Interview with a blogger - Andrew Gordon

A while back I was doing an "interview with a blogger" each Friday.  The people I have been featuring are all on our UK Recruitment Blog Watch page.  I've pretty much covered 80% of the bloggers so am trying to chase up the final (hard to reach in some cases!) few.  So if you've favourite blogger hasn't been featured here please feel free to give them a prod on my behalf.

This week I'm talking with Andrew Gordon of jobs.ac.uk.  Andrew has worked in the online industry since 1997 and is currently the Director of jobs.ac.uk. Andrew helped launch jobs.ac.uk before going to establish several other successful web projects - including 3 other jobs boards.  For 6 years he worked at website marketing company - New Terrain Limited.  In 2004, he was asked to return to jobs.ac.uk on the retirement of the previous Director.  He writes at Simply. Better

How long have  you been blogging?
I've blogged on and off for a couple of years although I've only consistently blogged with 'Simply. Better' (attached to jobs.ac.uk). I've been posting to this blog for almost 12 months now.

Why did you start?
I was sucked into the buzz about blogging and wanted to give it a go myself.

I saw, and still see it, as a way to have an authentic voice online and to provide people with a 'behind-the-scenes' peep at jobs.ac.uk. I was also interested in the potential for search engine traffic and the ability to tap into long-tail search terms that wouldn't normally be covered with our normal content.

What do you do, work related, when you aren't blogging?
It depends on what my wife tells me I should be doing ;)

This includes all the normal stuff of being a dad and husband plus trying to fit in hobbies and interests, online gaming and getting out into the country side as much as I can. I especially like hill walking and cycling.

Do you think blogging has helped your business?
It's difficult to say.

From the visitor figures, it's clear that the blog does bring in extra traffic. So that is, of course, a bonus. Whether all these people are the perfect target audience is another matter. Although, because we're trying to raise awareness of our brand, almost anybody visiting the site is a boon!

Whilst I can't say that the blog has won new clients, I can say that it has helped me develop my thinking in a number of areas.

When I write a blog post, I am forced to put my thoughts into some sort of coherent structure for others to read. This is a good mental discipline. Does that make me a better manager? You'd better ask my team about that!

What do you feel is the biggest challenge about writing a blog?
Being committed to blogging on a regular basis. Also, finding interesting topics to write about.

What's another blog that you read and why do you recommend it?
I read so many blogs but one of my favourites is http://lifehacker.com.  There's always cool stuff on there. It's how I find out about some of the best resources online.

What do you want your reader's to know about you?
That I'm just trying my best, learning as I go and making lots of mistakes.

Even though I've worked the Web industry for several years - 12 now to be precise - it doesn't mean that you know all of the answers. Far from it in fact. But having an open mind and a willingness to learn is what keeps it still fun.

If you knew someone was thinking about starting a recruitment related blog, what advice would you want to give them?
Go do!

It's a great self-development tool and a wonderful outlet for you to express your views. Make sure you understand the commitment required, relax and be yourself. Try and be original and offer something of value to your readers.

But don't expect fame and fortune overnight. Just the opposite in fact. Unless you're very, very good at web marketing, you won't gain any substantial traffic for at least 8 - 12 months, maybe even up to 2 years.

Is there a question you wished I asked you?
Yes, 'which is my favourite blogging platform?' and I would have answered, Wordpress! It's the daddy of all blogging platforms. It's so easy to download, install and use. And best of all, it's free!