2017 advice blogger reblogged relationships

6 Blogging Lessons

Tikeetha Tby
41 Comments on 6 Blogging Lessons

We are community of bloggers who write and hope that people will read our stuff right? That people will engage and want to share our material, right? Good. So, I wanted to share my 6 blogging lessons.

  1. Do Unto Others What You Would Want Done to You – The golden rule. You want to make sure that you are writing quality material on your own. Don’t plagiarize or steal someone’s stuff. Don’t have a blog set-up with no original content and then just share everyone’s stuff. I understand you are probably sharing things you enjoy, but take the time to write a couple of quality pieces on your own. Post memes or whatever, but let other bloggers know who you are so an interaction can begin. If bloggers share your work, thank them. Whether it be a tweet or a reblog, please acknowledge that.
  2. Open Link in a New Window – This is the most basic blogging lesson that I have to share it. When you are linking to a prior post, someone else’s site, etc. Please click that little box that says “Open Link in a New Window”. That allows me to see what you’re sharing but be able to like and comment on your post. I can’t tell you how many times that I’ve clicked on a post to be directed to something new and forgot to go back and click on your page to like or comment. You lose me with that one and I assume that I’m not the only one you’re losing.
  3. Schedule Posts – Many people ask me how I do it all. How do you comment, read and write while working a full-time job? It’s tough. I try to plan out as many posts as I can for the next 7 days. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. However, the lesson learned is that you have to plan out your topics. Think about things you want to share and schedule them around peak times. Check your peak times (when most bloggers view your blog) and try to schedule around that time. It may drive more viewers to your blog. Don’t be afraid to write things out. I journal a lot of thoughts and try to develop them as I’m writing and working. It helps.
  4. Don’t get frustrated – We all hit a writer’s block. Too many thoughts and nothing in particular that we want to write about. It happens. Maybe you’re in a funk and you figure no one cares. We do. Write about what matters to you. We are a village and sometimes your post will inspire and encourage someone. Blogging isn’t an overnight success business. Your numbers will fluctuate. You will feel like you’re not growing at the pace you should. What pace is that? Everyone’s journey is different. Write what matters and adjust as you need. There is no overnight success.
  5. Don’t do a follow for follow – I get it…you’re new. You want to grow your base. However, don’t harass bloggers into following you. Let the relationship grow naturally. If they read your posts, engage with you many times people will follow you. They see you’re genuine and want to like and interact with you. If they don’t do it…no worries. Nothing is promised. Choose to follow them or not, but don’t guilt or harass them into following you.
  6. Read Other Bloggers – When you are blogging, working full-time, going to school, have children, etc or a life,  it gets frustrating because you don’t have enough time in the day to get everything done. I get it. But, you have to be committed to those that are committed to you. You have to read the work of others and comment. I like a lot of posts. I will share posts on my Facebook page and many of you may not know it. I tweet great reads. I stay connected. Me liking your page means that I’ve read what you said. Trust me…I will not like everything and that is okay too. You don’t have to like everything someone writes.

Well, those are my 6 lessons learned in blogging. Anything else you want to share? Anything I’ve missed?

 

 

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links:  Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

41 comments

    1. OMG! So true. As a blogger you should get as many social media sites as possible so we can share your work. Make sure they work because sometimes the links get broken. Maybe check each month to make sure they work.

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  2. Don’t be an asshole. I know that falls under your Rule no. 1, but it’s worth reiterating. Even if it’s something you disagree with strongly, don’t leave a nasty comment. Just move on without fanfare. And, in with you on no. 5 as well. 😃

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  3. This is a great list. The only thing I can think to add to it is: If someone takes the time to comment on one of your blog posts, take the time to respond to their comment–even if it’s only a brief “thank you.” Also, with many blog set-ups, people won’t know we’ve commented back unless we click the “like” button on their comment which sends them a message saying their comment was liked (this varies from blog to blog, depending on theme and settings). Thanks for sharing your wise advice.

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  4. I’d like to add, the importance of an about page. I find many blogs whose about page is empty, personally that’s something I love to check because it gives me an idea of the person behind the blog, and the content of the blog itself.

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  5. Have a follow option on your page! Email or the WordPress follow button, give your readers options. I cannot tell you how many great blogs I have come across but they didn’t have a follow button or email follow option.
    Wonderful tips, Tikeetha! Happy Wednesday!

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  7. oooo number 2 is a huge pet peeve of mine! I always try to remember the new window button because I know how much it annoys me when I’m reading a blog and they haven’t done it. Great list!

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  8. Great blogging lessons Tikeetha – I totally agree with them all. # 5 especially bothers me; all my first time comments from other bloggers needs to be approved. These types of commenst asking me to follow, I do not approve and delete and I move on. I appreciate this post, thanks friend – happy day! 🙂

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  10. I would add: don’t be afraid to take a hiatus if you need one. sometimes we feel guilty for “falling off the radar” but sometimes introspective periods are necessary, without sharing what you’re going through – good or bad.

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    1. Absolutely great point! Yes, you need time to yourself and that’s okay. I would add that to tell your followers, I’m taking a break and I will be back. I thank you for your continued support. That will allow them to know that you plan on coming back. So many bloggers abandon their site and if you’re only getting their posts through the reader and you don’t ever see them, how do you know they’ve returned? I follow many bloggers through email and that allows me to know when they take a break and come back when I get a post. It’s like Christmas.

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      1. I don’t usually give an announcement. breaks aren’t generally planned for me. but I don’t post as regularly as you do. and if I’m not posting, I’m still commenting on other blogs here and there. lucky for me, folks still embrace me when I come back! great advice.

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      2. Thank you. I understand. I hear so many bloggers who say “Where did they go?” But, I totally understand needing time for yourself. You’re a person and not just a writer.

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    1. LOL. Thank you. Yep, please check in with folks and let them know you’re reading. It will definitely make a difference to them. If they read you, then they know you’re busy as heck but you found your way to their blog. They’ll appreciate that a lot.

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  14. I’ve been trying to figure this out to, balance. There are days I want to write, I look at the screen.. Nothing. Others. I post 3 or 4. Divorced mom to 2, f/t job craving sleep.. Long sigh.

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  17. Pingback: 6 Blogging Lessons — A Thomas Point of View – Mommy|Wife|Student

  18. You know, this is exactly what I needed. Perfect timing. Thanks for sharing these great blogging lessons. Even us veteran bloggers can use the reminder and the reflection. Also, I never thought of peak times… so that’s something new I never even thought about. Great post, as always. 🙂

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