The Be’s in Blogging

Whether you are just beginning or currently writing a blog, it is always good practice to review tips so you stay motivated and ultimately find success as a blogger. Here’s a list of 9 things to keep in mind while writing – many of these apply to every day life as well! If you have any suggestions to add to this list, please comment below!

Be Yourself

Be real.  Be you.  Don’t pretend to be someone or something you are not.  Your readers will be able to read right through it, literally.  Lots of people see blogs as storytelling, specifically telling your story.  Find the niche from which you will tell your story and just be you.

Be Vulnerable/Transparent

This doesn’t mean that you need to share every detail of your life.  This means that it is ok to share your failures to your readers.  In fact, this type of vulnerability and transparency will foster trust which will help grow your blog.

Be Valuable

Write valuable content.  Write about things that your readers will find valuable.  Rid yourself of anything that isn’t worthwhile. Find information that is going to provide long-term connections with your readers.  Keep them coming back for more!

Be Original

There will always be someone else with a similar blog niche or topic.  The most important question you can ask yourself is – How is my blog going to stand out and be different?  What can you bring that no one else can?  What makes me unique?  Ask that every time that you start writing a blog.  Challenge yourself to think creatively!

Be Flexible

Blogging takes a lot of time.  Like, a lot of time.  Be flexible as you get started and realize that everything you want to do will take a significant amount of time.  Be prepared to be flexible with how you will make time to work on your blog. And the reality is that you are in an ever-changing industry, so you will be in a constant state of learning and changing your blog.

Be Social

In order to build a community, you need to form relationships and relate to your readers.  If someone leaves a comment, respond!  If someone shoots you an email with a question, take time to answer it. Being responsive is just another way you can build trust!  Even more so, get involved with social media!  Use it as a tool to connect with people from all over!  And finally, think outside of just connecting with people online. Make an effort to go to conferences, meetups or trade shows and network with people face-to-face. Build your network online AND offline.

Be Consistent

Figure out what works for your blog and stick with it.  Maybe you post every day.  Maybe it is every other.  Maybe just once a week.  Whatever it is, make a plan and stick with it.  A campaign or idea might fail, but keep at it and once you find what works, don’t stop!

Be Visionary

Think about the future.  Always be thinking about the future. Think through all major blog decisions before you do it.  Be visionary when it comes to your blog – make plans and then make them happen!  And keep in mind that it is hard to do anything if you don’t know what you want to do in the first place.

Be Open-Minded

You will get all sorts of feedback from people – both on the internet and off – about your blog.  For your own sanity, I beg you to keep an open mind.  If it is a suggestion, take it and critically think about the application to your blog.  If it is a negative comment, delete it, brush it off and move on because they aren’t worth your emotions.