Michael Hyatt Shares How He Grew His Blog To Over 350,000 Readers Per Month

TL;DR

Michael Hyatt shares his journey to a successful online platform.

Transcript

How you want to be remembered? Number two, what matters most to you. [Applause] [Applause] This is your life episode 40. I've been in the publishing business my entire career. So I started while I was at college and then I got involved in just loving books and seeing books made and communicating people's ideas and and really I kind of considered my... Read More

Key Insights

• Michael Hyatt's journey in the publishing industry began in college, where he developed a passion for books and authorship.
• He faced significant challenges as a CEO during the economic recession and digital revolution, which forced him to adapt to new media and technology.
• Hyatt's initial skepticism about social media, particularly Twitter, turned into recognition of its potential for influence and engagement.
• His commitment to blogging consistently and focusing on audience needs led to a significant increase in his readership over several years.
• Building a platform provided Hyatt with options and freedom, allowing him to transition from a corporate role to full-time writing and speaking.
• A platform, as defined by Hyatt, is a means of reaching an audience with something to say or sell, essential for visibility in a noisy world.
• The growth of Hyatt's blog readership was gradual, emphasizing the importance of persistence and consistency in content creation.
• Hyatt's experience highlights the importance of leveraging technology and social media to connect with audiences and expand influence.

Questions & Answers

Q: What challenges did Michael Hyatt face as a CEO?

Michael Hyatt faced significant challenges as a CEO during the economic recession and digital revolution. The recession hit in 2007, followed by the digital revolution with the introduction of the Amazon Kindle. These changes forced him to adapt to new media and technology, re-engineering how books were marketed.

Q: How did Michael Hyatt's perception of social media change?

Initially, Michael Hyatt was skeptical about social media, particularly Twitter, considering it a waste of time. However, he soon recognized its potential for influence and engagement. He embraced social media, involving his family and colleagues, and realized its broader potential beyond marketing, using it to extend his influence as a leader.

Q: What role did consistency play in Michael Hyatt's blogging success?

Consistency played a crucial role in Michael Hyatt's blogging success. Initially, his blogging was sporadic, but in his fifth year, he committed to blogging daily. This consistency significantly increased his readership, helping him reach an inflection point where his blog traffic grew exponentially, ultimately leading to over 350,000 monthly readers.

Q: How did building a platform benefit Michael Hyatt?

Building a platform provided Michael Hyatt with options and freedom, allowing him to transition from a corporate role to full-time writing and speaking. It amplified his influence, visibility, and engagement, enabling him to pursue his passion and reach a larger audience, ultimately fulfilling his dream of writing and speaking full-time.

Q: What is Michael Hyatt's definition of a platform?

Michael Hyatt defines a platform as a means of reaching an audience with something to say or sell. It consists of prospects, customers, fans, and followers who have given permission to be influenced. A platform is essential for visibility in a noisy world, allowing individuals to share their passions and ideas effectively.

Q: What advice does Michael Hyatt give to aspiring bloggers?

Michael Hyatt advises aspiring bloggers to be persistent and consistent in their efforts. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on audience needs, experimenting with content to find their voice, and leveraging social media to connect with audiences. He encourages bloggers not to quit, as success often comes after hitting an inflection point.

Q: How did Michael Hyatt's platform contribute to his book's success?

Michael Hyatt's platform was instrumental in his book's success, particularly in becoming a New York Times bestseller. His platform allowed him to direct significant traffic to retail channels, moving thousands of books in the first week of launch. This shift from traditional publishing methods highlighted the power of a platform in modern publishing.

Q: What mistakes did Michael Hyatt make in his early blogging years?

In his early blogging years, Michael Hyatt made mistakes such as inconsistent posting and focusing too much on himself rather than his audience. He later realized the importance of consistency and audience-centric content, which led to significant growth in his readership. He emphasizes learning from these mistakes and staying committed for long-term success.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Michael Hyatt shares his journey from a literary agent to a successful CEO and blogger, emphasizing the importance of building a platform. He faced challenges during the recession and digital revolution but adapted by embracing social media and consistent blogging.

• Hyatt's initial skepticism about social media turned into recognition of its potential for influence. His consistent blogging and focus on audience needs led to a significant increase in readership, providing him options and freedom to pursue writing and speaking full-time.

• Building a platform is essential for reaching an audience in a noisy world. Hyatt's persistence and use of technology allowed him to connect with audiences, expand his influence, and transition from a corporate role to fulfilling his dream of writing and speaking.