Easy. Take inspiration from people like Jumble aka John, creator of the popular 52 weeks blog.
Located in the bosom of the popular Pink Bike community, Jumble’s blogging journey details the various trials and tribulations he faces in preparation for the self-inflicted challenge of competing in the Mega Avalanche 2010 – “a mass Endurance Downhill race over some of the toughest terrain the 33km course offers”.
Within just 14 weeks, “Project 52” has attracted sponsorship from Bikefood, Aquila, Pinkbike, Ripnroll Goggles, Leatt Brace, Knox, Action Cameras, Eat Natural, Haro Bikes, Dirt mx, Geax, New Life Derby.
Not bad. So what maked Jumble’s blog such a hit? The rise and rise of the underdog, of course.
This week’s blog is about how creating a compelling story, one full of risk and obstacles, can quickly win you the attention you’re looking for.
Challenge yourself
Create a task that is particularly relevant to the people you want to read your blog – and make it even more interesting by stacking the odds against yourself.
Before Jumble threw down the gauntlet some 14 weeks hence, it had been over 10 years since he’d ridden a Downhill bike or competed in a Mountain Bike event. Added to this, the last time he did, he broken his back. Now that’s a challenge.
Location, location, location
Don’t task yourself with the mission of creating a loyal following from nowhere. Find out where your readership congregates and get yourself connected. Your blog doesn’t have to be alone to be stand alone.
Jumble decided to blog on a site dedicated to growing online community of biking bloggers who share opinion and advice on products, events and news. That’s why his readership continues to grow, and why the sponsors can’t get enough.
Expose yourself
If people are going to invest in your blog, then you need to invest in your blog. Share your failures along with your triumphs, and be open about your fears and concerns. If you’re feeling exposed, then you’re probably on the right track.
52 weeks is a close documentation of Jumble’s set-backs and achievements, regularly maintained with fresh content, combining words, images and video to good effect. It’s about making a blog that’s sticky and important enough to read, every week.
Finally,
Jumble’s success in blogging is proof that people love a good story – and none more so than the rise of the underdog. The harder the task, the more support you will gain. Because no matter what your health & safety officer tells you, people enjoy risk. Jeopardy is key to drama, and drama is key to engagement. So, inject a big healthy dose of dangerous and start the timer.
Laura, Inspiration Inc