Are you Having Success With Your Blog? Photo by Ivan Petrov
These are in no particular order. But I’d love to hear your thoughts on which of the ten habits you feel is the most important. Did I leave one out? Let me know in the comments below!
1. Learn the Basics of Good SEO – While SEO can become obsessive in it’s own right, and is definitely taken to extremes by some “elitists”, it is vital for anyone putting words out on the web and expecting readers to find them, to know Search Engine Optimization basics.
More: Learn the Basics of SEO (by Kelby Carr)
2. Be PROactive - You cannot control others. You cannot make them leave you nice comments. You cannot make someone take an action step you would like them to take. REacting is never the way to success. You must control the part that you can control – YOU.
3. Have a plan. Know where you are heading. What are your goals? You need to know. They must be actionable, measurable steps. “Wishes will blow away in the wind of change. Dreams are directionless. Goals have both – set direction and time.” ~ Angela England
4. Be True! John Maxwell says that “trust is the foundation for leadership” and I believe this holds true whether we are talking about integrity as a writer, creating a platform for marketing a book or product, and representing a client to those around you. Be. True.
More: Do you Have T.R.U.S.T? True to YOU (by Jessica Smith)
5. Be Yourself - What makes your blog different from any of the millions of other blogs out there? Nothing at all except for YOU. If people only wanted information they would read the encyclopedia. People want to connect with other people. Be. You.
6. Focus Your Efforts – This is the pot calling the kettle black here, but the truth is you cannot be all things to all people at all times. Delegate. Write ahead. Plan a series instead of single, stand-alone pieces. Let go.
7. Overcome Obstacles – Overcoming obstacles means that not only do you have a clear goal in mind, but you are willing to fight to achieve that goal. Like a wide-reciever in a football game, obstacles will try to stop your forward momentum and prevent you from reaching your goals. Are you willing to put forth the effort to overcome them?
8. Understand the Slight Edge Principle - The difference between success and failure is usually minuscule. Slight. A razor’s edge. Often the mundane, ordinary tasks are the ones that lead to success. Which side of the line are you on?
More: The ‘Slight Edge’ for Bloggers
9. Remember Your Value – You have worth. Your time has value. Your words are not cheap. Ask any massage therapist what an hour of their time is worth. Query your local photographer about their sitting fees. Are you worth less because you work from home? Hardly! Raise your chin up now; remember your value.
Don't be Afraid to Reach Out to Others - Photo by Ivan Petrov
10. Speak-up and Network – The internet is a difficult place to be a wallflower. It is much easier when you make friends, reach out, speak-up and find those around you who are influential or knowledgeable in your field. Have you been reading a certain blog for weeks now but never contributed? Speak up! Leave a comment! Introduce yourself and say hello.
Perhaps we can explore more of each of these 10 habits in depth later but these highlights should be plenty of food-for-thought as you evaluate the past year, and plan for the coming year. What is a habit you’ve found important to your success? Which of these habits is the one you need to work on most?
More: Grocery Grump or Glory – Wrapping it up!
Such a great lesson in number six. Marketers and branding pros often preach this one to our clients. It’s a great parallel to think of a blog as someone’s brand identity whether it be personal or professional. A blog must have focus or else you’ll lose your community.
John Sternal
@sternalpr
Oh yes, and how well I know it! Lol! I am the queen of many interests. My mother said even as a little girl I’d flit from toy to toy. I usually have three or four books I’m reading at once. I am learning it’s better to break things up a little bit more and FOCUS but it’s my weakness of anything on this list. :-
Angela <
These are great habits to have in working towards achieving my goals. Thanks for the list!
Finding your “tribe” and networking even before beginning a blog can be one of the biggest keys to your success and maintaining motivation.
I found the travel blogging community just as a prepared to start a my travel blog nearly 1-1/2 years ago. Their help and encouragement helped me get started more quickly and maintain my enthusiasm during those first few difficult months. I didn’t feel alone.
I’d like to learn a little more about SEO this year. I don’t want to go nuts with it, but I’d like to learn how to better position my work without sacrificing quality or real content.
@Liliana – Glad you found it helpful!
@Dominique – I agree! I’ve networked my way into some new websites and blogs and as a result of the connections made ahead of time, they’ve blossomed very quickly. SEO is SO important. You don’t sell-out as a writer if you learn about it.
I promise.