Become a successful blogger
Whether you’ve got a business and want to get the word out or you’re simply passionate about a topic and want to share it, starting a blog is the way to do it. Setting up a blog can be straightforward but creating a successful one is a bit more difficult. When we use the word success we don’t necessarily mean an internationally acclaimed blog but simply one that has a readership and a growing audience that keeps coming back for more. So how do you go about making your blog stand out among the rest? These easy-to-follow tips will help get you on the right track.
Do what you love
Choose a topic that you are genuinely passionate about and knowledgeable in. This will not only mean that you’ll want to update your blog but your passion will come through in your writing and that’s what readers – or more specifically repeat readers – respond well to.
Write good content
What you write is the most important factor in the success of your blog. Readers appreciate consistently high-quality content. Make sure you proofread all of your articles to ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors. It’s also a good idea to double-check any facts and quotes you include too. If you’re serious about blogging it might be a good idea to spend some time improving your writing skills – after all, it is the bread and butter of blogging. Open2Study offers a FREE online course, Writing for the Web, in which you’ll learn the difference between writing for print versus the web as well as the characteristics of good online content and how to write for your audience.
Update regularly and consistently
In order to build a readership, you need to update your blog regularly and consistently. Readers always want more content and they like to know when it’s coming. A common mistake for a first-time blogger is to enthusiastically post at the beginning but then post infrequently after that. Decide how often you can realistically blog and stick to it! Your readers will love you for it and keep coming back.
Be part of the community
Now that you’re a blogger you are part of the blogging community. Embrace it because not only can you learn from your fellow bloggers but also they can help you by recommending your posts or blog to others – but keep in mind they only do this when they like what you give them. It’s also a good idea to comment regularly on other blogs you’re interested in and respond to comments on your blog as this all helps to make you a visible part of different conversations and contributes to a strong online presence.
Market your blog
Unfortunately, simply creating a blog and writing good content will not always guarantee you a successful blog. You need to get the word out there. Market your blog so people know who you are and what your blog is all about. You can do this in a number of ways such as networking with other bloggers, guest blogging for other successful blogs and getting them to link back to your blog, and then of course being active on social media is another way to get the word out there.
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Want to know more about blogging or explore a career in this field?
Open2Study offers a free online course, Writing for the Web, which could lead you to one of the following vocations:
- Social media manager
- Technical writer
- Web copywriter
- Web designer
- Web developer
- Web publisher
- Webmaster
- Advertising designer
- Marketing designer
- Public relations manager
- Assistant web designer
- Assistant web developer
- Website coordinator
- Webmaster assistant
The course covers:
- How to structure a web page
- Considerations for search engines and accessibility requirements
- Making your content scannable
- Using keywords, headings, lists and links
- Matching your company’s tone of voice
- Creating a content strategy and style guide
To find out more about Writing for the Web visit the Open2Study website here or watch this video for some great insights as to what the course covers: