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The DOs and DON'Ts of Blogging
- by freeandflawed
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- March 19, 2009
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Blogging is a very no-boundary hobby, so there aren't many rules. But there are a handful of DOs and DON'Ts that you learn over time. I've noted a few of them below, but there are more popping up every week.
Do's:
Be Self-Hosted
I was recently informed by a fellow blogger that if you’re using Wordpress.com, you don’t own your content; they do. It’s easy to transfer your blog from your current host to your own web host. It’s also pretty cheap, assuming you’re a regular blogger. I made the switch almost a year ago and I couldn’t be happier. Sure it’s a bit more work on my end, but I also have a lot more freedom.
Self-Hosting on Wordpress.org - Getting Started (Guide Series Part 1)
Are you new to self-hosting? Wordpress.org is a a fantastic, easy to use and highly customizable platform. I recently made the switch from Wordpress.com to Wordpress.org, and if you’re considering doing the same, this guide is for you.
Share Your Experience
It’s important that your readers know about your experience, whether it be with a product, service or life. Chances are that someone who’s reading is just starting out or experiencing the same thing. The great thing about blogging is the potential to build a community. That’s done through sharing (and creating) experiences.
There are perks. Sometimes the company who manufactures the product you’re blogging about is reading and you might get a coupon or discount code, giveaway for your readers or even a simple thank you. My biggest reward through blogging about my experiences has been the number of emails I’ve received from people who are going through the same events I am; they’ve been there and know what I’m feeling to an extent. For them to have the courage to share their feelings with me? Well that’s better than any coupon or discount code.
Be A Leader
Often we tend to pad our posts with words like “might,” “may” or “hope” to avoid negative feedback. Stop. Share your expertise on a specific subject. Don’t be afraid to get some negative comments. Bloggers joke that once you get your first negative or anonymous comment that you know you’ve made it in the Blogosphere.
Be Open To Change
If you write a lot of how-to guides, but you’d like to through in a humorous post or two, don’t be afraid. Go for it! You won’t know how your readers will respond until you do it. Or, test out a poll. Ask your readers if they prefer your guides or if they’d like to learn more about you. You might be surprised by the results.
Plug In
Check out the guides below about plug-ins for Wordpress users. There are tons of different plug-ins. My favorites include All-in-One SEO Pack and Wordpress Automatic Upgrade, which makes upgrading to the new version of Wordpress SO much easier!
Wordpress.org Plugins - Getting Started (Guide Series Part 3)
Do you think that a plugin is the thing that charges your laptop? Less than a month ago, so did I. But plugins are a fun and, believe it or not, EASY way to jazz up your Wordpress.org site. Take a look at a few here to get you started.
Dont's
Assume
Assume that publishing one post automatically makes you a blogger. I like to think of “blogger” as being in the present. Being a blogger implies that you blog. Regularly.
I hate getting hooked by a really good post only to find that they don’t update for another month. I lose interest rather quick that way. Also, when someone leaves a comment and I go check out their blog, seeing only one post makes me wonder if they’re a spammer or troll.
Pick Fights
I know it’s your blog and you can do whatever you want, but if you’re constantly picking fights with your readers, you might end up pushing them away. There’s a way to engage your readers with controversial topics and create a healthy debate without verbally attacking everyone who disagrees with you.
Update For The Sake Of Updating
If you feel pressure to get something up on your blog, chances are it won’t come across the way you had intended. It will seem forced and your readers will notice.
I often struggle with this. If a week goes by and I haven’t updated, I’ll usually open up a new post and begin writing. If I’m working too hard, or the words aren’t just coming to me, I’ll save the draft and move along. I usually try this two or three times. If out of those three there are no acceptable posts, I just don’t post.
Don't Forget To Include A Link To Your RSS Feed
Unless of course you don’t want one – then I’d have to question you further. An RSS feed is a great way for your readers to keep up with your blog posts. They can easily insert your feed into their Google Reader and follow along. They’ll be updated every time you post something new. Without it they’d probably have to bookmark you and remember to go back and visit.
Personally I don’t like bookmarking blogs. I don’t remember to check them. I have added more than 200 blogs to my Reader since I started using it. It has to be the best thing since sliced bread. All of my favorite blogs in one place!
Increase your site's readership by promoting your RSS feed
Once you’ve decided that you want to be a blogger, acquiring readers is the next step. Most established bloggers know about RSS feeds and how important and convenient they are. This guide will explain what an RSS feed is, why it’s beneficial to you and how to encourage people to subscribe to yours.
Forget To Include Contact Information
Lets say someone who works for The Printed Blog stumbled upon your blog and was interested in publishing you. Of course they could leave a comment, but a direct email would be the preferred method. That can’t happen if you don’t provide an email.
If you don’t want to include your personal email on your blog, go to Gmail and create an email account for your blog. For example, if your blog name is TheSizzla, you can create the email thesizzla(at)gmail(dot)com. See? It’s easy! You can keep your identity safe without missing out on awesome opportunities!
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.jpg "Alexisbea")
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Really great guide. Thanks!
.jpg "The Mean Bean")
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Super great guide, speaking of which…I need to update mine. AH.
.jpg "tmamone")
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Yeah, I’ve written the occasional filler blog entry.
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