Did you do last years challenge ?

[psmith65]

As I read the fourm here I am getting the impression a lot of last years participants did not do so well. most got distracted, or gave up.

I would like to know why most people failled last year ? and I would love to hear from some people that went well (to inspire some confidence that it is worthwhile following).

Thanks

[Grahunt]

Following through is one reason. The reason the Challenge has been changed in format was to try and make it more successful for people as there is more competition now than previously and getting a result in 30 days was getting more and more dificult.
I did it last year and sold my site on Flippa a few days after the end of the Challenge for $200. Not a great result for 30 Days work you might think but once you knew the process you could rinse and repeat in a very short time.

[Matthias]

Hi Psmith65!

I did the 30DC 2009 and it all worked out. You can definitely get ranked and attract visitors this way.

Last year many people had problems achieving their goals. In my opinion one main problem was, that they gave up too early, didn't invest enough time into link building and content creation or expected instant results.

This years challenge will be different and I guess this will make it easier for a lot of people. You will have more time and I'm confident you will achive your goal!

Just hang on and never give up!

[Trev]

Yeah I did it. Didnt work out too well for me but I did it and made some money so it was a success for me, albeit a tiny one. Time was a major factor for me so this years challenge will be class!!

[Nick Rhodes]

Having the 30 DC every year in August was always my biggest problem - I had to take a 2 - 3 week break and try and cram in the rest in September - not conducive to success.

Hopefully the new format is much more likely to succeed for time reasons.

N

[xkronix]

Ed covers a few reasons people drop out on The Challenge Blog post On The Challenge. It's called a 'challenge' for a reason.

[Rheinard Korf]

I watched the videos, but didn't do much. Like Ed said, it almost took all day just to watch the videos. Plus I had no real burning desire (burning platform) to take the plunge. This year I do.

[Shawn Du'Mmett]

I think SEO in general has become tougher in the last year - I suspect many who failed in the 2009 would have sailed through in 2008. Each year I think brings with it an extra number of factors to consider, so many more mistakes that can be made.

My last years 30DC attempt (well it was late - more like earlier this year) went really badly, I mean surprisingly badly - and I was making much more effort than I have experienced in previous years of SEO, seriously. However, I have watched it slowly creep up the ranks now in the following months where I haven't done anything with it to almost a respectable level in a moderately tough (but within 30DC spec) competitive market.

My experience - Failure is a sheep in wolf's clothing - whatever setbacks you have, just keep going

[lisahartwell]

Perhaps I see things through different eyes to other people. I didn't see more people doing less well last year - I saw more people taking part and more people achieving their goals.

I suppose with so many taking part there is a huge proportion (and always was a high percentage) of those who didn't achieve what they wanted or even complete the challenge, but then the same percentages are there for any type of online training in my experience.

Certainly there were plenty of success stories on the old forum and, for me, what was great to see last year was more people using the training in different ways. There are quite a few people now flipping sites successfully as a result of last year's training, while others have used their new skills to help local businesses with their online marketing.

My advice is: don't get distracted (often the folks who are doing the best are not spending hours on the forum because they are too busy taking action); don't give up because it seems to hard, you hit an obstacle or your first project doesn't work - these can all be overcome and are good learning experiences; expect to succeed and put yourself in that mindset; take plenty of action; follow the challenge to the letter.

Best to all!

Lisa

[Dmitrij Motley]

I joined the 30DC a little bit late and was ready right before the 30DC was down. It took more then 3 month for me. Did I get a result? Yes. A little one But now I know where are all my mistakes and try to avoid them every next time I start a new project In fact, I have created more than ten sites for this three month and there are many new theme keywords are waiting for to be used as part of The Challenge.

I know, I will not give up! I wish the same to all of you.