I just read a great post by Craig McBreen with excellent advice for potential bloggers! Thanks to Gini Dietrich for tipping me off about it via Twitter. Gini, incidentally, recently wrote about her own process for blogging.
I like it so much it inspired this post.
How I got started blogging
Craig advises folks on how to prepare to become a blogger. While I like his advice, it’s the exact opposite of my own approach. When I began my personal blog, I literally just dove in without any research or preparation.
I knew enough to use it as a forum to share my perspectives on how to make the world a better place starting with a better Kitchener. I’ve never looked back and have never regretted that approach. I think it’s valid to use either his approach or mine depending upon what suits you best.
My advice to potential bloggers
Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, be sure to write about what you’re passionate about. My best writing comes when I care about my topic-even if it’s how to use Twitter.
And only write when you care enough about something. Otherwise it shows that you’re just going through the motions which turns off readers more than irregular posts do. But you should also try to avoid long gaps between posts. Set a target of at least one post a week or a month.
If you’re new to blogging, I wouldn’t set an expectation to blog daily. Few people can sustain that pace for very long and usually burn out. On the other hand, you might be able to post frequently if you remember that not every post needs to be a marathon. Some can be short and pithy.
I like that Craig emphasizes commenting. Every time I get a comment it’s like receiving a prize. (Hint. Hint. Hint.) I’m slowly starting to comment more regularly on other people’s blogs and I’m finding that rewarding too.
A final tip for today, use other people’s posts as an inspiration for your own. In this case, I found that what I was sharing in my comment to Craig’s post was information that I wanted to share with my readers. So here it is.
Looking for more advice? Check out my 9 tips to help you experience the power of blogging.
photo credit: Annie Mole via photo pin cc
