Blogging is not just about writing
I get a lot of people asking how to blog and what they need to do to get visitors, etc but when they get started all they do is just write a few posts and nothing else. Some write more regularly than others but they do little else.
Some of the suggestions I give are:
1. Don’t write posts that are too long; you could do a series of posts on the one topic instead.
2. Ask questions so that readers are prompted to leave answers.
3. Visit other people’s blogs and leave comments on them - often they will come back and visit yours and leave comments and so will some of their own visitors.
4. Consider running a competition now and then - established bloggers do this to encourage subscribers or comments. It might be a while before you can do this but keep it as a thought.
5. Subscribe to other blogs that might help you with hints and tips in blogging. In fact, whenever they write something you find useful, it is good to leave a comment and always leave your blog address - these blogs get lots of visitors so it might draw some more traffic for your own: http://www.chrisg.com/, http://www.chrisbrogan.com/, http://www.problogger.net/, http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
6. Join bloggers’ forums where you can learn from others also. http://www.aussiebloggers.com.au/forum/, http://forum.authorityblogger.com/ are two I recommend. Some well known bloggers at both groups - one is an Aussie group, the other has leaders from the UK.
7. Search for blogs on similar topics and add them to your blogroll in the hope they will add you to theirs. They will see the incoming links in their dashboard. Leave comments when appropriate.
If you are writing a blog simply to write, then that’s fine, but if you really want to grow your readership then you need to be networking online too. People won’t know your blog exists unless they’re specifically looking for your topic or if they meet you via a comment, blogroll link, a forum of some sort or perhaps through other websites, article directories, and so on. And if your goal is to earn some income by attracting advertisers or clicks on advertising, then building sufficient traffic for that to happen is imperative.
Networking online is a very worthwhile way of making connections for anyone who is doing anything online.
And don’t forget my free ebook offer ‘Blogging Basics‘ by learning from my own blogging experiences.
You might have more suggestions to help new bloggers and why not share them here?
blogging basics, networking online, how to blog, increase traffic
The only thing I can think to add to that is make sure you link to and make note when you get an idea from another blog. Your suggestions are super Kathie - I always get good information from your blogs!!
Thanks Laurie - I’m glad my suggestions help. Thanks for visiting.
Kathie,
Once again you’re right on point. Since I read a lot of blogs, I don’t have time to sit and read long posts. A blogger should be able to say what they have to say without writing a dissertation.
Also, I make it a point to seek out other bloggers who write on similar subjects that I write about. I love to read what others are thinking–even if I disagree.
I would really like to post this article to my local bloggers group–if you don’t mind–and giving you permission, of course.
I am delighted you want to share this Beverly - certainly go ahead!
As a baby blogger, I have to say these tips come in handy! Now, I just need to commit to posting more regularly. I’m off to download your free ebook, “Blogging Basics” and will probably link to it in my own blog, with your permission, that is. What a gift you are to all of us!
Kathie, great advice to bloggers new and old. BTW, I really enjoyed the background on the name of your business on your web site.
Absolutely wonderful suggestions! They’re basic, clear and quite helpful. I’ve been blogging for over a year now but have learned a lot from your ideas.
Many thanks!
Kathie,
Wonderful, timely, and helpful information. You are the best!
Sally
http://www.drsallywitt.com
The nuggets you have shared above are so appreciated! To find out these things I would have had to hop around for a number of hours and gather them up in my apron ; )
Being in service to others is how we are given so many gifts. This post will bring you much appreciation from those who read it. Thank you.
Agree! Cheers!
Great information! I could have used it myself when I first started. I naively thought all I had to do was write something every week and people would visit. Not so! It took me a while to figure out all the things you mention here. And I still have so much to learn. I’m just glad you’re here to teach me.