Lance Ekum of Jungle of Life is a blogger/online marketer/website owner with his motivational site Jungle of Life.

Using a mixture of formats of content from blog posts to eBooks Lance has built a formidable online empire, in this interview Lance shares his story and how he has built and runs a successful website

Could you give us a brief overview of your site?

When and why did you start, how did you build it up, where it is now? Your story so far?

The Jungle of Life is an inspirational site, focusing on all the positives in our world, especially the simple day-to-day positives we all have in our lives.

I began the site in the spring of 2008, as a place to share my random thoughts. Over time, those random thoughts have become more focused, as both I and my site have evolved.

The site has gained readership from both me getting myself out there and visiting other sites, as well as from me writing content that speaks directly from my heart.

Writing “from my heart” has not always been easy – yet, when I do, I feel that I grow personally, as well as having a much bigger impact with others. And that has added so much meaning for me.

Your site is very clean and well designed. Why did you go with a minimalist look?

My site has continued to evolve. As part of that, I have gone with a more minimalist look as I feel it also reflects the way I am living my life.

I believe it also places the focus of my site upon that which matters most – the content (and the comments).

I notice you use the Hello Bar, what kind of results have you seen?

The Hello Bar is not a big hitter, in terms of new subscribers to my newsletter (the goal of the Hello Bar on my site).

Still, it provides a very unobtrusive way to bring attention to my e-book and associated newsletter.

You’re a big Tweeter; what’s the key to Twitter marketing success?

Twitter marketing success comes from being authentic and making real connections within the Twitter-sphere. And that means making time to know the people I connect with.

Does that mean I really “know” everyone within my Twitter stream? No. It does mean, though, that I focus on making some of those connections very meaningful.

You write about a lot of different topics and personal stuff.

How do you decide what to write about, and how do you attract new readers who don’t know you?

At one point in my blogging career, I was focusing on quantity (i.e. two posts per week). In the last year, that focus has really shifted – to be more focused upon quality. Today I write when I’m inspired to write.

Typically this relates to something in my own personal life, and the lessons I draw from those experiences. I attract new visitors by visiting others, and organically, from people finding me through searching.

Even if you don’t run a personal site, do you think it’s important to write personably and let people know about the person behind the blog?

I connect most fully with those writers who share their personal side within their writing. As such, I believe this is a real key to creating a site that connects the writer with the reader by sharing our personalities through our site.

You have written a number of eBooks. How do you write and use eBooks on your blog?

The main eBook I have, which is featured as a free download when signing up for my newsletter, was written to inspire others to reach their full potential, whatever that is for them.

Other eBooks have a similar feel, although they have been shorter in length.

Who designs your eBook covers?

I don’t have one person who designs my eBook covers. I typically look for recommendations from friends and colleagues.

What are the top 10 tips for somebody thinking on writing an eBook?

1. Set aside time to write your eBook.
2. Create a schedule for getting your eBook written.
3. Find someone to proofread and edit your material.
4. When writing your eBook, remove other distractions (i.e. email, etc).
5. Write your ideas as they come to you, even if they don’t flow together.
6. After you have everything written out (at least in rough draft format), read through what you’ve written, and organize it so that it flows.
7. Design matters. Create (or get outside assistance to help create) a look and feel to your eBook that is clean, fresh, and reflects the concepts behind the eBook.
8. Create a graphic for your eBook that can be used to advertise it.
9. Share your e-book with trusted colleagues, getting honest feedback.
10. Appreciate what you have created!

What are your top 10 tips for new bloggers?

1. Share material that has meaning to you.
2. Visit other similar blogs to yours.
3. Comment on other sites.
4. Email other bloggers to let them know you appreciate what they are creating.
5. Share contact information on your site – make it easy for others to reach you.
6. Have an About page – including information that reflects your personality and who you are.
7. Have a photo of yourself on your About page, and possibly in your sidebar as well. A personal photo makes you more approachable and real.
8. Create social media accounts – Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus. Use these accounts to grow your online presence, while also sharing great material you have discovered.
9. Don’t compare yourself to others.
10. Be you!

Lance Ekum writes inspirational stories at the Jungle of Life. When not writing in this space, you can find him playing with his family, biking, and stepping outside of the proverbial box.

His latest endeavor is as a web presence coach, at Rock Your Brilliance.

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