A Few Blog Tips

I’ve been blogging for almost two years now so it’s safe to say that I know what I’m doing! <—That was clearly a joke, but I hope you’ll listen anyway.

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I figure I’d put together a list of a few things that I think (keyword: I or think, depending on how you look at it) every blogger should know.  I’ve even categorized them for your convenience! Are you ready?!? Here goes…


Blog Design

• Include a search box and / or archives so people don’t have to go through every post to find something they’re looking for on your blog.
• Have a fresh, clean, clear and easily readable design. 
• If you can’t do the above yourself, hire a designer.  Click {here}, {here}, {here} or {here} for a few options.
• If you’re on the Blogger platform get rid of the blogspot.com, it’s less than $15 per year, and it’s more professional, especially if you’re trying to take your blog to the next level.

• Learn the definition of niche, then identify and develop yours.
• TRY to Include a photo in every post, even if it’s just a picture with words like {this} post.  But don’t feel like you can’t post a picture-less post every once in a while.
• You may not have a photo for a particular post, like this one, so use stock photos, like iStock for example, or creative commons photos on Flickr, when necessary.
• Ask a question at the end of some posts.  It provides a guide for readers when they comment and improves your chances of having someone comment.
• Take the time to do some research when discussing a particular topic.  Some posts should take more than just a night or two to write.
• Decide how often you’d like to post and stick with it. Even if it’s just once per week on the same day each week.  Consistency is key.
• You do not have to post everyday to be successful!  

Social Media (e.g., Twitter, FB, G+, etc.)

• If you use in-post ads to shout-out your sponsors at the end of your posts include a sentence above the Ad so that people know it’s not a part of your post or signature. A quote from the sponsor would be ideal instead of saying “Check out this month’s sponsor”.
• Make sure there is a clickable link to the sponsor’s site within the line you include above the in-post Ad since people who follow by email won’t see the Ad.
• Only sponsor blogs that have a similar niche and style as you. it wouldn’t make much since for a mom blogger to sponsor a fashion blogger, what the readers of each are looking for is different.

• Don’t get caught up in analysis paralysis when it comes to researching and learning more about how to blog well and grow.  Looking to multiple websites for information can be overwhelming.  Find at least one (maybe two) websites that are doing what you’re trying to do and details how they’re doing it.  Read them relentless and use them as your go-to source of information on how to develop.
• Giveaways and link-ups can make people aware of your blog and maybe even raise your numbers but that doesn’t equate to actual readers. You must engage!
• When hosting or participating in group giveaways you’ll get the most out of it if there aren’t too many people in the group or too many things to follow per person.  People aren’t as patient as you might think just because you’re offering something for free (I’m certainly not in regards to this). 
• Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle…”comparison is the thief of joy”.
• Create a mission statement for your blog (at least if you’re serious about your blog). It’ll keep you focused.
• Set goals for your blog and focus.  Once achieved set new ones and repeat.
• Enjoy what you’re doing or stop doing it.
• What works for another blogger may not work for you.
• Visit other blogs and leave sincere comments. If you don’t have anything genuine to say don’t say anything at all.
• If you want to grow. Develop a business plan, implement that plan and monitor your progress. Documented goal setting is the key to obtaining results.
• Grow organically by posting great content, consistently and responding to your reader’s comments (right on your blog, if at all possible).