 100, that you post above but the site is currently under maintenance…
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