10 Ways I Got 4,700 Subscribers in Three Months

Today is Zen Habit’s 3-month birthday (actually, I posted before that but I didn’t start posting daily until Jan. 24, 2007), and the success of this blog has been phenomenal — thanks completely to you, the readers.

I started this blog hoping for slow growth, over the course of years. Instead, I have been astounded by the rapid growth this little blog has achieved, and the overwhelming positive response from all of you.

Some of the accomplishments in the first three months of Zen Habits (this will sound like bragging, so forgive me):

4,700 subscribers (I love you all!)
Technorati rankings climbed from 2.9 million to about 8,564
More than 382 blogs link to Zen Habits
About a dozen articles made the popular pages of Digg, Netscape or del.icio.us
More than 10,000 page views a day (and sometimes 20,000)
More than 300K page views a month

The biggest factor of Zen Habits’ success, in my opinion, is the incredible readers who have contributed suggestions, comments, stories, tips, encouragement and positive feedback every single day. This blog would be an empty wasteland without you guys. You’ve made it come alive.

What are some other things I’ve done to build up traffic and subscribers? Here are the Top 10 things:

Useful content, every day. My goal has been to put out a useful article every single day. I haven’t always succeeded, but I think I’ve made myself better just in the attempt. And from the response I’ve gotten, at least some of it has been useful. People come here because the articles help them in some way. This is the most important of all these tips, by far.
Conciseness and scannability. Few of us has the time to read every single article in our feed reader. So we scan the headlines and content. The lesson for a blogwriter: make sure your posts are relatively short, without a lot of fluff, and make sure that they’re easily scannable. That means you should bold the key points and make lists where appropriate, so someone can easily see whether a post is worth reading.
Catchy headlines. The corollary to No. 2 is to have headlines that people will pay attention to — and catchy ones work best. Sometimes I’m not incredibly proud of my headlines, as they are a little more catchy than I originally intended, but that’s the only way people will actually read the articles, so I do it anyway. How do I know what’s catchy? Well, I think about what catches my attention, and do similar things. You get better at it over time — I could still use some work on this.
Listen to readers. Another extremely important tip. I get lots of comments here and lots of emails, and I pay attention to every one. There are some great suggestions, and I’ve used them to make this site better and as ideas for posts. Some of my best posts have come from reader suggestions. Ignore your readers at your own peril.
Respond to all emails. I get dozens of emails a day, and I try to make a point to return each and every one with a personal note — no form letters. Why? Because these readers have taken the time to write about something that interests or concerns them, and if I can’t take the time to answer them, I don’t deserve their time. I can’t guarantee I’ll always be able to answer all emails, but I know that I will try. I’ve also developed some great relationships with my more devoted readers.
Useful links. This goes with providing useful content — when possible, provide links to other articles with more depth, for further reading. Readers seem to appreciate this, and it’s worth the extra effort.
Make lists. I’m a list freak. I overdo it. But a lot of people seem to like lists as much as I do, so I continue to do it, almost every post. It’s overkill, but it’s also the best way to provide concise, scannable content, and it forces me to clarify my thinking. Also, I can’t help it. It’s an addiction.
Guest posting. I’ve been a guest posting maniac, as faithful readers already know. I post once a week on Lifehack.org (in fact, I have one on how to write a kick-ass speech out today), and have posted in more than half a dozen other blogs in the last month. This helps me give good content to a fellow blogger, and exposes my writing to a new audience, some of whom eventually check out Zen Habits and sometimes subscribe. For this reason, I always put my best writing into my guest posts.
Always give tips. You’re reading a list of tips right now. That’s what makes this post useful. No matter what the subject, I give tips on how to practically implement the idea I’m writing about. I draw them from my readings, and especially use the ones that have worked well for me.
Collaborate with other bloggers. The blogosphere can be a dog-eat-dog world, with incredible competition. I’ve never been into that. I think that there’s room for everybody. If we help each other out, we all benefit. That’s one of the great things about exchanging guest posts. Our readers and our blogs all benefit, so it’s a win-win situation. Start trying to beat other people, and everyone ends up a loser. Always try to find the solution where everyone wins.

On this 3-month birthday, my gentle readers, Zen Habits thanks you for all you’ve done. Your contributions have been amazing, and your feedback touching and heartwarming. Please continue to read Zen Habits (and subscribe if you haven’t — it’s free!), and I will try to continue to put out useful content, every day. (Also add to Technorati favorites if you don’t mind.)

p.s. I’d also like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all the other blogs who have linked to Zen Habits over the last few months. I appreciate every link!

If you liked this article, please bookmark it in del.icio.us. Thanks!

Read more:

10 Ways I Got 4,700 Subscribers in Three Months

Some of the accomplishments in the first three months of Zen Habits (this will sound like bragging, so forgive me):

4,700 subscribers (I love you all!)
Technorati rankings climbed from 2.9 million to about 8,564
More than 382 blogs link to Zen Habits
About a dozen articles made the popular pages of Digg, Netscape or del.icio.us
More than 10,000 page views a day (and sometimes 20,000)
More than 300K page views a month

What are some other things I’ve done to build up traffic and subscribers? Here are the Top 10 things:

Useful content, every day. My goal has been to put out a useful article every single day. I haven’t always succeeded, but I think I’ve made myself better just in the attempt. And from the response I’ve gotten, at least some of it has been useful. People come here because the articles help them in some way. This is the most important of all these tips, by far.
Conciseness and scannability. Few of us has the time to read every single article in our feed reader. So we scan the headlines and content. The lesson for a blogwriter: make sure your posts are relatively short, without a lot of fluff, and make sure that they’re easily scannable. That means you should bold the key points and make lists where appropriate, so someone can easily see whether a post is worth reading.
Catchy headlines. The corollary to No. 2 is to have headlines that people will pay attention to — and catchy ones work best. Sometimes I’m not incredibly proud of my headlines, as they are a little more catchy than I originally intended, but that’s the only way people will actually read the articles, so I do it anyway. How do I know what’s catchy? Well, I think about what catches my attention, and do similar things. You get better at it over time — I could still use some work on this.
Listen to readers. Another extremely important tip. I get lots of comments here and lots of emails, and I pay attention to every one. There are some great suggestions, and I’ve used them to make this site better and as ideas for posts. Some of my best posts have come from reader suggestions. Ignore your readers at your own peril.
Respond to all emails. I get dozens of emails a day, and I try to make a point to return each and every one with a personal note — no form letters. Why? Because these readers have taken the time to write about something that interests or concerns them, and if I can’t take the time to answer them, I don’t deserve their time. I can’t guarantee I’ll always be able to answer all emails, but I know that I will try. I’ve also developed some great relationships with my more devoted readers.
Useful links. This goes with providing useful content — when possible, provide links to other articles with more depth, for further reading. Readers seem to appreciate this, and it’s worth the extra effort.
Make lists. I’m a list freak. I overdo it. But a lot of people seem to like lists as much as I do, so I continue to do it, almost every post. It’s overkill, but it’s also the best way to provide concise, scannable content, and it forces me to clarify my thinking. Also, I can’t help it. It’s an addiction.
Guest posting. I’ve been a guest posting maniac, as faithful readers already know. I post once a week on Lifehack.org (in fact, I have one on how to write a kick-ass speech out today), and have posted in more than half a dozen other blogs in the last month. This helps me give good content to a fellow blogger, and exposes my writing to a new audience, some of whom eventually check out Zen Habits and sometimes subscribe. For this reason, I always put my best writing into my guest posts.
Always give tips. You’re reading a list of tips right now. That’s what makes this post useful. No matter what the subject, I give tips on how to practically implement the idea I’m writing about. I draw them from my readings, and especially use the ones that have worked well for me.
Collaborate with other bloggers. The blogosphere can be a dog-eat-dog world, with incredible competition. I’ve never been into that. I think that there’s room for everybody. If we help each other out, we all benefit. That’s one of the great things about exchanging guest posts. Our readers and our blogs all benefit, so it’s a win-win situation. Start trying to beat other people, and everyone ends up a loser. Always try to find the solution where everyone wins.

p.s. I’d also like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all the other blogs who have linked to Zen Habits over the last few months. I appreciate every link!

If you liked this article, please bookmark it in del.icio.us. Thanks!

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Posted on 24 April 2007 in Aboutzenhabits |
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Comments (37)

Ivan Brezak Brkan Says:

April 24th, 2007, 5:49 am

Your 5. point is the one I think all your readers including myself value the best. I’m not going to go into detail about how this blog has basically captured my heart and soul as well as my RSS reader, but I have to say this, like I did in the emails I sent you - You are doing an awesome job!

Ashwin Says:

April 24th, 2007, 6:17 am

Congrats Leo! 3 months and this achievement might be a surprise for everyone but for you it’s also daily slow growth which none but yourself will know. :D

Leo Says:

April 24th, 2007, 7:04 am

Thanks guys! As always, I appreciate the positive comments. You guys are among those who’ve helped make Zen Habits a success. Thank you, and pat yourself on the back!

Ivan Brezak Brkan Says:

April 24th, 2007, 7:15 am

*Tries to pat himself but can’t reach arghh* :) Heh, well I’m glad I’ve helped you - you really deserve it. Zenhabits is a lifehacking wonder on steroids! :D

focsa Says:

April 24th, 2007, 8:55 am

I enjoy read your stuff …
Keep going man.
Grettings from Slovenia

David Hollingworth Says:

April 24th, 2007, 9:02 am

Many congratulations Leo. I’m totally gob smacked that you’ve achieved so much in only three months. There’s hope for me yet :)

I think that one of the major reasons for the success has been the quality of the content. It’s first class content that keeps the readers coming back for more.

Here’s to the future.

John Wesley Says:

April 24th, 2007, 9:05 am

Good advice all around and a great reminder to get back to providing useful information.

Stefan Says:

April 24th, 2007, 9:15 am

I’ve started reading your blog just a few weeks ago, and today it’s the only RSS feed I keep track of.

Keep up the good work, I guess it’s hard when one does not receive all the feedback that is deserved, but believe me: There are lots of undelivered gifts with your name on somewhere.

Cheers from Brasil !

Pat Says:

April 24th, 2007, 9:17 am

Leo, I am a 70 year old grandmother of 11 who just celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband. You would think that I would not need some of the advice and help that you give in this blog, but I thoroughly enjoy you. I think one of the reasons for your success is that you come across as a very warm, giving, and personable person (and you give good advice).

Scott Young Says:

April 24th, 2007, 9:29 am

Great stuff Leo,

You definitely deserve the traffic, but you missed point #1 — work harder!

The amount of posts (not just on this site) you have created in three months has been astounding, especially since volume has not conflicted with quality. You have definitely been an inspiration to myself.

-Scott

rohit Says:

April 24th, 2007, 10:36 am

i enjoy reading your posts and the variety provided by guest writers/columnists.
Keep up the good work.

Lodewijkvdb Says:

April 24th, 2007, 11:03 am

Congrats Leo.

As I am a blogger who is just starting out in the blogosphere, your tips are very helpful to me. I can proudly say that I’ve replied to all the e-mails I’ve got, both of ‘em :)

Anyways, you are an inspiration. Keep up the good work!

kamal Says:

April 24th, 2007, 13:47 pm

And one more important thing, Leo: you are genuine. And that comes across in your posts, your emails, the way you interact with readers. And people respond to that.

Of course, if you said, “I’m genuine,” it would sound like bragging, so I’m doing it for you :-)

wVenator Says:

April 24th, 2007, 14:56 pm

Leo, I only started reading your posts some days ago, and didn’t know this blog is only three months old…

You inspired me to start blogging myself!

Happy birthday!

Anthony Says:

April 24th, 2007, 14:59 pm

I haven’t subscribed, but it’s in my bookmarks of blogs to check every day. Found it through Lifehacker and have read it ever since. Good work!

Leo Says:

April 24th, 2007, 15:49 pm

Thank you, everybody, for the overwhelming responses. I just woke up an hour ago (it’s 5:30 a.m. right now on Guam, where I live), and my inbox was flooded with emails and comments. I’ve been trying to answer all of them! :)

I just want to thank everyone for the amazing positive feedback. You’ve really touched me, today and every day, and that definitely keeps me going and makes this blog better.

@focsa: Great to hear from Slovenia! Thanks for reading the blog.

@David Hollingworth: I’ve actually been enjoying your blog … you put out some thoughtful stuff. I wish you great success. Thanks for the comment about the quality of my content — I try my best.

@John Wesley: thanks, and thank you for helping me out. For everyone who doesn’t know, John is one of those fellow bloggers who I’ve enjoyed collaborating with, and he puts out some great stuff himself.

@Stefan: thanks for the great feedback. Trust me, I have enough gifts from you guys already! It’s great to hear from a reader from Brasil. I wish I could travel to all the places you guys come from. Someday I will.

@Pat: Congratulations on your 50th anniversary! I’d love to hear your advice on how to make a marriage last and work. Email me if you’d like to give my readers some advice on that. As for coming across as warm and giving, I’m glad you feel that way. It’s hard to express those kinds of things through a medium like a blog, but if I have, even unintentionally, I consider myself successful.

@Scott Young: right back at you, my friend! Your blog has been a great standard of excellence, and thank you for collaborating with me and making my blog better. Btw, for those of you who haven’t read it yet, Scott has a great post out about the habit of daily exercise — go read http://scotthyoung.com

@Rohit: I’m glad you enjoy the guest columnists — I need to get more of those. It’s funny, because when I run a guest columnist, I feel a couple of things: 1) I’ve really enjoyed their posts and love that I’m able to share them with you guys and 2) I feel remiss for not posting something myself for that day. I guess writing a daily post has become a habit! :)

@Lodewijk: Trust me, I didn’t get a lot of email or comments at first. Just follow the tips I’ve provided here, and I’m sure you’ll be a success — especially the ones about useful, scannable content with catchy headlines. Those really do seem to work. The useful content part being the most important. Good luck, my friend!

@kamal: thank you, once again, for your continued success. I didn’t realize that I come across as genuine, but if I do, then my evil plan is working! :) Actually, I’m glad you said that … I do try my best to be sincere, but it’s hard to tell if that is successful.

@wVenator: Thank you … if I’ve inspired you, I’m happy!

@Anthony: You mean you haven’t subscribed? I’m shocked! :) Thank you for reading the blog every day, and do consider subscribing. I’m actually three readers short of 4,700, and I like round numbers better. :)

Leo Says:

April 24th, 2007, 15:59 pm

Shameless plug: btw, if you guys haven’t yet, please add this to del.icious and vote for it on Digg! I could use the help, as these types of services are the best way for me to get my blog more widely known for free. :) Forgive the marketing plea.

Lemonade Stand Says:

April 24th, 2007, 18:27 pm

Congrats on the success of your blog. I’m a regular (feed) reader, and I enjoy finding nuggets here – ideas, simplicity, solutions, and productivity.
Cheers, mm

Ann M. Says:

April 24th, 2007, 18:29 pm

I’d be remiss if I didn’t add my congrats and compliments on your blog and achievements Leo. This is, without a doubt, my favorite blog. I agree with all of your points, especially responding to emails personally and keeping the posts easily scannable.

Ann M. Says:

April 24th, 2007, 18:35 pm

PS-I will add one more way to increase your readership…Post comments on other sites and make sure to include your website! Zen Habits is actually the top referring domain to my blog. Every person who looks at your website is a person who may become a reader. This is a little bit like guerrilla marketing, but I like to think of it as collaborating since I put a link to Zen Habits on my site as well. Thanks Leo!

Leo Says:

April 24th, 2007, 21:45 pm

@Lemonade: Thanks for the nice words, and thanks especially for reading the blog. I’m glad you’ve found some of the articles useful!

@Ann: what can I say … you’ve been one of my most loyal and active readers. If some of the Zen Habits readers go your way, that makes me happy. Thanks for your continued contributions, Ann. I appreciate it.

Will Says:

April 25th, 2007, 4:02 am

Congratulations Leo. Your success is well deserved. I love how all your tips are about serving the readers instead of fancy SEO or tricky marketing tips. Nicely done!

John B. Says:

April 25th, 2007, 4:04 am

Thanks so much for the blog. You really give it the best and it shows. Frankly I have taken some of your simple ideas and used them very effectively in my classroom. I read this site every day. Please continue the great work.

Leo Says:

April 25th, 2007, 4:58 am

@Will: thanks! To tell the truth, I think that the only way to get long-term readership is to always think of the readers first. If you’re too concerned with SEO tricks, then you’re thinking of your site first and readers last. They’re not mutually exclusive, but I only have so much energy — I try to put my energy into those things that benefit the readers most. As you do, Will, at the excellent Wise Bread blog.

@John B.: It’s great to hear that the ideas are working in your classroom. In fact, if you have time, maybe you could email me and let me know what ideas you’re using in the classroom and how it’s working. Thanks!

Lyman Reed Says:

April 25th, 2007, 8:20 am

Happy three months, and congrats on all you’ve achieved. Thanks for sharing what has worked for you!

Pril Says:

April 25th, 2007, 12:08 pm

content! for me that’s what got me here! The content you have numbers to them like 10 reasons i got ……. always is a winner with me!
plus your posts are useful! your not just blabbing about nothing your helping others improve upon them self! and for free! who can beat that personal advice!
Thanks so much!

Paul Says:

April 25th, 2007, 12:26 pm

Way to go Leo. I just came across your blog a week ago and it’s full of good stuff … simple, straightforward tips and suggestions that really are useful. Kudos!

J.D. Says:

April 25th, 2007, 19:36 pm

Congrats, Leo. I love your site, as you know.

Do you really reply to *all* e-mail? Does that include all comments? The mind boggles. Maybe I should make that a goal. I respond to as many as possible, but I just don’t have time to do them all…

Leo Says:

April 25th, 2007, 20:17 pm

Thanks for the positive feedback, guys.

@JD: Yes, all email … but not every single comment. I try to respond to as many comments as possible, but if it doesn’t really require a response, sometimes I don’t … in the beginning I did, but I can’t possibly do that for every comment now and still do my day job. :)

But as for emails, I think those are more personal, and require a response if at all possible. On your blog, JD, you may get too many emails to respond to. I hope I never get to that day!

Shaine Mata Says:

April 25th, 2007, 23:34 pm

I only recently started reading. You could have fooled me, I thought you’ve been around for ages. Great work!

Pat Says:

April 26th, 2007, 9:11 am

Leo,
I’ve thought about your request for my thoughts on how to make a marriage last 50 years. It probably boils down to luck, similar values, and children that we love and are dedicated to.

Thanks again for ZenHabits.

Leo Says:

April 26th, 2007, 15:12 pm

Thanks, Pat, for sharing that. My wife and I have the last two elements … I just hope we have the same luck you and your husband have had! Congratulations on your successful marriage, and thanks for leaving the comment and reading the blog.

Phil Says:

April 30th, 2007, 8:20 am

Congratulations on your success! Keep up the good work.

AgentSully Says:

April 30th, 2007, 22:33 pm

Wow Leo, A truly remarkable feat. But completely well-deserved. You are a real inspiration to me. I have a lot of things I want to accomplish and seeing your progress shows me how much one person can do over time.

What other blogs have you guest authored on?

I subscribed today! Love your blog! Very useful!
Best wishes for continued success.

Leo Says:

April 30th, 2007, 22:45 pm

Thanks! I appreciate your nice comments. And thanks for subscribing!

I’ve done guest posts on Consumerism Commentary (Gradual Frugality), The Good Human (on veganism and also on simple environmental habits), on Scott H. Young (on doing less to be more productive), on Pick the Brain (on achieving your goals with daily habits), on LifeDev (on going on an email diet), and every week on Lifehack.org (in fact, there’s one by me up right now on the Gentle Art of Saying No). I think that’s all of them, but I might be forgetting one or two.