How to Be a Successful Blogger: 19 Experts Share Their Secrets
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
Don’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 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…
push 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.
Carolyn 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.
Have a pinnable image on every blog post for Pinterest and an Open Graph image for all other posts. Visuals are needed for sharing.
Peg 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
I 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
Download 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-DoubtThink of the Reader Before Yourself
Traci Lawrence, Moderator of Google+ Community Awesome Bloggers, author, editor,http://tracisebook.blogspot.com/
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’tmaking enough money.
Brian Lang, SEO of Small Business IdeasIt’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…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.
Lidy 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 Connell, Founder of Blogging Wizard. Has 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://outsourcedsocialmedia.com
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
real 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
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!
Andy Crestodina, Author of Content Chemistry, Principal Strategic Director of
Certified Business Coach, Intuitive Strategist ~ As a Social Media Manager and Coach, I do the work for you and/or train corporations and small businesses how to set up their blog and a Social Media Marketing Plan around their blog/website as their business hub. As a Social Media Marketing Expert, I teach Relationship Marketing and Social Media Mastery, consulting and speaking services for corporate, business owners, and conscious entrepreneurs around the globe!
- How to Use These Facebook Goals in Your Marketing Plan - March 14, 2023
- How To Bring Life To Your Content Marketing Strategy - February 26, 2023
- How to Reach Your Social Media Goals in 2023 - January 20, 2023
I think it is a combo of great content AND images. Whatever works, right?
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!
Thank you so much for posting this Donna. I am truly flattered. Thank you as well for participating in my interview.
Janice
Hey Donna, love your expert roundup and the way you showcase other bloggers. Great job!
Andrea Ansari recently posted..What do people really want from on Online Business?
Lots of great insights. I think we all blog for different reasons and I also think it’s what makes blogging interesting.
Thank you, Carmen – 🙂 Blogging is intertesing for many reasons – to me, the one that I connected with most was the passion 🙂
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 Stop
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!
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.
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 Ideas
One piece of advice I would give bloggers is to find a mentor. Once you are advanced become a mentor yourself.
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
Thanks so much for sharing. I really want to be a more successful blogger and I see now I need to work on that.
Terri Ramsey Beavers recently posted..I’m Giving Away 1 KidzPhonzâ„¢ Express Yourselfâ„¢ Headphones
I think a good balance of all these points makes for good blogging. That and a good guide or mentor
coolchillmom recently posted..You have to go to The Delray Beach Open ATP World Tour
Lots of great suggestions here. I love the whole blogging community and bloggers’ willingness to share.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted..the second best exotic marigold hotel giveaway!
Thanks!
Janice Wald recently posted..4 Practical Reasons Pinterest Will Make You a Better Blogger
Giveaways are definitely a great way to draw in readers. Then great content is needed to keep them coming back.
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 + Giveaway
What great pieces of advice. I think everyone has room for improvement when it comes to their blog content.
Liz Mays recently posted..51 Oscar Nominated and Oscar Winning Movies on Netflix #StreamTeam
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.
I agree. Most of the people I interviewed said “networking” was the answer.
Janice Wald recently posted..4 Practical Reasons Pinterest Will Make You a Better Blogger
This is great! I’m a firm believer if you produce great content the rest will come! I will take all this advice!
Great advice! I always find it interesting in terms of how each individual blogger defines their success as well
Andrea recently posted..Berlin: a one-stop budget guide
I thought that was interesting to – seeing the different viewpoints – thank you for noticing that, Andrea 🙂
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..#SallySunday
Success is different from a blogger to another. I believe that passion is everything
Ourfamilyworld (@OurFamilyWorld) recently posted..Spring Cleaning Essentials: What Do You REALLY Need?
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 Raisers
There are so many things that make for a successful blog. You aren’t anything without content though.
Amber NElson recently posted..National Frozen Food Month: 10 Healthy Frozen Foods For Families
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!
Super cool, just what I love to hear – thank you so much, Jess 🙂
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!
You’re welcome Breanna – thank you for your comment and sharing 🙂
Thanks!
Janice Wald recently posted..4 Practical Reasons Pinterest Will Make You a Better Blogger
Giveaways are great attraction for readers. I think content and images are a must too!
I think it’s important to be consistent no matter what reason you’re blogging. It should all flow together peacefully.
Nina Say recently posted..Happiness Is: Living Life Every Day and Big Hero 6 #BigHero6Sweeps
Nice tips. I can always use some input and advice. I already see a few ways I can improve my blog. Thanks for putting this post together.
Lady Lilith recently posted..Foxbrim Organic Rosehip Seed Oil for Babies and Eczema
Thanks. I’m glad it was so well received.
Janice
Janice Wald recently posted..4 Practical Reasons Pinterest Will Make You a Better Blogger
This is so full of great nuggets of inspiration. I am bookmarking to dive into later
Veronica recently posted..The Classic Touch Of Greek Key
Hey Donna and Janice,
Interesting and valuable tips! Fantastic share girls!
Joan Harrington recently posted..How To Convert Your Blog Post Content Into Sales
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 Blogger
I’m finding my passion more and more these days. I love to send a message through a story. I hope it’s coming across that way.
April recently posted..Free Marketing Tools with Turn it Up Tuesday {75}
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. 🙂
Just be yourself is so important. No one can have your same voice! Thanks for the tips.
Krystal recently posted..4 Ways to Find Creative Blog Post Ideas Inspired by the HP x360
Lots of great quotes and tips. Two of my favourites and to be yourself and follow your passion 🙂
Salma recently posted..7 Fun Spring Activities for Kids
Great tips and advice, I think great visual and quality content and being true to oneself is key
Myrabev recently posted..{Fashion Monday} Must have Fashion items
These tips are so true!! Content is key! I love all of this advice and I’m going to take it to heart!
Lauren recently posted..Lifestyle: 4 Ways to Make Your Day Amazing!
Thanks for the insights from other bloggers. For me, it’s important to produce content that I won’t be ashamed of later, lol.
Dawn McAlexander recently posted..Get Rewarded With The Bing Rewards Program #sponsored
I so know what you mean, Dawn – thank you! 🙂
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 Resort
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 2/24/15
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 Turnovers
Yes! A combination of these things is so key!!! Without alittle of all of these your blog won’t succeed to its fullest potential;-)
These are great tips for bloggers. Thanks for all the input!
lisa recently posted..Big Hero 6 Ryan Potter and Daniel Henney Interview #McFarlandUSAEvent #BigHero6Bloggers
This is a great post for anyone thinking about blogging. I will have to share this with my sister.
Thank you so much for the kind words.
Janice
Janice Wald recently posted..4 Practical Reasons Pinterest Will Make You a Better Blogger
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 Twist
For bloggers or anyone else, I would say do what you love. Don’t change to conform to someone’s idea of what you should be.
christina aliperti recently posted..Will Obamacare Negatively Affect The Insurance Industry
Great point – Thank you Christina – we do need to blog for ourself and for our audience that we want to attract and keep interested 🙂
These are the best tips out there for being a successful blogger. It is a great reminder to bloggers who are already doing decent and just need to remember what is truly important.
OurFamilyWorld recently posted..Pound Cake Recipe With Mango Chutney & Cream Cheese Icing #PataksMom
I think my advice would be that it requires a lot of work and to pace yourself. Most people don’t know how much work it takes to run a successful blog.
Tough Cookie Mommy recently posted..Make Your Own Lorax Drink Koozie!
I agree with the sentiment not to try to be like someone else, your readers never really get to know the true you.
Melissa Vera recently posted..See How Easily You Can Make A One of Kind Journal
Great tips! Like the way you polled these bloggers, Donna 🙂 Also like the point made – The best content doesn’t win. The best promoted content wins.
Michel Snook recently posted..Analyzing Website Traffic Statistics â Part 2
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!
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.
These are great tips for bloggers. I try to do most of them with every article I write.
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 Pitas
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 Hop
Thank you, Racquel – and yes consistent, regular, updates is a must – and bloggers have to know that 🙂
I need guest post on your website
Hi,
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Hi Anaya, I’ll take a look at your work – and thank you 🙂