5 things I would have done differently in starting a blog (#)
In this guest post, Kyle Judkins from LostInTechnology discusses things he would have done differently in starting a blog.
Everyone has heard the old saying “Hindsight is 20/20″. Well, that has definitely been true when it comes to my blog and seeing the mistakes I made along the way. There are many things I would have done differently in starting a blog, but I have made a list of the five most important changes I would have made.
Had at least 15 articles written before launch
I started my blog with 0 articles written and quickly found out that there was no way I could post regularly, because I wasn’t used to writing articles quickly and my schedule suddenly got a little more hectic. If I would have had several articles already written, I would have been able to ease into a consistent posting schedule that would always keep my readers interested and coming back.
Embraced social networking
Before blogging, I wasn’t a fan of social networking. I was maybe even anti-social networking. However, I quickly found out that social networks can be a great source of traffic for your blog, and they are a great place to network with other bloggers. Now, you can’t just submit your stories to a couple of social networks and expect to get immediate results. You must really embrace all aspects of each social network and make friends and connections to see results from social networking.
The connections side of social networking has been more beneficial than the driving traffic side of social networking for me. I have meet several great bloggers that have given me advice and provided me with freelance and guest posting opportunities. Most bloggers are more than willing to help another blogger out (even if they have a similar blog). There really is a great community between bloggers.
Read a great blogging book (ProBlogger Book etc.)
The weeks following the launch of my blog I found myself doing more research than I ever imagined (further evidence of the need of needed those extra articles at the beginning). I searched high and low and found so much information that it was hard to take it all in, but I recently found John Chow’s Make Money Online ebook that has lots of great information about starting a blog in it.
Now, you may say to yourself, I’m not starting this blog to make money. If that is the case, you will still get lots of great information from this book, because this book gives great advice to any blogger that wants to have a great blog and be able to drive traffic to that blog. The information found in this book or any similar blogging book will save you valuable time and effort in developing your blog.
Not focused on the number of readers and site statistics
Once I installed the Feedburner and Google Analytics plugins on my blog, I found myself obsessively checking them, and seeing the same thing every time. Just a few visitors per day looking for the same keywords. These are both amazing services, but they don’t need to be checked daily especially when you are just starting. The time I wasted checking my statistics could have easily been used to write several other articles. Make sure you set a schedule up on how often you check them. I try to limit myself to every Friday.
Been myself
I have looked back at some of my first articles, and I realize that many of them don’t have my personal style to them. They come off as stiff and rigid, but as I looked through all of my articles, I slowly see more and more of my personality shining through. This made my articles much better and much more likable. Also, you must realize that no matter how unique your topic is there is someone else out there writing about it as well. You must find a way to make your blog unique and the one thing that is unique on your blog is yourself. Embrace your opinions and your personality and put them out there for everyone to see.
Kyle Judkins is a 24 year old marketer and part-time technology blogger. He writes technology tips and tricks that everyone can use, at LostInTechnology (subscribe to feed). If you write great content, you too can guest blog on Blog Creativity.
Manan said on June 5th, 2008
I kinda decided to move to a self owned blog once I realized that I had enough articles with me, though it was a sub-conscious realization, now that you have made mention of it, I think I was lucky.
As far Social Networking is concerned, I still despise sites like Orkut for blog promotion, though internet forums which cater to your blog and interest make a huge pool of readers.
A blog needs to reflect the author, that’s what makes it unique. The author needs to write articles in a way that reflect him (though constantly improving his style of writing) but it should still be YOU writing.
Nice list for beginners.
Aseem Kishore said on June 5th, 2008
All of these things you can still change now! Make your articles more personal and set up some time to write extra so that you don’t run out. I definitely think checking stats is a major problem for bloggers…I only look once a day now and will try to do less if I can! Don’t give up though!
Kyle Judkins said on June 6th, 2008
I really appreciate the feedback. I am always striving to improve upon my blogging.
Ashwin said on June 6th, 2008
I couldn’t have agreed with you any less. these are the common mistakes most bloggers make, Checking Stats is really addictive.
Manan said on June 6th, 2008
From what I have realized by reading blogs and having my own is that a blogger needs to patient and yet consistent. Readers will grow if the content is readable (good or bad) and if the content makes sense. Secondly, the blog should be updated regularly with the author also taking active part in the discussion.
Just my two cents.
Sumesh said on June 7th, 2008
Quite a discussion has taken place here, I guess
@Manan: I can’t emphasize enough about the importance of using a domain and hosting - whether you become the next Gawker Media or you go broke. Hundreds of bloggers regret not having started out with WordPress, compared to the very few bloggers who quit out of disappointment. You’ve added good points, perhaps you may want to write it as a post itself - it certainly deserves one.
@Aseem: I think Kyle was referring to things that he has since improved upon - I see that he has (been himself, for example).
@all: I think stat checking is a serious problem, but most bloggers tend to check stats less as they get more mature and level-headed as bloggers. I know that I have, because I sometimes don’t check Google Analytics even once a week! Perhaps I’ll write a post with some tips on controlling stat checking addiction(using tips I’ve used).
Shilpan | successsoul.com said on June 8th, 2008
Sumesh,
I’ve had a good stint with blogging in last three months. I’m happy with the growth but I can certainly use this advice to improve. Setting priorities and sticking to them is the most important aspect in life including blogging. I love this blog. Just subscribed. I’ll be back again.
Shilpan
ayesha parveen said on June 9th, 2008
Hi,
This is really useful. I am new to blogging and have gathered some important points from your writing.Thamk you so much.
Sumesh said on June 9th, 2008
@Shilpan: Glad that you liked this blog, and thanks for subscribing
I too agree that setting priorities is important. Often, people abandon blogs because of lack of time, which is really caused by lack of prioritization. After all, all humans are blessed with 24 hours. As far as I know, there is no disparity.
Ajay@Readerszone.com said on June 10th, 2008
i like the first very much. i face the same problem . is strated the blog write one or two post and then not able to write and my blogs going to be dead in some days.
u r right before starting you tell some to see u r blog at least write 15 articles.
Manan said on June 11th, 2008
@Sumesh: You are right, having a self owned blog is a different experience altogether.
Also it is not necessary that one should blog a post every day or every week. There are bloggers which publish 1 article in 2 weeks or 3 weeks. These blogs still get upwards of 50 comments a post (excluding the author’s replies)
It is not necessary that you complete an article at one go. Drafts is an option too
As long as the content is worthwhile and the author makes atleast 2-3 posts a month it is sufficient.
@Ajay: Dude, don’t give up. Trust me, don’t give up so soon. 15 minutes out of 24 hours to write a para and continue later is a great option.
Sumesh said on June 11th, 2008
@Manan: Good points there. As for blogs with 2-3 posts per month, I believe you are referring to Maki’s DoshDosh. It is an established blog, but I don’t see why smaller blogs couldn’t succeed with 1-2 posts per week. At least, I’m trying to do that with Blog Creativity
@Ajay: Keep blogging slowly, say 2-3 posts per week, or more depending on how large each post is. Your readers would appreciate if you go for quality instead of quantity. Especially in early blogging days, you wouldn’t have a large audience clamouring for posts. I think I’ll write a post later about my views on that.
Oli from the-Blog said on June 11th, 2008
I must confess to being addicted to checking my blog’s stats. I’m constantly looking to see how many people have been visiting !
Silki said on June 16th, 2008
Hi Sumesh & Kyle,
I agree with almost all the above points, except on eminor disagreement.
Social Media sites looks great for traffic, but if you plan to monetize blogs primarily with adsense, then it is not very advisable.
Social NW is good for networking, but for targeted traffic, don’t use them. I personally don’t like Stumble Upon just because of this reason. SU is sure way to get your site “Smart Priced”.
Tom At The Home Business Archive said on June 16th, 2008
Excellent post! So many people start blogs and write a few posts and quit shortly there after.It´s a commitment that takes both time and effort.(I linked back to this article from one of my remote blogs)
-Tom Lindstrom