Getting More Readers

Originally, I was going to name this post Getting More Traffic because that's what most web sites are concerned about, but honestly, what I really want is more readers. I enjoy writing and if I want to make it more than just another hobby, then I need to figure out how to build an audience.

I've looked for guidance from the internet. The only real problem with searching for answers about a problem like this is that your search leads you to people who basically make their living from people who want to blog for a living. It's pretty irritating. I think I have a few ideas and I'm going to roll with them.

So here's what I'm going to do:

1. I will comment on other blogs. I'm always complaining about not getting many comments, but it's not like I'm commenting on other people's blogs. I'm going to be the kind of reader on blogs that I like that I would want to have on my own blog.
2. I am going to find a network of local bloggers. If there isn't one already, then I'm going to make one. I want to find other bloggers and be able to sit down, drink coffee, and share ideas and tips.
3. I'm going to become proficient with my chosen blogging platform. I know a lot, but maybe I just think I know? What if I don't really know?

I'm sure I will add more ideas later.

Traffic report July 6 2017

Traffic has really fallen on gameguythinks.com. I am not sure what I'm doing wrong? I am posting regular content. Why so little visits? Can I trust my stats?

Playtesting HABA type game

First playtesting of prototype for HABA game design contest.

The Side Hustle

A side hustle is a thing that you do in addition to your regular job. It should be something that you are passionate about and ideally, it should generate some additional cash for you as well. I started blogging with the intention of making some additional money. I blogged about games. I blogged about my wife having lupus. I even blogged about the life of a super-villain.

None of this made me any money, but I discovered something along the way. Creating something makes me happy. Here are two creative things I really love doing:

1. Writing - I grown to love writing fiction or creating adventures for my RPG group. Even blogging about games is enjoyable, as long as I really have something to say.
2. Designing games - I really like sitting down and taking an idea and slowly building it into a game. I love the whole process, from making a prototype to writing the rules.

Both of these can be great side hustles for me. I've already had some success with game design, and I have a game that's currently with a major game publisher. I've also recently entered a game design contest. The problem with game design is that I'm not very good about dedicating time to the process.

I need to explore more options for making money from writing. Blogging about games is great, but I don't have enough traffic to generate any real money. I guess the solution is the get more readers, but I'm not sure how to do that. Another way to make some extra money writing would be to write and sell adventures on a site like DrivethruRPG. I could also try and write some serialized fiction and sell it on Amazon or something.

This side blog is meant to chronicle my efforts.