Anyone who has been blogging for a while will tell you that a blog is rarely an overnight success. Good blogs don’t just happen; they require commitment, and yes, work. Sound daunting? Never fear! It’s not as hard as you think to hit the target. These simple tips help make the task easier.
1. Be helpful - Offer worthwhile content. Useful information, encouragement, valuable links, and points to ponder have great take away value. Everyone is busy, so make it worth readers’ time to stop by. Not sure how? Study successful blogs; note topic variety, guest bloggers, interviews, giveaways, and how the blogger interacts with followers through posts and comments.
2. Be real - A blog, whether for business or personal purposes, is a reflection of you, your products, or services. Readers want the real deal. I like to apply Oscar Wilde’s words here. He says, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” You know what? He’s right. Being yourself is the unique angle that can shine through your blog. But don’t let this scare you. Your signature style will get better with time and experience.
3. Be consistent – Determine the frequency of posts that best suits your schedule. Daily? Two or three times weekly? Somewhere in between? Whatever you choose, stick to it. Otherwise, followers are left hanging. Don’t keep them in limbo wondering if or when you’ll appear. Consistency shows readers and potential clients your level of dependability and commitment.
4. Be brief - Most of us don’t have time to dawdle over lengthy epistles. Well-written short posts can pack a punch. Tight writing is an effective tool, so aim to practice word economy. Start by looking for redundant and empty phrases such as past history, free gift, large in size, repeat again, etc. Cultivate an awareness of the excess in your writing. Keep at it; practice makes perfect, and you will see results.
5. Be friendly - Visit others’ blogs, follow, and comment. The principle of sowing and reaping applies here. Other bloggers have much to offer in the way of information, fellowship, and networking, so in the right balance, it is an excellent investment of time.
6. Be a friendly facilitator – Close posts with a question. This generates dialogue, adding interest and additional food for thought. Starting a discussion shows that that you value readers’ input. This can be a good way to get new ideas for post topics, too.
Blogs offer a universal forum, whether sharing wit and wisdom to friends and family or as a marketing tool, targeting business colleagues or clientele. Your blog may not be an overnight sensation, but with a little effort, it can be uniquely yours and hit the target dead center.
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Thanks for hosting me here today! I love the variation of E-Junkie's features and topics!
Good points! Thanks for sharing.
Great suggestions. Thanks for these timely tips.
Thank you Karen, it's always a pleasure to have you on our blog. :)
Hi Karen .. good points and you're an excellent host over on your blog .. and reciprocate to the comments received. You certainly know your skills to enable you to write .. and guide other writers.
The blogging fraternity at any stage is supportive ... so any newbie bloggers go and enjoy ... building a huge platform isn't essential - but once we get in the mode, who knows where the blog may lead to.
Great thoughts Karen - thanks - glad I popped over .. cheers Hilary
Karen, thanks for the tips! Good points...
Thank you, Kenda! Appreciate your support! :)
Hilary, you are so kind! You are a treasured blogging friend. Thanks for stopping by!
Jen, Thanks so much!
Thanks, Rebecca! :)
Great tips, Karen!
Thanks Sarah!
I think you hit all the key points, Karen!
I especially like #4.
Thank you, Sarah!
And you should know, Alex! Your blog is a winner!
Me too, Joylene! Only so many hours in the day...:)
Your first point, Be Helpful, is one of the most important. People do have a What's In It For Me mentality, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. If someone takes the time to stop by your site, they want to walk away with something. I bit of advice, some wisdom, something learned or something to avoid, or a chuckle.
Great points, Karen. Thanks for sharing.
I agree, Stephen, and your blog is testimony to this!
Thanks Carol!
Great tips. One would think that a lot of these would come naturally, but a surprising amount of people miss the plot for some reason. :-/
Misha, thanks so much! I agree with you, there are some who aren't aware of these things. Sometimes we get so busy focusing on other aspects of a blog or site that we forget the basics. :)
Great post, Karen! Love Oscar Wilde's quote, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” Thanks for the blogging tips.
Maria, thank you! I love that quote too. :)
I really like #2, Karen. That quote is powerful. You offer solid how-tos here, all things you practice well on your own blog. This is great stuff!
Rhonda, I know, that quote is great! Thanks so much. I'd have to say your blog reflects these things too. :)
Hi Karen -
Solid advice, my friend!
Blessings,
Susan :)
Thanks, Susan! I learned most of it from observing your blog!