Starting a blog that is okay is very simple. The secrets for how to start a great blog are also simple, but it takes a little bit more work and planning. These four tips will help you hit the ground running.
-
Get set for social media
When picking a blog name, many people only check whether there’s a matching domain name available. By the time you get to integrate your blog with social media, it’s possible that someone else may have snagged the matching social media handle for your blog.
While mismatched Twitter and Facebook handles may not be the worst thing in the world, it’s well worth investigating the possibilities upfront. Make sure that your efforts are worth it by installing social media plug-ins that will make it easy for your readers to share your posts.
-
Consider your crowd
Blogs are more personal than other web platforms, but if you are blogging for yourself, you may be better off buying a journal. Before starting a blog, think about the type of person that you want to read your blog and write for them.
Think about how they would search the web and use those keywords. Think about how they would talk and echo that voice in your writing. Think about things that would be useful to your reader and work that into your content and links. Give them the opportunity to comment and subscribe to an email list.
Not only does that encourage interaction, but it will also give you an idea of what types of posts get more traction. Remember to respond to comments. If they care enough to comment, they want to know that you care about them too.
-
Go with visuals
Although good content is ultimately more important than fancy visuals, well-placed pictures in a blog refresh what would otherwise just be drab text.
If you don’t have your own pictures, sites like PhotoDropper and Morguefile have thousands of photos that you can imbed in your blog for free. Starting your blog with a simple, understated design will give your content and images the chance to speak for themselves.
-
Be active
Getting a following doesn’t come overnight. Post regularly, about two to four times a week when you get started. Become part of the blogging community.
Find other great blogs in your niche (keep an eye out for relevant WordPress Freshly Pressed posts), follow them and leave appropriate comments that will make them curious about your blog in return.
About the Author
Leanie Louw is a Writing for the Web Course graduate at SA Writers College. Take a look at her blog http://www.awkwardandamazing.com
