Here comes my very first interview on this work at home blog. This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Yan Susanto, affectionately known as Yan to most bloggers among us. He runs ThouShallBlog, Blogging Tips For Beginners, a blog that helps beginners blog better.
I’ve always been fascinated by Yan from the very first time I met him online in June last year. I remembered well how I met him though. I was doing my research for my Link Building Strategy Blog Posts Series and was first attracted not to his blog but his Gravatar. You see, Yan used a pretty lady picture as his blog gravatar. It was probably an experiment or a case study and yeah, you could say I participated in it, quite unknowingly I might add. I’ve always wanted to interview him to find out a little more about this intriguing man who seems to know what he needs and gets what he wants.
Peter: What do you think is the no. 1 mistake many new bloggers make and what specific tips can you give to them to make it in the blogosphere.
Yan:Personally, I think one of the most common mistakes newbies make is to have the wrong mindset right out of the gate. 90% of newbies start a blog hoping to be the next superstar blogger with a big fat paycheck.
Sure, anyone can be the next superstar blogger but it doesn’t happen overnight. In blogging there is no such thing of instant results.
When you blog about something you enjoy writing, you’ll probably stick around long enough to be a superstar blogger and make money.
Peter: We’ve seen your ˜ThouShallBlog” achieve so much success within so short a time like PR3 in 3 months, ˜the 45n5 Top 100″ (#8), 300 unique visitors/1000 page views in 4 months. Could you share with us what made these possible.
Yan: In retrospect, getting a PR 3 then was a big deal but it isn’t the case anymore. It’s an open secret that anyone who comment consistently could easily get a PR 3 nowadays.
And for that reason alone, the quality of comments has degraded to a pathetic level. To put it bluntly, it has evolved into a competition of “who has the right to stay as the top commentator”. Just look at those who sit comfortably on John Chow’s Top Commentator list and you’ll know what I mean.
Sad but that’s exactly what made all these possible.
Peter: In Nov last year you made a big decision to change your blog to a nofollow blog, You felt that dofollow blogs leak out too much pagerank link juice and that this change will help TSB achieve higher PR. Fast forward to today, 5 months later, your higher PR expectation has not happened…yet. Did your decision come back to haunt you? You did mention that you could revert back to dofollow if it didn’t work out. Or do you still believe you made the right decision and on course for better things to come?
Yan: Those who have been following TSB know well that whatever things I did were just my way of experimenting with different style of ‘doing things”. Yes, nothing happened on the last PR update and judging by the number inbound links from authority sites, I believe the PR is not likely to change on the next update either.
It’s too early to say if what I did was right or wrong but as my blog grows so does the spammy comments. So ‘nofollowing’ my blog might not be a bad thing after all. Besides, I don’t need to “dofollow’ my blog to encourage more comments at this point of time.
Peter: We noted some big changes you’ve recently made on TSB. You’ve outsourced most of the writing to a team of writers. What was the main reason behind this change. I mean lots of your readers enjoy your blog not only because of your excellent content you’ve shared, but also your unique writing style they love and have grown quite accustomed to.
Yan: I’m grateful that many are still supporting TSB long after I stop contributing. Readership level has grown by as much as 30% over the last few months and so has the subscribers level. The team of writers and some guest posters have done really a great job. Well, what more can I ask?
Anyhow it just dawned upon me that there was little room for me to grow anymore if I were to spend my time maintaining TSB. I wanted to do something else. I didn’t want to stay in my comfort zone. So I made the resolution to explore into a whole new world of niche marketing and that’s where I’ve found my new passion.
And inviting others to write for TSB helps me to focus on what needs to be done. It’s a win-win deal for both parties. With an already established blog community, writing for TSB is the next best promotional strategy for any aspiring bloggers.
Didn’t I say it’s a free advertising?
Peter: Here is a hypothetical question. If you had to start blogging all over again, what will be some of the things you’ll do differently for TSB.
Yan: Build an email list right from the start. It’s the best permission marketing I should have undertaken long ago. It was a mistake but we live to learn, don’t we?
Peter: Recently you’ve gone into niche blogging. What prompted you to venture out of your comfort zone and into this more specialized form of blogging. Is this the direction you’re heading i.e. start many more niche blogs? What are your goals and what experience can you share with us and has it been profitable so far. Who would you recommend niche blogging to.
Yan: Yes, apart from coming up with my own products, that is going to be the direction I see myself heading for the next 2 years. My goal? To be able to draw 5-figure incomes all on auto-pilot by the end of 2010.
That said, I’m working 16 hours a day now so I can only work 1-hour a day in 2010. That’s the ultimate destination.
Anyway I’m coming up with my own ebook soon where I’d share all there is to know about niche marketing. So stay tuned.
Peter: What’s a typical work day like for you Yan?
Yan: As I’ve said I work 16 hours a day answering emails and comments, browsing my RSS feed, ghostwriting for others, uncover hidden niches and working on other internet projects.
My day usually starts at 12PM till 4AM. Yes, I’m not an early riser as I usually work better at night when my brain is at its best. Suffice to say, the most important task is done after midnight.
Peter: While we know a lot about your blogging prowess, we don’t know much about you as a person. Could you tell a little about you as a family man?
Yan: I’m a father of 9 months old son who is the king of the house and that’s the reason why the most important thing is done after midnight…… 
And I also count my blessing to have a very supportive wife who takes good care of our son. Yes, she is the Queen who rules the house too…
Peter: Where do you see yourself blogging wise in 6 months and in 5 years?
Yan: I picture myself spending 16 quality hours a day with my family and working 1-hour a day in 5 years time. That’s the beauty of being an internet entrepreneur.
Peter: How do you keep coming up with such great content for your blog? Where do you get the inspiration?
Yan: To be honest, what’s on TSB can be easily found elsewhere. All I did was to present them in a different style that appeals to my readers. So it’s safe to conclude that it really isn’t about ‘what you say’. It all comes down to ‘how you say it’ in your unique voice.
My Final Thoughts
Thanks Yan for taking your time for this interview and sharing such great insights and words of wisdom to others. I’m sure many who stumbled upon this post would have taken away some good advice from you and go away inspired in their search for success. Interviews after all offer a great way to learn a few new tricks from those who have become successful and in this case learning some great blogging tips from someone who’s been there, done that. Thanks Yan!
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March 21, 2009 at 2:51 am
Thanks for the opportunity, Peter. You are right the gravatar was meant to ‘catch’ the attention of other commenters.
And it worked, didn’t it?
Yan
March 21, 2009 at 3:04 am
@Blogging Tips: Yes it sure did. I didn’t mention for one week your gender became much of an uncertainty. I thought you’re a girl. Sorry the mind works pretty funny at times wanting to believe what’s good and that gravatar was real pretty.
****
Peter
March 22, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Well internet is international and is hard to know every single language so we can know if a name is a girl or boy, lol.
March 22, 2009 at 1:44 am
Well done Yan! You have spoken..
Ben
March 21, 2009 at 3:28 am
wow this is great interview.
Thank Peter!
clickktdotcoms last blog post..Avoid to ad network CPM denied
March 21, 2009 at 7:33 am
@clickktdotcom: Thanks Toan, glad you like it.
March 21, 2009 at 5:28 am
This was a really great interview with some interesting insights. Thanks for sharing guys!
March 21, 2009 at 7:51 am
@Corey Freeman: Thanks Corey. Just visited your blog and left a comment too. Thanks for the visit and keep in touch.
****
Peter
March 21, 2009 at 7:17 am
Another great interview with Yan. Thanks guys for putting this together for us.
Salwas last blog post..My New Custom Twitter Background
March 21, 2009 at 7:52 am
@Salwa: Thanks. Good to see you here too.
March 21, 2009 at 11:13 am
Now what I a great interview. An email list is vital for any business. I totally argee with blog mindset. Excellent interview.
Jamess last blog post..Link Love – Week one
March 21, 2009 at 12:14 pm
@James: That’s true. I have to admit, like Yan I’ve not done much about email list building on my blog, something which I have to focus on soon.
March 25, 2009 at 10:49 am
Hi Peter, I’ve been speaking to a few bloggers and they feel that an email list to something they need as well. I use Interspire, a very professional email marketing newsletter, but the most common one is aweber.
March 21, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Great interview Yan. I’ll be keeping an eye out for your e book I’ll have one coming out soon as well.
Gerald Webers last blog post..15 WordPress Plugins That I Can’t Live Without
March 21, 2009 at 12:42 pm
@Gerald Weber: Thanks for dropping by. I’m also anxious to read his ebook too.
March 23, 2009 at 6:52 am
Yeah always looking forward to an ebook too!
March 21, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Nicely done, guys. Yan, I hadn’t realized you had a plan for making it online within, well, a year at this point; way to go.
Mitchs last blog post..Is Alexa Relevant Again?
March 21, 2009 at 9:20 pm
@Mitch: Hey thanks for dropping by my friend. Glad you liked it.
March 23, 2009 at 10:53 am
Yes, buddy. If you fail to plan, we plan to fail….don’t we?
Yan
March 25, 2009 at 10:51 am
Totally agree, with that. Doesn’t matter if it is a blog, a website, a house, an assignment, or a holiday. If not planned it will fail.
March 21, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Nice interview, hope to be the interviewee one day!
Latest Gadgetss last blog post..Microsoft Releasing Internet Explorer 8
March 21, 2009 at 10:01 pm
@Latest Gadgets: Thanks for your comment
March 22, 2009 at 12:31 am
Yan is a pro blogger about making money online, hope i will an interview with him ^+^
clickktdotcoms last blog post..Interview With Peter Lee
March 22, 2009 at 3:03 am
@clickktdotcom:Good to see you here too Toan.Yeah interviews make good reading and learning.
March 22, 2009 at 2:04 am
Yan has an awesome blog Peter. You have chosen the right candidate! Well, Yan has not only shared beginner blogging but also brought blogging to an entire different level for most..
Ben
Make Money Onlines last blog post..Can You Really Make Money Online With T3Leads?
March 22, 2009 at 3:05 am
@Make Money Online:Well Ben the first interview has to go with a big bang, much like lighting up firecrakers if you know what I mean.
March 22, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Hi Peter,
BTW, love your re-tweet button. Where did you get it? If you can tell us your secret of course.
Luis
March 23, 2009 at 8:59 am
@Marketing Business Review: Luis, you can get this easy to installed plugin from tweetmeme(dot)com. I actually already have one re-tweet button at the end of each post but like this better because it has a counter. I found it in Yan’s and asked him. The thing about re-tweet buttons is that you’re itching to click the button. You got the hint Luis? (thanks in advance)
March 23, 2009 at 6:54 am
That’s for sure. When’s my turn? haha
March 23, 2009 at 9:02 am
“I’m making a list….and checking it twice….”. haha! sure you’re included in my list….but all in good time my friend…I think it’ll be a smashing one too, just you see.
March 23, 2009 at 2:16 am
I agree, Yan is one of those bloggers that will be classed as one of the best in time to come.
March 23, 2009 at 9:04 am
@James: That’s a very true but I honestly think he’ll achieve it in much shorter time than what he says. He’s just being humble.
March 23, 2009 at 10:56 am
Wow, this counts as the best compliment of the day. Thanks, James. Good to see ya here. Your wish is my command!….
Yan
March 23, 2009 at 10:51 am
Thanks, Ben. I’ll take that as a compliment.
Yan
March 22, 2009 at 2:12 am
Good first interview Peter, nice choice of questions!
And @Yan, your definitely bound to succeed if you have the commitment to put in 16 hours a day, consistently.
March 23, 2009 at 9:09 am
@Netbook Insider Forum:Thanks for the kind words. I think he is one person who may be happy if he has more than 24 hrs a day. I ought to have asked him how he gets his energy level. Ginseng maybe?
March 23, 2009 at 11:00 am
Peter, I wouldn’t be able to commit 16 hours a day if I don’t love what I’m doing…… Oh by the way, when you are as young as me, ginseng is unnecessary….LOL
Yan
March 22, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Hi Peter,
Really good Interview, you pick up the right guy. I like Yan´s goal in 5 years, working 1 hour and spend the day with family, guess everyone will love something like that. Tháts also why I want to fire my boss as fast as I can. Just don´t tell my boss he is on the verge to be fired, lol.
Luis
Marketing Business Reviews last blog post..Make Money Online With CPA Free Report From Gauher Chaudhry
March 23, 2009 at 2:17 am
I am pleased, it’s not just me that hates their boss.
March 23, 2009 at 9:11 am
@Marketing Business Review: Hey Luis, you should check what Sire has to say about that. HaHa!
March 23, 2009 at 2:41 am
Yan, 16 hours quality time with your family? Mate your wife will get so sick of you she will make you set up a dozen more blogs just so she can get some peace and quiet.
Good interview Peter and Yan was definitely a good catch.
Sires last blog post..Thesis Theme Is Just Not Flexible Enough
March 23, 2009 at 6:55 am
LOL! And that’s how it makes Yan so busy..
March 23, 2009 at 9:13 am
@Sire: Hey Sire, I miss your Aussie humor at its best. Ever think about going into writing a book on all your quotes like this. It could be a bestseller. HaHa! Thanks for coming here.
March 23, 2009 at 11:03 am
OK, I shouldn’t teach an old dog a new trick so lesson learned here. I’ll be back into my drawing board and rewrite my goal. Speaking from your own experience, Sire?
Yan
March 23, 2009 at 3:47 am
Great interview!
March 23, 2009 at 9:14 am
@Best CSS Gallery: Thanks for the visit. Glad you like it.
March 23, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I don’t know why he was pissed about people who makes as top commentator on John Chow blog. I mean it is a competitive world and he should not be complaining about that.
March 24, 2009 at 7:42 am
I think its a superb interview. As I am newbie to the blogging – I’ve learnt many things from this post. For beginners these are really very useful tips.
April 12, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Powerful interview guy's! Being new to blogging and SEO this is exactly the type of information that I need to make the road to success a less rocky one. I hope you both do another interview on a single topic or two and post it here as a part two. Thanks again.
April 12, 2009 at 12:11 pm
@peter: I don't think Yan was pissed. He's just stating what's the fact and what's changed over the years.
April 12, 2009 at 12:12 pm
@ bathroom shower : Thanks for your comment
April 12, 2009 at 12:14 pm
@ Medical Billing Trainer: Glad you like it. Another interview with him? Maybe, but not too soon.
April 12, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Peter, I just like the interview thing period. It doesn't have to be Yan but I am sure there are alot of blogger's out there that would be honored to be interviewed by you. Another Idea is to do a Guest Interview section like you do for Guest Bloggers. I also think it would be great if you could do audio interviews which would make your blog even more interactive.
April 12, 2009 at 7:37 pm
@ Medical Billing Trainer : Thanks for your suggestions. Yes I may do more interviews on this blog. Interviews are quite well received by everyone. I like to read them too at other blogs.
April 12, 2009 at 11:37 pm
@ Medical Billing Trainer : Thanks for your suggestions. Yes I may do more interviews on this blog. Interviews are quite well received by everyone. I like to read them too at other blogs.
March 27, 2011 at 11:10 am
Blogging or Internet Marketing atkes a long path , and yes it takes hard work and effort not by overnight.Thanks for posting it's about running in a marathon race rather sprint test 100m.God bless You All