Elbo.ws & Hype Machine: How To Get Added? & Tips And Tricks For Fellow Bloggers
  • indiecurrentindiecurrent
    Having been running my music blog Indie Current for a year now, I have made many steps in the way of my writing skills, as well as learned many new tricks to increasing my site traffic. I have had a joy writing and finding new music everyday, and enjoyed sharing all my finds. I have received a relatively good amount of positive feedback from viewers of both my website, and YouTube page (where I have videos for songs I find exceptionally good). Despite this though, I have only seen a gradual rise in my page views. I am a constant visitor to websites like Elbo.ws and The Hype Machine, and have found that many blogs that have been accepted into these awesome services have seen major 'spikes' in the way of traffic. Having submitted my website to both, I was hoping that I would be a good candidate to be brought into their services. However, despite my long time of waiting I have not received any feedback regarding the addition to either website, (both sites of which I greatly respect).

    Now, I am looking for some help. So my question goes out. For those of you that have experienced the joys of either web service, I am now wondering how to get added to these sites and how long does it take? As well I would love to hear some feedback as to what you think of my blog, and some tips to improve on what I currently have.

    All your feedback is greatly appreciated,
    Thanks again, Matt

  • telephanttelephant
    Hmm I'm not sure what the exactly what the criteria is. But I do know that it's better to wait for it to just "happen" on its own rather than ask for it. In my case I woke up one day with massive traffic coming from the hype machine and had no idea why. Someone randomly submitted me and that was that. basically, if you have quality content, and a clean looking site it's going to catch on eventually.
  • earbuddyearbuddy
    I'd like to get added to the hype machine myself.  My blog is still in its baby stages though, and I can accept that. Just got added to post discussions on the boards here though, so I am excited about that.  Looking to make friends with other blogs as well.
  • jason@indieshufflejason@indieshuffle
    Word. Unfortunately this community has quieted a lot lately. As for Hypem, wait a few months -- build up some content -- and then apply. It seems that the main mistake people make is applying too early. A nice, stand-out and original web design is also clutch.
  • indiecurrentindiecurrent
    I completely understand what you are saying Jason, and I agree that you need to build up a healthy set of content before applying. Right now however, I am over a year into the building of my website and have created a very clean design which I believe could be considered an original design. I also have a reasonable fanbase, and am just struggling to see where I am going wrong. If you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. :)
  • apocketfullofseedsapocketfullofseeds
    Joining Hype Machine is now more of a confidence booster than anything else. When I got added I enjoyed the occasional traffic spike and it was definitely a step up in terms of profile. But since they changed the way the popular charts works I haven't had nearly as much attention and there are plenty of other services/tactics that will boost your traffic more significantly if you are interested in getting some bigger numbers.

    We did carry on growing even after the Hype M traffic slowed down but I reckon that's probably because I started to massively up my game after getting picked up by aggregators. Once you get the feeling that your blog has grown from being a side project which gets read by facebook friends and family into a recognised website then you find yourself putting way more of yourself into it.




  • earbuddyearbuddy
    What other tactics did you use beside Hype Machine to boost your traffic?  

    I'm past the whole friends and family stage -- built up a pretty good following on our facebook fan page, but we could always use more like anybody.
  • indiecurrentindiecurrent
    Sorry for taking so long to respond... Anyways, yeah I've used many techniques from YouTube, Facebook, connecting with artists etc. etc. and I have been able to see a fair amount of results. I also like to think that I've been able to move past the family and friends stage and really build a strong following of people that a happy to hear what I write about and what sort of music really strikes my fancy. However, I have been able to do fairly well through these methods if anyone else has any other suggestions that could really take me to that next level, I am open to thoughts?
  • indiecurrentindiecurrent
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