How To Have a Kick Ass Blog

Chris,

DUDE you are THA MAN when it comes to not only fitness marketing and google domination… but also how to create an insane blog that people love to visit… that no matter what your background or past looks like… you know you have incredible gifts to share with a bunch of guys and girls (mostly guys) and you share them readily and very generously

I have seen this blog grow exponentially over the past 8 or more months and its so awesome to see you continue to grow and to share somewhat in your continued success…

What is it I like about this site?

Dude… What I love the most is that you are EXACTLY the same on here as you are in person… it's no b.s. you are real, at times confronting and most of all very genuine in your wanting to help all us fitness pros..

your writing style and videos have the incredible power of making people feel like they know you and that you are a great mate they'd be happy to kick back and have a beer with…

the tips you give us, you implement in your own life. not only walking the walk but you talk the talk also and very often it can be difficult to lose focus and not do that…

The content you provide is tremendous and you deliver it with passion and your edgy personality…

It's so true that it is near impossible to create a site that is focused more on info and little personality… i mean shoot BodyBuilding.com has over 25000 pages of info… how the hell can 1 man compete with that?

But… you could build up 500 or more pages… content based, video based etc. add your unique personality and story to it… really show that you truly care about your readers and give them what they want… if thats HOT pics of chicks then so be it..

You have carved out the life you want mate by focusing on a niche area that you love and you have delivered outstanding quality many times over…

greatly appreciate you mate and to continue to connect with you on a regular basis be it here or in person

Cheers

Adam Toohey

Why do I read your blog??

Its simple, I want to grow my business and fast. Your info is like gold dust and relevant. Its easier to listen to someone who has been there before!!

Many Thanks!!

Hey Chris,

I've been reading your posts for a couple of weeks now. My friend/mentor sent me a link one day for the boot camp video part one. At the time, I was in the beginnings of starting my boot camp business. It was awesome! Really great insight and helped me come up with some extra ideas.

I look forward to every update, because, let's admit it, it is pretty freaking scary trying to break away from corporate and go out on your. Basically, you guys make me feel like I'm not nuts…or at least not the only nut job for thinking I could totally make this work.

Ive been training for a good couple years now, and I love the clients I have, but my biggest motivation is my 5 month old daughter. I've even created a niche just because of her! As most readers of your blog know, as it just hits you that, there are only some many hours in a week that you can work with clients one on one. Which puts limits on your income.

Everything here gives you the tools you need to make your business awesome. And reminds you to keep charging through and to leave all the negative peeps behind!

Thanks so much and keep up the great work!

Truly appreciative,

Cory Norbutus

Hey Chris,

Dude your blog is f&%cken awesome man. . . . So many tips and tricks that are out of the box its amazing. I'm not sure where you keep getting the killer content from but bring it!

I was told that told the other day that there is no new information out there anymore, only old ideas conjoined together to make a new one. But hey I think you beat the mold with that one as I know there is fresh information on here.

What keeps me coming back as i know with some others who cant wait till your next post is not just the content but the character you have created. Because you have created a character with a history and we know personal info about you then it is more of a personalized post… Its like we know you, all of the good newsletters all bloggers have a character and I understand this after you passed me some info to listen to.

I think you have to think of yourself when you have a blog as a comic book character and describe yourself like one. Obviously these characters live for years, pass through hard times, combat evil and the comic books never run out and people are left hangin for the next episode/post.

Now your character, man who was a ex con, turn personal trainer who saw there was a problem in the fitness industry where the little guys where getting robbed by the corperate gyms. So you sought out information to pass on to us to help fight evil (corperate gyms).

And because you have created this character people wont stop coming back, I'm still trying to decifer my character for my blog.

I like this site because of the interaction with like minded individuals and the content that never stops coming. . . and as long as that character is there people will read.

When i was listening to Dan Kennedys info he says he only has a handful of info that he just keeps spinning though people stay with his newsletters for his character for the 20 + years

Way to fit the hole in the fitness industry Chris

You kill it….

I keep ready it because, you have in between lines key points that we can implement on the spot and see results.

Yeah I gotta agree with Adam – I like that the blog is real to your personality –

Over time I figure out that's the real YOU coming from behind these posts –

And hanging with you at the FBS confirmed that even more –

That's why people keep reading and why they listen whenever you recommend something –

Killer blog Chris! Keep settin' the pace baby!

Chris! What's up bud – Yep your presentation at FBS '09 earlier this month opened the eyes of A LOT of trainers -

You have to think of your blog as YOUR WORLD – When I come to this blog, I'm ready for a dose of Chris McCombs — some profanity, pictures of half naked chicks with guns, along with some of the best fitness marketing info on the web -

Hi Chris. I really enjoy the blog because it is not sugar coated at all. I think it is fun creative and very informative and full of energy that gets me pumped up!! I love the chicks on the blog. This blog is very helpful to me as I am Now working on my web site as we speak.I am taking my N.A.S.M. certification while also in the middle of beginning to be an affiliate for other trainers so I can afford to pay for things while I spend my time completing my certification. I am also in the middle of working on my boot camp. I agree with you 100% that the blog/website has to be something unique. There is already to much bull shit out there as it is and someone like me that is going to change all the useless, mindless, pain in my ass,crappy,boring, rehashed shit on the internet that I refuse to waste my precious time on!!!! It needs yo be fun to the point and also very informative and plenty of hot chicks with guns and bikes. You will be hearing about me in the future as I will succeed on my quest for one of the best websites out there!When I get closer to my goals I would like to interview you to pass on the message to my readers. This will be some time down the road. Let me know if you would be interested.

Thanks for reading this. Stay strong and rock on!! Kevin Taylor

again…toohey strikes first…casey 2nd…wtf?

I think the best part about this blog is the fact that it really does read like conversation. I've been trying to improve this on my own sites and am gradually getting better between studying this, bedros' and hochman's blogs and the lessons from MA…

One huge question though

WHERE THE F*** DO YOU GET ALL YOUR PICTURES FROM??

I can never find that many cool pics online to put on my sites. That would be some killer info.

Keep on doing what you do…we love it

Casey G

Blogging rocks!
Just being yourself works! It's awesome that we have the opportunity to build a "fan base" just by putting out great info AND adding a touch of personality to it.
You can be the most knowledgeable trainer in the world, but if you have the personality of a brick, i'm sorry, but it's not gonna work!
I have found that my readers appreciate the blend of exercise info posts and posts about my "slant" on things.
Works for me!

Hey Chris,

Thank you so much for teaching me the right way to blog. It has literally transformed my business. The right way to do a blog is to be yourself. If you try to be everything to everyone then you will be nothing to no one. LOVE YOUR BLOG

A little bit of the same of what has already been said…

I want the information you give me but i continue to come back because I feel like I know you and we've never met.

Its what I know or call the Know, Like, Trust path that oozes of your personality.

People don't just buy into ideas, they buy into the people that are offering them.

And you're really genuine, very generous and attaching babes don't hurt : )

Thanks for what you give us mate

Mike

Hey Chris,

You're humorous and you speak your mind. You don't sugar coat anything and you always get your point across. You give tons of baller information that only pimp personal trainers would know.

As entertaining as you are to listen to, I'd still have to say what keeps me coming back is the content of excellent methods of growing a business. Because no matter how funny and entertaining you are…If your tips and strategies didn't work…I wouldn't read.

Keep up the good work

What's crakin Chris. Adama Toohey and I were just talking on the phone about the BLOG post earlier.

I have been ghost for a minute but this post woke the the "F" up. While I put good info in my BLOG post I need to have more NII in them.

THe same politely cussing, get crunk Nii that I bring to boot camp.

I guess I am worried and even a little afraid that I might scare away my demographic of women ages 30-45 since I actually cuss a good deal in person and in my boot camps.

I guess as bloggers we have to realize that if people have no problems with the REAL us then there should be no problem with bringing that persona online and if they hate then I guess it just adds more dynamic to the BLOG.

Thanks Chris for keeping it real. I guess I will have to put a disclaimer on my BLOG

WARNING: THis info is only for REAL women…

The content is great. There's no denying about that. Then again, there are others who can also provide with content.

What makes me return here is that this blog, in addition to the great content, has personality and charisma. It has a way to light up a fire that tells you "yes, you too can do it and it's not that hard" and a way to open your eyes to things that seemed irrelevant but can make a huge different.

Thanks for the awesome blog Chris.

Izzy

Chris,

You are clever. I like the way you structure the Blog. As you give advice you are getting feedback from your readers ensuring you give them what they want.

The information is present funny. You hit the nail on the head. I also like this comment section because I will be able to Network with other Trainers building their business.

Thanks for the forum. I am in the process of creating a website. Your ideas are great.

Patrick

ilove your blogs cause they are down to earth no B.S snippets of artwork that us as trainers can put into place for our own businesses.

What makes me keep coming back is the regular updated content that is relevant for NOW and here in Australia most trainers are way behind the times. Things like Blogging, Twitter are only just starting to become recognised…

I definately agree to write a standout blog that will appeal to your niche of clientsis to be yourself and write it like you would if you were in person. That is what peolpe resonate with so why change hey??

Time head off and start on another blog for my new website that i am building, hoping to have it up soon…

Scotty

I loved this site even before I met you at FBS ’09 and even more now that I have met you. Like everyone says people won’t buy from you unless they know, like and trust you and that is exactly what this site has done.

Before FBS I knew you, liked you and trusted you. You are real in your posts and as a reader you really get a sense of that. Hell I feel like I know half of your life story already because that’s what you have put out in your blog posts.

You use story telling to get your information out. Everyone remembers facts 100 times better if they are connected through a story somehow versus just being spit out. That is the biggest thing that I have to start doing in my blog is make things into more of a story and don’t get technical with the facts.

Everything you put out there is extremely easy to understand. You show step by step how to accomplish things and take action and that’s why so many people are making big money off of your free tips. You lay everything out in laymen’s terms because you understand many of us do not have the technical knowledge of online marketing.

Plus after meeting and talking with you at FBS ’09 I know that what I see on the blog really IS you. You’re a huge dude with an even bigger heart to help other people succeed.

Thanks for everything you put out Chris and just being a genuine guy.

Chris,

Love the way you put a twist on things.
I have been reading for a while now and love the way you shoot straight.
I am a from the hip kind of guy to but i have to deal with some very prissy, pampered women in my world.
I wish I could post half naked pics like you and I am sure as hell not gonna post half naked men.
I will continue to find my own voice and follow the ideas you have spoken about.
We will work together someday. I know it.

Keep it up.,

Bobby Kelly
http://www.resultsonly.com

Its funny when you say how people literally RACE to read your new blog posts, because I am totally one of those people. You don't sugarcoat anything, you're "real", and you're timing is always PERFECT…I usually wake up in the morning with a thought or question about something, and then what do you know, its on your blog!. Keep up the great work!

Chris,

I love the kick ass attitude and the tell it like it is style of your posts. I always learn something from reading your blog and am entertained at the same time

Chris,

It's simple really, you put out great posts that are both informative and entertaining.

Your blog is a great site to pick up tips, re-focus, get inspired and see/experience someone obviously doing things right.

Going through your MA program it is one thing to hear you talk about a concept or strategy like what a high converting web site should contain or how to blog effectevily, but what really helps is hearing your stratagies then going to look at someone's site like yours that is doing things right. It makes things really make sense.

Very cool Chris.
The reason I like your blog… well, there's two reasons.

1. I like your style. You're down to earth, you write well, and you know your shit!
You are a world class internet marketer who saw an under served niche and capitalized on it. Well done.

2. This reason may seem silly, but… I like you and your blog because you are from SoCal. West coast. That's it.
So, many of the people hittin hard on the internet are from the East coast and it feels good to have some people on my side of town doing well.

Thanks!

How do you know if your blog is successful ?
How many readers per week is good/bad ?

what is a god number too shoot for in the beginning ?

Cheers G-man

Hey Chris

I must admit this is the kick in the butt I need right now – my blogs (running 2 doesn't help at all – need to consolidate!) have been neglected somewhat over the past few months, and when I see you and Hochman updating and emailing every day with not just killer content but sheer enthusiasm and passion it puts me to shame!

I love reading your posts (and Steve's) for all the reasons above – personality, a 'mini vacation' (although at the same time a shove towards being more productive) and the passion you guys ooze.

It's funny that you post the semi-naked hot chicks as most of your readers are guys, but I don't find that puts me off at all! I read Figure Athlete aimed at us ladies, and that is full of similar pics – aspirational to us all for different reasons!

Thanks!

Caroline

Hey guys some awesome comments here and it's great to see this post has really hit home for some people…

G-Man… I might be of service

How do you know if blog is successful? first define what success means to you….whatever it is you need to define it as its different for everyone

If you're talking $$$ then a first goal may be replacing your current income with blog income…

readers per week? anyone who reads your blog and comments is good… you notice that chris has built a loyal following here as has Steve, Bedros and guys like Zach Even Esh… 100 people a day is great..

the big thing though and Chris will say this is once you get the traffic.. what reasons do people have to return to your site? and this post really helps to solidify how to get ppl returning and into loyal followers
So a good number to shoot for in the beginning I would think could be those 100 figures… 100 ppl a day for 100 bucks a day… again depending on what success means to you…

You could have 1000 hits a day and Zero comment… Zero signups and flaky followers… but… use all the tips from this site alone.. and you can grab your niche by the Jatz Crackers and create a place where they can escape for 5 minutes a day and you'll have created a rabid following

hope this helps

@NII… dude i'm feelin that for REAL women idea… maybe some will get offended but hey you warned them and this is you.. so deal with it or move on… i like it

Adam T

Hey Chris your work is just plain kick ass. You give quick and easy tips that we can apply that day. I always look forward to reading your blogs because of the personality and humor that you add to your topics. I always look at things in a different perspective after reading your posts and continue to make them one of the first things I open in my inbox. Keep it up!

I think it's like you say, Chris, that you've got to talk directly to your reader like you're sitting at a bar. That's why you're blog is so powerful.

HOWEVER! I wouldn't sit at a bar with any of my readers!

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if my clientele is mostly ladies from age 35-60, and I'm a 31 year old dude, I need to try to relate but I'm not sure how. Maybe I am connecting with them already?

I guess what I'm asking is "DOES MY BLOG SUCK??!!"

If anyone cares to comment on my blog…www.fitforlifesolutions.com/blog

Thanks Chris for helping me to grow as a trainer and a person.

-Forrest Folen

Chris,
I come to your blog for a lot of reasons…
- great information
- your "in-your-face" attitude
- half naked women (I couldn't leave that one out)
- I view it as a template on how to get readers

Your material is entertaining,thought provoking, informational, educational and result's producing.
You've proven what it takes to capture an audience and keep them comming back for more and more.

You're Chris McCombs…The One…The Only…Bad Ass Blogging Mutha Fucka

Sup Chris!

I love your blog because I haven't met you in person but you feel like a big brother to me.

I also love your blog because you give me amazing ideas on how to grow my business while working less hours.

I also love your blog (this is getting repetitive) because I model my headlines for my newsletter after yours and I increase my responses like crazy.

I got lots of love for you and your blog and I a definitely part of the "cult" and I love it!

Dan

Hey Adam – let me chime in on that – I think a blog is successful when it's in harmony with who you are, and it's a place for other people to interact with you –

Chris has got that mastered – I'm learning it – and good things happen once you get that part down -

Your blog is amazing! I'm in transition from putting just facts in my blog to making it more fun. Adding some info about me and what I like. Thank you! When I first started my blog, I thought it was supposed to be just facts until I read yours. Maybe now I won't be so bored writing it. Thank you again!

Your harley pal,

Sandy

I come back time and again to read your blog because it's practical and easy-to-implement information that doesn't require me to read through pages and pages of drivel to get to the meat! Thanks for helping the rest of us out.

I like your writing style and your tips. The tips are very valuable and motivational. I like your sense of humor and of course the photo's are usually really cool.

JP

Chris,

I have been reading your blog for a few weeks now and I concur with all the great comments above mine in that you are one of us, someone who knows what it is like in the trenches. Your info is timely, concise and turn key ready to use right out of the gate. Your posts are both very informative and very entertaining. Since I began to read your posts, I am retooling my image both online and offline so as to not be so vanilla, so corporate, but rather a little more of a badass fitness dude that still cares deeply for helping others live the fit and healthy lifestyle. Hey, within tasteful limitations, I am also bringing in some hotter pics into my site and client emails. Thanks Chris for all your wonderful insight, keep killin' it dude! I look forward to being a loyal reader of your blog for many years to come.

Coach Steve Loder

Hey Chris
I have been following your blog when it first came out and I was hooked to it because of the usable content. It's hard to find a blog that has humour, sexy women, motivational and powerful content like yours. And you are just so fascinating to me. You could actually do this and still run your personal training businesses and have fun in life. To me, you're someone I looked up to and I hope to achieve the similar success like you.

Thanks Again Chris

Genius mate. As much as I hate pissing in a pocket..Your a legend! I took myself out of your club (right on about day 30 cause I didn't think it looked that good value) but I might join right now just because the value you give in your blog..great stuff mate..thankyou

I love reading what you have to say you are honest and talking from the heart and there is no b/s.
Its nice reading about yourself and everyone who has been in the situation that im in at the mo. Just starting up my business and reading your mail everyday is helping.
Cheers
Nicole

Duuuude,

I keep coming back because ur blog is personal, and I can relate to alot of the things u talk about. Plus u always have these awesome tips while in mid rant.

Thank u for ur words, and rants of wisdom.

Jordon "Da fatbuster" Groves.

Now this is what Im looking for!!!! There is sooo much CRAP out there, lil "sneaky tricks" and used car salesmen that it totally turns me OFF from fitness email subscriptions!

What is HOTTT in my humble opinion..?? BE REAL…! HAVE FUN, and speak the TRUTH in all things! I dont want fluff designed to "sell" me..I dont want to be "tricked"…I want REAL, INTELLIGENT, HONEST, KICK A** training tips AND I wanna HAVE FUN no matter what I DO! Life is too short, dude!

Alright dude! You got me… I gotta rethink what I 'm doin here and make some changes. I admit it.. it's kinda boring.. anybody got any ideas?

This is some of the best advice I have ever heard! Seriously Chris, this is awesome and your blog is living proof.

Very entertaining and somewhat useful article. I'll be sure to check out more of your stuff!

Ben