How to Be a Successful Blogger

How to Be a Successful Blogger: 19 Experts Share Their Secrets

cowboy photo 2

When it comes to blogging, who do you ask for advice?  Many bloggers don’t know other bloggers to rely on for help.

When making decisions, it’s always a good idea to ask experts, so I put together collective wisdom from successful bloggers.  What is the secret to successful blogging?  This post will share advice from the experts that you can apply to your own blogging strategies.

If you could only give one tip to bloggers to be successful, what would it be and why?

What You are Not Supposed to Do

Teresa OlveraDon’t worry about what everyone else is doing.  Just be yourself.  

Teresa Olvera, Founder of California Mom Bloggers, http://nowimsimplyme.com/

Don’t try to quantify yourself.  The numbers are not what is important…

Melissa Lopez ReyesMelissa Reyes, author: This is the Sound of My Soul, life coach, host of Ten Minutes in Tinsel Town, mizmeliz.com

What You Are Supposed To Do

Write With Passion…

Find your blogging passion.  Make sure there is an audience for what you want to share, and pursue it because your passion will make it  easier to put in the necessary Intuitive Biz Coachpush to keep it moving forward.

Donna Ward, Social Media and Blog Consultant – Do You Need This Blogging Tip?

Write from your heart.  Be true to yourself.  Don’t try and emulate anyone.

Image result for carolyn westCarolyn West, head of the Southern California Bloggers Association, thistalkaintcheap.com, campaign leader, social media manager, mentor

Write about what you are passionate about. When you are writing about something you really know and enjoy, the writing flows easier, you always have material, and your passion will be evident to your readers. When your passion and knowledge are evident to your readers, they enjoy the experience and will come back, comment, and share your posts more often.

 
 Images Matter Most

Have a pinnable image on every blog post for Pinterest and an Open Graph image for all other posts.  Visuals are needed for sharing.

fitzpatrickPeg Fitzpatrick Bio Rockin’ a positive attitude • Co-author of #ArtofSocial Media http://amzn.to/10aOzd4 • Speaker • Social media strategist • Pinterest and visual media pro

The Secret is Great Content

Suzie81blogI would say that content is key – you could be the best in the world at promoting your posts, but if the posts themselves…are rubbish or just full of inspirational quotes, it’s unlikely that a potential reader will visit again
Suzi  Creator of and #SundayBlogShare Teacher, Blogger, Hashtag Warrior
 
Jayson DeMers
 
Focus on quality above all else.  Sub-par quality only weakens your brand.
Jason DeMers, Writer for Forbes, Huffington Post, Founder and CEO of audiencebloom.com
 
Peggy NolanDownload Jon Morrow’s 52 Headline Hacks and learn how to write killer copy. It will keep readers coming back for more! Peggy Nolan, Author: Vanquisher of Fear. Slayer of Self-Doubt

Think of the Reader Before Yourself

Have a giveaway.  It’s not just about you.Traci Lawrence's profile photoTraci Lawrence, Moderator of Google+ Community Awesome Bloggers, author, editor,http://tracisebook.blogspot.com/
Glen Long
Don’t start blogging until you understand two things: who you’re writing for and how they will benefit from reading your blog. Too many bloggers write from inside their own heads instead of their readers and end up defining their audience as “people who like to read the kind of stuff I write about”. However, it’s much easier to build a reader-centred blog than a writer-centred one.

Glen Long, managing editor at BoostBlogTraffic.com

Money is What Matters Most

Spend some time creating a good monetization strategy from the start so that you can financially justify spending time on blogging. A lot of bloggers don’t put a lot of thought into how they will use their blog to make money and think they can just throw up some ads or affiliate links. As a result, I’ve seen bloggers that succeeded in growing an audience, but eventually quit because they weren’t  brianlangmaking enough money.
Brian Lang, SEO of Small Business Ideas

It’s the Combination of Factors That Matter

 The bloggers who win the most traffic are those that combine various content promotion tactics.
  • Search engine optimization – research keywords and pick your battles
  • Social media – network with influencers and share widely
  • Email marketing – make sure your list is growing thanks to a compelling sign up form
The best content doesn’t win. The best promoted content wins. That means doing everything you can to make your content visible, knowing that where there’s traffic, there’s hope. You have to win the visitor or you’ll have no opportunity to turn them into a lead. Here’s a diagram that explains lead generation and how leads are born.
No matter where the visitor came from, they land on a post of helpful, useful content. This is generally a blog post where you are helping them help themselves. They they move to a service page where they learn how you can do the work for them. Next, they find an about page where they learn your purpose, your story and your values. Now that the know you, like you and trust you, they fill out a simple contact form and a lead is born.
 
Understanding the relationship between content, content promotion and lead generation is the key to being a successful blogger. Every action you take as a marketer must be designed to increase the number of visitors or the percentage of visitors who act! That’s my best tip for bloggers…
Andy CrestodinaAndy Crestodina, Author of Content Chemistry, Principal Strategic Director of OrbitMedia.com

 Networking is The Key

 My one tip would be for people to really get out there and mingle.  Interaction is the key to networking and growing your own community.

Jason Cushman, (a.k.a. Opinionated Man), over 50,000 blog followers, aopinionatedman.comMadLemmings.com

 One tip I’d offer to other bloggers is the most basic tip I can give. Just visit, read, comment and engage on as many blogs as you can. It’s a great way to meet other bloggers. Grow and drive traffic back to your own blog. And inspire new blog posts or ways to repurpose your old blogs posts.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ik1CAESUckU/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAABJw/2PRld08B6BQ/photo.jpgLidy Wilks, author: Can You Catch My Flow?, iheartallstories.weebly.com/

Build an email list right away – it’s the most effective way to reach your followers and keep people coming back for more.

Adam ConnellAdam Connell, Founder of Blogging WizardHas increased readers’ traffic by over 400%.

Bloggers need to practice outreach and interact via social media and commenting. Comments are the most personal way to make online connections.
Patricia Haag, Business owner focused on ecommerce and socialmedia,
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IueVEREdvAA/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAEy0/iCxqxsWbKuo/s512-c/photo.jpg

Promote, Promote, and Promote Your Blog Posts… With it being a statistically proven fact that the majority of traffic coming to a blog post comes within the first few days after being published, promoting each post right away is crucial for you to receive the maximum traffic possibilities. This is where social media becomes your best friend and at times your worst enemy. Immediately after publishing a new blog post, throughout that day, and the next few days, I post the link to Twitter, Facebook, Google +, Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This is also where blog hops and link-ups really pay off, you get out of them as much as you put in them follow and comment, comment, and comment more.

Lysa Wilds, author, former journalist, http://www.welcometomycircus.com

The one thing I think many a new blogger overlooks, and is more important than any other tip I have read, is networking. And by that I mean getting to know fellow bloggers online, as well as getting in touch with influencers too. The online world is very much like Ashley Faulkes's profile photoreal life. Who you know often has a greater impact than what you know.

Ashley Faulkes MadLemmings.com

There you have it–the experts have weighed in.  If you think the experts’ suggestions could help other bloggers, please share.

I hope you found my first expert round-up an interesting interview.  As you can see, to a large degree, they disagreed with each other.  Whose advice has helped you the most to have the blogging success you have achieved?  I look forward to your views.

Thank you so much for sharing these experts tips, including my own! I am so honored to have been a part of this with Janice Wald and her work.
I do hope you take some serious time to check out each expert and learn – I always check out recommended experts, so off I go now!
>>> Please do let me know what your thoughts are  in the comments below.
Want more tips, how-to’s, advice and suggestions on becoming even more of a successful blogger? Then work with an expert and with a community of bloggers!
Now is your time….and 

blog-150x150 You’re ready to take your blog to a bigger audience, promoting with Social Media planning, and getting more traffic?You can do just that as you get more training for blogging, Social Media, implement this blogging tip from today’s post and learn more about how to promote your blog at the Blogging Mastermind Community <== Click on the words. And, ask me how you can use Social Media better for your Blogging

Want to know what others are saying?

“Thank you, Donna. I needed to read this today. Sometimes as a blogger we get caught up in things around us that we lose focus. Thanks for bringing back on task.” Mary Burris recently posted..Break Up Songs: Since U Been Gone

“A blogging community is the best way to go as far as I am concerned. Not only do we help each other, but we become friends with so many other bloggers.” Terry recently posted..#DIY Mantel And Shelf Redo~ I Need Help With The Fireplace!

Donna Ward
Follow me

70 thoughts on “How to Be a Successful Blogger

  • February 23, 2015 at 9:08 am
    Permalink

    I think it is a combo of great content AND images. Whatever works, right?

  • February 23, 2015 at 9:10 am
    Permalink

    These are all such awesome tips for a new blogger or someone who has been blogging for years! I would have to agree with all of these points, and esp. the points about great pinnable images and SEO strategy!

    • February 23, 2015 at 10:27 am
      Permalink

      Thank you so much for posting this Donna. I am truly flattered. Thank you as well for participating in my interview.
      Janice

  • February 23, 2015 at 9:39 am
    Permalink

    Lots of great insights. I think we all blog for different reasons and I also think it’s what makes blogging interesting.

    • February 26, 2015 at 5:42 am
      Permalink

      Thank you, Carmen – 🙂 Blogging is intertesing for many reasons – to me, the one that I connected with most was the passion 🙂

  • February 23, 2015 at 10:00 am
    Permalink

    I have just recently started my own blog, and reading this post is so much different than all the other blogging tip posts. It was refreshing and I took a lot out of it, so thank you. I have the Mastermind opened in another window and will be checking it out right after I complete this comment.
    Ashley recently posted..The Effects Of Complaining, Why You Do It, And How To StopMy Profile

    • February 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm
      Permalink

      I am grateful – and hoping that we will see you as part of our Mastermind Blogging Group – I have fun seeing the members grow with understanding and become, well more than they were!

  • February 23, 2015 at 10:16 am
    Permalink

    One way to become a good blogger would be to keep it simple, sound like a person and don’t use so many crazy colors and fonts that I can’t follow the page at all. That’s my advice. You make some good points.

  • February 23, 2015 at 10:26 am
    Permalink

    Our deacon at church says, “Want to make God laugh? Make plans.” It’s true with anything. Sometimes I’m shocked by what gets traction and what gets lost.
    Heather recently posted..5 Winning Snack Time IdeasMy Profile

  • February 23, 2015 at 11:01 am
    Permalink

    One piece of advice I would give bloggers is to find a mentor. Once you are advanced become a mentor yourself.

    • February 26, 2015 at 5:43 am
      Permalink

      Of course this is one I totally agree with, since I am a Blogging / Social Media Consultant/Trainer (Mentor)! Thank you for your cool comment, Aimee

  • February 23, 2015 at 12:29 pm
    Permalink

    Giveaways are definitely a great way to draw in readers. Then great content is needed to keep them coming back.

  • February 23, 2015 at 12:31 pm
    Permalink

    I think it’s very hard to be a successful blogger ( but I guess the term successful is all relative, right?) Some may say that I am successful, where as I don’t see that at all. I’ve been blogging for over 15 years, and still have regular sized numbers or social media followers.
    Nancy recently posted..Hockey Night in America + GiveawayMy Profile

  • February 23, 2015 at 1:22 pm
    Permalink

    I think networking is very key. you never know who you are going to meet out there that can assist you in getting more views.

  • February 23, 2015 at 1:24 pm
    Permalink

    This is great! I’m a firm believer if you produce great content the rest will come! I will take all this advice!

    • February 24, 2015 at 6:59 pm
      Permalink

      I thought that was interesting to – seeing the different viewpoints – thank you for noticing that, Andrea 🙂

  • February 23, 2015 at 1:55 pm
    Permalink

    What some awesome tips – I’m always trying to push myself a little bit more to grow more as well. x
    Sarah Bailey recently posted..#SallySundayMy Profile

  • February 23, 2015 at 3:29 pm
    Permalink

    For me, success is the combination of two things – knowing what my readers want, and giving them only what I can give with them through my passionate interests. I agree with the advice, too, to include photos and/or other visuals. An infographic conveys information so much better than a block of dense text. They should also do what you do ), which is to format for easy reading and to grab attention.
    Alana recently posted..The Six Flag RaisersMy Profile

  • February 23, 2015 at 5:13 pm
    Permalink

    These are AMAZING tips! I am always looking for ways to improve my blog and myself and really figure out how to monetize. Thank you so much!

    • February 24, 2015 at 6:58 pm
      Permalink

      Super cool, just what I love to hear – thank you so much, Jess 🙂

  • February 23, 2015 at 6:08 pm
    Permalink

    This is a great compilation of tips for bloggers! 🙂 I have been blogging for about 5 years now, but have only become pretty seriously interested in it over the past year or so. Great post!

  • February 23, 2015 at 6:12 pm
    Permalink

    Giveaways are great attraction for readers. I think content and images are a must too!

    • February 24, 2015 at 8:18 pm
      Permalink

      Hi Joan,
      Thank you so much. I’m so glad everyone liked it and found it helpful. There was so much diversity in their answers which I found interesting since there doesn’t seem to be a “definitive” answer. They disagreed with each other. However, most of them said “networking”. You are well respected in the blogging community; what do you think the key ingredient to successful blogging is?
      Thanks again for the kind words.
      Janice
      Janice Wald recently posted..4 Practical Reasons Pinterest Will Make You a Better BloggerMy Profile

  • February 23, 2015 at 8:34 pm
    Permalink

    I love the one about not worrying about what anyone else is doing. That’s how I do it on my blog. I enjoy what others are writing, but I never try to imitate or wish I was doing what they were… that would negate the interest of everyone being different. 🙂

    • February 24, 2015 at 6:58 pm
      Permalink

      I so know what you mean, Dawn – thank you! 🙂

  • February 24, 2015 at 7:09 am
    Permalink

    I think there’s a lot of factors, but it really depends on your genre. For me, since I blog about travel, it NEEDS large, beautiful images AND great content. Of course content is king but if I blog has no images or one measly image, I click out right away.
    Beth recently posted..Living Pura Vida at Blue Osa Yoga ResortMy Profile

  • February 24, 2015 at 7:49 am
    Permalink

    I think one of the best pieces of advice? Always stay true to yourself. You shouldn’t have to compromise who you are to get ahead in anything.
    Kori recently posted..New Printable Coupons 2/24/15My Profile

  • February 24, 2015 at 8:40 am
    Permalink

    I agree strongly with not quantifying ourselves. There are so many times I have put a lot of emphasis on my numbers. It’s NOT what was/is important. In fact, when I am not so worried about numbers, I tend to do better in that department. My blog is my voice, and as long as I am speaking/writing in it and being true to myself. That’s what works for me.
    Ninja Mommers recently posted..Best Turnover Recipe- Strawberry, Blood Orange and Cream Cheese TurnoversMy Profile

  • February 24, 2015 at 10:00 am
    Permalink

    Yes! A combination of these things is so key!!! Without alittle of all of these your blog won’t succeed to its fullest potential;-)

  • February 24, 2015 at 12:08 pm
    Permalink

    This is a great post for anyone thinking about blogging. I will have to share this with my sister.

  • February 24, 2015 at 4:36 pm
    Permalink

    Out of all the advice and tips posted here, I have been trying to incorporate having a pinnable image on my blog posts more often. I wasn’t conscious about that before, but now I am. I find that I do receive a lot of traffic from Pinterest, so I want to keep that going.
    Yona Williams recently posted..7 Gift Ideas with an Irish TwistMy Profile

    • February 24, 2015 at 6:57 pm
      Permalink

      Great point – Thank you Christina – we do need to blog for ourself and for our audience that we want to attract and keep interested 🙂

  • February 24, 2015 at 8:53 pm
    Permalink

    These are some really great tips – thank you for compiling them. It can be so easy to lose focus as a blogger — and pay attention too much to those around us vs. being true to ourselves/site.

    Thank you!

  • February 25, 2015 at 3:55 am
    Permalink

    These were really great little pearls of wisdom. I always try not to worry about what other bloggers are doing or how well they’re doing but it can be hard.

  • February 25, 2015 at 3:02 pm
    Permalink

    These are great tips for bloggers. I try to do most of them with every article I write.

  • February 26, 2015 at 6:06 pm
    Permalink

    A lot of great tips you have here! I cant wait to share this with my new to blogging friend!
    Erin recently posted..Oven Baked PitasMy Profile

  • March 1, 2015 at 8:27 pm
    Permalink

    Great tips, I will be making use of them as we try to grow our blog. The thing I don’t see mentioned is the need for regular updates as well, that seems really important – maybe so much so that it goes without saying.
    Racquel Schroder recently posted..Peach Jar Cakes and Creative Blog HopMy Profile

    • March 2, 2015 at 8:20 am
      Permalink

      Thank you, Racquel – and yes consistent, regular, updates is a must – and bloggers have to know that 🙂

  • January 2, 2022 at 5:47 am
    Permalink

    I need guest post on your website

    Hi,

    Do you accept guest posts? If yes, I’ll provide you a well-written article and 100% related to your website niche:

    Looking forward to a positive response.

    • January 20, 2022 at 2:22 pm
      Permalink

      Hi Anaya, I’ll take a look at your work – and thank you 🙂

Comments are closed.