Blogging is a great new tool that is getting more popular by the day. Thousands of people are blogging, and every blogger is blogging for a different reason. Some bloggers do it to make money, some blog to express themselves, and some do it to find new friends. But no matter what your reason is for blogging, there are a few things every blogging beginner should know about.
Don’t get your hopes to high
Although, I myself am a new blogger, I have seen it so many times. Many new bloggers have their hops too high, and think after only a week or so they should be receiving hundreds of visitors to their new blog. Of course, when it doesn’t happen, they give up. Think about it, your blog is one in hundreds of thousands of new blogs that are born daily. You can’t expect to get that much readers in a short amount of time, unless you want to spend money on advertising, which even that will take some time for you to learn. Be patient, write good quality content, and work on promoting your blog any ways you can. Eventually you will get there.
Be yourself
A blog is more personal than a website. It’s not as formal as a website. Most bloggers write their post as if they are talking to their readers. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Don’t be afraid to tell your readers what’s on your mind. Blog readers like that. It’s your personal space, and after all, a blog is an online journal of you and your life.
Don’t give too much private information
It’s good to establish a relationship with your readers on a personal level, but don’t forget you are on the internet! Don’t be too personal. Although, you want the readers to feel like they know you to some extent, you don’t want to disclose too much personal information, like your phone number, your address and etc.
Some people will go as far as not even revealing their true names. You could always use a pen name(nick name) as well. That’s what I do. Although, I don’t really care much about revealing my real name, I just like my pen name. Plus, most people around me(online) know me by my pen name.
I am one of those who think most people are good people. However, the reality is that there are opportunistic people out there as well, specially identity thieves. So, keep in mind that identity theft can be done easily with just a few piece of personal information. So, don’t reveal too much private information, unless you know the individual reader.
Keep It Fresh
I am sure you heard this one a hundred times. But, it’s worth hearing it again. Update your blog as much as you can. Keep your blog fresh with daily or weekly posts. Although, to keep your readers interested enough to stay loyal to you and your blog, you have to post frequently, don’t sacrifice quality for quantity. It’s always better to have a few quality and useful posts, than hundreds of useless and outdated posts.
Blog for free
I know you want to look professional and have your own domain and everything, but it’s best to start with free blogs. I started with blogspot, and I still use it for a couple of my smaller blogs. There are many free blogging platforms that you can use to get your feet wet. Make your mistakes without having to financially paying for them. You might be surprised to know that many blogs on free blogging platforms are more successful than blogs with their own unique domain and their own hosting account. Take advantage of free blogs. It specially helps you to find yourself as a blogger and your style of blogging. Use it as a practice blog to find your true blogger personality.
Blogging is only getting started, and it will only get bigger and bigger. So, if you want to get in the game, whether it’s to make money blogging, keeping up with friends and family, or just for the fun of it, make sure you keep these 5 tips for blog beginners in mind.
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