HUSL Today Presents: So you wanna start a blog?

Before you go any further, take a moment to read our previous post to determine whether blogging is right for you.

I will be the first to admit that there are no "surefire" ways to make your blog successful. You will not hear me say "follow these 10 tips and become a millionaire blogger" What works for one blogger may not work for the next one. There are elements of unpredictability that play a role in the success of your blog. Use the following tips to further assess whether blogging is for you: 
Image source: http://www.dartheart.org/system/files/u1/blogging101.gif

Blogging Tip #1: Post Regularly. Readers will be more likely to follow your blog if you have a regular posting schedule. Post weekly, post bi-monthly, post monthly — it doesn’t matter what it is (although it should be at least once a week in my opinion) — but stick to a schedule.

Blogging Tip #2: Use Plugins. Plugins like “relevant posts”, “most popular posts” and “recent posts” make your blog more sticky because they encourage readers to hang around longer. The longer a visitor is on your blog, the better chance you have of converting them into a customer.

Blogging Tip #3: Post from Experience. I like first-hand information. In fact, many web surfers are looking for this type of info. It’s no coincidence that “how to” information is the number one selling product on the web. Most of it comes from first-hand information. Use case studies, write in the first person (eg, use “I”), tell your readers how you solved a particular problem, etc.

Blogging Tip #4: Niche It. Clearly define who your audience is and speak to them – and only them – directly. You will get ancillary customers/clients/readers as a matter of course. BUT, you should always blog with your core audience in mind.

 More tips after the jump.



Blogging Tip #5: Comment on Other Popular Blogs in Your Niche. Make relevant posts on other authority blogs in your niche. The key word here is r-e-l-e-v-a-n-t.

Blogging Tip #6: Write Well. A well written post cannot be taken for granted. Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! I don’t care how salient your post is, if it’s poorly written, you will not be taken seriously. In fact, you can even damage your online reputation. Imagine how you feel when you read things ridden with typos and terrible grammar. Dont expect your readers to feel any differently.

Blogging Tip #7: Market Your Blog. Don’t post it and forget it. This is your chance to use sexy marketing like social networking. Market your posts on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc. Remember, once you start with social networking though, you have to engage with those communities. So when you start to incorporate social networking into your blog marketing, do it with this in mind.

Blogging Tip #8: Use a Clean Design. My Comp 2 Prof used to say KISS (Keep it Simple Stupid!) is a wonderful motto. So is Hakuna Matata but I digress. Your blog doesn’t have to have all the latest gadgets to be effective. A simple, clean design – with good content – will compete with the flashiest design every time. So KISS!!

Blogging Tip #9: Personalize Your Blog. Insert your personality into your blog. It will make it easier for your readers to relate to you and become regular visitors.

Blogging Tip #10: Don’t Give Up. Blogging is tedious, boring, monotonous and downright draining at times. Once you’ve blogged for a while, there will be days when you just want to chuck it in favor of something more exciting. The trick is to remain consistent and hold on to personal reasons you want to continue blogging.

Source: bloggingtips.com