5 Things I Have Learned About Blogging

February 24, 2009 · Filed Under · 3 Comments 

So I have been doing the whole blogging thing for a couple years now and have really enjoyed it. Although the number of posts I write per week has declined, I still really get a kick out of taking an idea in my head and putting it on digital paper. I want to take a moment and go over 5 things that I have learned and wished I knew when I started doing this. Hopefully these tips will make it easier for somebody else who is thinking of starting a blog of their own.

  1. Figure out what you like to talk about. I can’t remember how many times in the beginning that I started writing a post only to stop half way through due to boredom. Call it laziness if you want, but I chalk it up to the topic just not interesting me. Figure out the topics that really get your juices going, because in the long run it will make your blog so much more fun and rewarding.
  2. Comment a lot on your blog and others. I have noticed that a lot of people have found this site by following comments I left on other blogs. Don’t just say, “nice post” either, leave a well thought out comment that actually adds to the discussion. Also, leave a comment to those that take the time to comment on your blog, this is a great way to get a good discussion going.
  3. Don’t force it. If you don’t feel like writing on any particular day, DON’T! In the beginning, I thought I would have to write something everyday for anybody to ever come back to my blog, not true! Plus you will just burn yourself out. Some days, for whatever reason, I just don’t feel like writing and have no inspiration, that’s OK. Other days, I have got my Mo-Jo going and I am a writing machine, let it come to you naturally.
  4. Always be on the lookout for good stuff to blog about. I keep a small notebook with me all the time so when a topic that I think would be interesting to blog about comes to me, I just jot it down. Otherwise I know I will forget. I try to blog about real life stuff, so most of my ideas come from observing life around me.
  5. BE PATIENT! This is the biggest piece of advice I can give. At first, it will feel like you are just rambling on and on to yourself, but if you stay focused on your topic and try to bring something of interest that might help somebody else, people will take notice and tell their friends.

I find the best blogs are those that don’t just preach about what they feel they are an “expert” in, but rather try to make the conversation a 2 way street and admit when they might not know all the answers. It continues to amaze me how much I have learned from reading and responding to the comments that people leave on this blog. This is by far the greatest impact that my blog has made on me.

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Comments

3 Responses to “5 Things I Have Learned About Blogging”

  1. Missy on February 25th, 2009 10:50 pm

    I just started a coupon/ money saving blog. My mom is very influential and got me on my way to being her coupon guru side-kick. Well she works and I am a stay at home mom and thought this would be easier than conversations lasting all night about the deals I found that day. I really appreciate your entry. It gave me encouragement and direction. I don’t really know what I’m doing, and often times feel like I’m winging it, but want to help so I keep going. So thank you, and Happy Shopping!

    Missy

  2. Meredith from Merchant Ships on March 2nd, 2009 5:57 pm

    I agree! The comments always seem to be the richest part of my blog.

    I like your suggestion to keep a notebook handy. Since having the baby, I’ve slacked off keeping notes (who can find a pen?) but I’ve probably lost some good ideas that way!

  3. Tamra on April 25th, 2009 5:09 pm

    Great advice. I hate reading “preachy” blogs. I recently started a coupon/freebie blog and have found that so many readers come from comment links. Thanks for the tips!

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