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The Road Most Traveled

This post was most recently updated on July 31st, 2016

The Road Most TraveledI’m guilty. 

I try to do everything myself.

A few days ago I tried cutting shrubs in my yard that were twice my height.  Working over my head with my clippers, I snipped at a branch that fought back.  I ended up with a mild concussion that has pretty much stopped me in my tracks.

So, this week, I’m resting and recovering.

Fortunately, I was able to dig up a guest poster at the last moment.  Even though this article is a bit behind schedule, I’m happy that David was able to deliver on so short a notice.

Enjoy this week’s guest post by David Merrill.

The Road Most Traveled

Contrary to conventional wisdom, I’d suggest that you search for blogging success along the road most traveled.

We’re living in a world that has long glamorized the adventures of taking the road less traveled, but as bloggers, I think that advice may be leading us down the wrong path.

There’s nothing wrong with coming up with your own unique ideas, and finding new and bold ways to market them.

The trouble I’d like to steer you clear of comes when you think your blog must be uniquely yours.

People think there’s no point in talking about getting traffic to your blog and converting it into sales. 

“Everyone talks about traffic and conversion,” the argument goes.  “I want to talk about something different.  I will be bold, brash and different.  I’m going to talk about something that nobody else is blogging about.”

This psychology of being “different” and a “trail blazing” pioneer might work for you.

But before it does, you need to have a solid reputation and firmly establish brand as a top blogger.

You’re not likely to build that brand because your blog is different, though.

Benefits Based Blogging

You see, there aren’t that many different things going on when it comes to delivering great content that your readers want.

That’s because there is really a limited number of things your readers want.

I’m not talking about gadgets and programs and software.

I’m talking about the central, core benefits that your readers want.

Nobody cares about the hot new software or app that just came out.

They say they do, but the truth is, there’s a more basic common denominator hidden within their interest.

That basic common denominator is the Big Benefit your readers are searching for, and think that this hot new app might deliver.

For instance, let’s say “ABC Pop-Ups” was just launched with a monthly fee.  Are you interested in it because you love pop-up ads?  Not likely.  You’re interested in the benefits that it can give you.

  • You’ll be able to build a list faster.
  • You can sell more affiliate products.

Now, these are the things you want.  These are the main benefits of “ABC Pop-Ups.”

If you buy it and end up getting a bigger list and selling more products… you’ll probably keep paying the monthly fee.  If not, you’ll probably cancel your membership.

Why would you cancel your membership if you loved “ABC Pop-Ups?”

Because you didn’t pay in because you wanted “ABC Pop-Ups.”

You paid for it because you wanted…

  • to build a list
  • sell more affiliate products.

If “ABC Pop-Ups” delivered those core benefits, you’d be happy with it.  If it didn’t you’d be moving on to something that looks more promising.

Special: Learn To Blog… (My Video Inside)

Blogging For Benefits

When you’re a professional blogger, you need to deliver your readers core benefits.

They don’t want to read you blog posts if they don’t get a significant benefit from it.

Let’s say your blog is in the “blogging” niche.

You need to deliver benefits to your readers, who are primarily bloggers.

What are those benefits, though?

Well, they may be the very same benefits that we listed above.  You may be writing to bloggers who are interested in building a list and selling affiliate products.

But, let’s suppose that you don’t like walking the road most traveled.

“Everyone tells bloggers how to build a list and sell affiliate products.  I’ll be different.  I’ll take the road less traveled.  I’ll teach bloggers how to write blogs that rhyme.  It’ll be like a Dr. Seuss primer for bloggers.”

The thoughts would not come.
I didn’t know why.
I had to write more, or I’d break down and cry.

I sat with my pen.
Blank paper, too.
Not a thought arose, and certainly not two.

And I said, “How I wish I could write a great blog post today.”
So my business would bloom,
And readers would pay.

But all I could do was Sit & Pretend.
But this won’t happen to you,
If you read to the end.

Now, that’s kind of fun, don’t you think?

And if all my blog posts were like that, I’d brand myself as unique and unusual (or insane.. lol).

People would know that I walk the road less traveled.

But do you think bloggers will consider the amusement (ie., the road less traveled) a primary benefit?

Do you think they’d consider it a bigger benefit than building a list and selling products (the road most traveled)?

I think they’d rather me stay on the road most traveled, and deliver the benefits that bloggers universally seek.

Traffic, conversion and all the other key blogger benefits.

The Biggest Benefit Of All

The biggest benefit of all,
The biggest, the best,
Is improving folks’ lives,
Above all the rest.

If you’re improving bloggers’ lives, then you’ve got the magic sauce.

That’s all bloggers want.

A better life.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to just bloggers.

Special: Learn To Blog… (My Video Inside)

Your niche can be dating, dog training, weight loss, body building…

No matter what your niche is, people want better, happier lives, full of things they want and void of the non-sense that blurs their way toward achieving them.

Barbed wire may not sound like a great achievement, but it vastly improved the lives of ranchers in the 19th century. 

Instead of spending all their time mending wooden fences busted up by unruly cattle (we all know that problem, don’t we?), they just strung up the new twisted wire that fences.  Cattle hated them, and quietly acquiesced.  Ranchers had time to eat more apple pie (or whatever else ranchers do).

Their lives were improved drastically.

Their costs were drastically cut, and the cattle were safer.

All because someone twisted a couple of wires together to make fences.

Ranchers loved barbed wire, not because they loved barbed wire, but they loved the way it improved their lives.

If you find a way to improve your readers’ and customers’ lives… you’ve got the magic sauce.

Now, start cooking with it.

This magic sauce is the “secret ingredient” in everything you do.

You don’t have to guess about it, either.

There are plenty of great bloggers in your niche right now, delivering the secret sauce to their readers every single day.

They are all walking the same road, for the most part.

For bloggers, it’s traffic and conversion.

For other niches, it’ll be something different.

But you can pretty much take this to the bank… the road most traveled by the best bloggers and marketers haunting the streets of success right now… that’s the road to be on.

Whirlwind Success "VIP CLUB"

Thanks, Donna, for letting me guest post for you this week.

Thanks, too, to all of you who took the time to stop by and give a read-through.

I’d love to hear what you think. 

Do you prefer the road less traveled, or the road most traveled?

Please leave me a comment below, and share this on your social sites.

David Merrill 101
I’m an Internet Marketer and Online Marketing Coach. My students learn no-nonsense, power strategies and techniques to build solid blogging and internet businesses.

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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73 Responses to The Road Most Traveled

  1. Susan cooper
    Twitter:
    November 9, 2015 at 2:04 pm #

    Goodness Donna, I’m glad you are OK and hope you’re doing even better now. I have that same problem (I think many of us do) thinking I can, or for some reason should, do everything. Reminds me of an episode of Two and a Half Men where Alan climbs on the roof to adjust the cable and his brother says why don’t you just call ‘the guy’. Of course Alan didn’t listen, falls and ends up all broken up. We really should just call the guy…tree trimming, cable, plumber, etc… And stick to blogging. It’s much safer. Lol. Glad you found someone to fill in for you in a pinch though and help out with your blog.
    Susan cooper recently posted..Terra d‘Oro Winery Zinfandel Port: #Wine.My Profile

    • Donna Merrill November 13, 2015 at 11:28 am #

      Hi Susan,

      Feeling great now. Yes…it was just like that episode for me. I knew the landscapers were coming for fall clean up, but just wanted to try it out myself. Big mistake he he he.

      Yes, I’m sticking to blogging….it is much safer.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Does Story Telling Work On Your Blog?My Profile

  2. Jan Shaw
    Twitter:
    November 9, 2015 at 10:57 am #

    Hi Donna & David,

    Donna, I’m glad you’re feeling better and hope that you’re 100% soon. David, great post and I’m definitely in the “road most traveled” category, but in the home based business niche, there is so much competition that I try to make all of my blog posts original and just a little different than the rest of them out there.

    I, too, really enjoyed your Dr. Seuss poems (very creative) and am happy that you shared this advice with us.

    Have a great week David & Donna!

    Jan
    Jan Shaw recently posted..What Does “Taking Massive Action” Mean and How It Applies to Your Online Business?My Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 11, 2015 at 1:38 pm #

      I certainly appreciate your attempts to make your blog post a bit different than everybody else’s, Jan.

      Just keep this in mind.

      It’s not important to be different. It’s important to help your followers, downlines, and everybody else… to help them get better results and have their lives improved as a result.

      I think being different is fine, but it should not be “the goal.” Instead, focus on really helping, really giving value and really moving people forward.

      My mother used to give me chicken soup when I got a cold.

      Nothing new there… but it sure did the trick! Looking back, I’m very grateful for the wonderful gift she gave me… the chicken soup and the love that went along with it… nothing new, but magic none the less.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 15, 2015 at 9:39 pm #

        Thanks Jan,

        Recently just got back and feeling like myself. Thank you so much for your concern.

        Thank you too David for taking care of my blog while I was healing.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..Does Story Telling Work On Your Blog?My Profile

  3. Matt Banner
    Twitter:
    November 9, 2015 at 10:43 am #

    Donna: Sorry to hear about your concussion! That’s awful.

    David: Great topic for a post!

    Personally, I prefer the road less traveled. I think most professional bloggers do; after all, choosing to make a full-time income online isn’t something a lot of people do.

    (Although more and more people are doing it all the time)

    The poem was highly entertaining, by the way. 🙂

    Matt
    Matt Banner recently posted..FAQs on Starting & Growing a Self-Hosted BlogMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 10, 2015 at 6:19 pm #

      I think many of us prefer the road less traveled, Matt, but it’s a more advanced path to follow. Until you’ve had some success doing the standard things, and until you really understand that process, and have utilized it effectively, it’s not likely you’re ready to get off the main path and do some innovate trail-blazing.

      The problem I’ve found with many bloggers, is that they think they MUST cut into virgin territory in order to establish themselves as a leader and authority. I think for the vast majority of folks, that’s putting the horse before the cart. Set a firm foundation, first, and use that as the basis for your departure from the norm (i.e., the “proven” methods that already have a reliable track record).

      Thanks for pitching in, Matt, glad you like the poem.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Matt Banner
        Twitter:
        November 11, 2015 at 11:50 am #

        Hi David,

        You’re totally right.

        This is one of the things I advocate over and over again on my blog. A big key to success is to get the fundamentals right, and to do them consistently.

        It isn’t always about finding the shortcuts into “virgin territory” as you put it.

        Another great idea — with any aspect of posting, publishing, commenting, etc. — is to take a standard bit of wisdom, and then slowly move away from it and measure the results.

        For example, most studies find that posts on Facebook between 1 and 3 pm get the best engagement. So start by posting at 1 and 3 pm, and then slowly try other times of the day and compare the results.

        Thanks for your reply, David! Keep up the great work.

        Matt
        Matt Banner recently posted..FAQs on Starting & Growing a Self-Hosted BlogMy Profile

        • David Merrill 101
          Twitter:
          November 11, 2015 at 1:32 pm #

          Excellent example, Matt, to slowly change up the pace of FB posting.

          Here’s one of my favorites.

          Years ago, I was involved in classical dance.

          I got quite familiar with modern dance, and got to know some performers in the Sophie Maslow dancers troupe.

          What I was surprised to learn was this.

          Sophie Maslow dancers perform “modern dance” which is a far more innovative choreography than classic ballet. BUT, every single dancer I knew that performed with the troupe, and appeared to have no foundation in classical form, had in fact trained for many years in classical ballet before they were able to steer off into the direction of modern dance.

          It’s all about having a fundamental knowledge of what to do, and then implementing that knowledge. Over time, you can actually experiment with other forms, but that experimentation will always be rooted in the fundamentals.

          Are their exceptions to this? I’m sure there are. But not many.
          David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  4. Kim Willis
    Twitter:
    November 9, 2015 at 5:04 am #

    Hi Donna and David

    Great to be here again!

    I really enjoyed your well written and funny post, David. I read the book Road Less Travelled a long time ago and really enjoyed it, but certainly in the world of blogging, marketing and making money online, the road less travelled can be a very barren road indeed.

    I agree 100 percent with the thrust of your post – bloggers need to simply focus on benefits, so that people can lead ‘better, happier lives’.

    So all we need to do is look at what the best are doing and follow them – with a twist. It’s the same in the offline world. It’s easier to make money in established industries by offering something similar but with a twist, than it is to be a pioneering trail blazer.

    The reality is that there is very little that is new in the world of marketing (most of it is just packaging anyway). Sure new technology comes along but at the end of the day a new app or another social media platform is just another way of connecting with people.

    To me the name of the game is to narrow the focus by identifying smaller niches within a bigger niche. Then we can craft a narrative that pushes buttons for people within those smaller niches.

    Thanks again David, and get well soon, Donna!

    Kim

    Love your poem – put a smile on my face!

    Cheers,

    Kim
    Kim Willis recently posted..Business Struggling? How to Banish Self Doubt and DiscouragementMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 9, 2015 at 7:18 pm #

      Hi Kim,

      Thanks for your perspective, here.

      It is important to narrow your target audience as much as possible. That helps you craft your message and brand for exactly the folks that are following you.

      Yes, it’s critical to lead with benefits. That’s why, the more targeted your audience, the better you’re able to give them exactly the benefits that stir them.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  5. Kathryn Maclean
    Twitter:
    November 8, 2015 at 8:16 pm #

    David and poor Donna,
    Hope by now Donna you’r feeling ok now.
    Nice replacement blogger !

    I do agree, take the path that is proven to be popular and that just plain works.
    The secret sause is really no secret – give them what they want.

    “No matter what your niche is, people want better, happier lives, full of things they want and void of the non-sense that blurs their way toward achieving them.” Nicely written David.
    Kathryn Maclean recently posted..Up on InstagramMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 9, 2015 at 6:22 pm #

      If you build a business that is based on making peoples’ lives better, you’ll never have trouble turning a profit. The harder you work at improving their lives, the more profitable your business will be.

      Now, that’s certainly secret sauce, Kathyrn, not because it’s secret, but because so few people really do it that way, that it seems like it’s a secret. The truth is, though, most people think in terms of building a business to turn a profit, so that they can then help people. Backwards 🙂
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  6. David Merrill 101
    Twitter:
    November 8, 2015 at 5:54 pm #

    Yes, Mary, there are core “itches” within every niche, every interest group. One of the reasons we try so hard to increasingly refine the targeting of our traffic is that the more highly targeted your prospects are, the easier it is to know precisely what those itches are.

    If we target “bloggers,” they have a set of core desires and pain points. If we target “bloggers who produce YouTube videos” we find a smaller, more specific set of itches.

    So, yes, we need to satisfy that core itch, but that varies from one targeted group to another.
    David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  7. Joan M Harrington
    Twitter:
    November 8, 2015 at 3:36 pm #

    Hi David and Donna!

    This is EXACTLY what I aim to do with my blog posts as I want my information to not only benefit my readers but to improve their lives as well!!

    Oh I can say is WOW! Right on target with this post David, thank you 🙂 I am with you, going on the road that is “less” traveled seems to be the “easy” way, but I know that being on the road that is “most” traveled has helped me follow those bloggers who have found that “unique” way of standing out and that is what I aim to do daily and consistently with my posts. I learn from the best and make it my own which is the only way we can stand out above all of the rest!

    Hope you are feeling better Donna 🙂

    Hugs,
    Joan
    Joan M Harrington recently posted..Do You Need To Improve Your Writing Skills Here’s What You Need To KnowMy Profile

  8. Mary Sloane
    Twitter:
    November 8, 2015 at 10:25 am #

    Hey Donna and David Thanks for a great reminder.

    Donna I hope you’re recovering well.

    It is so easy to say you have to be differen,t you have to stand out and you do, but you still have to give people what they want.

    There are only so many human desires and if you can satisfy them wiht a unique twist you’re onto something but not if you try to satisfy something that isn’t core… they’re just NOT that interested!

    Movies all play around the same 7- 10 themes

    To the Top

    Mary
    Mary Sloane recently posted..Become a High Paid Strategist not a Lowly Paid TacticianMy Profile

  9. Tom Southern
    Twitter:
    November 8, 2015 at 7:40 am #

    My gosh Donna, hope you’re recovering well. Gardening can be hazardous.

    It’s good to meet you David.

    It’s not the right niche bloggers have to find, it’s a group of people who want to know what they know. If you have knowledge of how to do something that a group of people want to do that should be who you blog for.

    When you’re a blogger trying to get traffic you need to know who is most likely to want to visit your blog. If you can show them you understand what their frustrations are, and how you can give them those answers they’ll looking for, you’ll have a better chance of making it online. And you’ll stand out.

    -Tom
    Tom Southern recently posted..How To Find Where Your Potential Readers Hang OutMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 8, 2015 at 5:27 pm #

      Well, Tom, you’re right about finding the people most interested in what you offer. And, of course, you find those people by drilling down into your niche.

      So, if your niche is blogging, and you’re teaching people how to get Facebook traffic to your blog, you’re now talking to a specific target group within your niche… bloggers who are interested in Facebook traffic.

      Naturally, you can keep drilling deeper.

      You might target bloggers interested in “free” Facebook traffic, or bloggers interested in retargeted Facebook traffic, etc etc. The deeper you drill, the more targeted your audience becomes.

      That’s not to say, though, that you need to abandon your core niche of “bloggers.” You still want to offer them value too, because they’re your broader base of support.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  10. David Merrill 101
    Twitter:
    November 6, 2015 at 9:21 pm #

    Hi Monna,

    Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

    Sounds like you’ve learned a few things in the blogosphere. That will be a good foundation for your growth and maturity in the business.
    David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  11. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    November 6, 2015 at 5:47 pm #

    Hi Donna and David,

    For a long time, I did try the road less traveled and it just made things harder because I didn’t even really know how to travel the well-built road. Little by little, I found that I could watch other bloggers and how they do things but put a little bit of my uniqueness into my writing.

    That seems to be working out pretty well.

    Thanks David for the great post. Donna, feel better soon and I am so grateful you were not hurt worse than you were. Take care. :_
    Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..The Guru Who Ignored MeMy Profile

  12. Chris DeeWaard
    Twitter:
    November 6, 2015 at 12:34 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Sorry to hear you hurt yourself. Definitely rest up.

    Hi David,

    Excellent post. I believe that we can follow the road most traveled and still be unique.
    It’s how we travel the road that will make us stand out. Ride a bike instead of driving a
    car, i.e., make a video instead of just typing an article with a few images. Do a Periscope broadcast instead of a podcast, etc…

    Bottom line, the destination is to provide great value to our followers, the way we do it
    is just the vehicle we decide to use.

    Have a great weekend, both of you……..Chris
    Chris DeeWaard recently posted..Blog Hopping We Will GoMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 9:18 pm #

      Great point, Chris.

      The point is to offer value and benefits that our followers need and demand.

      The road we take to get that done is not what’s most important. It’s only the vehicle we use to get the job done.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  13. ikechi
    Twitter:
    November 5, 2015 at 5:46 pm #

    Hi David

    You know this is so interesting. The Conventional wisdom is to go the road less travelled which to me is to be different.

    However, you are right that if we don’t understand the benefits that we are given our readers, they will never be able to engage with us.

    You remind me about a post I wrote which is Being Unique is not the Same as being useful.

    Thanks David for sharing this awesome comment.

    Hi Donna
    It is great that you are getting better and hope you did not have serious injuries. Be sure to rest. Take care and have a swell week.

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 9:15 pm #

      Being different certainly doesn’t mean that you’re on the right path, as you suggest, Ikechi.

      I love the way you put it… being unique is not the same as being useful.

      What is useful is to give your readers and customers the benefits they need. When you do that, you’re certainly on the right road, regardless of whether it’s one heavily or lightly traveled.

      Thanks, Ikechi. Nice to see you here.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  14. Keith Lunt
    Twitter:
    November 5, 2015 at 11:34 am #

    With around 75,000,000 blogs on WordPress alone, if something is the popular / well travelled road then it is that for a reason. With so many people blogging no matter what unique and interesting aspect you try to invent the less well travelled road has probably been tried somewhere and it’s because it’s not taken off that not many people are trying it.

    However, trail blazers do sometimes succeed. Someone has to be the first to try every new idea at some point. So I don’t see the harm in following the crowd along the well travelled route and having the odd explore down the less travelled road once in a while.

    It keeps life, and blogging, more interesting!
    Keith Lunt recently posted..How Often Should I Be Posting To My Blog?My Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 9:09 pm #

      Trail blazers do “sometimes succeed,” Keith.

      But, as you say, most things have been tried, already, and those that haven’t… there’s probably a good reason for it.

      There aren’t too many ways to profit with your online business, that don’t involve being rooted in proven strategies that just require you to implement them. That, of course, means hard work, dedication and persistence in the face of obstacles. That’s where too many people fall off the track.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  15. Mark
    Twitter:
    November 5, 2015 at 10:44 am #

    What an excellent and extremely thoughtful post David!

    And I certainly hope Donna makes a rapid recovery!

    I think you really hit the hammer on the head!

    Personally, i don’t care how many times in the past a particular
    subject has been covered, as long as I get some sort of value
    out of the content, no matter what form it comes in.

    And I couldn’t agree more, that being different simply for the sake
    of being different, really doesn’t benefit anybody.

    And I love your explanation of the barbed wire fence. That really
    explains and illustrates your points perfectly!

    Thanks for sharing an excellent post. I’ll definitely promote it!
    Mark recently posted..Five Extremely Powerful Marketing Lessons A Trip To The Grocery Deli Taught Me!Part TwoMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 8:49 pm #

      I like what you said, Mark.. “being different simply for the sake
      of being different, really doesn’t benefit anybody”

      I mentioned earlier how so many of my coaching clients want to build an online business, but think the biggest key to success is doing something nobody else has ever thought of doing. That’s not likely to happen, though, is it?

      What’s really required to build a successful business is learned the proven essentials, and then working hard and harder, day in and day out to make it happen.

      It’s called “taking massive action” and it will almost always make your business far more profitable than all the tricks and secrets and systems and push button software in the world.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  16. Akaahan Terungwa
    Twitter:
    November 5, 2015 at 5:49 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Sorry about the accident…I hope you’re getting better?

    David, I really appreciate the core logic contained in this classic piece. I am particularly pleased with the basic reminder of why people buy what they buy – or read the blogs they do. Thanks a ton.

    The road less traveled may not make the difference for many…however, if one is creative and methodological about the whole process, it could still bring smiles to the audience base – especially when the creative bit or difference is what readers need and cannot easily get It anywhere else.

    For instance, Emmanuel Kabenlah created a hugely successful blog that was abuzz with engagement because of his witty presentations and humor…aside passing across the core message, many bloggers stopped at that. No Emmanuel.

    The result? He was hugely successful and his blog was a beehive of activity.

    I sincerely appreciate your unique and insightful writing style…in a curious way, you too have chosen the road less travelled!

    Enjoy the day!

    Always,
    Akaahan Terungwa

    P.S.

    I featured one of your entries on my blog, Notopoverty some days ago…did you get my mail notifying you?
    Akaahan Terungwa recently posted..How To (Brilliantly) Tackle A False Scam Accusation OnlineMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 8:36 pm #

      It’s true, Akaahan, that a lot of great things have been done by folks traveling along the road less traveled. They certainly have a lot of fun in the process. There’s nothing like breaking new ground, is there?

      Funny how you called me out, too: “in a curious way, you too have chosen the road less travelled!”

      I suppose you’ve got a pretty good point there, and in fact, you’ve made a pretty strong case for going the less conventional route.

      As several people have mentioned here, it’s probably best to combine both approaches. You just need to be aware of which is which and craft your strategy accordingly.

      Thanks so much for your perspective on this.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  17. Trisha Dey
    Twitter:
    November 5, 2015 at 2:40 am #

    Hi David,

    This post has made me rethink about the road traveled and the road not traveled. I think both the roads have their own flavor.
    Yes it is very wise to follow the road most traveled because you can discuss and share with others and also learn from one another. But the road less traveled means being brave and having the courage to come up with something new and travel with all the hurdles all alone, which will make you strong. I am still thinking about the benefits of the road most travelled and probably will come to some conclusion soon.
    Trisha Dey recently posted..5 Bollywood stars who struggled to make it bigMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 8:28 pm #

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts, here, Trisha.

      Another thing to consider is this.

      I very, very often hear my coaching clients tell me they want to do “something different: that “nobody else is doing.”

      In fact they insist on it.

      So much so, that they never get their business off the ground because they’re still trying to invent a new way, a new thing, a new approach.

      At the end of the day, it turns out to be a very well designed procrastination technique. The business never gets anywhere because it’s always being re-invented.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 13, 2015 at 11:55 am #

        Hi Trisha,

        I have to agree with David here. Sometimes trying something new can turn out to be a very well designed procrastination technique.

        If we keep on re-inventing things, we can put our business on hold.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..Does Story Telling Work On Your Blog?My Profile

  18. David Boozer
    Twitter:
    November 4, 2015 at 10:18 pm #

    Perfect Donna! Just perfect! The part about BENEFITS is extremely important today. SO many people start businesses and blogs online today, but most do just that, TRY TO START SOMETHING FOR THEMSELVES! instead of creating something for others first… See, if we share our passion, money, fame and traffic is natural…

    Thanks Donna for the great post,….
    David Boozer recently posted..10 Simple Ways To Better Your Blog Traffic Starting Today, And Keep It Coming…My Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 8:23 pm #

      You’ve got to lead with benefits, David.

      Nothing else really matters if you don’t.

      No matter what road you travel, if it only leads to a business platform with fluff and nonsense, you won’t get far.

      No sense in telling people that you’re doing it all for them. You have to demonstrate that. In fact, I’d say that’s probably a road too seldom traveled in the world of online business.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 13, 2015 at 11:48 am #

        Hi David,

        Yes, you nailed it. We do have to create something for others First! The mindset of just starting will keep you down for a while until one realizes what it is all about.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..Does Story Telling Work On Your Blog?My Profile

    • Ryan Biddulph
      Twitter:
      November 9, 2015 at 11:11 am #

      SUPER clever analogy David. Many readers only connect with me because they know I was a broke, fired pier guard from NJ who took simple and uncomfortable steps to mold my life in paradise…when they SEE this, wow, they can do it too. I am from earth. Just like them 😉 Thanks again, fab comment and post.

      RB
      Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Download 7 eBooks for $6.93My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 13, 2015 at 11:49 am #

        Hi Ryan,

        I’m sure that people coming to you are from many areas…and the one’s that don’t know your history are coming to you as “The Authority Blogger” living in Paradise writing books like crazy!

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..Does Story Telling Work On Your Blog?My Profile

  19. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    November 4, 2015 at 9:27 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Feel better! Thinking about ya. I imagine that the whiplash was pretty nasty when that bush snapped back at you.

    Hi David,

    Gotta stress those reader benefits to make things happen…..or to draw readers in to you. I vibe with a unique story but at the end of the day I see what a blogger can serve me, or how they can help me, to make me stick around. Of course if you can take a less traveled path while sharing something super beneficial, then even better. I think I kinda take that road by telling my travel stories and by writing in my own unique style, both of which pulls me off of the path.

    At the end though, I need to stress the benefits which appeal to my readers – living their dreams of becoming a pro blogger, or retiring to the tropics as a pro blogger – to keep ’em coming back. Thanks David, fab post and sweet poem too.

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Download 7 eBooks for $6.93My Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 8:12 pm #

      Nice hearing from you, Ryan.

      Your blog is certainly an example of getting a bit off the beaten path, or at least of drilling deeper into a particular niche (blogging) than most folks do, and drilling in a place where most folks have yet to break ground.

      Still, I’m sure you’d agree that even when you’re exploring lightly traveled territory, you’re best off to do it with a firm understanding of well established tools and strategies.

      You just might be the first guy on Mars, but you’ll probably get their with aircraft from earth, and an understanding of astrophysics that know no borders.

      As for blogging, as you’ve pointed out here, the bottom line is not so much how you get the job done, but the benefits you deliver to your readers and subscribers.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 13, 2015 at 11:45 am #

        Hey Ryan,

        Just getting back and want to thank you so much for your great participation on this post by David.

        You sure get the job done my friend and you deliver such great content to your readers….I don’t know how you do it all – blogging and all those books you have been writing.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..Does Story Telling Work On Your Blog?My Profile

  20. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    November 4, 2015 at 9:00 pm #

    The first thing I thought of Donna was have I traveled this road? Yes I have but have been off line blogging for a couple of months. I miss it and want to get back to it. I guess you nailed it on the head for me. Not significant benefits soooooo I’m still trying to figure that out.

    Anyway, great article as usual. Very creative. Loved it!

    Barbara

    p.s.: The road most traveled. 😉 Have a great week.
    Barbara Charles recently posted..The 9 Best Healthy Inspiration Pinterest BoardsMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 8:05 pm #

      A couple months is a long time in the blogging world, Barbara.

      Welcome back. I think you’ll find some of the paths folks were following a few months ago have become overgrown already.

      Things change fast out here, don’t they?
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 13, 2015 at 11:44 am #

        Hi Barbara,

        Getting back after over a week is like months away for me. I appreciate you coming by and can just imagine how it feels being away from blogging for such a long time in blogging time lol.

        So good to see you back!

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..Does Story Telling Work On Your Blog?My Profile

  21. Don Purdum
    Twitter:
    November 4, 2015 at 6:43 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    So sorry to hear of “adventure.” I hope you rest and take it easy – for real! lol…

    I’m not sure you can count David as a guest can you?

    Genius, brilliant, well learned, thinker, great communicator… you can definitely go with those!

    David, I really appreciate you ideas and insights.

    I tend to agree that the road most traveled is where the activity is at; truth is there aren’t many roads these days not traveled and if they are out there; there is probably a reason why and it’s hard to attract those who are not there.

    Of course that’s a generalization but I think a sound principle.

    I have felt that the best policy is consistency down the road. It’s like the old saying; I don’t have to out run the bear, I just have to outrun the slowest person.

    Well, in this case the bear is the massive amount of blogs and competition. But, just stay steady and consistent because within a few months 80% of the ones that just started and are trying to do all these flashing things’ will stop. They will go away and be consumed by the online bear.

    We just have to keep pressing forward with consistency and the reward will come.

    Maybe that’s an imperfect example? But I hope it’s one that represents what I think you’re trying to get at as a principle in your article.

    I’m seeing that with my blog at 18 months old now. I’m earning more opportunities than I could have imagined only six months ago.

    Imagine in another 6, 18, 24, 36 or 48 months?

    Thanks for sharing your wisdom and insights David. I appreciate you!

    Have a great second half to your week.

    ~ Don Purdum
    Don Purdum recently posted..Want to Learn a New Way to Blog Faster, More Efficiently and More Profitably?My Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 6, 2015 at 8:01 pm #

      It’s true Don, that if very few people are following a particular path or strategy or business model, there’s probably a very good reason why.

      I often place ads online/offline for myself, for clients as well.

      Where should I place them?

      If someone has a training course called “How To Save My Faltering Marriage,” where should I place it?

      I can look around and see that Facebook Group A, Forum B and Blog C all solicit for “relationships” advertising.

      “A” has tons of ads about having a good marriage, repairing your marriage, etc.

      “B” has some ads in the niche, but far fewer… competition looks much lighter.

      “C” absolutely no ads running right now in the niche. I have Zero competition… sweet 🙂

      Where do I place the ad?

      Following your logic, Don, I’d place it in source “A.” Even though the competition is really heavy on “A,” there’s got to be a reason why so many people are flooding it to get their ads on board in exactly the niche I’m advertising in.

      I think that’s where you logic would lead me, but correct me if I’m wrong.

      For myself… I’m in total agreement with that.

      I not only would prefer to advertise in “A,” but I probably wouldn’t even consider “B” or “C.”

      Advertisers spend lots of money placing ads. They don’t choose a source for no reason. It’s based on lots of research and market analysis that I don’t even begin to know about. But why should I learn all that stuff when I can just follow the money and advertise where folks with huge advertising departments and budgets are already placing their ads?

      Excellent point, Don.

      I choose the road most traveled every day. When I feel like gambling, or I get bored doing same-old same-old, I might try the road less traveled. I almost always get burned when I do, but I’m not opposed to a calculated risk from time to time, as long as you can afford it.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

  22. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    November 4, 2015 at 4:27 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    My goodness girl, you better watch out now. I know the feeling though, I do the same thing but we definitely don’t want you hurting yourself. I sure hope you’re feeling better and that was so sweet of David to step up and help out with this post.

    Great share David and I agree. I think so many people come online thinking that they have to do something different than everyone else but basically there isn’t a whole lot of new information to share. We just have to deliver it in a way that will benefit our audience and hopefully help them connect with us better.

    In the past I would share things reporting about the newest and latest thing that’s coming out, etc. So what, it might be a new gadget but that’s just one more thing we’re enticing our audience to do that really doesn’t fit what their goals are. If we not helping them learn so that they can continue to grow than we’re really wasting everyone’s time.

    Loved the poem too, how creative. Nice touch so it was really adorable.

    Thank you for sharing this topic with us and it is one that I would hope moving forward people pay a lot more attention to.

    Get to feeling better Donna and thanks David.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..How To Overcome Your Fear of BloggingMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 5, 2015 at 3:58 pm #

      I think the real problem, Adrienne, is that people put off doing important (critical) things because they think other people have already done that.

      So, if I tell a student to write a free ebook about dog leashes to get folks onto their dog training list, she might argue that it’s already been done before. Maybe she’s already bought books about the best training leashes to use.

      But the real point is this. She has people on HER blog, right NOW, getting interested in HER style and information… they might like to hear about dog leashes from her… even if they’ve bought the same books, too.

      That’s because they trust her, they like her, they’d like to engage with her at some level.

      So, to say “it’s been done before” is missing the point. It needs to be done by YOU, for your followers. Even if the info is the same, maybe you can do a video or image or tell a story that makes it more understandable to your followers.

      I’ve had so many people tell me that they already knew what I just told them, but they understand it better now because of the way that I told them.

      It’s not so much a matter of doing things different or new (as if “new” even exists). It’s a matter of doing it better than others, or even just doing it right for the people who have come to learn something from you.

      Thanks for stopping by Adrienne. We haven’t chatted for a while, have we?
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 6, 2015 at 2:05 pm #

        Hi Adrienne,

        I’m on the mend and can finally get to my computer for short periods of time.

        I love what you mentioned here: If we not helping them learn so that they can continue to grow than we’re really wasting everyone’s time.

        Now that is sage advice for everyone because it is the darn truth! It all gets down to that and it is the most important thing we can ever do.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers GraveMy Profile

  23. lisa thomson
    Twitter:
    November 4, 2015 at 2:19 pm #

    Hi David, well, you had me at secret sauce. I love that analogy and many people want the secret sauce…especially when you tell them it’s secret! I think I like well traveled road for the most part. Once in a while I like to stray off to the less traveled though by keeping my readers on their ‘toes’. 🙂 i hope to keep them interested in my content. As you say, as long as i’m helping them have a better life, great point!

    Donna, I hope you’re feeling better soon!
    lisa thomson recently posted..Hello! Come On In, I’ll Put Coffee OnMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 5, 2015 at 3:32 pm #

      The “secret sauce,” it turns out, Lisa, is making peoples’ lives better for having consumed you great content.

      Once you’ve got that happening, you only need to drive traffic to your site, and convert folks into subscribers and customers.

      Well, it might not really be such a big secret.

      Deliver great value. Drive trafffic to it, and convert it. Content, Traffic, Conversion.

      These are not new concepts. They are, in fact, the road most traveled.

      But when you put in the effort to bring those 3 elements together, you’ve got some serious magic going on in your business.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 6, 2015 at 1:56 pm #

        Hi Lisa,

        As long as we make someone’s life a little better with everything we do…it is that secret sauce lol. Thank you so much for coming by.

        I’m on the mend,

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers GraveMy Profile

  24. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    November 4, 2015 at 12:39 am #

    Hi David & Donna,

    Good to see you here, and I hope you’re feeling better Donna 🙂

    I agree with all that you mentioned, and would prefer to strike the right balance between the two. It’s not easy trying to be different, but if you can manage, nothing like it. Yet, you don’t have to overwhelm yourself trying to be different if it’s out of reach for you, though keep striving for it.

    What matters at the end of the day is making a difference in your life, for being a better you, and if you can help people alongside, nothing like it.

    Thanks for sharing it with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..4 Scientifically Proven Ways for Recovering Self-Esteem after FailureMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 5, 2015 at 1:39 pm #

      Lots of folks are talking about “balance” out here, Harleena.

      I guess that’s really the key.

      Like you way, it’s not easy being different, but it’s pretty sweet when you can manage to be.

      The most important thing though, is that you get to be awesome by helping other people have better lives, as you live your passion and find yourself loving your own!
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

    • Donna Merrill November 6, 2015 at 1:47 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      It is so true…I like to strike the balance between the two. We are all unique and standing out from the crowd is pretty easily done if we are just ourselves.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers GraveMy Profile

  25. Lea Bullen
    Twitter:
    November 3, 2015 at 8:58 pm #

    Hi Donna & David,

    Omg, I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you’re feeling better. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

    I think the road most traveled is the better option. Everyone wants to strike out and do something different but don’t really want the risk if it doesn’t work out. I mean how else are you going to know if there’s a market for something if it hasn’t been done?

    If you’re going to do something different it should be putting your own spin on it. Like the road most traveled but traveled in a different way 🙂

    ~Lea
    Lea Bullen recently posted..What You Need to Do to Get Unstuck and be SuccessfulMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 5, 2015 at 1:36 pm #

      “Everybody want to strike out and do something different,” for sure, Lea.

      But, as you point out, that’s a high risk option. You not only won’t know if there’s a market for something, but you also won’t understand how it can be most effectively positioned in the market place. You won’t have a foundation to build on.

      So, you’re right, get the foundation from what you see others doing successfully, then put your own spin on it. Then it becomes yours, and it looks a bit different from what everyone else is doing, doesn’t it?
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

    • Donna Merrill November 6, 2015 at 12:40 pm #

      Hi Lea,

      You got it! We can do the road most travelled but with a twist. That is the essence of what we need to do to stick out of the crowd.

      Thank you so much for stopping by and I’m slowly getting back in action.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers GraveMy Profile

  26. Dana
    Twitter:
    November 3, 2015 at 8:52 pm #

    Hi David, Hi Donna,

    Donna, I hope you’re feeling better soon…and I’m glad the situation isn’t more serious than it is.

    And David, I think it’s awesome that you’re able and willing to fill in with this post.

    In regard to the topic in this post… think in terms of balance.

    I do feel it’s wise to follow the road most traveled if we’re discussing following the strategies that others can honestly claim has worked for them. In this, we learn from one another – and this is priceless.

    But of course, following the road less traveled means (to me anyway) being brave enough to be yourself and express this in the most real – and authentic way you can.

    I guess the magic formula is something to the effect of…

    “How can I offer a solution in a way that is truly an expression of me, my experiences and my wisdom?”

    At least, that’s what I look to do.

    I wish you both a good week – and Donna…a pleasant healing process 🙂
    Dana recently posted..Ditch the New Year’s Resolution and Take Charge of Your Well-Being NowMy Profile

    • Dana
      Twitter:
      November 3, 2015 at 8:55 pm #

      And I meant to say “I think in balance” 😉

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 5, 2015 at 1:15 pm #

      Good point, Dana.

      You can certainly balance both approaches. Follow the path that’s been cleared of the weeds and overgrowth. Once you’re on your way, and you have the clarity of direction, you can veer off the path a bit and give your business the unique, creative twist that makes it unique to you.

      That’s really the essence of personal branding. Taking what works, what’s been proven to work, what “everybody” else is doing… and give it your own personality and expertise to make it something uniquely yours.

      People usually follow others not so much for what they can offer, but the unique way in which they do it.

      So, certainly, once you’ve got both feet planted firmly on the ground… you can try some things out until you learn how to brand your business as uniquely yours.

      Thanks for stopping by.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 6, 2015 at 12:33 pm #

        Hi Dana,

        Feeling better thank you. Just slightly dizzy so I’m writing very short comments lol.

        Thanks so much for your input. The road less travelled is the uniqueness of us all and yes we need that. But the road most travelled is the foundation of where we are going, especially in business. Why re-invent the wheel?

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers GraveMy Profile

  27. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    November 3, 2015 at 8:37 pm #

    Oh lucky, lucky me the first one to comment! First of all, so sorry to hear about your DIY challenge Donna and I hope you’ll be feeling better soon! Great to hear from you David and I really enjoyed this post. As to your question, of course I agree that regardless of the niche the bottom line is traffic and conversion and I’m all for keeping up with what is / isn’t working in the wide world of blogging.

    Beyond that I’ve identified my key competitors in the gazillion+ field of personal growth bloggers and while I work to stay on top of what everyone is doing and writing about I do that with the specific purpose of taking advantage of innovative ideas to differentiate myself from the pack. Just because a competitor does well with a podcast doesn’t mean I’m going to rush out and start a podcast. So I suppose that means I work hard to enjoy the benefits of both roads and just have to pray that nobody throws up a barbed wire fence when I’m not looking. 🙂
    Marquita Herald recently posted..3 Powerful Steps to End the Year on a HighMy Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 5, 2015 at 12:44 pm #

      The bottom line is always what’s working and what’s not, as you point out here, Marquita.

      The tough thing about the road less traveled is that you’ve got to start with square one, see what did or didn’t work, then move on to square 2 and repeat the testing process. By the time you get to square 50, you’re starting to get things rolling and your business is starting to profit.

      By taking the road more traveled, you benefit from all those who went before you and did the testing their dime and with their time. Now, you have a better of idea of what results you can expect from implementing a specific strategy.

      But like you say, you can travel both roads to an extent, too. One you’ve got something working the way you want, the way you’ve been taught… you can start improvising and creating your own unique slant. So yes, you can travel both roads at the same time in that sense.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 6, 2015 at 12:21 pm #

        Hi Marquita,

        I can see your point of view here. Indeed, we can travel both roads lol. You sure know how to differentiate yourself from the pack! As I am an avid reader of your blog, your style is always helpful to others.

        Your brand is a writer and that screams from your blog.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers GraveMy Profile

  28. Connor Rickett
    Twitter:
    November 3, 2015 at 8:21 pm #

    David,

    While I myself am a fan of the road less traveled in every sense, the truth is that it’s often less traveled for a darned good reason. The road less traveled tends to be full of rocks, brambles, hornet nests, and assorted ilk–the only real reason to take it is to get somewhere you can’t arrive via the nice road . . . or for the fun of it.

    And, I guess more topically, providing something of value to your readers is really the only way to keep them coming back. So, good advice.

    Donna,

    Feel better!
    Connor Rickett recently posted..Grimmer & Grimmer: Death Done Us (part 2)My Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 4, 2015 at 9:44 pm #

      Thanks for making an important point, Connor.

      The road less traveled is probably less traveled for a very good reason. It’s not likely that you’ll think up too many approaches to blogging or online marketing that others have not considered, and tried.

      So why did that road get abandoned?

      More than likely, because it proved itself to be impassable, fraught with dangers and of unacceptably high risk.

      This doesn’t mean you can never come up with original ideas, but it’s like this. If the head surgeon tells you that it’s imperative that you remove your patient’s appendix, you might take issue with the advice. But you better be disputing it based on your wealth of experience, not because you’re an intern who just wants to try doing things in a different way that seems like it should work.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..List Building On My MindMy Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 6, 2015 at 11:42 am #

        Hi Connor,

        I know what you mean. My own life is like the road less travelled, being who I am and doing thing that are out of the box. But when it comes to business, I like to take a good course of action. One that has a pretty good road map to follow.

        I don’t like to get distracted by rocks and bramble lol.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers GraveMy Profile

  29. James McAllister
    Twitter:
    November 3, 2015 at 8:17 pm #

    Hi David and Donna!

    This was an important topic to be discussed, and I really look forward to reading some of the other comments people leave here within the next few days.

    I do think taking the road less traveled has been glamorized a bit too heavily because let’s be real here – people can’t always pull it off and they ignore good solid opportunities that would allow them to achieve the same goals.

    The problem I’ve noticed especially in blogging is that people get so caught up in the hype of being their own boss and doing things differently that they ignore the fundamental business aspects that really determine their outcome. Your example with the rhymes was not only brilliant but demonstrated this point well. I like to tell people, do what you want, but understand if you’re blogging for you and not for your readers than you’re not going to make any money. People don’t care about you, they care about the value you can provide for them. They want what they want, not what you want. Sometimes those can intertwine, but not always.

    I do think there is great importance in being unique, but not if it negatively impacts the fundamental aspects of your business.

    Me? I try to be as rational as I can. I’d much rather take $500,000 and start a stable, slowly-growing real estate business than try to start some new tech company that may never take off, despite how exciting that would be.

    It’s been a while, good to talk to you again David!
    – James McAllister
    James McAllister recently posted..Do You Have A Vision?My Profile

    • David Merrill 101
      Twitter:
      November 4, 2015 at 9:32 pm #

      I totally agree, James, that many times people try the road less traveled only to find they can’t pull it off.

      I think that’s the best reason to stay with what’s tried and proven. Most people are better off sticking to the main, “beaten path” because others have already traveled that route, and it’s been proven to get folks to their destination. It’s certainly easier to follow the crowd rather than striking out on your own along some unknown roadway.

      So, at least in that sense, yes… the road less traveled is truly overrated, especially for beginner and moderate bloggers.

      Now, there are always trailblazers and adventurers who can explore new territory. But they’re not likely to get far if they don’t have the experience that can only be gotten along the more common, road most traveled.

      Advanced bloggers can certainly strike out on their own, and explore unknown regions. But usually, you don’t get “advanced” until you’ve walked in the footsteps of the mainstream leaders and teachers.

      Like you suggest, James, once you get the fundamentals down, then you can move into the riskier unknown. But even as you do, you’ll find over and over again that when things get rough, you need to return to those same basic fundamentals that you picked up along the road most traveled.
      David Merrill 101 recently posted..Blogger’s Dream Number 186My Profile

      • Donna Merrill November 6, 2015 at 11:40 am #

        Hi James,

        I am so glad you brought up the point of fundamental basics because that is where each and every blogger needs to keep in their mindset.

        We cannot get oh so excited to be our own boss. If one came in like that they wouldn’t last too long because they really don’t have any idea of all the work it takes. Then they seem to slip away out of sight.

        It is business just like any other and yes, there are basics one needs to have under their belt.

        -Donna
        Donna Merrill recently posted..The Bloggers GraveMy Profile

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