Occasionally, I will be asked by people, "how are you able to blog as consistently as you do"? People will want to know how to blog and/or how to be consistently writing new posts. There are a lot of people who begin blogging but are unable to continue to blog or blog inconsistently. Below are seven tips for consistent, quality blogging.
7) Write! I realize this should go without saying but you would be surprise at the number of people who only talk about blogging. (I guess you shouldn't be surprised it's human nature to talk about doing something and never actually do it). If you want to blog you must write. Write about anything and everything. Purchase a cheap notebook from Target and begin to write. Don't worry about grammar or writing the perfect post which will be read by thousands; just write. Do you have thoughts and ideas jumbled up in your head? Do you have an opinion on the latest news, sports, religious or pop culture? If so, write it down. Discipline yourself to write at least a paragraph a day on any topic. Once you begin to write on a daily basis you will be amazed at how easy it is to blog consistently.
6) Begin blogging with lists, like this one. Lists are easy to write and are helpful to people. Most individuals are intimidated because they can not think of a topic long enough to cover a blog post. Don't start with one topic, begin a list. One of my first posts was on top ten ways to reduce debt. Do a top ten, seven, or five list on anything and everything. You will be amazed at how quickly you are able to write a post.
5) Be consistent. Consistency breeds readership. Readers want consistent posts. Begin small. Don't attempt to publish a new blog everyday. Begin with every other week and work your way to everyday. By working your way to a goal you will be developing a habit and forming a discipline.
4) Wake up early. Blogging and writing can take up a lot of your time and keep you from being productive doing work Monday-Friday which pays the bills. Blogging is ONLY a hobby. I hate to be the one to burst your bubble but chances are better that you will be struck by lightning than you will make a living as a blogger. Don't let blogging interfere with your work. Don't quit your day job to attempt to make it as a blogger. For example, I get up at 4:30 am every Saturday to have time to write before everyone gets up. If you want to blog you must make sacrifices.
3) Please, do not rant! It seems like everyone these days has a blog and loves to rant, rave and ramble against "the man". Please do not use your blog as a platform to speak negatively about individuals and institutions. Keep your blog positive and helpful. View your blog as a tool to serve others. The internet needs more bloggers attempting to help people up rather than pushing them down.
2) Publish your post during a time when most people will read it. You could have the worlds greatest post but if you publish during a bad time no-one will read it. Take time to research the best time/day to publish a blog in your area. A quick Google search will reveal the answer. If busy at work during the best time than invest in a free account at hootsuite.com. This site will link your blog to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc and will allow you to schedule posts. You are able to post on social media and still be working your 9-5 job. Your boss will never know. I utilize this tool and has increased my blog viewership.
1) Keep it short! Your blog is not the place to publish your PhD dissertation or your book which never got published. Keep your posts short and your viewership will increase. If a blog appears to be running long break it up into multiple sections.
In conclusion, consistent, quality blogging is a habit and disciplined which can be formed over time. I wish you the best as you venture out as a blogger.
7) Write! I realize this should go without saying but you would be surprise at the number of people who only talk about blogging. (I guess you shouldn't be surprised it's human nature to talk about doing something and never actually do it). If you want to blog you must write. Write about anything and everything. Purchase a cheap notebook from Target and begin to write. Don't worry about grammar or writing the perfect post which will be read by thousands; just write. Do you have thoughts and ideas jumbled up in your head? Do you have an opinion on the latest news, sports, religious or pop culture? If so, write it down. Discipline yourself to write at least a paragraph a day on any topic. Once you begin to write on a daily basis you will be amazed at how easy it is to blog consistently.
6) Begin blogging with lists, like this one. Lists are easy to write and are helpful to people. Most individuals are intimidated because they can not think of a topic long enough to cover a blog post. Don't start with one topic, begin a list. One of my first posts was on top ten ways to reduce debt. Do a top ten, seven, or five list on anything and everything. You will be amazed at how quickly you are able to write a post.
5) Be consistent. Consistency breeds readership. Readers want consistent posts. Begin small. Don't attempt to publish a new blog everyday. Begin with every other week and work your way to everyday. By working your way to a goal you will be developing a habit and forming a discipline.
4) Wake up early. Blogging and writing can take up a lot of your time and keep you from being productive doing work Monday-Friday which pays the bills. Blogging is ONLY a hobby. I hate to be the one to burst your bubble but chances are better that you will be struck by lightning than you will make a living as a blogger. Don't let blogging interfere with your work. Don't quit your day job to attempt to make it as a blogger. For example, I get up at 4:30 am every Saturday to have time to write before everyone gets up. If you want to blog you must make sacrifices.
3) Please, do not rant! It seems like everyone these days has a blog and loves to rant, rave and ramble against "the man". Please do not use your blog as a platform to speak negatively about individuals and institutions. Keep your blog positive and helpful. View your blog as a tool to serve others. The internet needs more bloggers attempting to help people up rather than pushing them down.
2) Publish your post during a time when most people will read it. You could have the worlds greatest post but if you publish during a bad time no-one will read it. Take time to research the best time/day to publish a blog in your area. A quick Google search will reveal the answer. If busy at work during the best time than invest in a free account at hootsuite.com. This site will link your blog to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc and will allow you to schedule posts. You are able to post on social media and still be working your 9-5 job. Your boss will never know. I utilize this tool and has increased my blog viewership.
1) Keep it short! Your blog is not the place to publish your PhD dissertation or your book which never got published. Keep your posts short and your viewership will increase. If a blog appears to be running long break it up into multiple sections.
In conclusion, consistent, quality blogging is a habit and disciplined which can be formed over time. I wish you the best as you venture out as a blogger.
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