I started this blog only 6 months ago. And its success has surpassed my wildest expectations (in terms of followers, page views, newsletter subscribers, retweets, etc). So, drawn from my own (short) experience, here’s what I think makes a blog work:
The first one is a throw-away tip, because it is so evident, crucial and the start of it all. I’m sharing it nonetheless:
0- Content. Content. Content. No BS. Stick to one consistent area/topic/thread. Make sure your visitors know what they will get when they come back!
Here is my “golden mile”:
1- Pace yourself. Creativity works on mysterious ways. Don’t post too often too quickly. Good example of what not to do: look at Guy Kawasaki – I love the guy, and I follow his every word, but my God it is social media “overload” 😉
2- Make your posts maximum 1 page long. No more. If people want to read a book, don’t worry: they’ll buy a book. Make a blog look, feel and read like … a blog!
3- Visualize what you want to convey as message. Put videos and pictures.
4- Limit links. Embed instead. Keep your visitors on YOUR site.
5- Integrate. Link your posts to fb, twitter, linkedin, google+, stumbleupon, scoop.it, paper.li, and the rest of it. Once a blog post is up, make sure you can “broadcast” to your widest possible network with one touch of a button – modern technology makes that very well possible. Curation at its best!
Last but not least, use and show your ENERGY to spark that reaction amongst your network (dixit DotJenna):
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Thank you for reading this blog post. Please do comment and share your perspectives!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hey … I’ve been looking through your website and getting some real good advice on getting into the blogging world. I personally started my own blog (it’s related mainly to the repairing of blackberry cellphone….i’m a cellphone technician). I don’t know what made me stay away from blogging but i’m glad i ventured into it.
My blog is ONLY about a week old, but Rome wasn’t built in a day …. right. I’m looking forward to bigger and better and brighter days