Lately, I’ve had people ask for tips and advice on starting a blog so I thought I’d share some key concepts that have helped me. This is the first of a series I’m calling, “So You Want a Blog?” Before I go and share the tools I use or step-by-step directions, I wanted to share 5 keys that I consider essential to successful blogging. It’s my hope that these keys will help you whether you’re thinking of starting a blog or you want to build on the blog you already have.
#1 Consistency
- Decide how many times a week you can commit to sharing posts (daily, M-F, every other day, etc.) and stick to it. Not only does this help your Google ranking (which makes it easier to find you online) but it gives your readers a reason to regularly visit your blog and share your content.
- This step took me a while to get comfortable with but I think I’m starting to find my groove. Initially I felt a little overwhelmed by the thought of how many times I “should” be blogging but then I decided to relax and to just have fun with it.
- Yes, it’s a time commitment. Blogging is a time commitment. It’s also super fun and rewarding. It takes work but the payoff is worth it. Who knows what amazing things will result from your blog? Start dreaming now.
#2 Community
- This breaks down into two groups: Your readers and other bloggers. You want to make your blog a place that is comfortable for your readers to share their comments, share the content with others and encourages interaction. That’s the easier part of community in my opinion.
- The harder part (solely based on the time that it takes) is to start developing relationships with other bloggers. Don’t be afraid. Bloggers are really friendly for the most part. Show interest in them and they’ll gladly return the favor. I will share some tools that can help you with this but for now, just know that building your blogger friendships takes time and research. You’ll spend time finding bloggers with similar interests, reading and sharing their content and finding blogger groups online.
- Again, there is a time commitment involved but this aspect is honestly one of the most rewarding parts of blogging for me. I’m meeting so many neat people and learning tons every day from those relationships and the content shared. Which brings us to #3 …
#3 Content
- Want to know my secret to writing content that gets people reading, following, commenting and liking my blog? Here it is: Ask yourself, what would I want to read? That’s it. It’s tempting to look at other blogs and begin wondering if you should write a certain way or about topics that aren’t as natural to you because it seems “popular” but resist it.
- My best advice on content is that you share based on experiences you are having or share trending topics that are interesting to you. If you like to write about it, people will like to read about it. Not everyone will read your blog of course but your blog isn’t for everyone. It’s for people who align with your interests and passions. You have a target audience and we’ll get to how to determine that later but for now, know that your blog content doesn’t have to please everyone. That’s a relief, right?
- Write about what you love and you will love what you write.
#4 Commitment
- OK just like anything that’s truly worth doing (being healthy, fit and achieving your career goals, etc.) sometimes you just need to roll up your sleeves, put on your running shoes and DO IT. Honestly, there are times that you just don’t feel like blogging. That’s OK and perfectly normal.
- Push through and just write. When this happens to me, I take a good ole’ fashioned pen and paper and map out some ideas in clusters (I’ll show you how I do that later too). That process usually sparks something that makes me want to write. Or, you can always share an image or quote that you think your readers would really like.
#5 Creativity
- You can be as creative, artistic, silly, zany or even serious as you want to be. It’s YOUR blog. You get to decide what the look, feel and overall vibe is. I’ve read that one of the key elements to a successful blog is being passionate. So share what you like and what really gets you going and you’ll naturally acquire followers. You’ll also enjoy blogging a heck of a lot more if you allow your personality to shine through.
Want more advice on blogging? Contact me to discuss how I can assist you.
This is a modified version of a post that originally appeared on my personal blog, KateUpdates.
~ Kate
