Day 9: Blogging is not just an activity, job or hobby, it is an experience. Participating in writing, promoting and reading blogs turns into a lifestyle, so learn how to do it right. Find out about the 9 things every new blogger should know.
Be Real
Let your readers know who you are. I know a lot of people are concerned about their identities and letting that information out on the web, but tell them about you… not your credit card! Having an “about” page is a great way to do this. Readers do not want to read articles from a closet blogger, show them why they should come back to your blog. Then as they get to know you there will be a greater attachment to your blog.
For example, see my “about” page to find out more about me and even my blog!
Don’t write only for Social Media
Social media traffic has been discussed a lot online, but is the traffic worth the it? Social media sites require a very specific type of article or blog which can often discourage regular bloggers from repeat visits. Find out how social media affects your readers before you focus on it as major source of traffic.
Respond to your commentators
The biggest mistake a new blogger can make is to take their commentators for granted. Blogging is different then running a website because it is focused on building relationships. If you comment or respond to every commentator on your blog, you will build many relationships and get great feedback.
Make Friends with other bloggers
If you want your blog to be popular, the easiest way to do this by getting other bloggers to blog about you. To do this the easiest way is to have friends blogging in your niche. So, you are thinking you don’t know anyone in your niche, its a perfect time then to start reading about pages, social media profiles and begin leaving meaningful comments on other blogs.
Don’t worry too much about design
You can spend $10,000 getting your blog designed if you really want to. What you need to realize is blog design only needs to be functional, not expensive. Remember, content is what gets visitors.
Look at some of the most popular blogs on the web such as Boing Boing, nothing special there. It’s just easy to navigate their pages and find what you are looking for. Designs should be clean and simple in their functionality and navigation… other than that you can do anything!
Have a unique design
That being said about not spending a lot on your blog, you should customize it so that your blog looks a little different then the other blogs with the same design. I am using a theme from StudioPress which I love, but have customized the design to fit my needs here at Blogging Agenda.
Don’t burn yourself out
When I began blogging, I would blog dozens of posts a day. I got burned
out pretty quickly and then lost interest in the blog because I felt I was writing too much. I now blog about once a day and really love doing it. Writing too much or living on the blogosphere will just get your tired and burned out. Then your blogging efforts will all suffer dramatically.
Remember, this should be something you love to do.
Be Excited
If you aren’t excited about your blog content, you will get burned out and your readers will stop visiting. That’s why choosing a topic is so important. To keep interest, focus on continually learning new things about your niche. For example, reading other articles by great bloggers like Problogger keep me interested and excited about blogging. Using Blogging Agenda’s “Daily Blog Tasks” can do the same for you.
Earn something
Whether you are blogging just for kicks or as an extra source of income, try to earn some money and you will find it to be more enjoyable. The only challenge is not become obsessed with earnings and lose your excitement for your content. There can be a very happy medium though. Try to find out more about how to earn an income and then try it out!
Check out the latest amazing articles right in your "mailbox" or make sure to leave a comment!
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Also, another point is, new bloggers won’t get noticed in a blink of an eye, major hardwork needed, at least applicable to most people. ^^ It’s never as easy as it seemed, at least the process hasn’t been easy for me. Yet the experience that comes along with it is a reward. Thanks.
@wchingya
-SocialMedia/Blogging
Agreeing with you 100%. Patience, persistence, and perseverance are the name of the game. Don’t be fooled by the guys that make it look so “easy”. They’ve been blogging for yeeeaaars….Find what works for you and stick to it.
Terrfic advice. Having just started a blog a couple of weeks ago, I’m happy to have stumbled over yours!
Well let me know if you need anything in your knew adventure!
I like your point about readers getting to know the blogger. I have an about me page but I am holding back. Maybe if I let my readers know more about me, they will keep coming back to read my blog.
Good tips for new blogger.But I’ll remain in stealth mode (mystery) .. hehe he*Evil*
Thanks,
Mr. F