Blogs have been an effective platform for writers to express their thoughts.
While it may sound easy to put up a blog, making it successful is a whole different story.
It will take a lot of time, effort, and patience before you see some significant growth in terms of page views, conversion rates, and revenues.
There are tons of articles out there giving tips on how to start a blog and make it successful.
Oftentimes, these devices are useful. However, there is a lot of bad advice as well.
As one of the most cost-efficient marketing media that writers and business owners can use, blogs are all over the internet.
For you to use the platform as a way to connect with your target audience and drive traffic to your blog, you must know the do’s and don’ts when it comes to blogging.
A list to follow to supercharge your blog:
Blogging Do’s
Find your focus
For you to find your focus, you have to first ask yourself: who is your target audience?
Once you identify your target readers, you can settle on a niche category and try to be an authority on it.
Always be yourself
What differentiates bloggers from newspapers is their tone.
As a blogger, you must for you always be yourself and be relatable. Let your readers know you on a more personal level.
The content you publish is what attracts them while your personality, tone, and writing style are the things that keep them engaged.
Interlink your pages and references
Interlinking your content not only improves user experience. It also offers search engine optimization (SEO) value. So it is important to link related pages throughout your blog.
Each time you reference or quote something, make sure to link them. Linking to other sites builds relationships and high is the chance that they will link back, or share your content on their social media pages – it will be a win for both parties.
Add images
While your readers visit your blog for some good reads and your wit, you also have to please their eyes.
Your posts don’t necessarily have to have graphics but try to add them as much as possible.
Spark a discussion and respond to comments
You need to publish content that will appeal to your audience. Make sure to solicit their opinions and engage in the conversation as much as possible.
Share, share, and share
Share your posts on major social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites you feel your target readers are in.
The more platforms you share your content the more eyes you will capture and the better your content will perform.
Reach out and connect to other bloggers
Don’t be shy to reach out to other bloggers, especially the ones related to your niche who have been around for quite some time now.
Most bloggers don’t mind someone reaching out to them, for it broadens their network.
When reaching out, be sure to always be nice and polite, and show your gratitude to whoever has helped you. You may also acknowledge them on your blog and they may even reciprocate!
Consider adding opt-in forms
If you have noticed, almost every blog has an opt-in form at the end of every post.
This is where readers will put in details to sign up for updates and promotions.
Opt-in forms may be in a form of a popup, floating box, and a simple form. Use the forms that you feel will suit your blog the most.
It is important that you use opt-ins in moderation since overusing them may annoy your readers.
Blogging Don’ts
Set the bar too high
No one knows your abilities and limitations better than you.
Don’t set the bar too high, too high to the point that you’ll get too worked up and frustrated because you didn’t meet your goals.
It may be too taxing to post regularly so kick things off by posting weekly and get a vibe of things. As you make your processes more efficient, you can then post more frequently.
Compare yourself to others, it will do you no good
The truth of the matter is, there will always be nicer, fancier, and incredibly well-written blogs that will make your blog look inferior.
Take this as a motivation to evolve and improve rather than something that will frustrate and discourage you.
It’s better to have a lot of room for improvement rather than to make a huge jump and then go stagnant.
Limit your word count
Bloggers are opinionated by nature. So, if you have something to say, don’t hold back. Say it. Readers and search engines love long-form informative content.
Well-written long-form content is found to be engaging since the gives readers the vibe that reading the whole article will be worth their time.
Don’t be fixated on the old-school perception that blog posts need to be short. When you feel like the time is right, go all in and go long!
Make Grammatical Errors
Even the best writers sometimes commit grammatical errors. So, if ever you spot errors in your posts make sure to rectify them as soon as possible
However, some netizens are lenient when it comes to typographical errors, so don’t stress too much about them. But be sure to edit them as soon as you can.
Take note that if you want your readers to take you seriously, you need to take yourself seriously. Present your blog most professionally.
Be negative
Venting and grumbling on your blog is not a good idea, since readers may find you polarizing and annoying. You don’t need to be controversial to spark a conversation.
Write long winding paragraphs
Large text blocks are not pleasing to the eyes, especially when on computers and tablet screens.
Break your article up into shorter paragraphs, lists, and bullet points whenever possible.
In addition, you may also incorporate subheadings to avoid long winding paragraphs.
Stay in your comfort zone
You will not see significant growth if you stay in your comfort zone. You have to let your blog evolve to cope with the latest trends. You need to take risks.
Whether it is incorporating infographics, sharing personal anecdotes, or collaborating with other bloggers, do not be afraid to try something new. Trust your instincts.
If you feel it can add value to your blog and readers, go ahead and try it.
