Blogging Tips
I’ve put off this post in the past because there are blogs way more successful than mine and I’m embarrassed to even pretend to be in the same league.
However, a common email I receive asks for tips on how write a successful blog. And since I’ve been able to turn my blog from just a hobby into my dream job, I guess I do have some qualifications to write such a post.
There’s no way I can sum up all my blogging tips in a single post; I’ve been blogging a long time! So how about a series on blogging tips? Obviously I’m not an expert in technology (Far from it!), but I can offer tips learned from experience. In many cases, they’ll be tips of things not to do, based on mistakes I’ve made. Hopefully if I offer up my own mistakes, I can spare y’all the frustration of repeating them.
Part One: What makes a successful blog?
Truthfully, there is only ONE criterion for determining whether a blog is successful or not: Do you enjoy blogging? Are you excited to create new posts, to connect with others, to publish for the world to see?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then (in my opinion, at least) your blog is a success! It doesn’t matter if you only have five readers or if you publish ten posts in a row about nothing but your love for Boston terriers. If your blog makes you happy, it is successful. Period.
On the other hand, if you have a huge readership and yet blogging feels like a chore, I’d argue your blog is not successful. What good is having a popular blog if you don’t even enjoy writing it? That’s like those poor, rich businesspeople who hate their jobs… yes they make a lot of money, and yes they’re successful by society’s standards. But are they having fun in life?
Blogging should be Fun
Based on the above criterion, my own blog is wildly successful. I have fun with it every day. Dreaming up recipes, experimenting in the kitchen, photographing my creations, writing blog posts, and connecting with readers…
I cannot imagine anything that could be more fun, especially when so many of the aforementioned kitchen experiments involve chocolate!
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Such as my peanut butter stuffed brownies.
When I started my blog, it was a lot of fun.
I had about three daily readers and barely received any comments. Yet, I loved my baby blog because it was mine. I imagined it being an online scrapbook, where I could write whatever I wanted (no one was reading anyway!). With no readers, there’s no pressure. You can blog when you want and about what you want.
How to make your blog successful:
First, ask yourself if you’re having fun with your blog. If the answer is yes, you really don’t need to change a thing! If the answer is no, here are some ideas that might be helpful:
- Look over your old posts. Was there a time when you did have fun with your blog? Are there any particular posts you were especially excited to publish?
- Look at the blogs you love most. What about these blogs makes you smile?
- Are there any aspects of the blogging process you enjoy more than others? And any aspects of blogging you hate? For example, maybe you really like the writing process but hate taking photos. Or maybe photography is your thing, but you’re not one for words.
- Change your blogging style so that it suits YOU.  If you love pictures but hate writing, who says you can’t do photo-only posts? Or, on the other hand, who says a good post needs a photo? What’s awesome about blogging is that you are your own boss ;).
(It might be helpful for you to make an actual list on paper, jotting down notes on what you like and dislike about your blog, about other blogs, and about the blogging process.)
Questions of the Day:
Do you enjoy blogging?
And what are your favorite aspects of blogging (or reading blogs)?
Connecting with people who are like you? Learning about new foods and trying out recipes? Taking photos? Looking back on your old posts?
By the way, if you want a laugh, check out my very first post.
🙂
Blogging is a creative outlet for me, sometimes I write about food and sometimes I share details about what is happening in my life. It is therapeautic:)
I love blogging because it is a place where I can truly share who I am.. on a daily basis..and be connected with tons of people who I share SO much in common with. I love knowing that people are repsonding to my writing..learning new things.. and supporting my journey!
Love these tips – thanks so much for starting a series like this, Katie.
I go through phases with blogging, and always realize that when I’m not being true to who I am and what I love, I get bored with blogging. Your post has inspired me to experiment more with my writing style and blogging format, so I’ll be linking back to you soon. Thanks!
Aw, I’ll be excited to hear what you write! 🙂
Aw I love this post! I focus my blog mainly on my life because that’s what I love, and it just so happens that eating healthy and exercising are two of my favorite things so I blog a lot about that.
I love this. I would love a series on blogging. I am about a month in and I’m still fumbling like an awkward teenager! I am still trying to figure out my writing style and voice.
Thanks for sharing, Katie! (:
i LOVE bloggin!! and i make sure i keep loving it!! if I ever feel like im getting in a drag.. il just take a little break or put up a small post- i gotta love what i do or it wont last long!
Great post, girl! I’m still a baby blogger, but I love it so so so much. I have such a good time with it!
Lol Katie, you don’t give yourself enough credit for how big you are. Even just from the number of comments your blog gets, it’s obvious that you’re one of the big bloggers. And it’s no secret or fluke as to why, it’s because you’re just so darn awesome!
I love reading your fun posts every single day :).
Thanks for the very informative post, Katie! I still feel like im finding my own groove in the blogosphere…seeing what works for me and what doesnt…just like any creative outlet I’m trying to find my own style and then stick to it! Wish me luck 😉
Good luck! 😉
Hey Katie, thanks for the tips! It’s not just chocolate, but your enthusiasm, that makes your blog so fun to read. As a new blogger, I absolutely love writing Out of Liney, but I’ll try to keep your wisdom in mind for tougher times!
i loved your first post, so cute and down to earth. these are great tips katie, thank you! and I agree, it is all about passion.
Katie, I love your Intro 🙂 So much fun to think back- I used to read your blog from time to time. I didnt really knew what a blog was back then. then I lost your address, but found it again later- and was superhappy 😀
Thanks for your blog tips- your so right! It IS important that it is fun! It really shines through if a writer like to blog or not!
I’m so honored you’ve read my blog for so long lol!
Awww Katie this is great and I would LOVE a series! You’ve come a long way and as a respected and known blogger I, and I’m sure many other bloggers would love to take some pointers from you!
Katie I would love for you to do a series on blogging tips — you have done really well and I really enjoy your blog!
I have been blogging since Aug 2010 and I really like it so far — I did take a 2 month break and I changed the name, but the experience as a whole has been great!
I love this series!!! Girl, you are my inspiration. Thank you for everything you do! Thank you for all of the time you put into your blog. It has really changed me for the better. 🙂 Thank you. 🙂
I love blogging! I know how inspiring and fun it is for me to read other blogger posts, so I love sharing with people my unique perspective and personality and experiences, and hopefully I can inspire them, too!