I wanted to thank everyone that participated in my survey last week. I had over 300 responses, and I had the chance to learn a little bit more about all of you.
Website Redesign
One of the questions I asked in the survey was for a single point of improvement for the website. I received close to 200 replies with many different answers. However, a large proportion of you pointed out a sore spot for this website: it’s ugly.
I did the design myself two years ago when I wasn’t earning enough to justify a professional website design. Although I’m definitely not rich, I’ve decided to invest in a better looking website. I know some of my reader are website designers, so if you want to put your bid in to help make my website prettier you can see the job posting here [1] at Freelance Switch, and contact me here [2]. (Please read the job req’s before submitting an application)
Survey Results
I learned some interesting facts about the readers of ScottHYoung.com through the survey. Although a survey is always a biased sample (only the more committed readers bother to fill it out), it still gives some insight. Maybe some other bloggers can use this information when evaluating the needs/wants of their readership:
- Only 60% of you subscribe through RSS. Given the Feedburner statistics show there are roughly 6500-7500 RSS subscribers, that puts the total readership at around 10 000!
- One quarter of the readers would like to buy something from the website, but haven’t had the right opportunity yet.
- A Vidcast/Podcast was the most requested new addition (stay tuned for that)
- Zen Habits [3] is the most popular other blog for readers of this website (over half said they read ZH), Steve Pavlina [4] has 33% and Study Hacks [5] has 25%
- Over 50% of people expressed an interested in meeting me one-on-one, but haven’t contacted me.
On that last point, I wanted to state that I have an open-door policy with the readers of this website. Luckily the website is still small enough that I can personally respond to every email I receive (if you didn’t get a reply, one of our spam filters must be acting up).
Also, if you happen to be in the same location as me, I’m always happy to meet up with readers in person. This offer extends to when I’m living in France next year. I believe if I’m too busy to grab lunch or share a beer, I’m missing the point.
Help Name my Next Book
I’m working on a new e-book, but I’m still looking for a great title.
The concept of the book is a productivity guide geared to people who don’t work in an office. People who work from home (that includes students and productive hobbyists) have many opportunities to be productive, but instead they often try to replicate an office-like work environment in their home. Working 9-5, spending all day at a desk and using stock productivity advice meant for cubicle workers is missing 90% of the truly great productivity hacks you can use.
The book will be a full e-book (100-150 pages) and will include audio/video clips to help people get started.
Anyone who creates a title I end up using for the book will get a free copy. Send me your suggestions through email [2], or the comment form in the bottom of this post.