Changing The World One Blog At A Time
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Interview With One Of The World’s Most Famous Professional Bloggers – Darren Rowse

By on August 11, 2009 in Blogging, Interviews
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Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Get A Copy Of 31 Days To Build A Better Blog PLUS 2 FREE Bonus Videos

I count myself pretty lucky to be able to have locked down an interview with one of the most famous bloggers in the world – Darren Rowse.

A few weeks ago I got the opportunity to have a nice informal chat with Darren about blogging, and what he actually did to become successful as a blogger himself.

Darren is world renowned for his blog at www.ProBlogger.net and teaching bloggers of all levels how they too can become successful in the blogging world.

Inside my interview with Darren, he spills the beans on a number of really useful topics to help you become a better blogger. These include:

  • What kind of a people are most suited to blogging…
  • The best way of discovering the topic for your blog…
  • Some of the best content creation techniques and strategies Darren has used on his blogs…
  • How to keep a healthy balance in your life between blogging and everything else…
  • How to get traffic to your blog (this is a big one)…
  • The latest social media tools that Darren uses to help him drive more traffic to his blog…
  • The best ways of making money from your blog…
  • The major key to successful blogging…

As you will see from the interview, the strategies we discussed are not rocket science, and anyone should be able to implement the very same lessons. You just need listen to the advice and then take action!

It’s as simple as that.

How To Get FREE Access To Two Amazing Become A Blogger Premium Videos

Darren is the author of “31 Days To Build A Better Blog” and it goes into A LOT more detail about how you can turn your blog into a resounding success.

If you get yourself a copy of Darren’s book using the link below, I will give you FREE access to two powerful videos inside the Become A Blogger Premium course. These videos are:

  1. How to stream video live on your blog
  2. How to make your videos clickable – this is great for stealth affiliate marketing

To get a copy of Darren’s new book, and get access to these two FREE bonus videos, simply click on the link below, go through the process, and then send me an email at support[at]becomeablogger.com asking for the two bonus videos:

Get A Copy Of 31 Days To Build A Better Blog PLUS 2 FREE Bonus Videos

Enjoy!

Gideon Shalwick
Become A Blogger

Darren’s Websites

,

Get My 10 FREE Videos On How To Become A Blogger

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61 Responses to Interview With One Of The World’s Most Famous Professional Bloggers – Darren Rowse

  1. Jeremy young August 11, 2009 at 6:39 pm #

    Thanks Gideon, Darren,
    Excellent video, great tips and a valuable investment of my time.

  2. Arlene deWinter August 11, 2009 at 6:45 pm #

    This was wonderful. Thanks Gideon and Darren. I was doing the 31 Days Challenge but I fell behind. They are great lessons.
    You look good Gideon!

    • Gideon Shalwick August 11, 2009 at 11:14 pm #

      You make me blush Arlene :)

      Thanks!

      Gideon Shalwick
      Become A Blogger

      • Alaria August 12, 2009 at 10:12 am #

        It’s good to receive compliments to see how we react to them.

  3. Sandeep Swaminathan August 11, 2009 at 6:52 pm #

    Thanks for the interview! I would also be glad to watch an interview with either Micheal Arrington or Pete Cashmore or even Richard Mac Manus.

  4. Gimme A Dream August 11, 2009 at 6:59 pm #

    It is summer in Canada and blogging hasn’t been high on my priority but while watching this interview with Darren Rowse, I have a whole head full of ideas to blog on. Time is at a premium unfortunately but that will become better come fall. I can’t wait to put more of Mr. Rowse’s ideas to good use. I’ve long paid attention to what he has said in the past and followed up on some of his suggestions. Can’t wait to have the time to continue.

  5. Jody August 11, 2009 at 7:45 pm #

    This video exemplified all that a good one should be, Gideon: an interesting topic and the right questions asked of a knowledgeable interviewee. You won me over with your WordPress videos, and I must say that your skills have been growing steadily since that time. This is unheard of praise from one who absolutely hates videos, so enjoy.

    I could go on to say that you obviously didn’t train at Fox News where the host asks a question and then interrupts his guest before he can answer it. And, of course everything was technically superb, no variable volume, perfect lighting, no distracting elements, a nice color scheme.

    Please excuse this rambling comment, but in the face of the myriad and ubiquitous amateurish efforts befouling the internet, I rarely get the opportunity to say something nice about a video and the people doing it. Yeah, Darren Rowse ‘did good,’ too.

    • Gideon Shalwick August 11, 2009 at 11:16 pm #

      Thanks Jodie!

      I certainly try my best to do an excellent job.

      Your comments are very encouraging!

      All the best!

      Gideon Shalwick
      Become A Blogger

  6. Josh H August 11, 2009 at 7:48 pm #

    I enjoyed the interview Gideon! There is a lot of good tips that were shared. I like that Darren shares how he does how to blogs! Very simple, yet, effective method.

  7. Paulo August 11, 2009 at 7:49 pm #

    Hi Gideon,

    That was a fantastic!! interview between you and Darren. You’ve been doing some really good videos and interviews….Congratulations!!!

    After watching the video, I guess a lot of questions get answered for people that are learning and would like to grow with their blogs and blogging…..like I’m doing at the moment…I guess we all have stages as to where we are with it all,…and all the thoughts and ideas that flashes through our brains…. truly, very inspirational staff. Like Darren says…. being persistent at it, will actually take you a long way, with all the other attributes that one needs to be successful at blogging…..and I kind of like that.

    Darren is a very fortunate person, to actually have the support of his wife and family…..considering all the amount of time that he spends working at it…I guess as he says being very strict and responsible with it all,.. could lead you to a well balanced life…… And I can say that I relate with that. I know how hard it is to have a young family with children around, because I have one of my own…. And sometimes all the patience that you other half, have to put up with you and your time networking, or doing something to grow your business, or so…… At the moment I’m kind of accepting the fact that my circumstances are different, and that I have a day job, so that I can put food and pay bills in the house….

    Is all a matter of mind set and looking forward to those precious time left, that I have from my family and day job. I guess is a major goal that I have set for my self….that i’m working into quitting my day job in the future….and that would give me much more time to do the things that I’m passionate about, at the moment they might seem like hobbies….but sooner or later…they will be my life and business, having the right kind of mind set, and the balance needed to be truly happy.

    Thank you.

    (p.s)..I have one question for you Gideon…. you know with those 2 specials that you are offering, could we have them, if you are already a member and going through the course of BAB premium??…. Like I’m at the moment….
    In saying that I really want to get Darren’s book as well….but that is going to have to be some time in the near future, since I have a bit of a tight budget right now…
    Also I’ve been wanting to message you and tell you that I have my blog site up and running…..Although I’m still going through the BAB premium course…And all I can say … its Awesome!!)

    Thanks once again.

    Cheers… Paulo.

    • Gideon Shalwick August 11, 2009 at 11:19 pm #

      Hey Paulo

      Thanks for your great feedback! Much appreciated!

      If you’re already inside the Become A Blogger Premium program you should get access to those two videos in any case.

      They are inside the module on video.

      All the best!

      Gideon Shalwick
      Become A Blogger

      • Paulo August 12, 2009 at 5:40 am #

        Gideon, That’s really cool…… Thanks
        I really appreciate both of you and Yaro’s hard work, into put in all this outstanding work…. Well done guys!!.

        Cheers…

  8. Rebecca August 11, 2009 at 8:05 pm #

    I appreciate the two of you fine gentlemen so much for what you have shared – and how you share it. The information is clear; the presentation is high-quality, and the goal of helping us all succeed is achieved without a “sales-y” feel. Thank you for being such a great resource and an inspiration as well!

  9. Hypnotic Blogger August 11, 2009 at 11:39 pm #

    This interview with Darren Rowse is fabulous.
    I hope you will be able to interview John Chow too in future.
    These are the great blogging guys I’ve always wanted to hear from.

  10. Kimberley Pledger August 12, 2009 at 3:34 am #

    Thanks for this – another really useful video.

    I was delighted to learn that Darren likes to mindmap on paper – me too! I’ve tried the programs out there and it just isn’t the same, I find I even think differently, perhaps more creatively, on paper so this a top tip for coming up with ideas for content.

    I particularly liked the ideas of ‘being useful’ as a key component in a successful blog. It’s an idea I’ve come across before – Perry Belcher talks about this in relation to using social media – and it feels really genuine and compatible with my values to give readers what they want, rather than flogging them something they don’t need or want.

    The other point I found really helpful was on being realistic about how long it might take to make a blog successful – up to 2 years. I’ve been blogging for a month and have always had the intention of continuing for a while, but I’ve not yet had to face the disappointment of blogging into cyberspace and nobody commenting because I’ve not been doing it for long enough. Now I know it really is a long haul game requiring real dedication and commitment and that good things come to those who wait (and work jolly hard!)

    Thanks again,

    Best wishes,

    Kimberley

  11. Alaria August 12, 2009 at 10:15 am #

    Thanks to all!
    Great interview with great questions, Giddeon, and great content, Darren. As a real newbie I really appreciate the information.

  12. Lira August 12, 2009 at 11:41 am #

    Gideon,
    I loved how this interview really cemented and emphasized so many of the important points that I’ve learned in your BecomeABlogger Premium program! I’d love to download a copy of this video or have a transcript in pdf so I can review the information again. Please let me know if this is possible. ‘

    Either way, I love your program and I really enjoyed this interview. Thanks!

  13. Tom Harvey August 12, 2009 at 1:24 pm #

    More great free valuable content.

    I’m just developing my blogging techniques and style and its useful to get some different ideas and inputs from successful individuals. I’ll definately be checking out your other content.
    Please stop over my blog to let me know what you think.

    Tom

  14. dlysen August 12, 2009 at 9:34 pm #

    I always get across to visit Darren Rowse site often time in a research. It seems a lots of people are suggesting his tips. I think I’ve been to his website a long time ago when I am still have no idea about blogs benefits.

  15. Joan Stewart August 13, 2009 at 4:09 am #

    Thanks another helpful video with content to make one think. Even time of day to set aside when you feel your creative juices work best for you! Great stuff keep up the good work.

  16. Mike Low August 13, 2009 at 5:13 am #

    Biggest take-away for me? “Being USEFUL is the #1 key to successful blogging.”

  17. Akila August 13, 2009 at 5:41 am #

    I came from Darren’s blog. This is a valuable video. I think you have made it successful with a brilliant set of questions. Those were up to the point and Darren answered them really well. As Sandeep Swaminathan has mentioned above it will be great if you could come with an interview with either Micheal Arrington or Pete Cashmore.
    Keep up the good work.

  18. Michelle Adams August 13, 2009 at 6:23 am #

    Excellent interview. Darren shared some great tips and I found it interesting that he’s having so much success with Twitter too. :)

    Well worth watching Gideon, thank you.

  19. Debbie Bills August 13, 2009 at 7:53 am #

    Thanks for the video. He had a lot of good information and I really appreciate that. I am in your Premium course right now, which wonderful. I do agree that blogging is something that does take time and you can not give up if you feel you have something to share.
    Thanks, again
    Debbie

  20. Scott Tousignant August 13, 2009 at 11:02 am #

    Outstanding interview! I’ve been using mindmapping to help me strategize and plan out my content. It helps keep me focused and generate new ideas. To think that I used to use sticky notes to write my ideas down on ;)

    I already got my hands on the 31 Days To Building A Better Blog and am 3 days into it. It’s absolutely awesome and has inspired me in many ways.

    Question: What did you use to record this picture and picture video? The quality is outstanding!

    Thanks for the great content!

    Scott Tousignant

  21. Bob DeCecco August 13, 2009 at 12:05 pm #

    I hear a lot of discussion of creating a ‘successful blog’ – what would be interesting is to begin to define and discuss what constitutes a ‘success’…

    I think the most important ‘nugget’ I heard Darren discuss was the fact that he makes money “because of his blog”, not just directly “from his blog” – I think most “how to” trainings miss. Truth is, its in the “indirect” methods where you make the most money “from” the internet. Blogging, and other forms of social media (leading back to your blog) gives you CREDIBILITY to be known as an expert in your niche – that credibility is priceless :-)

    Great interview…looking forward to interviewing YOU and Yaro for my upcoming blog ;-)

  22. Wendy Dashwood-Quick August 13, 2009 at 1:07 pm #

    Thanks Gideon
    I found this video very informative and blew away some of my assumptions that I have about what it takes to become successful at blogging. I definitely recommend mind-mapping on paper – I do this all the time when I’m stuck for ideas. But also agree that some blogs just arrive spontaneously whilst others take a while to ‘cook’ – in fact I feel that for me personally blogging is fantastic because if you get the inspiration it’s a superb medium for anyone who likes writing, has an opinion and wants to share what they know with others in an easily accessible way. I’m a novice blogger as well, so it’s reassuring to know that it doesn’t have to happen overnight!

  23. michael fallon August 13, 2009 at 1:10 pm #

    Hi Gideon thanks for this great informative video interview
    as a newbie blogger what ‘s clear about blogging is sincerity always shines through
    contents valuable but good sincere content’s what counts
    well that’s what i am seeing from you and all your other guests
    thanks again michael fallon.

  24. Gary A. Parenti August 13, 2009 at 2:08 pm #

    Hey Gideon & Yaro,

    Yes I know you two work side by side and you compliment
    each other very nicely..I have been following Darren for awhile
    now..He always has great content and I have gained much
    from him…Very good interview,as always..Problogger.net
    is & has been in my Blogroll from the beginning of my Blog…

    I wonder if he has connections to Rich Schefren or Joel
    Comm…Maybe even Michael Dunlop ,I would like you to interview
    the three men that I just mentioned…

    Good Luck with my request,
    The Best To You Both,
    Pyradom/GAP

  25. dan djorgi August 13, 2009 at 3:54 pm #

    Great interview!

    What software/hardware are you using for those interviews?

    Thanks for sharing!

    • Gideon Shalwick August 13, 2009 at 10:29 pm #

      Hey Dan

      I used a Mac, Skype, Call Recorder and Final Cut Express :)

      Gideon Shalwick
      Become A Blogger

  26. Mike August 13, 2009 at 4:41 pm #

    I really liked this interview.. it has summarized many of Darren experiences that you would read about it for weeks..
    I agree with @Sandeep about next interview with either Micheal Arrington or Pete Cashmore…

  27. Eran Malloch August 13, 2009 at 8:57 pm #

    Hi Gideon. I don’t know why, but your video keeps stalling at 1min 47 sec for me. I am on a fast PC with ADSL2 net connection, and am having no problems watching streaming video from other sites…

    Looking forward to being able to watch the full video.

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Eran Malloch

  28. Eran Malloch August 13, 2009 at 9:33 pm #

    ok, so now it works! Must have been a temporary vidler problem.

    Anyway, I watched your interview and it was good value. Thanks for taking the time & effort to make it available to us.

    Darren’s always got great insights on the subject (which is why he’s THE problogger :-) ).

    Eran

    • Gideon Shalwick August 13, 2009 at 10:32 pm #

      Ok cool!

      Gideon Shalwick
      Become A Blogger

  29. Rajendra August 13, 2009 at 9:59 pm #

    Hi Gideon,
    I really like this video , as most of the new bloggers like me will definetly find useful from this.
    I am also from one of them who is looking for an good traffic on my blog . Its really having an
    good stuff to refer and implement these things on my blog.
    Thanks Gideon once again for such video.

  30. Dwight Anthony August 14, 2009 at 8:13 pm #

    Good Tips, Gideon and Darren. Love to hear Darren’s perspectives on blogging. Could listen to this guy all day with the ‘proper’ accent.

  31. Gayze August 15, 2009 at 9:47 am #

    Gideon, thanks so much for posting such a wonderful interview. It really pulled together a lot of what those of us who are just learning the world of blogging need to know, and at the same time allowing us to “get to know” the godfather of ProBlogging himself!

  32. Matt August 16, 2009 at 2:33 am #

    Thanks Gideon and Darren. Great interview and I can vouch for the 31 days to build a better blog, its a great program for anyone serious about getting involved in blogging.

    Cheers,
    Matt

  33. Deirdre August 17, 2009 at 3:16 am #

    Hi Gideon,
    Great information that you shared. I am new to blogging so it was great to get somewhat of a road map on how to go about building my blog. The video was really clear as was the presentation.
    Thank you
    Deirdre

  34. João Festozo August 17, 2009 at 6:29 am #

    Gideon, thanks once more for the nice information.
    The interview show us a big vision of the blogger work.
    Your information is allways helpfull,

    Joao Festozo

  35. video-push August 19, 2009 at 7:10 am #

    i belive that 10 years from now the bloggers will become video bloggers.

  36. James Schramko August 20, 2009 at 7:59 am #

    Nice one Gideon,
    You have a great natural style on video and I hope readers are paying attention to your low resistance affiliate technique. High quality.

    Excellent!

    • Gideon Shalwick August 23, 2009 at 1:04 pm #

      Thanks for stopping by James!

      And thanks for your nice comments too!

      Talk soon!

      Gideon Shalwick
      Become A Blogger

  37. Rajendra August 21, 2009 at 4:46 am #

    Hi Gideon,
    Its really an important thing for any good website that it having an good readable content for its readers. As most of the new bloggers like me will definetly find useful from this.Its really having an
    good stuff to refer and implement these things.
    I am also from one of them who is looking for an good traffic on my blog i.e http://www.clickblogging.blogspot.com.
    Thanks Gideon

  38. brigid August 23, 2009 at 9:50 pm #

    What a great video!!
    Simple, easy to follow, no hype, informative and just fabulous.
    I would classify that as the best vid I have ever seen on blogging and I will definitely be watching it a few times as there are many little gems in that interview.
    It seems that a successful blog comes from the heart……with lots of people dropping by to feed it.
    Thanks to both of you for the insights and honesty
    Brigid

  39. Smart Boy August 30, 2009 at 11:46 pm #

    The 31 days to a better blog by Darren was excellent. Great information which everyone benefited from. This interview was awesome – so thanks for putting it together!

  40. Riina September 5, 2009 at 10:31 am #

    Hi Gideon,

    This is the best place where to start blogging. Thanks for the great videos you have done and can´t wait to learn more.
    Riina

  41. Chu September 5, 2009 at 11:04 am #

    Thanks Gideon, this video with Darren is extremely helpful to me right now, because i just getting started with blogging. Darren helps with creating clear expectations. Thanks once again!

  42. Bob Morris September 13, 2009 at 3:38 pm #

    Hi Gideon,
    I am presently in Dean Hollands-Starting With Marketing program and 1 of the lessons is to go out and tour blogs in our niche and learn how successful bloggers are doing things, studing content, layouts, things and ways we can use and improve upon. I am rather a newbie to blogging but love blogging with a passion especially incorporating the socialization into it for bigger,faster returns for me and my subscribers. Anyway I loved your blog, everything was absolutely professional and thank you for the great content on the vid interview with Darren and can not wait to start getting my own blog more centered and drilling more in depth on my niche and giving and helping others as both of you have done in such great fashion.

    Thanks again.

  43. PC October 13, 2009 at 3:32 pm #

    So is this really a guest post of this same content or has this guy just ripped you off?

    http://topwebsecrets.blogspot.com/2009/09/interview-with-darren-rowse-of.html

    • Gideon Shalwick October 22, 2009 at 9:30 pm #

      It’s a blog spammer by the looks of it…

  44. Jan Smith February 28, 2010 at 5:47 pm #

    Hi Gideon
    Great video and good ideas from Darren that I hadn’t thought of. There is so much to know it’s hard to pick just one thing and go with that. Especially when everything could work yet seems to take so long to know whether it is an effective method of driving traffic or not. Or whether it needs to be a little bit of this and a lot more of that. Much like becoming a good cook or a world-renowned Chef, I guess.

    As they say, “Patience is a curse, but a a belly-aches worse” so I’ll keep on being patient and practising. Now, going on the law of averages… :-)

  45. Wendy Krueger July 5, 2010 at 2:25 pm #

    Great interview. I enjoyed what Darren said about mind mapping. I was glad to hear he like to draw things out with a paper or on a whiteboard. I downloaded a mind mapping program that was recommended but I couldn’t get into it. Somethings are more naturally suited to an organic approach.

  46. sandy August 24, 2010 at 12:37 pm #

    Great interview. I think Darren has a lot of knowledge and skill particularly for his era and is good at integrating current technologies with what he is doing. That said, in all honesty I think this thing called “success” needs to be defined because I know of people doing great things with their video blogging and blogs in less time than “2 years”. I can understand that it may have taken some of the older bloggers 2years because many of the technologies for promotion weren’t around. Squidoo was in its infancy, youtube wasn’t that big. There has been a recent explosion of software and technologies and folks who are willing to work super hard are making quite a living for themselves within a year. I think if you’re just starting out in the vlogging world this is a perfect time with all the latest technology, equipment and telecommunication apps. Those apps were just not there during web 1.0.

    I love Darren’s stuff; I’ve got all his books and I think he is the “man” when it comes to blogging; but I think this thing called vlogging may have some new standards in how successful one can be. I don’t think it will take 2 years; in fact many of our current day idols are making it within months of exposure online. I realize that is in the entertainment world; but I’ve seen some vlogs in the food world, wine world and fashion world which exploded over night.

    Thank you to Darren and others for paying their dues and opening the doors; but new folks are coming on the scene all the time. The online world just keeps moving faster and faster. But I’m glad for folks like Darren who are truly had the hutzpah to take on the obstacles. With their expertise and knowledge combined with current technologies and ideas success is possible.

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