As I started preparing this theme (audacity) I got thinking about the start of the year and all the people who might have ‘start writing a blog’ on their list of resolutions, intentions, or things they hope to do in 2009.
Which in turn got me thinking about the advice or suggestions I’d offer to anyone just starting out on their blogging journey.
As Ulla Hennig mentioned here just the other day, it sometimes seem as if you need to learn all the rules about how to blog, to absorb all the advice, and follow all the ‘shoulds’ both spoken and assumed. That can leave you tongue-tied and wondering just which way to turn.
Blogging is also an audacious act. It’s simple, (often) free and easy to get started. There are no barriers to entry. Yet if you stop and think about it (best not to, in fact) the very notion seems presumptious. Audacious. Sharing your thoughts, perspectives and ideas with the millions of people who are using the internet.
Then sitting around waiting for just one reader to turn up.
Yes, it’s a conundrum indeed and although I don’t like the idea of ‘rules’ I do think we can help each other find the way, and that seasoned bloggers have lots (and lots) of valuable experience, lessons learned and practical advice that it would be good to share with those who are just starting out.
Pointers for New Bloggers
As a starter for ten, here are mine:
1. Link Out
Get into the habit of linking out to other bloggers whose work you enjoy. Most bloggers are curious (with just a touch of ego!) and will follow the link back to your site. Do this organically and naturally and it’s more likely to work (slowly). Link to bloggers who are a bit bigger or better established than you – but not so big they’ll never have the chance to visit all of those who link to them.
I learned this lesson from Mike Sansone in this post on how to avoid a dead (arm) blog. It was a real ‘aha’ moment for me.
2. Visit Other Blogs
Don’t spend all your time at your own place getting it just right – go out and about visiting. That’s the way to pick up ideas, learn, get inspired, and connect up with people you want to talk to (through linking and commenting, see above and below).
3. Comment
It’s the best way I know to get to know other bloggers and build relationships. Plus if you leave a thoughtful comment, or even a kind one, other people may follow your words back to your blog.
4. Get Free Advice
Soak it all up. There’s lots of it, and it’s all free. Problogger is the best place to hang out for new tips (and a great archive)
5. Experiment
There’s no ‘right’ way to blog, so experiment till you find what works for you. (Not just for new bloggers!)
6. Keep Going
I think we’ve all hit dips of wondering why we’re doing this and if it’s ever going to work. The trick is to keep going even when it seems like it’s not working.
7. Don’t Worry
If you realise you want to change direction after a while… don’t worry. You learn from writing. You learn from blogging. It’s natural to shift, change and grow as a result of that. Plus you’re much more likely to stick with it if you go where it feels natural, easy and fun.
8. Trust Your Instinct
Yes, soak up all the advice… but not to the extent you feel rule-bound. Trust your own instincts.
9. Keep It Short
Internet readers have a short attention span. Unless you can write spectacularly well you’ll save yourself time and bother if you keep your posts on the short side. If you’ve got one big fantabulous idea that needs to be shared with the world try breaking it down into a series of short posts. That way more people are likely to read it.
10. Just Start
If you’ve already got going – well done! If you’re thinking about it… don’t worry about learning all the advice first. It could paralyse you and get in the way of you doing what you want to do. You’ll learn as you go. Yes, you’ll make mistakes, but that’s the best way to learn, and to find what works for you.
If I had to pick just one, I’d pick the first. Link out.
There’s nothing worse than writing wonderful stuff and not having any visitors. Link out intelligently and they will come.
Now It’s Your Turn
What advice would you give to new bloggers?
Do you have a tip or suggestion that someone gave you that saved your blogging bacon?
What helped you most in the early days?
Share your comments here, on Twitter or blog about them at your own site and I’ll compile them into a post here.
Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach
Because our words count
Photo Credit: untitled by K. Sawyer on flickr
Work with Joanna and learn to express yourself with confidence. Online classes to free the inner writer. Get help writing the pages that you need for an effective presence on the web.
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Some great tips there, Joanna.
After my first nine months of blog publishing, I compiled my top seven blog mistakes to avoid, and have linked to them through my name.
In summary:
1/ Using WordPress.com hosting
2/ Expecting people to visit
3/ Writing like a lecture
4/ Changing blog location
5/ Neglecting headlines
6/ Poor linking practice
7/ Underestimating the time commitment
I put those thoughts in writing back in mid-2007. Perhaps it’s time for a little update.
Ciao for now.
Joanna,
During the years I had the feeling that I was stuck, had simply no idea whatsoever about what to write. Suddenly I got an idea, but the time before getting it I felt really bad. I’ve decided now to put up a mindmap and add there anything I can think of. It’s amazing what 30 minutes of brainstorming can do!
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Mozart: Rondo Alla Turca
Oh, and I forgot to thank you for the link love. Notice to self: Go through the comments on my blog and see if I can make up a blog post out of them!:-)
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Mozart: Rondo Alla Turca
Ulla,
Blog comments have been a HUGE source of inspiration for me. That’s a great tip.
I would say that there is such a thing as “planning to much!” You plan, and talk about doing it (about starting that new blog) so much that you never get started.
Sometimes, it’s ok to just do it. Launch that new blog. Take a test-run “so-to-speak.” Give it a few months and then decide whether it’s for you or not.
Don’t pick your blog topic based on something that you think will “play in Peoria.” Pick your topic based on:
* Your passions
* Things that interest you
* Things that bug you
* Things that you’re curious about
* Things that make you laugh out loud
Those are the things that will keep you in it for the long haul.
Roy Jacobsens last blog post..Use short words
I’ve only just launched my blog, so I am a new blogger. But I’ve spent the best part of 18 months trying to get my head around my approach and more specifically, why I wanted to blog. I think that’s important, knowing why you’re doing it. I also think that it’s very important to add value to existing arguments. And of course, be polite and helpful at all times.
A very useful post for the likes of lil ol’ me – thank you.
I’ve also responded (more succinctly, obviously) via Twitter.
I am a new blogger, so thanks for the tips! David Airey is dead-on when he talks about neglecting the headlines (there is much to learn about SEO), and writing like you’re lecturing. I come from a business writing background, so conversational writing is hard for me…but I’m learning.
Cindys last blog post..Sleep More, Weigh Less
Hi Joanna, All the tips and ideas in your post and in comments are rock solid. A few things I think are especially important -
1. Respond thoughtfully to all comments on your blog.
2. Use images – they liven things up so much.
3. Don’t post unless you have something original to say.
4. Keep a notebook/PDA handy so you can jot down post ideas whenever and wherever you have them.
5. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Sometimes they turn out better than the best laid plans.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..UK Slang, Round 2 – Join Me!
Joanna,
Those are some excellent tips. I would also suggest keeping a pen and paper in close proximity. I find that I come up with my best ideas when I’m not infront of the computer.
A few nights ago I had trouble sleeping. As I was tossing and turning, I came up with a couple of great post ideas. When I woke up the following morning I couldn’t remember a single one.
Walts last blog post..Mario Kart Wii
Start now.
Blog about your passion. If you have many passions, blog about all of them.
Write daily, and write well. Read books and blogs on how to write.
Build up a following on twitter.
If you’re just starting out, the first thing you may have to get used to is that “talkin’ to yourself” sorta thing. At least, that’s how it was for me, anyway.
But after I got comfortable with that, the second thing I started obsessing over was whether or not what I was writing “made a difference” to anyone. It’s easy to find yourself wondering if what you say will ever produce any feedback, y’know?
But a plane trip over the Amazon Basin in the middle of the night taught me the power of just one light in the darkness, and it’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten.
My advice: just keep goin’, Bubba; just keep goin’!
@Walt
I have the very same problem Walt, and recently posted ’10 things to write on in an emergency’ on my blog!
Actually, as a new blogger, is what I just did in that previous paragraph, though relevant and hopefully helpful, frowned upon?
I also thought of something else for new bloggers: don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are usually amazing and willing.
Iain Broomes last blog post..10 things to write on in an emergency!
First, you’ve got to recognize there is a time commitment – and you must either have the time available or decide what you are going to cut in order to make the time. If you don’t have a basic time commitment, you won’t be blogging in 3 months.
Consistency – I went a little overboard here (for different reason actually) but when I began my blog it was to prove something to myself and I set a goal of posting a photograph every day for a year. I was at a low point, and needed to prove to myself I could commit to something and then achieve it. I hit my year posting goal in October, and wondered where my blog would go. Did I still need the blog? Want to blog? Turns out, I’ve developed blogging relationships with so many people, and I’ve gotten rather addicted to blogging, so I’m continuing. And though I’m not pushing to post every day, I find that I do post 6 out of 7 days.
After all, it only takes a few weeks to make a habit. I practiced for a year – definitely a habit now. I can’t imagine my day without a little blogging therapy.
But if blogging ever turns into a burden, I’ll drop it in a second. Life’s too short to do something if it’s not feeding the spirit.
Bos last blog post..Leopard on a Stick
I’m new at blogging also. My blog is doing well and picking up at good pace. I’m doing pretty much all that’s been suggested and I find that it really does work. Problogger is great for tips. Also, I too agree that writing about what you’re passionate about is really important. It resonates in your writing.
That being said, I would love for you to visit me on my blog!
http://www.esl-ealandmore.blogspot.com
Lucys last blog post..A Little Reading for Everyone
I’ve found that new bloggers tend to ask me the same 6 or so questions every time, so I listed and responded to them here.
Tom Johnsons last blog post..What I See — James Hall’s Essays and Florida
Thanks for the great tips.
Find a way to connect your passion for the content with the readers of your blog. Concentrate on writing well. Carry around the Elements of Style.
Gennaros last blog post..Painted Monasteries Of Romania
Joanna, good solid advice and a few things stand out for me that helped me last year:
1) Your sharing of Robert’s post about his trip over the Amazon
2) Your advice to ask myself the “purpose” questions and write them down
In addition, I would say if you’re active in social media, engage the conversations where you are, they may not all happen on your blog, so be open to talking with your readers on other platforms. Most importantly, don’t give up!
Karen Swims last blog post..Five in the Morning
My advice:
1. JUST START… the rest will flow from there
2. don’t worry about how many readers you have or don’t have
3. Start to communicate with other people
4. Don’t worry too much… you’ll find your voice eventually
Pams last blog post..Sing a song of Spirituality
My number one piece of advice would be to think about WHY you want to blog.
Is it just for you and your friends/family? Or do you want to get your name out there, or publicise something in particular?
Once you know why you’re doing it, the how, what and when become more obvious.
The other essential thing to do, which plenty of people have already suggested, is to read other blogs and comment on them. If nothing else, you’ll get a sense of what does and doesn’t work in a blog (content, design, etc).
Catherine @ Sharp Wordss last blog post..Word of the Day (06/01/09)
That’s a great top 10 list. I really wish everyone would comply with the keep it short philosophy.
Love what you have to say about following your instinct. For me, that has to come first. My authentic voice is my most confident voice even when it scares me.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..A Guided Meditation for Authentic Expression
David, hi, and thanks for sharing that post and your top seven mistakes. You’ve taught us all such a lot from some of the more painful mistakes you’ve gone through! I’m sure I’m not alone in being grateful
Ulla, yes, the mind-mapping approach is a great way to generate ideas, and to get an overview of what you’re going to write. It’s helped me a great deal too. And yes, comments offer *countless* possibilities for new posts. I’d have stopped long ago without all the great comments.
Ricardo, I agree with you there. I’m glad I didn’t read any advice before I started – I think it’s easier to learn as you go, or there’s a risk of being paralysed by over-load.
Roy, that’s such a good elaboration on the normal advice to ‘blog your passion’. I’m not what I’d call passionate about confident writing… but I am endlessly curious about it.
Iain, wow, 18 months of preparation! I wonder how it feels now you’re doing it for real. Different – worse – better? Knowing why and adding value are very important – though I’d say don’t worry too much about that, because you can beat yourself up thinking you’re not saying something that hasn’t been said 10 million times before.
Re whether or not to post a link to something you’ve written… opinions vary. I say it’s fine when helpful and relevant. Do it each time you leave a comment and it’ll pretty soon become irritating. Bonus points if you link to someone *else’s* brilliant post on the topic
Hi Cindy, nice to meet you and best wishes with your new blog! I think most of us come to headlines ‘late’ (and then look back and cringe) but it’s good to start looking at ways to improve them as soon as you can, without tying yourself in knots. I think the conversational writing is a challenge for most people too – but it will come with practice, with reading, and with commenting. Twitter is also good for getting into the conversational style.
Brad, points 1 and 2 are so important. Responding to comments makes such a difference – and allows you to build up relationships too, which means feedback, support, ideas and inspiration all of which make the whole thing worth while! Good reminder re images too.
I’m not so sure about saying something original… yes, your own voice and perspective, but there’s not much that’s not been written somewhere sometime before, and I don’t think people should get too hung up on that. (In fact I think there was a conversation on your blog re this issue sometime?)
Point 4 yes, and point 5 yes! yes! It’s the only way to learn.
Walt hi, good to meet you. I also need to have something to scribble on at all times, including by the side of the bed. Nothing worse than having a brilliant idea that wakes you up… and then is gone by morning!
David, your suggestions are so full of strength and passion – and so clearly put. Thank you. The interaction with twitter is fascinating – but does make blogging so much easier doesn’t it? There’s another post in there…
Robert, those are two such important aspects of the feelings that go along with a new blog. Thank you for sharing them. I’ve never forgotten that light in the darkness post either. It changed the way I thought about what, how and why we write.
Bo, those are two great points. I wonder though if people would ever start blogging if they knew how much time it would take up??! Time well spent though I’d say. I l like you can’t now imagine my (professional, creative, artistic, spiritual) life without it. I hope you don’t ever stop blogging. I’d miss sharing your view of the world.
Hi Joanna, I guess I go back and forth on the originality issue. What does not appeal to me is a blog that does nothing much beyond link to other posts or add superficial commentary to another blogger’s post. But the voice and perspective you are talking about are to me also a big part of what originality means.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Making a Sale by Turning It Down
Lucy, good to hear your blog is picking up a good pace. I can’t resist a nice invitation, so I’ve been over to say hi
Tom, thanks for those practical suggestions. I agree with what you say about wordpress – it does mean delving further into the technical side of things, but it’s also so rewarding when you do.
Gennaro, I can see that passion would be at the heart of a blog called enduring wanderlust! Glad to hear you’re focused on writing well too
Karen, that post is one for the dark nights when we lose our way isn’t it? Thanks too for reminding me about the importance of purpose.
Social media adds a whole different dimension – twitter has changed things completely since I started blogging. And yes, definitely, don’t give up!
Pam, I agree very much with that advice. It will all follow from that decision to start. Thank you, and hello.
Catherine, hi, good to see you again. Focusing on the ‘why’ and the ‘who for’ are key questions… though sometimes they only become clearer after you’ve been blogging for a while, wouldn’t you say? And yes, going out and about with eyes wide open will give lots of ideas and inspiration. In fact I think that continues forever – I’m always spotting new things I want to adapt, borrow or steal!
Tom, hello. I try not to dole out too many ‘shoulds’ but keep it short is probably one
Thanks for the feedback on instinct and authenticity. I valued this sentence greatly. “My authentic voice is my most confident voice even when it scares me.”
1. Have a purpose or a theme — I find having a simple purpose helps. For example, my one-liner for me is to share the world’s best insight and action for work and life.
2. Know what you want from blogging — if you don’t have a compelling why, you’ll lose the path. Yours might be *share insights and lessons learned*, or *build a sounding board* or *influence change one reader at a time* … etc. It’s whatever is compelling for you, and remind yourself when you need a boost. For me, it’s personal growth and sharing what I learn with others.
3. Schedule your blog time — it’s not tough to write stuff; it’s tough to sit down to write it. Make the time first, and the creativity will happen.
4. Post “good enough” vs. fit and finish — if you always aim for the long-shot, you’ll miss great posting opportunities along the way.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Timeboxes, Rhythm, and Incremental Value
J.D. Your point one is very powerful – it’s what fuels my blogging too. 2 is also interesting – I wonder how many bloggers are clear on that? Posting good enough is part of the whole blogging dimension isn’t it? As others have mentioned it also helps to make our writing more human and conversational – which is the key to making connections and engaging with our readers.
Brad, thanks for the follow up. Yes I have mixed feelings too – I don’t like blogs that are derivative either (in fact I probably forgot this point because I don’t follow any of them). It’s just a matter of getting the balance right – saying things that are interesting and fresh (and *yours*) without getting hung up on it being 100% original (or witty, or groundbreaking or… any of the words that fuel the inner critic)
One of the best things I did early on was to write a guest post. I happened across a writing site and I liked the style and content. I visited on a regular basis and commented frequently. I decided to ask about doing a guest post and the owner let me have at it. It was great because it gave me a huge influx of new readers at an early stage of my blog and I’ve also built up an extremely rewarding relationship with this particular blog.
So my advice is to find a blog that has good readership and that you admire. Comment frequently and then approach the owner. Do a guest post!
Cheers
George
Tumblemooses last blog post..The rigid writer
In a word: Patience.
Tony Lawrences last blog post..Using Jing for support
Another nice and inspiring post, Joanna. I would like to add another point here: Don’t be afraid to speak out your mind…
wilsons last blog post..Milk Drinking Will Help to Reduce Your High Cholesterol!
Don’t follow the crowd – you don’t have to follow everyone one of the roles the pro bloggers tell you. Do what feels right and the rest will come.
Andy Hayess last blog post..How To Ride An Elephant
George, that’s great advice, thanks very much. More for the audacious than the faint hearted!
Tony, spot on advice. And short – thanks
Wilson, yes, that one’s important too, and a good tie in to the theme of audacity.
Andy, I agree with that although it can be hard at the the start to trust your own instincts. When you do though, and it works… it’s a great feeling.
Very nice top 10 list and I thank you very much for writing it down because I had to figure it out one step at a time.
I need to cut down on length of posts. I attempt to put it down in 500 word increments. Today’s write was 1500 words and I broke it down into 1 1000 word post and one 400 word post. Lots more clarity.
I attempt to discover a new blog once a week, and often click on a link from the comments on favorite blogs.
“Just do it” has been my bold efforts – though I think I will need to ask for help to get tweetdeck installed because I really failed on that one today.
I am glad to have the Problogger book nearby and Liz Strauss on building community too
I also have to be honest – I need paid Tech support.
Patricias last blog post..The Interstate is Closed
i totally agree. blogging power boils down to links.
Tyler (Man of Depravity)s last blog post..Subscribe to Comments
Patricia, I’m glad you found the list useful. Once you get into the habit of writing shorter your brain will start doing it for you. Soon you’ll have zillions of post-sized ideas popping up, iI bet you.
Sorry you found it hard getting tweetdeck going – worth it if you can persist! Knowing when you need tech help is an important element of blogging. I like to do a lot myself but I know my own limits. Hit some last week, and was delighted to find the right person to help. (Another benefit of blogging / twitter – you’ll always be able to find someone who can help)
Tyler, yes, links = oxgyen, connections, relationships, google power, friendship, new possibilities…
Joanna… don’t forget Tip #11… use scanable lists. =D
As you mentioned in another tip, we all have short attention spans while reading online – its just too easy to click-away. Creating lists, and bolding key words in them, is a great way to keep peoples attention as they scan your blog post. I’m not saying EVERY post should be a list (that would be gods awful), but I’ve found a few “pillar” articles that are in list format has drawn a nice chunk of traffic in my niche from google.
I’m glad to have found your blog, btw. First time here; everyone seems to be real nice and polite – which is refreshing.
jonathans last blog post..RPG Blog Anthology – MAJOR UPDATE
Gosh, well, I’m one of those who ‘just started’ without looking for any tips, and found this blog by random surfing.
I would say I’ve learnt more about blogging from reading than from writing my own – things like the fact that it’s good to include photos (though I’ve yet to work out how to make that translate into a thumbnail which shows up alongside my post on other people’s sidebars).
Also, I’ve learnt to use my blog URL rather than my personal webpage when making comments so as to be able to take advantage of the cute little ‘latest post’ gadgets that some people have.
Rachel Cotterills last blog post..That Cold, Sick Feeling
One of the best parts about blogging is the comments – giving and receiving them. Vered @Momgrind taught me that.
Carlas last blog post..Does Eating Organic Mean Going Broke?
Jonathan, thank you so much for noticing the scannable lists
You’re absolutely right – and I think the emphasis on scannability is more important than the lists, because there are lots of ways to do that which go beyond the list. (Although I am a fun of numbered lists). I’m glad you’ve found us too, and yes, everyone here is nice and polite, and extremely supportive. Hope you’ll be back soon.Rachel, hi, and I’m glad randomness brough you here! Reading other blogs teaches us so much – I think there’s a lesson that goes alongside each visit. Hope you found something of value here, and best wishes with your blog.
Carla, commenting is the best bit for me too. I’d soon stop writing the posts if there weren’t conversations to go with them. Thanks for joining in
Joanna
Hi Joanna – Great ideas both in your post and in the comments. For me, the best thing I did was be myself and write from the heart. Growth was slow, but it was at a pace I could adjust to. After 21 months I’m right where I want to be and am happy I took the plunge.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..When Non-Blogger Friends Don’t Get It
Hi Barbara, I think that patience and pacing yourself (and the growth of your blog) are important lessons to have emerged from the great tips and advice here. “Be yourself” and writing from the heart is also fundamental blogging advice. Thank you.
Wow! Comprehensive responses that I don’t think I can add an original thought. Instead, I’ll share my top items that I’ve learned in over 8 years of blogging:
* Link out
* Participate in other blogs and social networks (twitter, for example)
* Don’t post for the sake of posting
* Watch out for commercialism — blog readers can sniff marketing a mile away
Meryl K. Evanss last blog post..4 Steps to Run with Twitter
Meryl, thanks for compressing your experience into manageable chunks for us. Point 3 is very important – for both reader and blogger I think. Thanks
Thank you for the advice. It’s nice to see that at least some of my instincts are on target. I’m always one to take advice where I can find it. I’ll be back.
Steve Nibbelink (Vulcan Stev)s last blog post..Goober’s Words of Wisdom 2-1-09
Steve, glad you found it useful. I can’t remember if ‘trust your instincts’ is on the list… if not, it should be. Good luck with the blog!
Again, Thanks for your posts! Though I am semi-new to blogging I only have one advice for new bloggers. That is to learn from every possible blogs out there that help you learn about blogging. And to be yourself when blogging. A lot of us tend to fall into the trap of blogging to make money or writing about things that have no value to us or our readers. OK, maybe I had two advice.
Alexanders last blog post..Through The Dark Times We Must Overcome
Alexander, making two points is just fine… and they’re both very good. If I had to go for one of them… be yourself. Always.