I can’t tell you how often someone emails me and says, “I know nothing about computers and I’m so overwhelmed!”
I also can’t tell you how often someone emails me and says, “I knew nothing about computers X months ago, but now I have my own blog!”
Regardless of where you’re at in the process, I’d like to pass along some of the best tips about blogging that I have personally ever received.
1. You’re already ahead
Diving into blogging is no small feat. Be proud of yourself for trying to become more technologically astute and for learning a new skill.
2. There is a huge learning curve
We’ve all experienced it. It’s not just you, I promise. Take it slow. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I know it’s exciting at first, but when you start to feel a bit stumped, take a break and come back later. Otherwise, you’ll drive yourself crazy.
3. It’s not linear
Blogging is not like baking where you add this ingredient, then this ingredient, mix it all together and out pops a cake. Setting up the blog is pretty straightforward but once you’ve got that part done, you can go in all kinds of directions with your blog’s features and content.
4. Don’t wait to be told what to do
Get the basics and then just go. If you’ve got a blog started, you’re well on your way.
A lot of us are most comfortable getting the syllabus at the beginning of the course, reading the chapter titles at the beginning of the book or getting the review sheet before we take the test. We like to know what to expect. We like to know how to prepare. Blogging is different. Be willing to chart your own course. Experiment, make mistakes and learn.
5. Launch with a handful of quality posts
I recommend you write at least 10 posts before you launch your blog. Not only will it give you a little posting cushion, but it’s good to have some solid content available when visitors find you. It’s difficult to convince visitors to come back to your site if they only found a “This is my first post!” post the first time around.
6. Focus on your blog and one or two social media platforms and do them very well
Don’t dip your toes into everything just because everyone else is doing it and says you should too. Do a few things very well to start. Add more as you have the time and understanding.
7. Pick up tips as you need them
You do not need to have a general idea of everything blog-related before you start. There will be tips everywhere. Some tips you’ll use, some you won’t. If you’ve only got time for Facebook and Twitter, disregard the ones about Pinterest. No single tip is going to make or break your blog.
8. Learn from what other bloggers are doing
Note what they do. Note what they do repeatedly. Figure out how they’re doing it. Consider why they’re doing it. Sometimes that might mean you have to reverse engineer something, sometimes you might have to google it, sometimes you might just ask straight out. Be curious and observant.
9. Google is your best friend
I’m bummed I can’t help all of you who email me with questions. But honestly? A lot of the time, I just Google an answer for you anyway. That’s my little secret.
10. Keep going
Settle in for the long haul. Building a successful blog is a hard road. You’re not going to see results overnight. Weeks will go by and you’ll hear only crickets. You’ll wonder if it’s worth it. Comments and followers will be few and far between. You won’t make a penny for months. Believe me, it’s normal. So normal. Nine out of ten bloggers have been there. I certainly have. Just keep going.
What next?
If you haven’t already set up your own blog yet then check out my step-by-step guide on how to get going quickly.