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10 hints for successful blogging

It seems everyone is blogging these days. According to recent statistics the blogosphere is doubling every 6 and a half months. But these aren't confined to lonely teenagers, for many blogging is also becoming a business proposition. Some bloggers are reporting earning in the thousands of dollars a month and this trend shows no signs of abating.

This has all been made possible by Google Adsense and its many imitators. So how do you join the blogging gravy train? Well don't quit your job just yet. Professional bloggers are just that - professional, and it takes months, if not years to build up a blog to reap these kind of financial rewards. But don't let this put you off, there are some basic steps to begin the path to creating your own personal publishing media empire:

1. Start a blog. It sounds silly - but you really do "have to be in it to win it" It's no good procrastinating - start writing.

2. And write about something interesting. I am sure that you and your very close circle of friends appreciate in-jokes but the wider audience doesn't. Make sure that your content can be read and enjoyed by a wide enough target audience.

3. A blog isn't a blog until it has a decent amount of content. Consider launching with a good few articles. Certainly don't consider promoting/marketing your blog until you have at least 10 articles. This will require some commitment. A typical well written, edited and researched blog entry should take you around about an hour to put together. Try to build this into your weekly or daily schedule.

4. Choose your subject wisely. The most successful blogs tend to be disproportionately focused on a few subjects - money, technology, personal productivity, design and blogging itself. If you aren't into these subjects - that's fine - but you should determine from the outset your own editorial brief and try to stick to it.

5. Marketing - magazines and other websites promote themselves - so should you. Consider blog carnivals, RSS feeds, email newsletters, commenting on relevant boards and blogs and garnering reciprocal links. This will all pay off with time. Just make sure that you don't spam anyone and that you conduct yourself with good grace.

6. Post regularly. Your readers want change, but they also want routine. Make sure that your site is regularly updated, if you are posting less frequently try to update your blog at regular intervals (like every Thursday lunchtime) and then your readers will know when to come and check out what's new.

7. Invite comments and engage with your readership. If you have gone to the bother of allowing comments, and your readers have taken the time to post a comment, then make sure you carry on the dialogue.

8. Don't annoy Google. Google is the best way of earning money from your blog - so don't tick them off. Big no-nos are doing activities precluded by their terms and agreements - like telling your friends to click on the adverts on your site so you earn more money.

9. Make sure that you are up on the latest technology. Blogging platforms are evolving by the day, ensure that you are offering your readers all that you can.

10. If you are stuck for ideas, remember that list articles usually do well. You know, things like 10 hints for successful blogging.

Published on 22nd January 2007