Over a year ago I started blogging. I'll be honest, it took me around 10 months to get into the swing of things. And I'm still learning. It hasn't been easy for sure but it's worth it especially because when you are getting into the writing scene, no one knows who you are. A blog is a fantastic way to make yourself known.
There are some intimidating factors I feel play a roll in blogging.
- Writing content
- Getting people to actually follow your bloggy friend
- Figuring out what it should look like
I will go through some things I've done to help the process become a little less daunting.
One: Your blogs content: Pick an audience. Once you've done that, write posts that apply to them. Mine is writers. Now you ask how to figure out what to write. Well, I'm constantly thinking of blog topics. Sometimes they come to me in the middle of the day and I stash them for later use. Other times, like right now, they come to me right as I sit down at the computer. It never ceases to amaze me how many posts I can come up with. If you need to just start writing and it'll come.
Two: Followers: Scary, huh? You are putting yourself out there in intergalactic world for anyone to see. Well, this is good. Love it. Embrace it. This is how you get followers. This also goes back to (one). Write content that they will want to return to.
I've also done contests to gain a following. Book giveaways, Amazon.com gift cards, etc...
It may take some time, but they'll come. But don't feel bad if no one comments on your posts or there isn't a high number of followers listed on your sidebar. It took me forever to get into the 200's. Even here its hit and miss.
Plus, you have to market it. I send out a Twitter message and put it on my Facebook page as well as the FB writing group I'm in. How else are people supposed to find out about what you've posted. I also have the URL listed with my email signature.
Another thing is, you've got to be consistent. Pick days of the week that you will always post on. I post on Tuesdays and Fridays. Hopefully people know those are my post days and they'll come visit it to see what's up in my writing world.
Three: The Look: Make sure your blog is easy on the eyes. Its hard to read blogs where there are funky florescent colors and weird fonts. Make it as non-obtrusive as possible. Play around with how you want it to look. I've gone through 4 different styles so far. I think I've finally found one that sings to me.
Anyway, I hope that my little bit of blogging wisdom has been helpful.
Now, what are your ideas that will help others with blogging, myself included?
