The Top 7 Secret Tools of Crochet Business Blog

I am of course. No, not really I just have a few secret tools that I use to slowly grow my blog. Want to know what they are? 

Grab a Pen and Paper You Don’t Want to Miss This

Before you read any further you might want to grab a pen and paper or open up a document so you can take notes. Really, it’s not just because I use these tools that I am suggesting this, it is because since actively using them since June of 2013 I have seen the financial growth of this blog triple as well as an increase in readership and subscribers.

I do want to note that the financial growth tripled but this doesn’t mean I’ve hit my goal of $1,000/month yet, I’m close though.

Secret #1: Content Is My Foundation

Yes, I love crochet and did sell crochet at one point but I see the most financial benefit from writing about my hobby than actually selling it. For you it might be different. We all excel in one area and writing happens to be mine.

By creating content that readers are looking for I can almost guarantee traffic to my blog. It takes a lot longer than other ways of traffic generation but ultimately the people who stick around to read my blog on a regular basis are the ones I want to keep.

Secret #2: Content Curation

Okay, so this isn’t something I’ve done too much of on a conscious level BUT it will be something I add in the upcoming months.

What is Content Curation?

It is curating which is to select, organize, and look after items in a collection. (1) Basically, you browse the web for a topic related to your niche. Gather and organize your findings and share a condensed version with your readers.

Remember this post on lllll? This is when this totally clicked for me. It is brilliant! I attended a Google Hangout with Content Curator Genius, Kelly McCaussey who was interviewed by Alice Seba (another content producer). What I learned in that short 45 minute session has opened up a whole world of possibilities for me. I’m excited.

Why Use Content Curation?

It saves you time and gives you a break on developing unique content for your blog. It also benefits your readers because you are organizing the most important information on the web into bite-size pieces.

What Does It Look Like?

Let’s say I want to highlight some holiday crochet patterns for craft fairs. I search the web for easy, quick and top selling products. Once I gather all my information I organize it into categories. (Baby, Gifts, Mom, Dad, Friends)

Now I write a Top 10 Holiday Crochet Patterns for Craft Fairs blog post using the information I just gathered. I write an introduction to the list and add the links to the various content while adding my unique voice to the post.

I might mention why I think the particular pattern is a craft show winner or why it is quick or something else that interests my readers.

Blog post done. Content Curated. Now I just promote the post and watch the traffic come in.

Okay, But Here’s the Really Cool Thing I Learned

Kelly shared how she shares things on social media. Most of us share using social share buttons or linking to the blog post. Kelly on the other hand, takes the curated content and writes a mini-post about what she thinks of the content and then links to it in her post.

Why Would You Do This?

Ahhh, the piece de la resistance’ – When you share online you are removed from the whole picture. People will click on links to articles, videos, slideshows, and photos to check out the great thing you just shared but most likely won’t remember you or visit your site.

To fix this you make a mini-post and share that link instead. People will have to go to your site, read what you have to say about the content, and then click on the link to access the content.

Results:

They may stick around to read other stuff by you or sign up for your email list or even (gasp) buy one of your super duper products. You also just did something that 99% of people don’t do and that is you branded yourself, your blog, your business, as the source for great information.

Secret #3: Mail List Provider with Autoresponder

In 2012 I created my first autoresponder series. I used to have an ecourse on affiliate marketing, email lists, WordPress tips, and Article Marketing. These are now merged inside my book and part of the Hooking for Cash 101 eCourse.

Autoresponders are often used as e-mail marketing tools, to immediately provide information to their prospective customers and then follow-up with them at preset time intervals.(2)

Basically these are pre-scheduled emails that give your subscribers the information or tools they seek.

I have a forever free account with MailChimp so I do have access to this feature but I prefer to use aWeber (paid service) because I use affiliate links. They have a great track record for delivering email as well.

I like MailChimp too but they aren’t solid on affiliate links  because they don’t want to attract sleezy marketers plus they don’t want to get penalized for these type of emails going out via their service.

Secret #4: My Mastermind Group

I can’t tell you how much this group has helped me over the years and not only in business. Last year I shared a person problem with them and they prayed and supported me through it.

I have access to literally thousands of dollars worth of educational material as well as contact with ladies (and now men) who have solid businesses. I learn something new every time I go to the forums.

Kelly, of Solosmarts, (mentioned above) is also the co-owner of SoloMasterminds and she is a pretty solid business owner. She has a heart for newbies and wants them to succeed.

She has a tough as nails side to where she just isn’t going to take any whining or complaining. She’s mentored so many ladies over the years so she can spot an Action taker and a Player from the start.

Secret #5 – I Love My Competition

Yes, I love those who compete against me. Why? Because it challenges me to do better. I’ve always been an outsider (in a good way) so connecting with businesses and bloggers who serve the same market as I doesn’t really bother me.

In fact, it makes my heart sing. Okay, that might have been a little bit ‘PollyAnna-ish’ but seriously I love seeing people work together.

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up. (3)

That is a passage from scripture which basically says that two people working together is better than one person working alone. 

I’ve seen the results of this most recently in the crochet business community. I see all sorts of partnerships forming that are mutually beneficial for both sides.

Secret #6: Genesis Theme for WordPress

So how can a blog theme be a secret tool? I’m not a tech savvy gal. I know a bit more than some but code is not my thing. Genesis helps me make a better blog. It includes a search engine optimized back end, built-in security features, text widgets for ads, Google Authorship, and super simple edits that help you track analytics.

In WordPress Genesis is the Mama that runs everything and the child-theme is the Cutie Patootie kidling which makes everything look pretty. For this blog I have Genesis framework with the Focus child-theme.

Secret #7: 31 Days to Build a Better Blog

I seriously can’t recommend this little book enough. It is by Darren Rowse of ProBlogger and it is one of the inspirations for my Crochet Blog Challenge. It teaches you something about blogging each day and gives you homework to practice what you just learned.

I like reviewing this book often as I can always tweak my blog to make it better. It is this book that taught me about elevator speeches, Google Alerts, and stalking learning through watching people at the mall. Yes, there really is an exercise where you have to spend some time at the mall.

Conclusion:

Tools like the ones just listed are the backbone of my online business. When something works I share it.

• Content and Content Curation are My Money Makers
• aWeber is my go to Autoresponder
• Solomasterminds is home to my supportive mentors
• My Competition inspires and challenges me
• Genesis Theme helps me keep my hair. No more pulling my hair out over code.
• Darren’s book 31 Days to Build a Better Blog helps me tweak my blog to near perfection

What Are Your Secret Tools?

Share in the Comments Below

Sources:

Definition of curate/ing via The Free Dictionary (1)
Definition of autoresponder via Wikipedia (2)
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 via BibleGateway (3)