New to Blogging? A few tips and pitfalls!
April 2nd, 2009
When I took the decision to start blogging three years ago (with a now defunct blog) I jumped in with both feet and made a lot of mistakes. No wonder I hardly got any readers.
Here are a few tips and pitfalls to help you.
Don’t waste money on design.
Getting the right theme for your blog is important and I would strongly suggest you spend time getting it right. However, I firmly believe you don’t need to spend a fortune on the design. There are plenty of excellent free themes out there, though you can buy a “premium” theme for just a few pounds if you want something a little slicker. I’ve heard several horror stories about people spending thousands on their blog. It really isn’t necessary. Content and traffic is the key, both of which are achievable without expensive design. I am deliberately using a free theme on Blogging Crew, called I-Nove in this instance (one of the most popular themes available). I have made a few minor tweaks, such as adding a logo, but this is a good example of how your blog could look with NO money spent on design.
Don’t write about news.
There are so many great news blogs out there you will be wasting you time. Let’s face it, your potential readers will already be looking elsewhere for news. Forget it.
Pick the right niche.
It’s very easy to fall into the trap of blogging about ‘hot’ topics or even blogging about blogging (like me!) but you are far more likely to have a successful blog if you chose a niche subject. If you are an ‘expert’ on the subect and really passionate about it even better.
Make it a big niche!
You may be a World authority on Victorian thimbles manufactured between 1888 and 1891, and you are so passionate about the subject you can’t wait to start writing. If that’s the case you won’t get too many readers. Your niche needs to be a BIG niche!
Write with passion.
I’ve mentioned passion a few times now. It really is important. Your editorial will be far more compelling if you’re passionate. The oooommmph factor jumping off the page will smack your readers between the eyes and they are far more likely to stick with your blog as it develops.
Don’t force yourself to write.
Once your blog is up and running don’t force yourself to write every day. If content spills out of you that’s great, but it’s OK if you can’t write for a few days. Blogging should be a pleasure, not a burden.
Write solid content.
It’s better to write great editorial every few days than write drivel every day just for the sake of it. When you do feel inspired to write, make sure your readers will want to come back and read more.
Be open about making money.
If you’re looking to earn from your blog don’t be ashamed! There’s nothing wrong in blogging for profit, though don’t expect to earn an instant fortune. It’s not going to happen!
Choose the right blogging platform.
There are several different blogging platforms and my personal preference is WordPress. Why? Simply because I feel comfortable with WordPress and I find I can make the necessary tweaks needed from time to time myself. Adding plug-ins and widgets is very easy. There are plenty of options for you to consider and you may wish to take a look at Blogspot, Movable Type, TypePad or B2Evolution, though there are a whole lot more!
Tell your story.
Your readers will want to know something about you. Sure, they’ll run a mile if your blog is all me, me, me, me, but make sure you have an “about me” page for them to refer to. The human element of your blog (you!) is important.
Write for your readers.
Your content should be written for the benefit of your readers not for yourself. You need to give readers a reason to keep coming back to your blog.
Get to know other bloggers.
Building relationships with other bloggers will help you increase your traffic. If you produce great editorial share it with other bloggers. They are likely to write about you, you’re likely to write about them and so on. It doesn’t need to be a mutual back-slapping society, it’s a great form of networking. You can never have too many contacts.
Reply to every comment.
If you want to build a loyal following it is absolutely essential to respond to every comment. If the reader has taken the time and trouble to comment on your blog it’s courteous to acknowledge it. If you comment on this article (or any other on Blogging Crew) I will reply 100% of the time.
