I recently posted about my milestones of 100 posts/100 followers. I opened the floor to questions and was asked about basic blogging advice. So for what it's worth, here goes.
1. Make your blog easy to navigate and easy to read. Use pictures, especially if you are doing projects or crafts. People want to see, not just be told.
2. Be consistent. If I say I am posting Art Adventures every Tuesday, I need to actually post an Art Adventure every Tuesday. I also need to post the other projects regularly. Right now I am doing four posts a week. It's hard to know the right amount, we all just have to find what works.
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| I use spreadsheets for each day to keep track of what posts were linked where. |
3. If you want traffic, link, Link, LINK! When I first started I naively thought that 3 or 4 link parties was sufficient. Then I notice that blogs that grew faster linked more. There are so many great blogs out there. If you want to be noticed, you have to put yourself out there. I think I do about 30 something link parties a week. And make sure you link back! That's just basic etiquette.
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| We all love to see comments! :) |
4. Visit other blogs and comment. We all love comments. It's the best way to make inter-friends. Also respond to your comments. I either email back or respond in the comments. I don't know which is better. Thoughts?
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| This pillow was inspired by the company At West End. |
5. Give credit where it's due. If another blogger's project inspired you (or company or whoever), say so and provide a link back. I don't know a blogger that doesn't appreciate that.
6. AdSense. What I wish I knew going in is that it takes a LOT of traffic to make any money at all, more than you think. You have to earn $100 before they cut your check and if you really weren't ready, it can feel like it's taking forever. Also, you don't know if anybody is going to click ads or how much, so there is not consistency in how quickly your pennies add up. Sponsorships would provide more consistency, but it also requires more work on your part. I haven't really sought sponsors yet.
I have found that so many bloggers are willing to share their advice and help if you just ask. There are bloggers out there who have been at it longer than me, and I have never been rebuffed for asking a question. :) Feel free to add advice in the comments.
