Surprisingly, I did more than I should have while I was working on the mailing list and that’s because my early blogging endeavor was a habit that helped me produced content on a consistent basis. So there was always ideas happening, written, organized and re-arranged even when I didn’t have to.
That’s really a bad thing because it will delay your plans further. So what happened?
I started 2 more blogs! One is the Blogger version of this site, which I want to experiment with to talk more about what’s happening around here. So there is going to be some linking back and forth. Thus, what you’re getting is a summary version of all the posts I will publish here and then some.
I’ve made it look like a twin without all the fancy plugins.
This was made possible in part to their new Template Designer Wizard which was quite impressive. I’ll say that it is something which newbies might like as well if they’re totally at a loss for installing and/or coding. So on the FREE side, this new feature isn’t really that bad.
Moreover, I did start off with Blogger as a beginner. I think we all have. If you didn’t, well, good for you. It’s just been a long time that I’ve forgotten what’s it like to blog simple. I won’t lie, the service can be very easy and you don’t have to tinker with anything technical. That’s a change because the only thing I started missing was the SEO part. 
I cannot find adjustments for permalinks, categories and their tags are called labels which you can add onto the sidebar just like our swirl of keywords. So the only way I can optimize my content is through the title and scattering the keywords within the article.
This is something interesting.
Blogger then is definitely for bloggers who aren’t interested in all things technical. They make it so easy that all you have to do is blog! You don’t have to think about search engine rankings for that part. And if you search onto their gadgets, the closest you’ll find to SEO is tips and services such as quotes and blogroll.
Thus, what we call here on WordPress widgets, they call gadgets. When you want to add one, just searching through the gadget list you can insert whatever you like from their list of 1300+. Furthermore, within the design portion of the Blogger dashboard, you can drag and drop the gadgets anywhere you want.
This is very much like what we see inside our widget section under Appearance. Furthermore, if have a theme like Headway, everything in WordPress may seem like point and click like above. Overall, Blogger really makes it easy to blog.
However, once you go WordPress, you don’t want to go back.
It’s almost like dumbing yourself down. Really. Nonetheless, it’s nice to leverage both platforms to see more ways on how blogging is effective as a whole and I’m all for research to help any blogger get closer to their goal!
Now the next site I created is actually self-hosted.
It’s called Already Used Info. I’ve had this domain for awhile because I wanted to make it something about weddings or clothes. Sort of like a niche site. In the end, I couldn’t find myself go deep into the topic nor did I had the time, so it’s been converted to my personal blog where I randomly talk and let loose on all things creative.
I’m thinking of repurposing content to make videos. What do you think?
Furthermore, I decided to carry my SEO education over. Especially with setting permalinks, keyword tagging, picture tagging and all that good stuff. It’s a nice change from what’s happening here. Hence, I find it more appealing just to talk about what I’ve written.
Watch out! It’s news anchor time!
For this site, I installed On the Go theme from Elegant Themes. I thought it was beautiful, simple and just gets straight to the point. What’s also fantastic is the dashboard configuration which they call ePanel is where you set your specific needs on how the areas will be seen.
So basically everything is set for you. Just adjust and save!
And you know what. All of this blogging elsewhere has really helped a lot with making the e-course. I actually went back in time to remember what it’s like to not have a blog and started from scratch. So while it’s actually taking much longer than I expected, I rather do it slowly rather than rush into making something I’ll keep modifying.
Hence, it’s enough for me to give it a thumbs up to go soon. And that’s a hard thing about seeing your ideas in action. The deadline is actually delayed now and if this was a real-world situation, I’m losing lots of money. Really bad. However, nothing done in excess is regarded as a waste. A couple of product ideas were also conceived.
So now I have about 3 more projects in the works.
Here’s are the ideas behind them:
- Extended Premium Lessons – that’s an extra 7 more weeks of blog unleashing
- Article Marketing Challenge Part Deux – a revamp of the 1000 Articles Challenge
- How to Make Your Own E-course – lessons or ebook, kind of unsure
So I’m curious, would you be interested in extended lessons for another 7 weeks after the first 7 lessons I give out? These would be not be free. Instead, it will be something premium. In addition, I figured that by the time someone completes these 14 lessons and perhaps surprisingly more, which I find that there’s always room for improvement, they would be well into their 5th month. This is enough to make a decision to carry on with blogging or dump it.
The premium 7 lessons will go more into depth on:
- recommended plugins and their usage
- site design and basic SEO
- tracking and analyzing your progress
- finding FREE ways to grow your blogging experience
- article marketing and how to spread your influence
- intro to product development and creating a continuity plan
- building a mailing list – everything you know VIP style
Keep in mind, you should finish the whole course in 14 weeks or more. A blogger who can withstand blogging that long can do anything! However, if you choose to not continue, the article marketing challenge will be something to look forward to. It’s an alternative route which I find will help us grow to communicate on a community level.
What do you think?
Finally, the e-course product is something which came out of the blue. I thought, hey, you might want to know how to create your own e-course as well. I’ve already put together a resource sheet on whom I’ve studied from, what they provided and how they worked their list. I’m sure as time carries on, e-courses will be making a comeback into the blogosphere too.
The sweet thing about it is, it’s absolutely catered to your style and no one else’s.
Furthermore, the sheet I’ve created was very insightful. I’ve learned so many things which I didn’t use for my own e-course, and it sure would go to waste if I don’t put into the hands of those who are interested in it. Thus, these ideas can really help a new blogger who is focused on providing awesome value in building their mailing list down the line.
Some of the topics include:
- How to see the big picture to teach
- Doing the research and tools to help you aggregate the information
- How to understand your process and create structure
- Deciding on monetization
- How to promote the course
- Learning from your actions to extend more lessons (or not)
Once again, what do you think?
Thanks to everyone who has voted and has supported the blog so far in it’s slow launch. I will be seeing you on the 200th post and official launch of the mailing list with the new e-course!
Related posts:
- 7 Tips For Starting Your Own Mailing List
- 50 Things I Didn’t Know About Starting A Mailing List (But Do Now After Studying Others)
- Make Money Online Work with ListZEN – Do MORE For Your Mailing List to Keep Your Subscribers Happy
- What Your Personal Relationship Can Teach You About Building Your Online Blog Subscription List
- Content May Be King But List Building is the Intention
Twitter: lavenderuses
says:
Hi Thu
You sure have been busy gal! No wonder I haven’t seen you around as much lately.
This is why techies have the advantage. You have an idea and then you have the skills to implement it. I have heaps of ideas for my blog, but alas don’t have those skills, so have to wait till I can outsource it.
So happy for you Thu that you are really moving your blogging forward. I did both the surveys and thanks for giving us the opportunity to express what we would like to see here on bloggingfor.info
May 2011 be all you hope for Thu. I’m glad to know you and this wonderful blogging community.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia@lavenderuses´s last [type] ..Are You a Tweetheart-Commenter…or both!
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Patricia!
Thanks so much for the awesome comment. It always makes me smile to see someone familiar beginning the conversation on the blog. I love that you’re so persistent and good at what you do and that is to keep in touch! Much appreciated for all your support and enthusiasm. The launch is going to rock!
Also I think you give us techies too much credit. We need creative to also support us in our endeavor. In fact, it’s a two-way street. So while I love the compliment, I must send one back to where it came from and that definitely is folks like yourself who are sweethearts in making the most out of the information you receive. Thanks as always for your awesomeness!
May your new year be blessed with more lavender love and riches! I’m also really happy to be apart of your community whom you trust and share ideas with.
Cheers!
Thu
Hi Thu, I really like your theme for your Already Used site! It looks really cool. And I’m impressed with how you were able to make almost a clone of this site on Blogger. I never really liked Blogger. I’m definitely a WP gal.
And wow, you’ve definitely got some great stuff that you’re working on. I always thought about creating my own e-course, but never put much planning into how or when I would do it haha.
Good luck with all your projects!
Elise´s last [type] ..An Ode To Consumerism… Plus Free Giftz!
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Elise!
Thanks so much.
I love the theme on Already Used too. I thinking floating in the clouds is what we all tend to do online but in many different variations. 
And yes, Blogger’s new template wizard helped me accomplish the clone, whereas before, I think that would have been a rigorous job, now it’s a cinch!
As for WP, me too! Once you go WP, you can’t turn back to Blogger. Thanks for letting me know that an e-course is something you’ll like to try, I hope to get as much as I can into the product and update everyone on it once it’s out!
Thanks so much for your support and time taken out to comment!
Cheers,
Thu
Twitter: Findmyblogway
says:
Hi Thu,
Nice to see you back. Have been wondering where have you been. I started from Blogger, it’s nice to see that screenshot of blogger. Looks so familiar. Great idea on creating a twin blog for your existing blog. It complement each other really well.
Good to see you starting another two blogs meaning your enthusiasm for blogging is still very strong. As you have mentioned, to go through the stages of starting another blog from scratch takes you a lot of time but i am glad to see you getting your new blog underway. How i wish i have the desire and energy to start another new blog
Have a great day ahead. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Lye Kuek Hin´s last [type] ..My Blogging Story – Sharing My Blogging Journey With You
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Lye, my friend!
Thanks so much for your awesome and kind words. I think blogging to start is always a great journey to re-enact or create. In a sense, once your stray from the beginner and into intermediate, you forget what it’s like to blog as a beginner. Hence, it helped me greatly to see where I wanted the e-course to focus on and how. I’m sure, subscribers will appreciate that tone as well.
I know it’s been scheduled for awhile now but it’s slowly coming and soon! The next post! Thanks so much for your support and also for including me in the inspirational series which I’m really proud of working with you on. Hence, I love that you’ve reached out and connected. So I appreciate the awesomeness you’ve shown in making your ideas happen.
You have yourself a great day as well and a Merry Christmas to you and your family too.
Cheers,
Thu
Twitter: stevescott1
says:
Thu,
It sure does look like you have been keeping yourself busy. Lots going on behind the scenes!! Very nice. Congratulations on two MORE blogs. Wow. don’t know how you will find time to keep them up.
At least the one is a test bed/offshoot of this one, so shouldn’t take too much time.
I hope you are getting ready for a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Steve@Internet Lifestyle´s last [type] ..Bloggers Night Before Christmas
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Steve!
Yes, I have not been idle as you can see and moreover, I think the personal blog is more on videos so that’s not really work, just more fun! LOL. It just keeps the blogging passion alive and in a sense, a documentary of how much I can grow. I always appreciate your feedback and yeah, getting ready for the holiday festivities so that’s fun. At least, there’s less turkey to stuff. LOL.
I hope you have an awesome holiday season and also spirit for the cheer that will come. Make it a great one!
Talk soon,
Thu
Twitter: richescorner
says:
Sometimes I go back and play around with blogger as well. It’s such a simple blogging platform that I find it an easy way to experiment with blogging and try out some new ideas.
Richard´s last [type] ..How to Implement a Donanza Job Board on Your Blog
Hi Thu! This is excellent. Well, creating a twin for your existing blog is a very unique thinking. As I can see to the process of your new blog, it is very easy and user friendly right? I must try this, well I think trying new things will help to develop on things. Anyway, this is awesome, you’re getting busy with useful things. Keep it up Thu!
Lee from Electricians Isleworth´s last [type] ..Electricians Isleworth – Reasons to Hire Licensed Electricians
Twitter: esoftload
says:
after entering in wp world no one want to return to blogger… but you gave a cool idea of making a clone site in blogger.. will look forward to implement it…
Twitter: AdamPaudyal
says:
Thu,
How are you doing? You really have been keeping yourself busy. Oftentimes, you make me wonder how you do it?
The clone site looks real good. Can’t wait to hear more from you on the lessons you learned from this experiment.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays Thu.
Later.
Twitter: DanielSharkov
says:
Hey Thu,
Wow, you are doing an amazing job! It’s amazing that while you are working on three different sites, you still have time for regular updates and content. The second blog you talked about (the WordPress one) has turned out great. The template suits it really well.
And about the Blogspot blog – not a bad idea. Sometimes it is just nice to try something different from WP. I have used both WordPress and Blogspot and the second is definitely for good or bad simpler. For the last three or four months I’m on Blogger I can’t really say I had problems with it. There are certainly some limitations. Finding the plug-ins you need can be a daunting task sometimes, but after a bit of research I either find the code I need or write it myself. And by the way in order to adjust the permalinks, you first need to write the title as you want it to look in the permalink itself. Then you post the article and edit to the real title you want to use.
Daniel Sharkov@Blogging Tips´s last [type] ..Want a Better Blog Tomorrow Morning – Do These 6 Things Tonight
Twitter: johnmcnally54
says:
I wish I had your energy and enthusiasm Thu, two more blogs and three e-courses! 2011 is going to be a very busy year.
I am also starting a new blog next year, and have registered the domain name BloggingForPleasureandProfit.com. My project will be at the ‘thinking about’ stage for a long time though, I’m in slow-motion compared to you.
John
John McNally@Blogging for Pleasure and Profit´s last [type] ..The Value of BLOG Commenting
I’m amazed by all of this! I have just started blogging by trying out some different free sites as well as a couple on my own domain. I’m find that it is so much more than just writing–it’s writing and design and SEO and everything else! I’ll definitely be checking back to read more about your lessons.
Ashleigh´s last [type] ..New Years Eve Wine
This is a very good share, i like the way this post has been crafted, Keep up the good work going. Promoted this share, Thanks.
Twitter: gastrategist
says:
Wow Thu, you make me tired reading about this! Hmm, I guess it doesn’t help that I’m up past midnight again.
I am surprised you cloned this blog on Blogger. I would get so confused to go to another platform. I find it weird commenting on Blogger blogs sometimes because things aren’t where I expect them to be.
Those PollDaddy polls are really slick. I will have to try that sometime.
Jennifer Barry´s last [type] ..A Visit to the Future- Singularity University- Part 2
Twitter: tammikibler
says:
Wow, Thu, you sure do keep yourself busy.
I agree with Jennifer that the Polldaddy.com polls look very nice. I have run a couple polls on my blog this week and as soon as I saw yours, I knew I would be changing my host for future polls.
I like these questions you are asking here also. I have been asking my readers what they want me to make for free. As soon as it’s made, I need to start asking what they are willing to pay me to make next.
I look forward to learning more about your e-course product.
Cheers!
Tammi Kibler@Write More. Write Fast. Write Now.´s last [type] ..Your Questions About Engaging Followers on Twitter
Thu – The new template designer wizard really is a big improvement from all basic looking templates blogger used to provide. Also, I loved the On the Go theme on your new site, and I think it will look great a site a just recently built a few weeks ago so I’m going to install it and give it a try to see how it looks.
I just recently started looking into creating my first e-course so to answer your question, yes I would definitely be interested buying a product that will help me create my own e-course. And it looks like 50% of your votes agree with me.
Jason´s last [type] ..Things To Learn About Online Beat Sellers
Hi Thu,
You’re still so busy even if you said you were on hiatus! I liked your Already Used site. Congratulations on your new two blogs.
Happy Holidays!
Felicia @ No Deposit Poker´s last [type] ..Sorel Mizzi Player of The Year!
Twitter: franalm
says:
Hi Thu:
Girl you have made yourself very busy. Are you creating email campaigns for your list every day or what? Today I read you have started two more blogs. Very good.
I was sort of busy. I have ezine article challenge to complete, and then I had a writing project to meet the dead line I didn’t even write my blog post. I specially made it here to wish you a very Happy New year. Make it a best year for yourself.
fran A
Fran Aslam´s last [type] ..The Easiest Way To Improve Writing Skills
Twitter: Alexwhalley23
says:
Thu!
Wow girl you have been busy!
I am really liking the design of the new blog and think I may just give Elegant themes a look in. Cpanel def looks awesome!
As for the information on blogger – thanks for sharing that, I have a few blogger blogs and picked up a few tips here – THANKS!
Good to see you killing it as always, and I look forward to sharing a successful 2011 with you!
Alex@amazon niche sites´s last [type] ..The Keyword Blogger Found his Niche! Like it
What a cool move, everyone seems to be trying to get away from blogger and go to wordpress, but your embracing it. I hope all your plans go well for 2011 and best of luck with your successes.
Really nice post, making a twin at your existing blog is great I think the process of your blog is a user friendly. Anyway, are you doing SEO for your blogs?
John from Electricians in Paddington´s last [type] ..Electricians Paddington – Great Local Electricians Vs Average Local Electricians
So far I’ve only tried Blogger and it does feel very limiting. Especially without all the plug-ins and gadgets. Coming up with new material every week can also be a little taxing.
MicroSourcing´s last [type] ..MicroSourcing Launches MS University
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Stranger
I leave ya alone for a couple of months and I come back to this new blog, I thought I was on the wrong one lol.
Sorry I have not been in touch for a while, things got really hectic and crazy and I couldn’t do everything I wanted to.
The post was an excellent tutorial, well done, really easy to follow, you are a born teacher Thu.
Hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year, and I will hopefully catch up with you soon, your old friend, Sally
Sally Neill´s last [type] ..Go Ahead… Make Me Hop Onto Your Blog!
Twitter: zahidyk
says:
Hi Thu
You really do know how to get things going, another amazing post.
The E course is a great idea and I am sure it will be a great success.
I am starting to write some articles to submit to some directories, so far seems to be going well…got a long way to cat up to you
All The Best
Zahid
Twitter: Nunzio_Bruno
says:
Hey Stranger! Way to go with the creation of the new blogs they sound like awesome projects. I always love how you break down what your doing to the smallest detail to – so that anyone can follow your lead. I am curious to see how your projects are going I’m def pulling for you
I gave you a little link shout out too in my last post! I couldn’t think of anyone who does blog engagement better than you!!
Nunzio Bruno´s last [type] ..Building Community
Twitter: RyanMZiems
says:
Thu,
I must agree with the other comments left, you have been incredibly busy!
I am brand new to blogging myself. I found your site through visiting, and reading another person’s site, and very glad I did, your blog is great!
The audio feature you have with Odiogo.com just blew me away!
The Polls in this post are really neat too!
What you said about Blogger is really interesting! Plus I commend you for being able to successfully run so many sites! I am struggling to manage one WordPress blog!
In a sense it’s kinda a double edge sword I feel. Because no more than you get one thing figured out, and working right on your blog, then you visit someone else’s site and yell, CRUD! There’s two more really cool things … how is she doing that, and how do I do that on my blog?
I have you in my favorites so I can keep up with all of your great information and ideas!! Thank you Thu!
Have a great day!
Ryan
Twitter: zahidyk
says:
Hi Thu
Just wondering, you have quite a few projects on the go.
How do you keep track of everything?
Is there any software that can help to manage and keep track of all the projects?
Or if anybody else has anything that they use and they think is worth a look.
Thanks
Zahid
I really like the theme you used on alreadyused.info, it’s so unique and cute. And congratulations on your latest blog! Keep it coming and thanks so much for sharing this post! This will help a lot especially for a beginning blogger like me.
Lyrah@Montgomery County PA DUI Lawyer´s last [type] ..PA DUI Attorney- Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer- Philadelphia PA DUI- DWI Attorney
Thu,
Looking forward to your triumphant return!
Twitter: friendlyblogger
says:
Hi Thu:
I just stumbled upon your blog and I have to say, what a find! You explain things superbly for people and a ton of great info here. I am looking forward to diving into more of your posts.
I recently migrated form Blogger to WP and although I miss a few things over there, all in all I would have to say I have had a better experience with WP. Do you prefer one over the other?
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa@ start a blog´s last [type] ..How You Lost 20 Of Your Conversions
This has been a very informative article. When I first started my own site, it took me some weeks just to figure out the basic guts of creating it and shaping it in your image. Then, once all that was done came the real fun–blogging. I’ve been doing it for the past 2 weeks now and I must say, it is definitely fun. I write for the newspaper in my university and the restrictions to what you can and can’t write in the newspaper as opposed to blogging are canyon-sized. So it’s very liberating for me to just write about what I’m interest, while monetizing it as well (adsense).
Hi Thu,
I wish you nothing but good things to come.
Terry Conti
Terry Conti´s last [type] ..Don’t Lose Precious Free Traffic!
Hi Thu,
Well I’m a first time visitor and was very impressed with your post. Wow, you are a busy lady! I’ve got 2 blogs of my own so I know how much work is involved in keeping up with great content.
I started out using Blogger too but man that’s been a long time ago now. Learned really quickly about owning your content so immediately made the switch to WP and have never looked back.
Your e-course sounds interesting and I keep telling myself I’m going to do something like that. But I ended up creating a free training site so I prefer helping my readers through that platform. Maybe some day though!!!
Glad Brankica introduced me to your blog through her 140 blog hopping report. I’ll be back to visit again. Keep up the great work.
Adrienne
Adrienne´s last [type] ..Damn Those Hackers- Don’t Let This Happen To You!
Twitter: LittlePhilz
says:
Wow Hi Thu!
Was wondering why you are so quiet… I came on over to see what was going on and it seems you have been quite busy! The two other blogs you have put together are pretty sweet.
I took part in both polls you posted.
All the best with the future plans, hope it all goes well!
Phil@Philz Corner´s last [type] ..What Makes An Awesome Blogger
By reading your post, you must have past a log way to be a blogger. You have a lot of experience on this field. I hope I can learn from your experiences to improve my blog.
DailyAppNews´s last [type] ..US Outsiders Now Can Listen to Pandora Radio Following This Hack
Twitter: tilenhrovatic
says:
very nice!
I look forwrd to read your blog. Bookmarked 
Tilen´s last [type] ..Facebook Comments for WordPress
Hi!Thanks for your information you share us.I always use autoresponder to build my mailing list which is good.I offer them a good and special gift if they subscribe to my list.This is a good way to keep in touch with our clients and customers
Map of Mass´s last [type] ..An Informative Voyage With A Map Of Mass
Twitter: tek3d
says:
Hi Thu,
Long time not seeing you update posts here. Is everything alright?
Tuan @ Technology Blog´s last [type] ..iPhone 5 Will Not Be Released Until Christmas
Hi Thu,
It is great to know that you are working on three different site and you still have time for updates,well congratulations on your two blogs and your two blogs look quite interesting.
waterpearls´s last [type] ..Ultimate Business Planner Review
Twitter: polanskimax
says:
Thu, you have a really neat idea here. I like how you have a specific site that will be the middleman for your other two sites. A place where you can check for any updates from either of your blogs. I guess you can say it’s like twitter with only two people you’re forced to follow.
Haha, try not to be gone for too long Ms.Nguyen. You need to actually update your blog, need some good stuff to read on my RSS feed.
Where is this e-panel? is this something your host has available?
Twitter: dayafterstore
says:
Even though I swear by WordPress, and have done so for several years now, I started a blogspot blog; the reason being that I still have a sneaking suspicion that Google, with all other things being equal, favors that domain’s blogs in search engine results, because they own it…
lol you need some rest:D
I just started my Portland Bankruptcy Lawyer blog so your tips are helpful. I have deiced to try WordPress but am interested in your Blogger results.
It’s interesting that you used the term “dumbing-down” comparing Blogger to WordPress. I’m not super-familiar with either one of them, just surface level, enough to get around. But I kind of laughed because there are days that I really feel I need the “dumbed-down” experience to get what’s going on. I think, I hope, we all have those days!
very great article about mailing lists,thanks you
Those are some great(and ambitious) ideas for helping people with their own blogs. I think it’s great that you are willing to offer lessons to help others be successful in their blogging endeavors.
I Just wanted to say that I love the template you used for this website. The overall design makes it very nice and pleasant for readers. Also the social bookmarking and logins on the left and right side are just perfect. Are those ready-to-use plugins or did you make them yourself?
Twitter: fancydressqueen
says:
Hi Thu,
I haven’t done much blogging in the past but started with Blogger recently and moved on to WordPress on my own site soon after. Your guide is a great starting point for beginners and I think it would have saved me a lot of time early on rather than struggling through the learning process on my own.
I will certainly check out your new sites and see what you have to offer.
Many thanks.
Harry
Harry @ Fancy Dress UK´s last [type] ..Black Sailor Costume Outfit Large Size 12/14 – £14.99
This is a great article… I think a lot of people wonder if they should use blogspot or wordpress when they start blogging and this clears up a lot of questions.