BLOG TIPS- New bloggers read up as much "How To Blog" information that they can, and there are numerous experts who are happy to offer advice. You have your domain name, and are set to blog. But what about reasons blogs, and bloggers fail in their blogging efforts? Let's address several that Blog to Great has heard of so that you can avoid them!
1. A Lack of Dedication & Passion: Failed bloggers are not truly passionate about their blog and niche. Failed bloggers are caught up with the "idea" of blogging but don't grasp the nature of blogs, blogging and their niche. Once they use up their limited post ideas, they wander off and the blog wastes away. SOLUTION- Be truly passionate about your topic, blog about something you love, enjoy and stay current with.
2. A Lack of Determination: Failed blogs and their bloggers look at the top bloggers, are envious of them and decide they can do it too. What they fail to realize, or accept, is that to be a TOP blogger, you'll have to stick with it for possibly years to develope a following and a quality reputation/standing in the blogosphere. SOLUTION- Don't see blogging as a chance for overnight success or fame! It has to be worked at and you have to accept short term failures (low traffic).
3. A Lack of Caring When Posting: Good blogs and bloggers rarely dash off filler posts. Spend time with your work (your posts) and make sure you're proud of what you write and that it offers the reader real value. Proof read your posts at least twice. SOLUTION- Write wisely and carefully and determine what you want to say before you write a post.
4. Use of Black Hat Methods: Some bloggers are tempted to short cut in order to get quick results. By using these methods, you need to realize that short term gains will not guarantee true, long term success. Black Hat methods will deminish your, and your blog's, reputation. SOLUTION- Work hard, and use White Hate methods only for true success.
4. A Desire for Quick Money: Again, failed blogs are blogs and bloggers that are looking for fast cash and a not to share knowledge, build a good reputation and learn about a topic. Failed bloggers believe (falsely) that money is easily found with a few blogs, by stuffing their blog with ads or by joining click fraud groups. Good blog ads are helpful, part of blogging and a good way to monetize a blog, just don't overdo it. It's not worth the short term gain if you plan to stick around, and there's a good chance you'll get scammed and won't see the money anyway! SOLUTION- Know why you're blogging, and if it's only for money, don't attempt it.
6. Failure to Interact with Readers: These bloggers, if they're fortunate enough to gain readers, fail to engage, challange, excite their audience. When this happens, readers will lose interest and move along to other, better blos. SOLUTION- Offer new, fresh, valuable and sometimes controversial content. Ask your readers to reply, comment and join in the discussion with you.
7. Fail to Make a Call for Action: As in #6, comments are great for blogs, but if you don't encourage your readers or challenge them to think, they won't enter into the discussion. SOLUTION- Be direct, ask your readers to join in !!!
8. Poor Grammar: Readers need to know the writer has some expertise in the niche. If you grammar is poor, you will not be considered smart or a leader and expert. SOLUTION- Re-visit basic grammar rules to brush up. And, have someone with good skills (friend, family member, co-worker) review your work before posting.
9. Failure to Develope a Brand or Identity: Popular blogs and bloggers need to be known and stand for something. Make sure your domain name says something about you. Make sure you know what your stand for, and be consistant at it. SOLUTION- Stay on topic and be true to what your about. Even something simple like current, well written, accurate About Page and Contact Information Page reflect who you are to your readers.
10. Failure to Network with Other Bloggers: As a blogger, you're part of a network already, but you need to be an active member. Search out other bloggers in your niche, share information (a little at a time) and share success/failure information. Be willing to learn, comment and link !
Comment below and share the "failure" stories you've heard (or experienced) so that we all can avoid them. And, Blog to Great !!!
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