There are people in the blogsphere who aren’t in books, linked to from every blog, or interviewed on every corner. Some of these people are earning a living, help people, or both. They reach out and connect, and they encourage us on our journey.
Over the next few weeks I would like to introduce you to some of the people who have encouraged me and played a big part in getting me to where I am now. I would like to thank Robert for agreeing to tell us more about himself!
Introducing, Robert Bravery – The Brave Programmer
Robert Bravery
The Brave Programmer
Twitter ID: @robertbravery
Tell us when you started for first blog, and what it was about.
Well my first blog was way back when blogging was not blogging. But I soon gave that up as I was not a good writer, so I thought, nor a prolific reader. I suffer from a form of dyslexia, which discouraged me from writing. At the time I never knew I had dyslexia, so that made it worse. My first thoughts where that blogs, or articles, or columns were for the recognized authors or journalists.
Then back in 2007 I got more involved with website marketing and development. Saw the need for blogs as a way to brand myself, promote my website. So I started blogging again. Putting some serious hours into it.
My first blog was a Christian blog, which I only update now and again. I actually should put some more effort into that. Then I started a blog about dBASE, a database programming language. Finally, I started the Brave Programmer, a technical blog about programming, web development and blogging. Over the years it has taken on a life of its own.
How many blogs have you started, and of those, how many do you still update?
I have started many, but probably about six main ones. But it became too much for me to keep up. SO now I have three left, of which I put 90% effort into one, The Brave Programmer.
At what time in your blogging journey did you realize you could turn this cool journaling into a business?
When I started to link my Technical blog, The Brave Programmer to my business website. After reading many blogs like Problogger, David Risley, etc, I realized that I could make money out of this. Have not made the millions yet. But in time will get there.
What has been the hardest part of your blogging journey?
Well there have been two. Building up readership is extremely difficult. I have a very different approach to some of the other bloggers out there. I want to build loyal readers, not just passersby, so it has been a hard and difficult journey.
The second, is actually writing content. Well writing the content is easy, research and the like is very time consuming, but educational at the same time.
If you sell a product of your own on your blog, what is it, and why do you feel it’s important for bloggers to have a product of their own?
I don’t sell a product as yet. I have many reason why I have not done so. Perhaps for another discussion. But I do believe that it is important to have a product to sell. But one needs the right product at the right time. I am in the process of writing a few eBooks, of which some will be free and some will be paid for.
Who designed your blog and how important is having a good design?
Well I designed my own. It has gone through a few changes. I love getting constructive criticism from readers who are able to help make the design better. People like you, Erica, have helped in that department.
It is very important to have a good design. Your theme design is what greets people first. When they come to your blog does the design cause a fright and flight type of syndrome or a grab and attract effect. You might have great content, but if it is presented with in the wrapping of a dogs breakfast, no one is going to bother reading it.
If you were just starting and you had $100 to spend on your blog, where would you spend it?
Good hosting and Good design/theme
What is your passion?
My passion is blogging, programming and helping others learn more. Teaching and seeing other bloggers and programmers grow and improve is reward for me.
About Robert
I’m a Husband and father first. Family comes first, right after God. I am passionate about technology, programming web development, and of course blogging. Even though I have a reading and writing problem I enjoy blogging.
I was born and bred in South Africa. Home of the 2010 FiFa world cup. Rugby World Champions, and obviously the country of Nelson Mandela. I married a British lass from Liverpool, fortunate for me seeing that I support Liverpool football club in the English premiership. We have Two children, a 3 year old daughter, and a 13 year old son.
A few of my favorites from Robert’s recent archives…
Is blogging a calling or a career?
20 Crazy Ways to Promote Your Blog
Web Safe Fonts
If you have additional questions for Robert please leave them in the comments. I’m sure he’d be happy to continue the interview!
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