Reader Challenge 2 Summary

Well the closing date for the second Reader Challenge has come and gone and as promised, this is the wrap-up post. Unfortunately I wish there was more to wrap-up but this Reader Challenge failed to generate much interest at all. I’ll still use this post as an opportunity to look at what was done and how I can make my next Reader Challenge more successful.

Reader Results

Disappointingly only one reader reported receiving a guest post on their blog, that was Mom On The Run who received this guest post from Michelle of MEGO: My Eyes Glaze Over

Just in case you did make or receive a guest post over the last few weeks that I don’t know about, leave a comment and I’ll add it to the list.

My Results

Meanwhile, here on DotComDud.com regular reader Ethan from MyCollegeDebt.org kindly made the awesome post 6 Reasons Why Your Blog May Be Failing, which has some great tips that could help identify why your blog is struggling.

I made the following guest posts on other blogs over the past couple of weeks…

10 benefits of writing guest posts for other blogs on Top Ten Blog Tips
Timeless Blogging Tips for Bloggers on thou shall blog
How To Get Traffic To Your Website with Entrecard.com on The Overnight Site

Take a look at the posts and see what you think and be sure to check out the blogs that let me guest post for them.

I am also about to send a guest post to ProBlogger.net and I hope it gets approved. So far all the posts I have submitted have resulted in published guest posts, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed I can make it 4 out of 4!

Conclusion

Well it looks like I was the only one to actually reach the goals for the Reader Challenge which were to “make a guest post on another blog and have someone else guest post on yours”. I’d love to get some feedback on why more readers didn’t take part. Were the goals too difficult? Can’t see the benefit in guest posting? Do you already guest post and this is all old news? I’m open to all ideas and suggestions.

So it’s time to go back to the drawing board I suppose and figure out how I can make my next Reader Challenge work better. I think next time I need to offer some sort of incentive, so after the DotComDud Thanksgiving Contest is over, my next contest might also combine with my next Reader Challenge. I may even try to do something related to guest posting again but I’ll wait until January to launch it, which will give me some time to think about it and plan the best approach.

  1. 15 Responses to “Reader Challenge 2 Summary”

  2. I had not made any guest posts or have anyone guest post on my blog because I think my niche is a little hard for guest posting.

    I am writing about Philippine Television. And I don’t want to focus on news (which is what all other Philippine entertainment blogs have been doing) rather I am more focused on giving my opinion.

    I think I would have to establish quality content first. That way, I would attract more readers when I start guest posting.

    Richies last blog post..Watching “Money War” is Like Reading A Make Money Online Blog

    [Reply to this comment]

    Dot Com Dud Reply:

    I think if you could guest post on the news blog then you might attract some new subscribers. You know they are already interested in Philippine entertainment and they might like what you have to say.

    Building up content first is a good idea though, I wish I had more myself.

    [Reply to this comment]

    By Richie on Dec 20, 2008

  3. Thanks again for the opp. to guest post!

    You are always welcome to shoot one over my way if you get bored. Best wishes for the ProBlogger guest post!

    [Reply to this comment]

    By ethan on Dec 21, 2008

  4. I think the guest posting idea is great, but for those talented individuals whom are prolific writers. I have a hard enough time write two posts a week for my own blog, much less other blogs.
    ~ Steve, the writing-challenged trade show guru

    Trade Show Gurus last blog post..Top 3 Trade Show Display Design Mistakes

    [Reply to this comment]

    By Trade Show Guru on Dec 22, 2008

  5. Well this is the first time I’ve dropped by your blog since the launch, and so I’d like to congratulate you on having the guts to try an experiment! Guess I’m not the only one trying to break some molds.

    Generating buzz for any kind of project can take some time to get used to. Perhaps next time try emailing some bloggers you’ve connected with the generate more buzz, and read up on how to optimize guest posts once you’ve posted them. This can really help out!

    I’m sure your next experiment will turn out better. Just remember to keep adapting to new situations and learn from past experiences!

    Corey Freemans last blog post..First Annual Christmas GiveAway!

    [Reply to this comment]

    Dot Com Dud Reply:

    Good to see you back again. You’re 100% correct, I do need to generate more buzz if I want these challenges to succeed.

    I was kind of short on time during December. For my next Reader Challenge I will do a promotion campaign alongisde it to get it as much exposure as possible.

    [Reply to this comment]

    By Corey Freeman on Dec 22, 2008

  6. If you’re still looking for guest posts, I’d be interested (topics - web design, SEO, small business).

    A nice idea, shame it didn’t have as much interest.

    [Reply to this comment]

    Dot Com Dud Reply:

    Yep, I’m always interested in guest posts. I’ll shoot you an email and we can talk about it more.

    [Reply to this comment]

    By Richard on Dec 23, 2008

  7. I hope that you do get that 4/4. Having a guest post on Problogger would be extremely awesome for you and this blog ; )

    [Reply to this comment]

    By Ken @ Make Money From Home Blog on Dec 24, 2008

  8. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

    Alena

    http://www.smallbusinessavenues.com

    [Reply to this comment]

    Dot Com Dud Reply:

    Glad you like what I have to offer and I hope you do stick around!

    [Reply to this comment]

    By Alena on Dec 24, 2008

  9. Just a quick note to wish you a happy new year and share some news.

    Just launched another property @ http://dorms101.com which is enjoying some immediate success I wasn’t expecting. Some of the concepts I’m using on Dorms I picked up right here from this blog of yours.

    Much thanks and here’s to a huge 2009!

    All the best,

    Joe in California.

    [Reply to this comment]

    Dot Com Dud Reply:

    Cool, glad to see I’m helping out others. Dorms 101 is a cool idea, I hope it does really well.

    [Reply to this comment]

    By Joseph Hollak on Jan 3, 2009

  10. So how did it go with Problogger? Any luck?

    Fitnesss last blog post..2008: Twas a Very Good Year

    [Reply to this comment]

    Dot Com Dud Reply:

    I actually didn’t get around to sending my guest post to problogger yet, I got side tracked over the Christmas break. I’ll probably finish it off and send it through early next week. I’ll let everyone know if I am succesful.

    [Reply to this comment]

    By Fitness on Jan 4, 2009

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