by Carrie Monroe

Created on: May 27, 2011   Last Updated: May 28, 2011

Blogging is extremely popular.  The success of blogs like the Julie/Julia Project, which led to the book and film Julie and Julia have more people turning to blogs as an outlet for creativity but also in hopes of something more.

Here are some tips for blogging success.

Pick a subject.  There are many blogs out there.  Photo blogs, writing blogs, video blogs, stay at home mom blogs, pet blogs, knitting blogs.  Decide what your blog is going to be about and try to stick with that as much as possible.   

Keep your blog professional.  If you are hoping to catch the eye of professionals in whatever field you are blogging about keep your posts professional.  Remember you never know who may be reading your blog.  Maybe your friends and family are the only people who read your blog but you never know when your next boss may be reading your posts.

Set a schedule.  Many people set up blogs and then get busy and spend every blog post apologizing for not posting.  Set a schedule, Monday, Wednesday, Friday for example.  Schedule your posts in advance so that if you over sleep on Wednesday it won’t mess with your blogging schedule.  Can’t think of something to write about every day?  Follow daily themes like Wordless Wednesdays or Truth Thrusdays.

Connect with other bloggers.  Many people treat blogging like a longer version of facebook.  They write posts about themselves, they get followers and commenters but they don’t reach out to other bloggers.  To connect with other bloggers follow other blogs, comment on blogs. Recommend other blogs on your blog.

Blogfests, contests, and interviews.  Participate in blogfests.  It is a great way to get new followers and discover new blogs.  Having contests to celebrate milestones like reaching 500 followers is a great way to reward your followers and get more followers.  Interviewing other bloggers or experts in the field you are writing about can be a great way to build your audience. 

Share button.  Depending on which blog host you use there is probably a button you can add to the bottom of your posts to share on facebook and twitter.  Make sure this is active so you and your readers can easily share your blog on facebook, twitter and other social networking sites.

Monetize, or don’t.  Many people moneytize their blogs by adding AdSense ads, BlogHer network and other affiliates.  This can be a way to make a little money from a blog but it can also annoy readers. 

The most important thing about blogging is to blog about something you are passionate about.  Fame and riches may not follow but blogs can be a great way to share your passion, challenge yourself or share information in a field you are an expert in.

Learn more about this author, Carrie Monroe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.