10 Strategies for Successful Blogging

As I continue on this journey in this class I'm starting to actually think I could not just potentially utilize this information in the future, but actually apply it now. I'm a packrat by nature, so when I see something unusual or useful-looking I usually grab it without a specific application in mind and I think this class was one of those things.... until now.

I've been looking through some awesome blogs and webcomics thinking... hey, these people make a living, or part of one, off talking about their interests to other interested people... how do they manage that? Well I've been looking into that and aside from gathering information, knowing how to write it and social networking, there are a few other strategies people utilize to get their blog 'out there'.

1) Self-promotional BALANCE: First of all, I hate being the one nagging people to check out something I did.... but then I really want people to look at stuff I'm proud of too, so I usually 'self-promote' things in weird little fits and spurts (story of my life right there). However, the most effective strategy is common-sense once you think about it: about once a week and/or when there is a legitimate reason to mention it (for example, if you write a book about space travel and someone talks about Commander Hadfield, then feel free to mention something applicable).

2) Summarize for newcomers: If your blog is long-term developing idea, then give people a quick-start guide so they can jump in without having to spend hours reading ALL your old posts (which they might not have time for).

3) Site Design: This is obvious, but critical and frequently ignored. We don't all have the funds to hire a designer, nor do we all have skills with aesthetics, but reading up on some basic design principles can't hurt. When in doubt, get a color scheme that isn't overly intense (and stick to it throughout) and organize your page to be user-friendly. Think about how you want someone to move through your 'narrative' and see your page and make your page with that purpose in mind.

4) E-mail newsletter: I hadn't even considered this one, since I rarely read the many that I get to my inbox, but thinking about it... there aren't many major blogs that don't have one. Also, even if the person just deletes them, they have to read the tagline.

5) Don't try to force yourself: Write because you have something to say, not because you need to say something. It's easy to see when a writer is bored with their writing so how do you expect others to be interested in it?

6) Find yourself: Honesty of personality comes across in writing, but it's hard to not become a cliche if you don't spend time getting to know yourself. I usually over-do this one and lose myself in something excessively existential, but I'm sure there's a happy medium out there somewhere....

7) Don't think about the money: THAT is the trick with professional writing; when you do it for the money you fail, when you do it for yourself you succeed... sometimes. Artistic and philosophical affairs are always capricious ways to make a living, but so often they require that level of commitment. Be ready to walk the tightrope, but try to forget that it exists, most of the time.

8) Monetize your blog right away and don't try to figure out how that doesn't clash with rule #7. At the risk of becoming excessively existential, everything in life is made of shades of grey, there are no set rules, but sometimes you have to break them anyways.

9) Be community-oriented: Find other like-minded bloggers and comment on their blogs. Networking is critical. Make friends and have fun and make sure you lend your talents as well. Other blogs don't have to be competitors, they are your lifeline.

10) Allow your ideas to mesh: When you bake bread you let the dough rest for a period of time before doing more with it. If your finished, or you hit a wall, take a moment and come back to it before posting. You might come up with something to add or think better of something potentially harmful.

All in all: Blogs are communicative devices and human beings are highly social creatures. Enjoy yourself and throw yourself into to social sphere!

Resources:

6 Pillars of a Successful Blog

12 Steps You Must Take to Quickly Become a Successful Blogger