Does anyone else have this roadblock/mental block with backlinks?
I suppose I'm just trying to find out if I'm the only one with this particular "backlinking disability" (maybe it should be a new, officially-named, mental disorder, "BDD" - Backlinking Disability Disorder). This thread is part venting, part hoping someone can point out what my problem is, part hoping someone with a similar problem has found a way to overcome it, and part wanting to - once and for all - just lay it on the line what a challenge this is for me, having others with a similar challenge discuss it, and where it leads (if anywhere other than having people say, "If you're not big on Internet-related stuff you need to write for print publishers only."
) (That's something I kind of know, but then again it's hard to give up hundreds of dollars a month earned as easily as they can be on here. In fact, that's the thing that makes me feel like a moron for working as hard I do for income from other sources.) So this thread is long, but it's my "heart-to-heart" discussion (hopefully) between me and "the world" about reassessing what I'm doing (or could do) and what the hell is wrong with me. (I hope people understand that I don't want it to be all as self-centered as it seems. I'm thinking there are probably other "closet morons" out there besides me. 
)
On the one hand, I know exactly what kind of Hubs do well, what kind don't, and why either does either. So I know that much. I'm not a complete moron (usually), and I can muster up a professionally written piece of work if that's what my aim is. I'm not even a complete moron when it comes to business. I'm a business person in my own way (a small business, but a paying one that involves writing).
I've been on HubPages long enough to see pretty decent earnings, at least compared to the number of people who say they earn far less than I've been earning. Knowing I put little effort into anything but writing (and sometimes I don't even put a lot of effort into some Hubs that I "just feel like writing"), I see the earning potential for anyone who puts in the effort on the "nitty-gritty" stuff related to the Internet, rather than the writing or information on the Hub. Without going into details (which we're not supposed to do), I see quite a few things in my Google account that let me know Google doesn't "think" my stuff is complete junk.
On the other hand, I'm pretty much, and in many ways, a seeming moron when it comes to something like backlinks (or else I'm just writing stuff that I know isn't worth anyone's backlinks). I know what backlinks are and how important they are, but don't know how to get them if they don't happen "naturally" (without my doing anything) (as has happened on occasion).
I've read some great Hubs on backlinking (Misha's recent ones may be among the ones that really stand out), and I've been happy to see things in "non-Google language; because when I try to read any of Google's help for "publishers" I have trouble concentrating on it. (I have concentrating on some reading anyway these days because I have a lot of stuff going on, but that doesn't stop me from concentrating on something like Hubs about backlinking). So, I've been particularly happy and appreciative to find Hubs like that, that explain things in an easy-to-read way.
So, when I've found Hubs like that I've thought, "Oh, boy. This is what I need." Then, as I read about what people do to create backlines, I'm thinking, "I can't do that one," and "Oops, that's one I can't do." Granted, there are a few terms here or there that I don't know; but, in general, I pretty much understand what people are saying. I know these efforts take a lot of work and patience, but I'm not a lazy person (maybe a little short on patience, though).
Naturally, whenever there are discussions about how people can make their Hubs do better (even if they're doing well in one way or another now), I become painfully aware that most of 300 or so Hubs could be doing a heck of lot better than they are now (and that makes me realize I'm more of a moron than I usually think I am )
I ask myself if I just don't know enough; and although I know how little I know, I've also been writing online and on here for 3 years (or almost 3 years); and I pretty much know at least the "rock-bottom basics" of Internet-related aspects to writing.
I know how I could fix titles to improve what one Hub or another is doing, and I know what I'd have to do to improve keyword use (particularly in view of the fact that I completely disregard keywords a good part of the time - only because I'm also challenged to "have to be worrying about keywords" while also concentrating on having a certain amount of "creative freedom" when I write. (so, separate issue, but one I know how to fix)
It's the backlinking thing. First, people on here (the forums) probably wouldn't guess this, but I live with a "writer's personality", which means always having to battle the tendency to be shy about some things. I can't make myself contact someone about putting a link on their site because I don't usually see anything I've written as worth linking to. (Let's be honest. ) I've had people contact me about linking to their site. A few times I've done it if their site is good; but I don't always do it because sometimes I don't think their site applies to my Hub. I don't want to be that person who e.mails someone and asks for a link to something that - really - they aren't very likely to want to post a link to (any more than I want someone with an unrelated/irrelevant page/site to try to "ride on the coat-tails of one of my better performing Hubs and possibly detracting from it).
Even if I have a Hub that I think would be worth someone's linking to, I rule out places like .org, .gov, and .edu sites because I know my Hubs aren't written in a way that belong on their site. There might be "Susie out there somewhere" with a blog, but how do you find a zillion of those people for 300 Hubs? There might even be things like groups or organizations for one thing or another, but I usually don't see any signs of their posting links to the particular kind of writing I've done so far.
That goes to the thing about finding people/systems that assist with backlinking; and that's where I know so little I'm afraid I'll get involved with something that goes against terms of service (and loses me what earnings I DO get, as well as potential future Google-account-related earnings). I'm pretty reluctant to consider paying for links, both for that same reason and because I'm wary of rip-offs (and don't know how to recognize one from a non-rip-off thing).
I mean, there's a part of me that thinks, "If the thing is good enough and gets some traffic on its own, it will get backlinks." (I've actually got Hubs that have fended for themselves fairly well - although I keep thinking how I could be earning "Big Bucks" if I could overcome the BDD.
) I will, however, admit to having a deeply ingrained and stubborn writer's belief (and need to believe) that if writing is good enough it will make it's way in the world by virtue of "all its wonderful-ness" ) (Naive, stupid, and deluded - I know)
So I don't know..... Am I missing something? Am I hopeless? Should I just be satisfied with my few hundred dollars a month that appear to be gradually growing - and maybe go write a book somewhere? Is there such a thing a arranging something with someone who would be like an "agent" - and do the backlinking thing for me (and skimming a percentage off the earnings - that type of thing?)
It would be less frustrating if I hadn't reached a certain level of success (in earnings, in scores, etc.); but I'm pretty much face-to-face with the reality that the "BDD" is really making a lot of my effort a big waste, at least in terms of earnings (well, that and the fact that I also have "AmDD" - Amazon Disability Disorder", which is a-whole-nothing challenge). It's one thing when people are just starting out or when they don't know what a Hub is supposed to (I was there too). It's another to have fairly substantial earnings (not a full-time income, by any means - but showing a certain amount of promise) and know there's a good chance that overcoming that "BDD" might make the difference between a non-full-time income and, maybe, a modest one.
Without knowing what all those other 150-thousand-plus Hubbers are doing, what I feel like is that I have a lot of things in common with some of the Hubbers who specialize in marketing/product-type Hubs; but then a lot in common with people who specialize in "writing-whatever-they-feel-like-writing" Hubs. As a result, I don't know if I'm someone who has something in common (Hub-achievement-wise) with most Hubbers; or if that makes me a "Hubber without a country".
So I'm just throwing this whole thing out there. If nothing else, it outlines what some of the issues for at least some Hubbers (or maybe just this one, Hubber) can be.I think the first thing you should do is backlink all your hubs to this long forum post. LOL
Wow... epic post!
Maybe you should make this a hub instead of a forum post?
I have many mental blocks, and hate working on links...Lisa,
I don't think anybody can help you now. You have all the knowledge to start making a living off your hubs, you need to act on it. JUST FUCKING DO IT!
Oh my utter class and so damn right! Misha tells it like it is once again!
Honestly Lisa the reason a lot of us could be earning more is because of the backlinking process. It is painful, it is or can be labor intensive but it does make a difference.
Personally I detest it. I want someone to do it for me. It's truly horrible, niggly irritating work. But do it you/I/all must.
Humph lol - not the easy answer huh? But at least it's an honest one
Hey Lisa,
Have you read this forum thread?
It might help you.
http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/45726relache, thanks. It's encouraging to know I'm not the only one who, for whatever reason, hasn't focused on backlinking. I think you're right about focusing on what we're strongest with (and I know I focus on what I'm weakest on and see that as my reason for not doing better). I guess, though, even if I've seen a certain amount sort-of success here, I've come to think that what I'm good at will/can never be enough to do much better. Just knowing that you aren't a big backlinking "fan" tells me that at least one other person on here isn't focusing on the backlinking route.
Misha, Thanks (I guess), although a little more blunt that I would have expected. That's kind of what I keep telling myself, though (usually not in quite the same words ). That's the thing, though, I don't know what my problem is. I guess, as someone who knows nothing about backlinking (and as someone who has read about it and mostly understands it), I don't know what that Step 1 would be (stupid as that sounds). I think it has to do with the fact that so many of my Hubs aren't about things like, "how to polish your shoes" or "where to buy travel mugs". So many are about things like, "Dealing with the loss of a loved one" - and they don't belong on a professional site, but they aren't right for someone's personal blog about their own personal stuff. They're not really "diary type" of stuff, but they aren't professional information either. That probably tells me to write different stuff (and I can do that from now on), but it still leaves a big load of Hubs that I do think could be doing better.
I know you're right. Chances are nobody can help me. I just thought I'd try. (Maybe I need to do a search for a Hubber who is a psychiatrist and willing to offer some free analysis. )
Izzy, I would like to be earning more in the area of at least $1000 (and, I know, who wouldn't.... ). I'd also like to boost up my weaker Hubs in case any of the stronger ones stop performing.
Besides, based on just that one example of earnings Relache shared, my earnings are somewhat lower than what she had for May earnings (and, as she pointed out) she's got far fewer Hubs. I know we're all different and have different kinds of Hubs and put in different kinds of effort, so I know we can't really compare ourselves to anyone else. Still, I know I'm "way underachieving" on here, and that doesn't make sense (in view of the fact that I could certainly use the income).I feel for ya. I had the same "writers" approach that said - If I write great articles they will come read it and I will make money. And I did.
But not enough.
Hubpages accounts for about $3000 a month income for me right now - but only since I got serious about finding paying subjects and actively trying to make money as my primary goal. Doing keyword research, building links aggressively.
Basically - I looked at which pages are making money and did more of that. I also spent money automating some things. I am crap at keyword research. Utter crap. So - instead of doing it - I bought some software that does it for me and learned to look at the free information I have in my google analytics account that tells me which pages attract paying traffic and what they are using to find me. PM me for some specifics. The I go out and aggressively build incoming links. Some with automated software.
Like Misha said.....
Mark, I know.... "Like Misha said
"
I think part of my own problem is that I didn't start on here having any idea of what a Hub was supposed to be, and I didn't set any direction for myself. I just kind of ended up "wherever"; but once you find out that "wherever" has earning potential it can be hard to take two different aims in one direction. (Paying for stuff I don't feel like doing sounds good to me. )
dwippy, thanks for some of those sites. I think these days I'm actually hazy, rather than either lazy or crazy.
relache, thanks. That's kind of where I'm aiming to be now (particularly in view of my apparent mental block when it comes to backlinking, etc.)Glad to know you're doing it like a job, Salt. I think that is the best approach and I really need to get into that kind of mentality. I planned to have 2 articles (one post for my new blog and another for backlink ), but didn't get any of that done because I just spent half the day fooling around with my new Wordpress theme (and the other half with housework, etc)! LOL
Fiction Teller, thanks.
jenblacksheep, thanks. I kind of have the same thing you do. Some of my Hubs (a minority) I wouldn't think twice about trying to get backlinks for (well, I do think twice, but not because I think those Hubs aren't good enough). A lot of them, though - I just don't think anyone would want to link too. (Transitioning from "pretty-much-fooling-around" writing (well, not fooling around, but "hobby" writing) to "serious Hubbing" may require just starting clean (but then I already have all those Hubs).
Izzy, not to discourage you, but I am afraid you are going in the wrong direction. As I said to yu on another thread, just having your keyword in the text 2-4 times is pretty much all on-page optimization you need for Google, providing you already have it in the title and preferably url. The rest is backlinking.
All that assumes that your keyword research is done properly.
To tell you the truth when I started I too spent many months tweaking my pages - with the same result. Once I got serious about backlinks though, I started to see the lightMisha, I'm just wondering ... do you do article submissions at all? I heard that they're supposed to be "quality" backlinks as opposed to social bookmarking sites (as long as your articles are original content and you don't write cr@p or use article spinners and stuff). What say you?
I've been using a new way for backlinks recently. I've teamed up with some friends who have blogs and we write articles on each others blogs.
We put the links in our articles for a more natural linking. Right now we just link to our own blogs, but you could link to hubs too.
Plus you get a different style of writing in your blog that should help you with ranking in SE's. So if you have a blog, try to find others who also have a blog and help each other out by writing and linking as guest authors.Dolores, thanks. That is what I need to do (set aside time). Maybe I will look into some of those 50-word things. Actually, I think one reason I'm too worn out to be bothered learning about backlinking is that I write a lot of really draining Hubs. (I'm sure they're draining on readers too, though - but that's an issue for another day and place.
) Then, though, what I'll do to take a break from the "big, serious" stuff is write about something foolish - but I'll still write a big, long, Hub anyway.
Do you believe everything you find online? I am going to start a dirty linking campaign on your hubs then
Good grief Misha. You've mellowed somewhat
And you and pcunix are both right. You're just discussing different parts of the same elephant - like the 8 wise men.
cheers, Eric G.'And you and pcunix are both right. You're just discussing different parts of the same elephant - like the 8 wise men.'
That's as may be, but I live my life by the rule 'never take serious advice from a man wearing a rainbow clown wig', and it's served me well so far.
LOL Mark, I can use some of your services. Any discount?
You know there is.
- Nelle Hoxieposted 14 years ago
0 Quote: This is just how I think...but my advertising budget alone is bigger than most of the stated earnings in the "yeah ..i earned XXX" threads .. I am doing something right and its not building a field of dreams :Unquote
That's something I keep saying to myself I'm going to do but never do, buying traffic and links. As you know it's very easy to lose money trying to buy advertising if you don't know what your doing.
I know a guy who spends around $14,000 a month on different ways of getting traffic and advertising. He makes much more than that so it's worth it to him.
Yet every time I try I just lose money. But I know many make money doing that, you just have to learn how!
I agree with sunforged that degree of publisher competition makes a big difference. And I think Relache gave great advice to focus on what you're good at.
I know I have a different approach than many folks - while I definitely optimize, I don't promote, but instead intuit the marketing angle. I know some of you already do this, and others can if you want to.
Still others are more comfortable using a strict methodology - as in - research keywords - produce article - administer seo - publish article - backlink - pause - backlink again - etc. And others do a combination.
Whatever works is fine for now. The reason I do things differently is because I'm reluctant to rely on a single methodology, because I'm pretty sure it'll stop working in the not-too-distant future. Google's aim is to get better and better at bringing articles of perceived user value to the front, and they seem to be trying to devalue any kind of gaming of the system. Which means that even if your article really is valuable and original and unique and special, if the methods you use to promote it get devalued, you're up a creek at some point and will need to adjust. Which isn't a big deal, if you like that kind of thing. I don't.
That's Google's challenge - to exclude spam content from the index and make SERPS highly relevant - and they're trying to walk a line between letting in the good guys and pushing out the bad guys. They're still far from achieving it - they advise webmasters outright to continue with various SEO strategies, because Google needs the SEO signals to rank documents. But they're moving toward an approach of "If I can, by golly, I'll eventually figure out if you're worthy of the first page using my own methods and not rely on your telling me - and potentially fooling me - with easy SEO strategies or link building."
So that's why I'm prioritizing moderate long-term earnings over extreme short term earnings. I want to be earning at least what I'm earning now in five or ten years, and I want my offspring to be able to earn from it if I'm not around. Which means creating the kind of content the search engines are going to find even when the rules change...and if they can't, content that will need only a few little adjustments to bring into view.
Anyway, I can say for a certainty that between AdSense, Amazon, and eBay, it's possible to make $2-5+ per article per month without link building on HubPages. And it's possible without those super-big-earners - you know, the kind of article that ends up making you thousands and that's so hard to come by. Steady earners and moderately big earners will do it.
With enough of the right kind of articles (easily navigated, product-based, problem-solving, searched-enough, Internet-advertised, SEO'd, with original value to readers, in - as sunforged says - an area of lower publisher competition, where the niche isn't already saturated) a person can pay one's bills...at least right now. In a blink that can change.
What you need, though, is time. It does take a lot of time - but less than social marketing and backlinking, at least in my case. I'd rather spend my time on creating the best article of its type than on using a strategy I think is fading in value.
So that's my long-winded explanation/defense of my approach. I'm not trying to convince people who have success using other methods to change - I certainly wouldn't change what's working! But I do want folks who are not meeting their goals to realize the rewards are not just short-term - they're long-term, and that there's a cost to any strategy one takes, and that there are options.
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