Anyone can have a blog but learning the
basics of blogging is what makes a blog successful out of the crap. However, starting
a blog can seem overwhelming, but in truth, it's one of the simplest ways to
join the online community. So feel free to follow these tips to ensure your
blog is positioned for success.
1. Define Your Goals
Before you start a new blog, it's
essential that you define your goals for it. Your blog has a greater chance of
success if you know from the beginning what you hope to accomplish with it. Are
you trying to establish yourself as an expert in your field? Are you trying to
promote your business? Are you simply blogging for fun and to share your ideas
and opinions? Your short and long term goals for your blog are dependent on the
reason why you're starting your blog. Think ahead to what you'd like to gain
from your blog in six months, one year and three years. Then design, write and
market your blog to meet those goals.
2. Know Your Audience
Your blog's design and content should reflect
the expectations of your audience. For example, if your intended audience is
teenagers, the design and content would be quite different than a blog targeted
to corporate professionals. Your audience will have inherent expectations for
your blog. Don't confuse them but rather meet and exceed those expectations to
gain reader loyalty.
3. Be Consistent and Persistent
Your blog is a brand just like brands such as
Coke
or Nike,
and represents a specific message and image to your audience. Being consistent
allows you to meet your audience's expectations and create a secure place for
them to visit again and again that rewards reader loyalty.
A lively blog is a useful blog. Blogs
that are not updated frequently are perceived by their audiences as static web
pages. While it's important not to publish meaningless posts else you may bore
your audience, it's essential that you update your blog frequently. The best
way to keep readers coming back is to always have something new (and
meaningful) for them to see.
4. Be Social
One of the most unique aspects of blogging is
its social impact. Therefore, always welcome your readers and invite them to
join a two-way conversation. Ask your readers to leave comments by
posing questions than respond to comments from your readers. Doing so will show
your readers that you value them, and it will keep the conversation going.
Much of your blog's success relies on your
efforts outside your blog. Those efforts include finding other bloggers to
discuss and inviting them on your blog, joining social networking sites
such as Facebook and LinkedIn.
5. Take Risks
Beginner bloggers are often afraid of
the new blogging tools and features available to them. Don't be
afraid to take risks and try new things on your blog. From adding a
new gadget to changing the template, it's important that you keep your blog
fresh by implementing changes that will enhance the reader’s interest in your
blog. However, avoid extreme changes like changing the niche to which blog
doesn’t compel or adding contents that is restrictive like have age
restriction. Instead, review each potential enhancement in terms of how it will
help you reach your goals for your blog and how your audience will respond to
it.
6. Ask for Help and Keep Learning
Even the most experienced bloggers understand
the blogosphere is an ever-changing place and no one knows everything there is
to know about blogging. Don't be afraid to reach out to fellow bloggers for
help. Remember, the success of the blogosphere relies on networking, and most
bloggers are always willing to expand their networks regardless of whether
you're a beginner blogger or seasoned pro.
It seems like every day there are new
tools available to bloggers. The Internet changes quickly, and the
blogosphere is not an exception to that rule. As you develop your blog, take
the time to research new tools and features, and keep an eye on the latest news
related to your niche. You never know when a new tool will roll out that can
make your life easier or enhance your readers' experiences on your blog.
7. Be Yourself
Be your own on your blog, and make it an
extension of you and your brand, and your loyal readers will keep coming back
to hear what you have to say. People don't read blogs simply to get the news.
They could read a newspaper for news reports. Instead, people read blogs to get
bloggers' opinions as people think bloggers are more social, and know something
that is not covered by others. Blog from the core of your heart and brain.
Comment with an advice that you wish to be
considered.
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