Do you want to know how to have a successful blog? There are a few key aspects to keep in mind in order to reach blog success. By this point you have decided on a blog name, blogging service and a general idea of what you want to write about. Now you need to start thinking about your overall brand. Here are a few specific guidelines to help you keep your blog on the right track:
Clear & Organized Website
First and foremost make sure your website is user-friendly and professional. Content should be easy to look up so readers find exactly what they’re looking for. Think about adding a search bar to your side menu. That way readers can come back to your site and find the content that they want.
Consist Brand Theme
When users are browsing through a blogger’s Instagram feed they assume that they will find a similar aesthetic on their website. Some bloggers spend way too much time on their Instagram and neglect to keep their theme consistent with their blog. This typically confuses users because they’re expecting to find a similar aesthetic. Keep your theme throughout all your platforms; consistency keeps readers coming back.
Here are a few good examples:
Fashion Blog:
Kelly in the City (WCBC member)
Food Blog:
Hungry by Nature (WCBC member)
Fitness:
Erin’s Inside Job (WCBC member)
Travel:
Curiosity and a Carry On (WCBC Member)
Define Your Audience
Before you start to post content, be sure to have a clear idea of what kind of audience you are catering to. Say if you’re interested in fitness; keep most of your posts related to fitness-related topics with a few other subjects sprinkled in like healthy food you’re into or how to keep up your mental health. You want to keep the focus specific so readers refer back to your site as a place to find reliable content.
Professional Headshot
This is a must. Invest in quality headshots. You want to steer clear of cropped wedding photos or grainy selfies. This immediately takes away from the professionalism of your blogs and if you’re looking to work with brands, they’ll be more eager to work with you if they see you took the time to create a professional image for yourself.
Consistently Create Content
Whether you’re blogging as a hobby or side hustle, you should be uploading new content at least twice a week. This is important, especially for brand collaborations. A lot of the times blogs won’t be considered for paid opportunities because they aren’t consistently blogging enough.
Promote Posts
You might have quality content but what good does it do if no one is reading it? Spend just as much time promoting every post on social media as you do writing the post.
I know this is a lot to keep straight but don’t feel overwhelmed. What people tend to forget that building a successful blog takes time. We have members who get frustrated when they don’t see instant success. Keep in mind that it’s a process, enjoy the journey. It will also help you discover if blogging is something you want to truly pursue.
*If you’re still a newbie to the blogging word check out this post. It will help you get a better grasp on the world of blogging and jumpstart your blog ideas!*
Have any other tips for bloggers just starting out? Let us know down below!
Written by Ashlee O’Neil