If you are new to blogging, you may not be sure about what to do or where to start. The below tips can help you find your way.
1. Choose a Subject That You Care About
If you want to have a blog that is fun for people to read – not to mention one that you do not mind working on – you are going to have to choose a subject that you are enthusiastic about. If you hate driving or cooking, for example, maintaining a blog about either subject could prove to be painful. When you care about what you are focusing on, visitors will be able to tell, and you will benefit from it.
2. Use Proper Spelling and Grammar
No matter how enthusiastic you may be about your blog, it does not mean much if people cannot understand what you are saying. If you want to be a blogger that is taken seriously, make sure that you do not write a sloppy blog entry. Do not release your writing if you have not checked the spelling and grammar first. The more care you take with your blog entries, the better they will be received by the public. It may take a little longer to get things done, but it will be worth it.
3. Update As Often As You Can
A good blog takes on the habit of updating often. You may have found yourself visiting an interesting website in the past, only to find that it has not been updated in several months or even a few years. If visitors believe that the information you are giving them is old and out of date, they are less likely to take you seriously. You do not have to update every day or every other day; at least once a week can work. Show that you are committed to your blog.
4. Choose a Layout That Makes Sense
Choose a theme for your blog that encompasses what the blog is all about. If you are writing about sports, a layout that features cooking utensils or the beach may not make sense to the average person. On top of using an appropriate theme, make sure that visitors are able to navigate. If they do not know what to click on or what something does, they may become frustrated and leave. Ask friends and family members to look at the blog if you are not sure. They can provide feedback and catch a problem before it is too late and not as easy to fix.
5. Interact With the People That Comment
Many popular blogs are able to last for a long time because the owner chooses to talk to the people that visit. This can come in the form of responding to comments left for specific entries, or by initiating contests, among other things. Place a phrase such as WIN NOW in one of your entries and ask people to submit stories, images or anything you may want the contest to involve. Be sure to include some kind of prize to tempt people to participate; even if you have a tight budget, there are still options available to you.
6. Make Blog Entries Useful
Blog entries should be considered useful by readers if you want to get attention. Standing out on the Internet can be difficult unless you have something good to offer, and this is something to keep in mind. If you blog about how to save money on vacations, your readers will likely not be interested in animal adoption information. Choose subjects that are relevant to the focus of your blog, and do not stray unless absolutely necessary. The more useful information you provide, the better off you will be. If you cannot think of something to write, take a short break.
Blogging is not always easy, and getting readers can prove trying for people new to the pastime. However, by looking at the information above, you can set yourself up for success.
Nisha is a freelance writer and blogger. She’s currently helping to promote Win Now, a British competitions website.