An initial step towards successful blogging is determining the topic/s you will write about and the main theme of your blog. Let's first address the main theme. There are blogs currently written on every conceivable topic including the daily thoughts and activities of the blogger. You'll need to decide if you want to be an expert on a niche subject, or reflect and inform your readers on a broader topic. With broad themes, you should be able to reach a much wider audience. This will help you get the steady flow of new readers needed to interest advertisers (if that's your goal). However, if you are passionate about a particular subject (Pontiac race cars, knitting, South American rainforests, 19th century French politics, European soccer rules, etc), you may consider a niche blog to discuss your interests. You can still attract advertisers interested in marketing to your defined audience. If you're going to cover a lot of different topics, don't go overboard. Without any focus, you will become dependent on a random audience who happens to find your blog. Decide what you're most comfortable with so that you're able to interest your readers and they are compelled to re-visit and build a relationship with you. Such topics as, eco-living, 2008 presidential elections, movies, current events, humor cover a wide base with endless daily writing possibilities. Pick what you enjoy and know, then run with it.
Before starting your blog, make up a topic list, I'd say have 25 - 30 topics listed. I keep mine in a word doc, but I also have a dedicated blogging notebook that I take with me wherever I go. Try to write, in advance, as many posts as you can. You'll find that when you do, after your edits, the posts will be much better than sitting down each day to come up with new ideas, write, proofread, revise, then post.
It's always best to be clear and concise, know who you are and what you blog represents. It will evolve, and that's OK.
