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Earning Your Way In The Sports Blogosphere
Published by MoonDog on December 30, 2008
I’ve received quite a few e-mails of late from site owners that are just getting started in sports blogging. I know what’s it like to get started. Take a quick tour of Ball Hype and you get an idea of how many sports blogs are out there. It’s tough to get noticed in a sea that has a lot of ships sailing upon it.
I had an interesting e-mail exchange a few weeks ago from a site owner asking me to exchange blog roll links. Long story short, I respectfully declined but offered to revisit the possibility at a later date.
Well, dude wasn’t happy and wrote a fairly lengthy reply, including his site stats and Google Page Rank. He went as far to say his site was growing quickly and basically made it sound like I better get in on the ground floor now or I was going to be left behind.
Uh, OK.
I’m not going to call the guy out. Hell, I don’t remember his name or the site in question anyway. But those few e-mail exchanges got me to thinking about how I got started in blogging.
I love football, played the game, had an insight that I wanted to express and went from there.
Considering I was only blogging for two months when I decided to start this site, some said I was crazy.
My detractors believed I hadn’t established a following and wouldn’t be able to create a presence in the sports blogosphere. I like a challenge. In fact, I relished the opportunity to prove the naysayers wrong.
As I approach the one-year anniversary of this site, I’m not suggesting I’ve established anything because I haven’t. What I have been able to accomplish at this point came about as a result of a lot of work.
I’ve never kidded about being up until 2 or 3 in the morning working on the site, looking for content or writing posts. I’m driven, I’m relentless – that’s me.
But I also owe much of this site’s success to many people I’ve met along the way. Again, like anyone that’s been in blogging for a year or so, most all of us can point to several friends or any number of sites that have frequently linked to us, bringing attention upon our work.
Without those friends and the support of fellow site owners, many sports blogs get lost in the shuffle.
In order to get that support, you’ve got to write something worth linking to. In addition, you’ve got return those favors and publicly note the support of those that have helped you.
I don’t believe this relatively new member of the blogosphere understood – like I’ve come to understand – you have to pay your dues.
I personally don’t know anyone that got started in the blogosphere by being a Page Rank 5 and getting 200,000 uniques every month. It takes time to develop a presence and you have to earn your way.
Let me repeat that – you’ve got to earn your fucking way. No one in the blogosphere that’s achieved any level of success got there by getting anything handed to them. They worked hard, hooked up with the right people and made an effort to produce content that our readers would hopefully enjoy.
That’s what I aspire to do every day and I know that’s what everyone I associate with in the blogosphere does every day. I owe Will Leitch an apology. I scoffed at his assertion that blogging was the hardest job he’s ever had.
Blogging per se isn’t hard, but carving out your little slice of the blogosphere and getting recognized for your work is hard. It’s very hard. I’m not suggesting I’ve done anything worth mentioning, but I understand that it’s a perpetual process.
Once you get recognized, it becomes even harder to maintain that level of success and build upon it. Consistency is paramount considering how many bright, energetic people you compete with every day.
The competition in the sports blogosphere is fierce, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If it were easy, the challenges of building your site from nothing wouldn’t be rewarding.
So for anyone that’s just getting started in blogging and you happen to stumble upon this post, heed my words. Pimpin’ may be easy, but establishing a presence in the sports blogosphere isn’t.
I’ve paid my dues and went about the business of blogging the best way I know, doing it with the assistance of a lot of people I fostered relationships with.
If you’re a site owner just getting started, I’ll help you, but don’t ever suggest I owe you anything. I really don’t give a fuck about your Page Rank or your monthly uniques either.
All I want to know is if you’ve paid your dues and did it while being left to your own devices. Did you earn your way today? If you haven’t, it ain’t my fault.
Here’s some advice you should take to heart. Get to work motherfucker. The blogosphere will let you know when you’ve arrived.
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ethanator1088 on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 02:39
So, it is still a no on the whole “Blogroll thing”? I mean, I do not want to be pushy, but I do not know how to read in between the lines.
Just tell me, is it a yes or no? You are really going to want to get in on this.
Just playin. Those are some pretty wise words Moondog! I do not know who messed with you, but they did not know what was going down.
swnole on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 06:59
Very good post! And great advice. It’s funny but blogging kinda makes you pay your dues. In the limited time I’ve been in the game, that’s the one thing that I’ve learned.
If you’re starting from scratch, there is no shortcut and that’s why you have to respect what others have built. And once people start seeing what you’re building, they’ll too respect it.
David Funk on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 07:43
Now that’s telling it like it is. I personally don’t like hearing the numbers of someone’s site either. Funny thing is that I hear many talk about not being successful at blogging. So I guess they mean progression isn’t success? I love how some magnify success.
Long story short, I established a very strong and notable presence on Sporting News as a blogger(I’m still one of the top viewed blogs on that site despite inactiveness since September). While that is my biggest help, it isn’t the only thing that will carry you, so no one wants to hear what you did elsewhere.
One of my best friends told me awhile back, “People don’t care where you’ve been. They only care where you’re going.”
Have I done as well on my own site? No. But like you, I WILL get there. I’m competitve by nature, and I don’t post one damn article on my site or anywhere else just for the sake of it. If it’s not good, I won’t post it until I’m satisfied. I like how some post something for the heck of it, and think they can achieve greatness for doing so.
Sure, both of us have linked each other(which I appreciated), and I’ll admit I’ve asked others before. That said, I’m not bothered when someone removes or doesn’t link me because I built one blog from the ground up in one community without them, and guess what? I WILL DO IT AGAIN.
Excellent post buddy!
kellex on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 10:31
I love those generic “hey great site! we should exchange links! our readers will both benefit from it!”
I’m at a year as well and the only real advice I can give to new bloggers is to start networking. If you don’t know anyone else that blogs or are incapable of meeting them, then you are shit out of luck.
The Zoner on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 10:58
“Pimpin’ may be easy, but establishing a presence in the sports blogosphere isn’t.”
That is a classic right there. Great stuff, Dog.
JRod on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 12:00
MoonDog,
Awesome post. I started Midwest Sports Fans back in August, and you are absolutely correct: blogging is hard work. A guy that I work with just got the itch and is starting his own blog. He has been asking me questions for advice, and while I will obviously help him out in any way that I can, the first thing I am doing is forwarding him the link to this post.
There are definitely no shortcuts, and in my opinion, if you don’t develop a genuine love for the process of blogging and promoting your blog, in addition to actually loving what you write about, then you have no chance for sustained success.
But I’ll admit…I’ve only been at it for half a year, so I can’t speak from experience on how to maintain sustained success of any kind. I’m just hoping to stay as excited as I am every day to write; because I would think that long-term, that passion and excitement is the most important prerequisite for success.
Thanks for posting, and keep up the good work MoonDog.
Bryan on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 12:11
Amen.
Article: Earning Your Way in the Sports Blogosphere | MSF Thank You on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 12:40
[...] post at The World According to Moon Dog that got me inspired. The post is entitled “Earning Your Way in the Sports Blogosphere” and I encourage everyone who is currently a blogger or who is considering starting a blog to [...]
AEM on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 13:01
I been blogging a while and all I wish for is to be anywhere as good as I can be. Nothing more or less. In the end blogging is becoming like “keeping up with the Jones’” and it makes people go for quantity and not quality.
AEM
robertd on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 13:52
Great Post. After being a writer on a couple of other blogs, last week I started by own sports blog, and it is amazing how much work goes into getting a blog up and running. I’ve seen some good traffic, but only after alot of hard work. It’s amazing how much effort it takes to just get one post noticed, but I have to admit it is one of the more exhilerating feelings when something just takes off. Thanks for the post, I look forward to reading more from you.
Rey-Rey on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 13:52
I just started blogging about the NBA three weeks ago… and trying to keep up, getting all this information, networking, and being consistent… it’s all hard work, man.
With that said, those are great words: you have to pay your dues and respect has to be earned. Thanks for the great read.
NESW Sports Headlines 12-30-08 | NESW Sports, Sports Videos on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 13:58
[...] A few tips on Sports Blogging < NSFW language< Moondog Sports [...]
Reverend Paul Revere on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 15:14
I have to say, I think the whole idea of asking someone to exchange links is preposterous. I’ve had this happen to me a few times in the past weeks. You should want people to link to you because they like you, not because they link to you, per se. I’d suggest asking bloggers check out your site and make decisions for themselves, not asking for links. Seems desperate and pathetic to beg for links instead of letting your work do the talking. Maybe that’s just me.
SweetBob on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 20:32
Nice post man, I know I have had quite a few people email me thinking that I owe them something. I ran a music website for about 4 years and it got bigger than I could handle and couldn’t keep up with the demand and college. I actually had to quit one of the two and I chose college. I regret my decision some days because I was in a position with my music website that I wish my sports blog would be in. I have ran my sports blog for about 8 months for fun, but I’m starting to be more serious about it now. I know it’s a lot of work to just get yourself out there, I hope that I garner as much success as I can. My goal is to eventually be able to build it up and broadcast a weekly podcast. It is a goal that seems slightly attainable, but it will take a lot of dedication to get to that point.
Once again, great post and hope you have another successful year, Moon Doggie.
Darrell on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 21:33
I want my $2 dollars byatch
Seriously, good read Moon. Trust me, work hard and watch the uniques grow, get lazy as hell like I have been the past two weeks and watch it drop like a rock. Visitors aren’t cyclical, they only show up if you have unique content and the hot chicks don’t hurt.
Dr. Anklesnap on Tue, 30th Dec 2008 21:36
Great Post Moondog! Nailed it too bro…
It’s hard out there for a pimp…
Sportsdawg on Wed, 31st Dec 2008 12:07
You’ve done a great job developing your site. I hope I can reach your level one day. I completely agree, it takes time and work to find and carve out the unique nitch that is your blog.
Happy New Year, and great post!
JM Van Horn on Thu, 1st Jan 2009 10:33
Great write up MoonDog, it could not have been said any better.
Paul on Thu, 1st Jan 2009 21:44
great write up moon, it’s something every one needs to look at if they’re thinking of blogging. for something that’s so fun, is such a bitch!
you really need to have the time to dedicate to it, cause it takes a lot of hard work. i know i’ve put in that work got the stats, built relationships with a lot of these commenters. but then once you’ve done that you got to work even harder to maintain!
with all that being said great work moon, there’s def a reason why you’re always included in my link posts!
GilT on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 10:18
Outstanding advice Moon! You got it going on dude.
A Word From MoonDog Sports | SECRivals.com on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 17:45
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Sports2Debate on Sun, 4th Jan 2009 04:03
It is now 5 A.M. and I am inspired. No Guts, No Glory thanked Sports2Debate in his end of the year thank you post (I will refer to linkage as “blog love” from here on out, patent pending
), and he also had a link to this article. I now realize the bigger picture in blogging, it is a family, and we’re all in it together. Well, all of you are in it together, and I promise you that Sports2Debate will be right there with you ASAP.
Mo Johnson on Tue, 20th Jan 2009 14:02
You nailed it Moondog. Blogging (per se) is easy. Anyone can throw a blog up in a few minutes. Building a successful blog; one that gets good traffic and even makes money — now that takes hard work. Anyone who’s done it is both talented and hard working. Personally, I love the internet because I think it justly rewards talent and hard work. I love being able to compete on a level playing field. I think it’s the competition and ability to be rewarded for hard work that drives me the most. Anyway, nice post. thanks
mo