Using stock photos and even AI photos is something I want to avoid completely. I either add screenshots, personal stuff, or nothing at all.

The first-person perspective should be the default for every piece of writing on your website.

For the theme, I wanted to stick to minimalism. The focus is on my writing.

The blog structure is the right idea, but after a year of trying to get readers without success, I can conclude that blogging alone won’t get you an audience. It can only be an addition to your entire online platform.

Being personal is actually the biggest advantage an indie author has over a “corporate” author. Put yourself out there. Sure, some people will hate you for it, but the idea is to find as many people as possible who like who you are – these people will be your core readership.

You can follow my Grok Diary in real time here: @michael_brig

You can follow my Grok Diary in real time here: @michael_brig

You can follow my Grok Diary in real time here: @michael_brig

You can follow my Grok Diary in real time here: @michael_brig

500 email subscribers in the first year seems to be impossible – at least from my experience. For 500, I would need a big shoutout on X or from big-name authors. For organic growth, which is somewhat controllable, getting 50 subscribers in the first year might be a more realistic goal.

You can follow my Grok Diary in real time here: @michael_brig