I think most of us started out believing (or still do) that if we put something awesome out on the Internet that people will just automatically find it, right? Or even after we learn about SEO and keywords that people will gently filter in via Google and end up becoming lifelong subscribers. ….Erm, unfortunately, that’s not usually good enough.

In fact, that was the tactic I used most regularly on my own blog until recently. Sure, there were a few blogs I commented on, and those bloggers became readers, but that was pretty much the extent of it. It wasn’t good for business.

I imagine the true formula for success goes something more like this:

1. Post something epic.

2. Tell everyone about it.

What kind of “epic” stuff am I talking about? Think about the qualities of the stuff you re-pin or link to -

It’s useful: It’s usually informative or inspirational or something you put on a “to-do” list, right? Maybe it even serves to be humorous or thought-provoking, but the bottom line is that it’s helpful.

It’s *pretty*: I myself put a huge emphasis on visual appeal when I’m mentally assessing something. I’ll bookmark or pin or link to lots of pretty things that might not have a ton of value otherwise.

It’s timely: This is just a nicer way of saying “popular”. Most of us aren’t blessed with the trendsetting gene (though if you are, by all means, take advantage!), so we’re stuck on the bandwagon. Be careful not to over-do it *or* do it too late, though. Best to get on the mason jar train while you still can and forget about moustaches for awhile.

Sometimes ugly, pointless stuff becomes popular. Buuuttttt it’s usually pretty and useful stuff.

I, myself, have been challenging myself to put my posts out in the world – more than just on Twitter or to my Facebook friends – and it’s really paying off. Seriously. I’m actually surprised. For example, since one of my tutorials was posted on CraftGawker, I’m averaging around 200 visits per day rather than the 15 I used to get.

Not gonna lie, I get shot down a lot. I’m disappointed that not everyone thinks I’m as awesome as I do (lols). But, I’m going to keep taking baby steps until I’m satisfied.
SO your challenge today is to find something awesome that you’ve posted to your blog – and share it with the world. Find a website that will feature you. Try to get it re-tweeted. Submit it somewhere. Keep trying until you get a lot of people to look at it. Then report back here with the results!

PS. In case you didn’t here, the giveaway prize for this challenge is a Hipstaprint notepad! The lucky winner can select a photo or send me one of theirs. It’s not too late to enter!.