I’ve been featured on over 25 blogs in 10 weeks. Some features were my guest posts, a few were mentions noting me and a Blogging from Paradise link but the majority of features were interviews.
Being interviewed rocks because interviews:
- Establish your authority
- Make you a go-to person in your niche
- Spread the word for your brand
- Are quite fun to do
- Help you meet new blogging buddies
Gobble up interview requests. Be aggressive folks. In a nice way. I’m not blogging from paradise by accident. I realized that, as Robert Kiyosaki says, successful people build networks and everybody else looks for work.
Blogging from Paradise: Olivia in Savusavu Fiji
Olivia the banana lady in Fiji may not do blogging interviews but she knows the power of networking. She owns no cell phone. Not sure if she even has a phone. She lives in a small village called Nagigi in Fiji.
2 weeks back Kelli and I went on one of her custom tours to Nagigi. She made us lunch and we spent the afternoon at one of the most beautiful beaches on earth.
She has no cell phone. She has no website (although I’m sure you knew that), but, she told us that recently she did a tour with 20 people. TWENTY PEOPLE.
How does a woman who has no modern means of connecting with folks draw in 20 folks for her tour? Easy. She networks like a champion, in person.
Ask for” Olivia the banana lady” at the market in Savusavu. Everybody will know her, because she’s sociable, she’s gregarious, she makes you feel warm, and she seizes every opportunity to connect with people, in person, 1 to 1, while at her market stall.
If Olivia can run a tour for 20 people without any modern means of marketing, darnit you can reach a huge, targeted audience by lining up and gobbling up interview requests.
How can you do this?
Read on my kiddies….
Let Go Bad Professional Matches
As you grow, let go. Moving up in circles means you’ll let go some folks who aren’t growing at the same rate. Whether the release involves letting go offline buddies or old blogging buddies who aren’t energizing you, it’s time to let go.
Again, this is all about energy. Nothing personal. Some folks are simply no longer matches. If you release non-matches, a vacuum forms, and the Universe fills the vacuum with good matches….aka, interview requests from authority bloggers.
Let go. Grow. Be free. Score a ton of authority interview requests.
Practical tips: ignore desperate pleas from relationships you’ve outgrown, or simply be clear in stating that you can’t assist them in that manner.
Offer advice to move them up a few circles. Point out changes to make, to help them bump up their game. You choose what to do based on your time constraints/schedule.
Create Long-Style Content
I could say epic, or thorough, or detailed content, but “long-style” gets the point across. Authority bloggers interview folks who are over delivering in a major league way on a frequent basis.
I publish 3 posts weekly. Each post spans 2500 to 3800 words. Some may be longer in the future. Now, length does not equal value, but if you are blogging from a passionate, high energy space, the words will flow and you’ll need to cut each post short.
Impress the hell out of people.
Do you see how Kevin Duncan blogs? Yep, click that link. The guy goes above and beyond, each time he hits the “publish” button, so he’s naturally reaping the rewards of writing valuable, long-style content.
Gobble Up Interview Requests
Didn’t my man Lao Tzu say something about, when you gobble up interview requests, your interview requests increase? OK, maybe he said “opportunities” and didn’t use the word “gobble” but you get the picture.
The Universe loves speed, as my man Joe Vitale says. So, gobble up opportunities for interviews. What happens next? You begin to give off a “PLEASE INTERVIEW ME” vibe which goes out to the Universe – that’s a lot of folks – and naturally, more folks will ask you to do interviews.
What you seize, multiplies. Seize interview requests. But do be picky on some level….because….you’ll need to….
Turn Down Non Matches
I know what you newbies may be thinking: beggars can’t be choosers. But you have a serious issue if you accept any interview request which comes down the pike. Accepting non matches wastes your time and also wastes your fellow blogger’s time.
This is kinda similar to tip #1 but I need to flesh this bad boy out a little bit more.
Here in Savusavu, Fiji, I appreciate enjoying paradise. I work for a while then get the hell off of the computer.
Getting off of the laptop or tablet requires me to say “No” to non-matches. That’s part of living the internet lifestyle. Saying that you can’t take on interview requests for blogs or that you can’t write guest posts for blogs is part of the game.
Now, which blogs am I talking about?
Bad matches. I don’t care if you’re a newbie blogger or seasoned vet….if you run a blogging tips blog and someone asks to interview you for a pet care tips blog, that’s a bad match. Even if they want to talk about how to run a successful blog. Say no.
Will you form a lasting bond with the blog owner? Maybe, but why not focus on other blogging tips blogger?
How many pet care blog readers/fans will want to follow your blogging tips blog? Maybe a few, but why not focus on connecting with other blogging tips bloggers’ audiences?
As for my story, I received a bad match yesterday. In this case the niche was somewhat relevant but the blog had a few weak points I couldn’t overlook.
The theme was OK but crickets serenaded me, as soon as I visited. No comments, no social media shares, no branding, no party. No go.
Even if you’re a newbie the point of doing interviews is to make friends with influencers and to connect with a thriving blogging community.
If the influencer or community isn’t there, you’re better off letting go the non match so the Universe can fix you up with good matches.
Nothing personal. Just your blogging success, at stake here.
Do a Damn Good Job on Interviews
I do thorough interviews. I make each one count.
The way I see it, I can make a massive impact on someone, by changing their lives, through my interviews, or I can hurriedly and mindlessly rush through an interview with a one or two line answer.
Until I’m worth tens of billions of dollars, and I have more pressing matters on my plate, like ending world hunger, through my philanthropic foundation, I’m writing in-depth, thorough, thoughtful interview responses to inspire folks.
If I want people to come with me…..if I want them to retire to a life of island hopping through smart blogging….I gotta tell them how it’s done, right?
Nothing shines through like your example.
Hey, it’s 3 in the afternoon as I’m writing these words in Fiji. I’m busy. As always. Interview requests, posts, articles for clients, networking, and I still need to take a nap, and do my beach walk ritual across the street in a few hours.
I’m living the dream. I know this. Yet part of my dream life includes going above and beyond. I arrived here by over delivering in all that I do, and that includes over delivering on the interview front.
Go super in depth with your answers. Do a smashing job. You have the time. Trust me; unless you’re Seth Godin or Chris Brogan, and main media outlets are knocking down your door for interview requests, or you’re a bestselling author, you have the time to complete a kick butt, thorough, insightful interview.
Look at the interview as more of a guest post and less of an interview.
Most bloggers I know would be more than happy if you hijacked their blog for a post, with some seriously in-depth answers, because they crave value more than anything else.
More folks will read your thorough, thoughtful, detailed interview, and will ask to interview you, too.
Which means, more interviews, and more lives for you to touch, through simply sharing your thoughts.
Make it Personal
OK, let’s say I was asked the interview question:
“How do you attract return readers?”
What sounds better?
“Create really valuable blog posts to attract return readers.”
Or….
“Well John, I create three, 2500 to 3800 word blog posts weekly. I may blog about how Fijian fruit bats teach you to be a better blogger, or perhaps I’ll share how trashing 3400 blog posts from my old blog was my finest blogging moment.
I create massive value, but I tell stories too. I personalize the experience. I may share images of Kelli and I feeding rare and endangered squirrel monkeys in Quepos, Costa Rica, or I may just discuss my daily stories here in paradise, in Savusavu, Fiji.
Either way, I’m creating some serious value through an in-depth post, and I’m adding stories that no one in human history can replicate. That my friends, is how I attract return readers.”
Are you starting to grasp why I’ll be featured on 25 plus blogs within a 10 week stretch of time? You will be featured in relation to how much attention to detail you pay, to all that you do…..and you’ll be featured in relation to the quality of your blogger outreach campaign.
Tell your story in interviews. Nobody wants dry advice. Boring. Blah. Even if you’re not watching fruit bats – aka flying foxes – with 5 foot wingspans, noshing on papaya, in your front yard, each night, you have some darn interesting anecdotes you can interject into an interview, to make your story/interview interesting.
Note also how I addressed the interviewer (in this case, I chose the oh so non generic “John”) in the interview itself. I usually do this 2 to 3 times during the interview.
These little personal touches strengthen our bond. Addressing my interviewer makes the post seem less like an interview and more like a fireside chat.
I don’t fancy myself as some blogging elder statesmen, pontificating from paradise. I simply want to be genuine, authentic, and more than anything, I want to help interviewers know that I am looking them in the cyber eye with a smile, through my name dropping/personalizing.
Be an Interview Comment Lounge Lizard
If someone interviewed me it’s only right that I stop in to respond to comments. I see an interview as I do a guest post; I’ve been given the keys to an awesome, well-read blog. I should handle that baby with care by respond to as many comments as possible.
Responding to comments builds bonds between you, the interviewer and their audience.
Isn’t that the goal? Making friends? Inspiring people?
I think so.
Pop in once or twice daily to respond to comments on your interview post. Form bonds. Be a live body. Score more interviews on authority blogs.
If you care, more people will care about you and more folks will seek out your expert opinion.
This is just karma, at work, my blogging buddies.
Comment Comment Comment….
…on authority blogs.
I post 4 to 6 paragraphs on many authority blogs, daily. Comments, that is. Folks note someone who makes an impact wherever they show up. Make that impact. Comment on authority blogs.
Commenting builds bonds which lead to interview requests. Commenting also impresses new friends, or new acquaintances.
As I noted before, outside of reaching out to guest post, one time – on Daniel Scocco’s Daily Blog Tips – I’ve been approached by 25 or so bloggers to do interviews, or to submit guest posts, or to be featured. I didn’t ask them to do it. They came to me.
I’m humbled by the love.
Really I am.
It makes sense too; I’m showing love by adding serious value to posts. So the love flows back to me.
The thing is, if you’ll just share your thoughts in an intelligent, thorough manner, and you run a cool blog, you’ll get your fair share of interview requests.
Check In…i.e…Don’t Fall Asleep at the Wheel
I receive interview requests through:
- My About Me Page comments
- My emails
- My twitter @reply stream
- Other channels
Checking these channels frequently (i.e., daily on most days unless I’m traveling somewhere) helps me see the requests so I can review them and respond in a timely fashion.
Check your email, blog comments and social networking sites folks.
Be a live body. Or, don’t fall asleep at the wheel. If you don’t respond to the initial request with a “Yes” in 1 or 2 days, the blogger will simply ask the next person.
I’m all over both the initial request with a “Yes” or “No”…and…I….
Complete and Return Interviews in a Timely Fashion
Yep. I’m pretty quick on the draw.
Sure I’m a busy guy. I live in Fiji, and like enjoying Fiji-related-stuff. Like, walking into town, and enjoying our million dollar view, and I also like sitting in silence sometimes, allowing nature to serenade me with the sounds of the jungle.
I also run a freelance writing business. I’m a blogging consultant. I write thorough posts. I write thorough comments. But I still respond to interview requests quickly and I complete virtually all requests within 1 to 2 days.
Why?
It goes back to the vacuum thing. If you complete and email back interviews quickly the Universe will send you more authority blog interviews. It’s an energy/law of attraction thing. (visit my fiancée Kelli’s blog for inspiring self help tips)
Just one note; don’t rush your responses. Be thorough. Over deliver. Make completing interviews a priority, to make new friends and to reach into new audiences, and you’re golden.
Persist
It took me 4 years to get clear on my blog. Or actually, to trash my old, unclear blog to start my new, crystal clear blog. Coulda taken me 1 day, but I was a stubborn guy. I was interviewed on like 4 authority blogs over a 4 year stretch, but I didn’t give up.
Now I’ve been featured on a bunch of top, authority, kick butt blogs in 10 weeks. A healthy number of features were interviews.
I got super clear on my Blogging from Paradise core message, and my ideal reader, which helps me get super clear on writing kick butt posts and comments, which helped lead me to all of these wonderful interview requests.
By the way, if you want to see where I’ve been visit my As Seen On page. The proof’s in the cyber pudding.
Persist guys. Keep at it, get super clear on your blog, and on your ideal reader, and the Universe will respond to your clarity.
Gotta go folks….time to watch the flying foxes in action.
The eBook
If you want to become a full time blogger you can buy my eBook here:
Ryan Biddulph
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40 Comments
Tom, yep! Scary stuff. We saw some really big ones here in Nicaragua too, and of course we spotted a few hefty ones in Fiji and Bali and Thailand. These guys are harmless; the appearance totally wigs most folks out, though 😉 Scary stuff indeed. I’m happy you’re diving into the interview game and I’ve seen you on more and more blogs as I make the networking rounds. Awesome man. Sharing value and making friends are 2 simple ways to both land interviews and to yield that clout to ask and interview fab bloggers to spread the word. Thanks for the fab comment and all the best with your interviews!
Yikes! A 5 inch spider! Is that including leg span?
They come to you because you’re a star at giving such good and useful information.
Totally agree with your point about getting clear on what you want your blog to do for you – and for your readers. I’ve actually just written a post on this myself with (my first published) video to go with it.
And yes, Kevin Duncan is a fine example to follow.
I’ve yet to get invited to do interviews but I’m going to start inviting guests to interviews as well as guests to write for my readers.
Thanks Ryan. Enjoyed reading this post. Great inspiration to move forward and get started with interviews.
-Tom
Javier, thanks so much. You are the rock star buddy.
Hi Ryan,
My goodness this is a truly helpful post, really great tips to make bloggers notice you. I’m going to follow these tips on my blog and maybe someday be a rockstart like you.
I’m really enjoying the content from your posts and ebooks. Will continue to learn from you.
Javier Velazquez
Sure Gemma; Nomadic Matt’s site, or Wandering Earl’s blog, would be authority blogs. Thanks for sharing and heck, over sharing lol…i love it!
Very thorough and accessible.
‘Tell your story’ – Craig had to get used to that. He’s private, I’m an over-sharer!
Could you share an example of an ‘authority’ blogs – big names or companies?
Thanks for your continual support, it means a lot to us Two Scots.
Anders thanks for the share 😉 I am new to Doren and will check out the blog. Appreciate it!
I just saw you tweet on this post. Loads of wisdom here. I read another great post on commenting the other day by Doren Morin
As you say: comment, comment, comment. Connect with people and build relationships. Nothing beats that.
Wow Andrew, congrats! Clarity really is a wonderful thing. So happy for you, and the TV interview developing is awesome 🙂 Thanks so much….
This is a great article Ryan. I can really tell how your mission is now clearer. When you are ‘on purpose’ things become clearer and you just feel it. Things start to happen and the universe brings you exactly what you need when you need it. For example, I recently re-evaluated my core business model and spent time writing down exactly how I was moving forward.
One of the points on the list was to do more interviews. Now, I’ll be honest, I’m not currently approached by many people to do interviews, but the night I wrote down that list I received two emails, both asking me to do an interview, one of which was from a TV network on entrepreneurs. So, when you say that the universe likes speed, it really does! My advice for all entrepreneurs would be to follow your lead, get crystal clear on your goals and future progression, and then take all out massive action. Watch what happens…
You rock my friend, keep doing what you are doing!
Wow I’m honored Matt! Yep they do seem to be working, which is why I created my last eBook covering that topic. Takes a little time to do it right, but well worth it. Thanks again!
Excellent tips Ryan. I’m over here reading this post because I noticed your longer & frequent comments on my blog, so yes it certainly works! I need to set aside more time for that in the future…
😉
Sue I appreciate that. I’ll keep those videos coming 😉
Wow Carol thanks for the awesome comment as always. Personalizing really does make you stand out from the crowd.
That above and beyond advice rings so true to me Andrew. As for spiders she’s huge right? She just laid her eggs 2 days ago. Still alive, unlike Charlotte from Charlotte’s web 😉 Thanks much.
Hey Ryan,
First off, that’s a big freaking spider compared to the ones I see here in Canada and even the States. Wow.
Yep. You said one thing that ALOT of people need to pay attention to. Turn down BAD matches. If you feel as though the person that’s requesting the interview isn’t a good match, don’t feel obligated to do the interview. The exposure you receive from that interview may not be good exposure.
Same goes for guest posts as well, if it’s a bad match, don’t accept them.
Doing a good job in the interview is all about really going above and beyond. When you provide very detailed answers, you’re not only helping yourself or the interviewer … you’re helping each listener that interviewer has and they’re formulating an image of you based on your answers. And because they do that, you better give your absolute best in your interviews.
Really great post here, Ryan. Have a great week.
– Andrew
Hi Ryan,
Wow, love the title for this article – and the picture of that slide, incredible! Huge! Hopefully you don’t find one in a shoe one day… I have a friend in Honduras, and he has to check pockets and shoes before putting them on because of scorpions. Ack!
It’s awesome that you’ve had this much exposure in the last ten weeks, I think that’s great!
It definitely does establish authority, increasing reach, networking and brand awareness for sure. I’m excited about a podcast interview I have coming up, and much prefer podcasts over Google hangouts. Have never cared for hangouts, as I’m a GoToWebinar sorta gal. 🙂
Olivia the banana lady sounds like my kind of person. I love to network in person but don’t have any meet ups locally here. Angela has encouraged me to start one, and it’s definitely an option and consideration, but on the back burner till other projects are completed.
Yep, I help all the people I possibly can, but there have been a few leeches over the years, and I have had to cut ties for sure.
I definitely agree that being picky about who to interview with is necessary – I am picky because people seeking interviews are not always a match.
Giving our best at whatever we do, including interviews, is essential to make it in this business as so many entrepreneurs are bringing their A Game to blogging.
Making it personal is also an important ingredient – I couldn’t agree more! 🙂 A willingness to be vulnerable and transparent is what pushes the interview over the edge and causes it to go viral.
Loved it when I read: “I don’t fancy myself as some blogging elder statesmen, pontificating from paradise. I simply want to be genuine, authentic, and more than anything” <— Awesome, and agree completely!
Yes, it’s awesome that you comment on guest posts and interviews. Do you keep a running list so that you go back to old guest posts or older interviews weekly to keep up?
Yep, you have to respond immediately with a heart-felt YES or the opportunity will slip by… As Tiffany Lambert says, “Do it afraid, courage will follow.” or something like that… lol
I enjoyed reading your article, Ryan – and am so happy for your success. Thanks for putting out such awesome content. Sharing right now…
– Carol 🙂
I am working over it. But thanks for asking it! I really appreciate it!
Hi Ryan
Great tips and well done and deserved on being featured on 25 blogs in 10 weeks. That says you are doing some great things.
I love your video too. They keep getting better and better and of course that is about consistency.
I have never written a post of more than about 1000 words as that is what I was told when I started blogging but I hear what you are saying. I will re-think what I am doing.
Love watching the life you have created Ryan.
Sue
Kate, thanks so much for stopping by. Keep on keeping on and please let me know how you’re doing on the blogging front, OK?
Hi, Ryan!
As always you’ve covered an awesome blog post. The idea of running a crystal clear blog, all you fun of lifestyle blogging, the feeling of freedom and inspiration are what makes you so powerful and successful. Interviewing with authority blogs is really low key to connect with experts and get useful thoughts on your niche. The overall process you’ve passed through bloggig is really inspiring and push me and inspire me on great creations. Keep up the good work!
Yep irony indeed Mandie 😉 That’s the fun of the blogging world/life.
Lol, Kevin I just had to comment on this because I came directly from your blog post to this one, and reading that shout out made me giggle. Definite irony, but he’s still right about you creating some serious value. Even if it’s only 736 words. 😉
Bruno, I’ve noticed the same thing. Especially folks who tell me they met me, or clicked through, based on the comments I left. The explicitly let me know so I know things are working. Keep on persisting buddy, and thanks so much.
It’s so true, when people want to make an interview or a guest blog and it does not fit in with your niche, it’s really better to say no. Except in the other niche are potential customers for you.
Something I also started lately is to comment more on blogs from authorities in my niche and sometimes I also see that people come to my website from the blog I commented. But it’s still something I have to improve and dedicate more time for it.
Hi Steven, The persistence one is so big, and if you’ll keep at it, even if you don’t have as much time as a full timer you can make awesome strides on the blogging or business end of things. Such a good point Steve, thanks so much and you too my friend.
Hi Harsh, Agreed on that. The bigger guides help you get on the radar, big time. So happy the timing was good for you. Have a great weekend, and thanks for your support my man.
After reading your interview on dosplash, I was really hoping to see you write a guide on how to get more interviews. This blog post is very much equivalent to a big fat guide. You couldn’t have said it better.
I love the way you have personalized a “how to get more interview” guide.
In-depth articles will help you to get noticed. There are so many 400 words articles in numerous places. When you see a 3000 words article, it definitely catches your eye. It’s just hard to get noticed without a solid strategy. Ryan, thanks for sharing your techniques.
Hi Ryan,
I really like your practical points on this topic.
You point on letting go is huge. It can be hard at times to let go of certain people or 3400 blog posts but sometimes we have to do it to better ourselves.
I think we get comfortable with just being comfortable. As we all know, we have to get out our comfort zone when trying to do big things like get feature on 15 sites in a week 🙂
I like your position on being persistent. We have to find our voice and stay true to ourselves and things will come together for us. We don’t know when it will happen but we guarantee failure by giving up.
Along with persistence comes being realistic as well. A person who can only invest a few hours a week on there blog for now can’t expect traffic like from Authority blogs. I think if we are real with ourselves, it will go a long way with being persistent.
I enjoyed this post Ryan! Have a great weekend.
Hi Kelli, Thanks so much 🙂 The match/non-match thing is the key to happy living. The Universe will provide, if you let go poor matches and seize great matches. Don’t chase opportunities; perfect opportunities will flow to you if you calmly explore each. You’re a pro at this; preaching to the choir 😉
Hey
Even after seeing you do this for all these years, I am still blown away by your posts–they are just so thorough, insightful and just..wow. I mean this sincerely.
I particularly like the points about being selective and waiting for better matches to come–but I am sure that is not surprising given my stance on LOA. Going into the process with an energy you should take whatever you get in case something else doesn’t come along, or thinking you should not turn down any opportunity, creates a bad energy that will taint your efforts.
Great stuff as always!
Hi Kevin, Yes I saw you in both as well. You’re making the rounds KD, as your content – long or short 😉 – and comments, and super positive energy is becoming infectious. My pleasure, and thank you so much 🙂
Rohan, Doing it with love is a sweet way to put it, and it’s the perfect way to put it….and you’re ALWAYS showing the love brother 🙂 Thanks so much.
Tom, How cool is that? We landed at Labasa but it was pretty darn tiny too, the landing strip, and oh yes, we bumped around a little bit. Ditto on coconuts; windy one yesterday and we were watching out! Thanks so much for sharing.
Tamira, I agree so much. Letting go helps you grow, and doing what needs to be done to let go will accelerate your growth online. Thanks so much.
Very thorough blog post with great information. I agree with letting go of people who are not moving at your speed or expressing even a desire to do so. It can be hard to let go, so I have found putting more space and distance helps!
Ryan: Thanks for the great tips. I can tell you know what you are doing. Building authority and personal branding is so important. It takes time but it is worth it if you are serious about being successful online.
And thanks for the stories from Savusavu. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji a long time back. Our training was based out of Savusavu. I still remember the wild landing at the airport and dodging coconuts when the wind would come up at Namle Plantation. Great memories.
Tom
Hi Ryan,
Wow, I am amazed on how you do this every week. May be it is your paradise environment that motivates you, or maybe it is your desire to deliver which makes you consistent or perhaps you are the determined blogger who is bounded to deliver values.
Awesome post.
Interviews are the result of connection’s and you do it much greatly. When writing is passion then connections just happen with love.
Congrats on you being featured, you are meant to be featured. Loved the tips. 🙂
Hey Ryan,
Thanks for the awesome shout out! I really appreciate it!
You’re going to get a kick out of my latest post (published yesterday), considering my shout out in this post of yours is touting my long-style content! (The chuckle will be due to irony, once you see what my post talks about doing next week. Haha.)
You definitely impress with the frequency you pop up in interviews and roundup posts. I thought it was funny… yesterday, I was featured in two “expert” roundups. And guess who else was featured in both roundups? My good buddy Ryan Biddulph! You truly are everywhere, my friend.
Thanks again for the mention, as well as yet another great post. To quote you…
I’ll be Tweeting in a bit! 🙂