Sally Neill – What Would You Do Differently And Why?
Jun 17
Boy have I got one heck of a treat for you all today!
Because you’re going to get a little peek into the mind of the Blog Hopping Queen herself…
AKA – Sally Neill from -www.SallyNeill.com
I asked Sally what she would do if she had to start out on her internet marketing journey all over again…
What would she do differently and why?
Here’s what Sally had to say…
There is no doubt in my mind that if I had to start over again then blogging would be a high priority for me.
Because quite simply a blog can get you TONS of free traffic, help you build a mailing list and they are powerful Relationship Builders.
As a blogger I am aware that search engines love fresh new blog post content, indexing both pages and posts and spitting them out in their search engine results for lots of free organic traffic.
But more importantly…PEOPLE love blogs!
And when you start to build a loyal readership on your blog, magical things start to happen.
Most people are essentially kind at heart, and if you truly help them by providing valuable information in your posts, they will reward you.
These rewards will more often than not come in the form of a link back or recommendation to your blog from their blog which of course sends more free traffic to your blog.
Once I understood that I didn’t have to only blog solely for the search engines and that PEOPLE Power was more IMPORTANT…
I started to open up and be much MORE PERSONAL in my blog posts.
I don’t think I really started seeing any success from my blog until I actually began being more personal, allowing my blog readers to get an inside peek into my life and my marketing journey online.
The more personal I became on my blog, the more interaction I got and it started to grow from that point, and it was actually fun to blog too!
I would blog about my fears, failures and successes I had encountered throughout my journey online, and people really related to my posts because they too were at a similar stage as me online.
And once I started to blog on a more personal level, I started to find my blogging “voice” which it turns out, is being kinda silly or funny and I often use crazy phrases such as OMG, woohoo, yeehaa, cha-ching and terms like that in posts.
But people warmed to my blog “voice” – they started to like me as a person, they got to know me, started to Trust Me and I was able to establish myself as an expert in certain Internet Marketing topics simply by blogging about it.
And the more my Readers INTERACTED with Me, the more I started to like them too!
It was the start of many beautiful relationships that would create a powerful blogging community all geared towards helping each other.
This was the first time I experienced viral blog traffic, from other bloggers referring to my blog posts in their blog posts and of course I returned the favor and promoted other peoples blogs from my blog posts too.
It was around this time that I completely transformed how I blogged and switched from obvious affiliate product promotions (which was never really that successful for me anyway) to instead providing value first and making recommendations second.
My blog fast became my main traffic hub, I used my blog’s rss feed to fill my facebook and twitter account with helpful free information and instead of sending out emails for affiliate products…
I sent out emails referring my subscribers BACK to My BlOG
It’s much easier to get your subscribers to visit your blog than a sales page.
People are sick of their email inbox being pounded with blatant sales pitches and sending people to your blog allows you to connect with your subscribers on a much deeper level.
The more value I provided on my blog, the more likely it was that people would revisit and my email open and click through rates began to increase dramatically too.
In all honesty I was never a fan of sending out promotion email after promotion email anyway, and I felt more comfortable and much happier referring people to my blog where I knew they would have some fun and learn lots of cool tips too.
Blogging to me is not about ranking high in search engines, I don’t write for search engines and…
The search engines can KISS MY ASS for all I care!
My blog posts are not stuffed with relevant keywords but instead focus on connecting with my readers and Providing Value.
Blogging has allowed me to make money online in a much nicer way, by giving value first and without having to be an “in-your-face type marketer” who is only out for a fast buck.
My blog has become an Integral Part of My Online SUCCESS.
It has become a place where other marketers can learn how to take their own online business forward. I am proud of my blog and what it stands for and I only wish I had discovered the power of being personal in blog posts much sooner in my online career.
I would urge anyone Starting Online and wishing to make money to try BlOGGING…
You meet tons of cool people and quite frankly it’s FUN and we all need more of that in our lives right?
C yaaaa
Sally
Wow!!!
Thank’s for that Sally.
I don’t think you could get any more personal on your blog if you tried (lol).
So…
What do you all think about that?
Do you think being personal on your blog is a good thing or a bad thing?
Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Coming next…
What would Barry Wells do differently if he had to start out all over again???
Also…..
Don’t forget to check out what all my online buddies would do if they had to start out all over again by clicking on the links below.
Take care and I’ll catch up with you all soon.
Dawn
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Hi
Thanks for that post.
I think a lot of marketers especially when starting out tend to overdue the emails. I know I did. It is quite difficult at first to give away free content, but it is all about building good, solid relationships plus there’s always a feelgood factor in helping other people.
Thanks again
Doug
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Hi Doug
I think we are all a little bit guilty of that when we first start out but we soon realize that the best way is to give away good content and build friendships first.
After all who likes to be sold to all the time??
I know I don’t
Dawn
[Reply]
Twitter: barry_wells
/ June 17, 2011
Hi Dawn and Sally,
You know Sally, this is the exact reason that i love your blog as much as i do. Not only are your posts very educational but your personality always shines through. I like the way that you’re hands on with your readers and offer encouragement when and where it’s needed, sprinkling some #imsally magic everywhere you go but unlike the gurus you share your journey with your readers, helping us all along. People only have to visit your blog to see the value (and potential) you offer your readers.
I feel like I know you already even though we haven’t met……..yet!! and yes I want a pici’
signed 
It was interesting to read what you said about getting better results from your emailing. I know when i first started emailing people I was thinking of chasing the money rather than the relationship and you’re right the affiliate income generated was very very small.
Another great lesson I have learnt from you,
As always,
Respect and Regards
Barry
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Hi Barry
Sprinkling some Sally magic everywhere…I love that saying and I’m sure Sally will too…
And if you really want a signed pic you’re gonna have to get yourself to one of Randy’s meet ups so you can meet her in person.
You normally can find Sally propping up the bar(lol).
Seriously now…
Would you buy products from someone you don’t know anything about???
I know I wouldn’t Barry so it’s worth spending a little time building a relationship first I think.
You’re up next so everyone is looking forward to that.
Take care
Dawn
[Reply]
Twitter: learn_to_blog
/ June 17, 2011
Hi Dawn and Sally,
Yes, I think your blog is very personal, Sally and it works so well. For some it does not work so well, but for you, well, it’s just you and that’s why people come back time and again. Keep on doing what works and you will keep on going forwards!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:05 am
Hi Mandy
I think it could work for everyone to be honest and you only have to look at Sally’s blog to see that people like the real deal (lol).
They warm to her, relate to her and she’s got a really good relationship going on with her readers because of it.
We should all take note don’t you think???
Dawn
[Reply]
BWAHAHA nice pic Sally! I love this post and what you had to say in it.
How true is it that so many people are shy to open up themselves to the world be it a picture, video, or revealing story. But everything I keep seeing lately shows exactly this “Most people are essentially kind at heart, and if you truly help them by providing valuable information in your posts, they will reward you”.
But apart from the ‘rewards’ I think we as people need to connect and be connected and blogging seems to be a great way to fulfil that human need to connect!
I only hope I can do half as well as you Sally and Dawn in my virgin voyage into the online world of blogging!
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:12 am
Hi Nicholas
Yeah it’s a shame that most people feel that they can’t open up and be themselves.
I think a lot of it may be that we tend to think nobody would be interested in reading our personal stuff and they only want to learn info.
Need to find a good balance I think.
Good luck with your blogging voyage and I’m sure you won’t be a virgin for long (lol).
Dawn
[Reply]
Twitter: sallyneill
/ June 17, 2011
Hey Dawn,
ha ha ha ha you said “ass” on your blog!
Thanks for the opportunity of having my lil blurb on your blog.
Really weird seeing my photo here, never really had a guest post published (if that’s what you would call it)
So you’re my first
Need to grab a quick screen shot of it for a future video or ebook or something!
Looking forward to the next part from Barry, it’s kinda fun isn’t it… fab idea… congrats!
Sally x
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Hellooooo Sally
No I didn’t you did so that one doesn’t count (lol).
Thank’s for the fab guest post on my blog. I didn’t realize you was a guest post VIRGIN till you said, so I’m honoured!
You watch you’ll be asked loads to do them now.
Yeah it’s good to read about what other people would do and it also might stop newbies making the same mistakes as we all have.
Thanks bud!
I’ve got one question for ya though.
When are you launching your coaching program??? ha ha
Dawn
x
[Reply]
Twitter: SmithTeacher
/ June 17, 2011
So very true, Sally, in all aspects. The personal involvement is always more successful in any aspect of business.That personality will win every time.
I am a retired teacher and the way I treated my students was what made me a successful teacher. At all times my students knew I cared and would help them in any way.
Those are the things that come across from you with every blog you post.
Carol Smith
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:11 am
Hi Carol
From the comments already received adding Personality to your blog is what everyone wants so you’re right.
I bet that’s why your students still keep in touch with you because you was good to them and if you think about it everyone always can remember their favourite teacher.
Take care
Dawn
[Reply]
Twitter: kathydobson
/ June 18, 2011
Hi Sally and Dawn
I love how your personality shines through on your blog.
That is the very thing that sets you apart…that attracts me to your blog over someone else’s with similar content.
I enjoy listening to your voice…whether written or spoken. You have an authenticity and a way of connecting with your readers that allows them a real peak into your life.
That’s why they support you.
I would’t change a thing Sally…
Kathy
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Hey Kathy
Ahhh you say the nicest things…
I’m sure when Sally’s reads this it will give her a little buz and she will realize that she’s an inspiration to us all.
Looking forward to seeing your new blog design and when is that competition of yours happening????
Come on Kathy get it out there (lol).
Dawn
[Reply]
Hi Dawn, Hi Sally,
Hey Dawn it’s very nice of you to let others know about Sally, through your blog. She is sunshine.
Sally, your personality shines through in such a great natural way. You truly provide value with such a comfortable tone.
Your personality and happenings about ups and downs makes providing good content something to look forward to.
No dead fish over at your blog Sally!
Catch you later Dawn, later Sally,
Terry Conti
PS. Cant’ wait for Barry Wells. He is another one who deserves recognition. He is such a giver.
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Hi Terry
It was good of Sally to do it in the first place as I know how busy she is getting her coaching program sorted.
Sunshine Sally – I like it ha ha
How many more names is she gonna have?
Dawn
[Reply]
PMSL – Like Sally , I’m sitting here laughing cos you used a naughty word on your blog!!
(We’re like children aren’t we..hehe)
Obviously a great post, and one only has to look at the number of comments Sally gets to know it’s good info that’s being shared here!
Randy
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Hi Randy
It was only a little naughty word and Sally dared me to leave it in so I had too.(lol)
Yep she knows what she’s talking about and her blog buzzes and ooooozes personality so I guess it works and we all should take note.
See you at your meet up in July.
Dawn
[Reply]
Hellooooo!! Sally and Dawn!
Ya gotta have your own voice on your blog! Or sometimes…Dawn can have Sally’s voice on her blog! Bad words and all!! hahaha!!
Blogging in someone else’s voice IS BORING! Believe me! I know I tried to be all stuffy and professional and blogging wasn’t any fun.:( Then when I got back to being me…I like blogging again!
Same with emails. Just be yourself. If people like it, they will stick around and if they don’t…oh well…you can’t please all the millions of folks on the internet!!
Seriously now, how the heck am I supposed to talk like someone else?
What if they DON’T say y’all or woo-hoo or very cool? What if I say “YOU ALL”?? haha!
Folks would be thinkin “who is this gal? Where did she come from?” (or maybe they think that now and just don’t tell it!! haha!)
Very cool! Love you gals!!
Your PIC (and when are you gonna get that membership site set up??)
Lisa~
P.S. Great photo of you, Sally….:)
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 18th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Hi Lisa
I don’t think anyone could call you boring and stuffy never in a million years so you have nothing to worry about on that score.
Your personality like Sally’s shines through in everything you do so I guess there’s a lesson to be learnt here.
Don’t try to be something your not and just be yourself.
Catch ya later
[Reply]
Sally,
Thanks for sharing your views on Dawn’s blog. This is such a timely message for me!
For many years, I resisted the world of blogging and ignored Facebook, but signed up to Twitter. Now, however, I am begining to accept that blogging can lead to great interaction online.
My blog was started just less than a week ago, as part of my journey to understanding more about online marketing. And, while it requires some tweaking to provide a comments box for feedback, I am learning that my blog posts do not need to be long, but should be done often.
Sally and Dawn, thanks again for this timely post, as it has led me to setting a target of 2 or 3 posts per week, in this the first month of my blog to track my journey using online marketing.
Best wishes.
Veronica
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Hi Veronica
Yeah blogging is fab for interaction and making new friendships online.
I bet you wished you’d started blogging sooner now (lol).
Good luck with your new blog and I hope you stick to your 2 – 3 posts a week target.
Dawn
[Reply]
Hi everyone,
I’d like to add something I learned in blogging. People trust personal referrals than just hearsay or advertisement. If you heard about a product and someone said something about it based on their personal experience, you will most likely have the urge to believe it. So if you offer something whether for free or not, blogging about it can be very helpful. You will also have the chance to spread it through your followers.
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Hi Calli
That’s so right.
If a friend told me they’d had a really good meal at such and such a restaurant I would go just because they recommended it so it’s the same online too with product recommendations and services.
Are you drinking a cocktail on your pc cause I want one (lol).
Dawn
[Reply]
Twitter: deeannrice
/ June 21, 2011
Dawn and Sally,
What a inspiring post.
When I started blogging a couple of months ago, I had no idea what blogging was all about.
I have been on the internet for a couple of years and really hated pitching sales pages all of the time. To be honest it was not very productive either.
When I started seeing what others were doing on their blogs and how personal they were, I loved it.
I love your blog for that reason Sally and I think you are right more people are willing to go to a blog than to open a sales page.
I have met so many great people through blogging and I think it is because of being personal on blogs. When I feel like I know someone I am much more likely to purchase what they have for sale.
Thanks for a great post.
Dee Ann Rice
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Hi Dee Ann
You’re a fast starter then if you only started blogging a few months ago.
You’re already giving good content away on your blog and building a following – so well done you.
Yep, I’m the same and I’ll only buy from people I know, trust and like so people better start thinking more about building relationships first and selling second just like Sally said…
Otherwise they are not going to get the results they’re after.
Take care
Dawn
[Reply]
Twitter: EffortlessEbook
/ June 22, 2011
Finding your blogging voice is not easy. It is very difficult. It is all-but impossible to do it at the outset of your blogging journey. You need to interact with your blog readers first. This is how you get to know who you are. People know us better than we know ourselves. When you spend some time interacting with readers you get to know your real blogging voice.
Mouh
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:03 am
Hi Mouh
I can relate to that as it’s not easy when you first start out blogging.
You don’t know what to write about.
You don’t know whether or not people will want to read it.
And sometimes you’re a little bit scared of saying too much in case people don’t like it.
It takes a little time to find your own voice but once you do it makes you stand out from the crowd and your readers will keep coming back for more.
Thank’s for popping by
Dawn
[Reply]
Hey Dawn:
It’s awesome for you to share with your readers the interview with Sally. Sally is an awesome person and marketer. I love reading her blog and now watching her videos.
It’s great to see bloggers helping other bloggers.
I have tried to not be too personal on my blog, however my latest post I do open up about some recent frustrations. Honestly, it felt a little weird but it also felt a little liberting as well.
Take care!
- Rick
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Hey Rick
She is isn’t she and I’m very lucky to have her as my friend.
Hopefully I can add mentor too that when she finally gets that coaching program of hers open.
(Hint Hint)
I was a bit scared to be personal too until Sally made me and now I’m starting to see the benefits so I’m glad she did.
And I’m sure it will be the same for you too.
I read your blog post yesterday and I didn’t think any less of you for what you said.
Because I can relate to it and I’m sure everyone else can too.
And…I bet because it is a personal post you’ll find that you’ll get the most comments ever…you wait and see…
How did that game of Golf go?
Dawn
[Reply]
Dawn:
I didn’t actually play golf, that is just the niche I am working in. I have an old golf blog and I am going to use it to add some pages to promote several Amazon products.
I wish I had gone and played golf. Any day on the golf course is better than a day at the JOB.
Take care!
- Rick
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Ha ha
I thought you said you played golf as well.
Maybe you should take it up as it could be a good distraction for you while your thinking about your Amazon domination plan.
Take care
Dawn
[Reply]
Twitter: IanIebablog
/ June 23, 2011
Hi Dawn / Sally
I love this post, and the way Sally gets her point across. The way she write’s you’re drawn in and cannot stop reading, taking in her every word!
I love her viewpoint on search engines! Including the phraseology!
I do agree with Sally regarding promotional emails I know I receive quite a few each week, but I love receiving emails recommending other blogs and posts. I have learnt so much from blog hopping.
Thank you for sharing this Dawn I have learnt some great lessons from it.
Catch up soon
Ian
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Hey Ian
Yeah, I know Sally is always telling people not to write for the search engines and to write for your blog readers instead and I think she’s spot on there.
Regarding the phraseology…..
What a cheek don’t you think??? ha ha
Nice to see a fellow Grimbarian over here(lol).
Take care
Dawn
[Reply]
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for having Sally on here. I find her so colorful and interesting… which is how she’s always appeared to me on her blog.
Hey Sally,
I’m glad you allow your personality to shine through on your blog – it makes it fun to read. And I’m totally with you when you say you’d rather email your list telling them to come read your blog post rather than hit them with tons of promotions.
Thanks,
Peggy
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
Hi Peggy
The pleasure was all mine and it was good of Sally to do it.
Even though she did swear on my blog (lol).
Lots of people have said now that they prefer to be lead to a good blog post rather than a salespitch so I hope everyone is listening and they stop doing it.
Thank’s for popping by
Dawn
[Reply]
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for replying to my post and your encouragement to keep blogging.
Yes, wished I had started a few years ago…., but better late than never. Managed to post twice this week, so still on target for 2-3 for Month 1.
Veronia
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 24th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Hi Veronica
It’s good that you are on target and make sure you try and keep to it because I’m sure you’ll start to see the benefits of all your hard work soon.
Take care
Dawn
[Reply]
Hey Dawn & Sally,
Nice guest post Sally. You have hit the nail on the head with your blogging tactics.
Just being yourself and creating quality value is what it is all about. I have had some success with SEO but it can be a real pain in the backside.
It’s not the search engines that make you money it is people. Being true to yourself and others is the way forward.
You have proven that Sally with the success of the blog.
Craig
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 25th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Hey Craig
Well I’m definitely convinced Sally is right now seen as though I know your up on your seo.
Seo is out and people power is in (lol).
Hope your recovering from your knee problem and don’t forget to contact me when u want me to do that transcription you won.
Take care
Dawn
[Reply]
Hi Dawn
These guest posts are a great idea and I’m really looking forward to reading more of them.
I totally agree with Sally about writing for people and not the search engines. Constantly thinking about stuffing keywords in when writing a post interrupts the flow and it just ends up sounding awkward and unnatural. And as Google are always changing algorithms and shifting the goal posts it’s a losing battle anyway. So well said Sally, they can kiss mine too!
Lynn
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
June 29th, 2011 at 9:56 am
Hey Lynn
Where have you been hiding misses, I’ve missed ya?
Yeah I think Sally has convinced me too to stick two fingers up at the search engines and just write about what I want to write about.
After all they’re our blogs and we can do what we want with them – right.
You write lovely Lynn and tell it as it is so you will have no problems whatsoever getting people to come to your blog.
Thank’s for popping by and I’ll catch up with ya in the Wizards forum.
Dawn
[Reply]
Hi Dawn,
this guest post from Sally was a pleasure to read and felt so personal too.
I think this is why blogs such as yours and Sally’s seem to be so popular as you seem to really connect with your audience with a the genuine intention of helping people at the same time.
I actually was made aware of your blog by a post on Kathy Dobson’s blog. It’s amazing how you can come across such wonderful like-mided people just by the power of blogging!
I am putting far more effort into my blog then I did when I first started online a couple of years a go and it is resulting in far more readers and email sign-ups. As long as you genuinly try to help people succedd then I really don’t think you can go far wrong.
Anyway I just wanted to introuduce myself and I will be back for more!
Regards,
Steve Wilkins.
P.S. I love your blog theme, very unique!
Steve Wilkins recently posted..Rebranding and new business venture updates
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Hi Steve
Ahh thanks for your kind words and I’m glad you like my blog theme, didn’t know if the lips were too much or not lol.
Kathy is always talking about you so it’s good to finally get to talk with you.
It’s down to Sally that my blog is doing well. She’s been telling me for ages that I have to be more personal and not be afraid to show my fears.
So I listened, decided to tell people what I was scared of to hold myself accountable and it went from there.
The personal touch obviously does work because you only have to check out Sally’s blog to see how buzzing it is and what a great relationship she has with all her readers.
Thank’s for popping by Steve and I’ll see you on your’s soon.
Take care
Dawn
[Reply]
Twitter: ricoramiro
/ July 11, 2011
Hi, I think this is the best ‘guest’ post I’ve seen so far. I started reading Sally’s blog after finding one of her videos on YouTube.
She’s funny and smart and her videos are full of good information.
Ramiro Rodriguez recently posted..Building your social media presence 4 reasons why
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
July 27th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Hey Ramiro
So your a Sally fan are ya….yes she’s fab isn’t she and nobody does videos like she does.
Informative and entertaining lol
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for popping by.
Dawn
[Reply]
Blogging personal is a nice take on it. Most blogs these days are full of information but have no soul. It’s like reading a newspaper.
But the reader is a human being, he would make a connection but doesn’t have anyone to make it with.
I can understand how providing readers a personal take on things could bring more traffic.
Martin recently posted..Q: What are the Drug Tests required for a CDL Driver?
[Reply]
Dawn Kay Reply:
July 27th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Hey Martin
The personal approach seems to be winning the vote so far so I think we should all take note of what everyone wants and give it to them don’t you think?
Thanks for popping by
Dawn
[Reply]
Hi Sally,
More power to you…your personal style and the merits of being “naked” to the public, so to speak, are hard to duplicate. Will give it a go in my own blogging efforts.
Thanks,
Pam Britton
Pam Britton recently posted..Chris Farrell Membership Gave This Smart Entrepreneur Her Start Online!
[Reply]