Tuesday (06/20/06)
Jump-starting your blog 11:38 pm
As I mentioned today on my other blog, I’ve been helping a couple different people start up their own blogs. But it seems that as soon as one gets their own blog, they’re almost always thinking about one thing: Building readership.
How is this done? Believe it or not, it’s not magic, and it does not happen overnight (usually). There are, however, a few things that can help this process.
Do good stuff
Adam really hit the nail on the head with this one, and I also touched on the subject myself a couple of days ago. Basically, no matter how hard you work on SEO, ad campaigns, or spamming other types of promotion, you’re not going anywhere if you don’t have anything worth reading/listening/watching.
This means that when text blogging, make sure you read through that post several times fixing any mistakes you find or altering anything you see fit. I know how hard it is to keep away from that fancy Publish button, but please, for your sake and ours, don’t push it until you’re absolutely sure the thing is ready. Check your grammar, hit the spell check, and if you really need to, have somebody else read it. If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, make extensive use of that post preview–you’ll notice all sorts of things in there that you might miss while writing.
Tell everybody you know
At first, this is probably the biggest prospective audience you’ll have. Friends, family, MySpace contacts… Well, maybe not the MySpacers. Let them know you’ve got a blog and will be updating it often, tell them how to subscribe to your feed, and ask them to pass it on to people they think might be interested.
Don’t be shy, but don’t be a jerk–nobody wants to read a spammer’s blog.
Do good stuff - for other people
If you want to be found by other people, you’ve got to be out where other people are. Find some blogs that you really enjoy reading and provide useful, witty, meaningful comments. If your comments are good, people will figure your blog is also good and check it out.
If you aren’t currently reading any good blogs, finding some are easy. You can use services like Technorati’s Blog Finder or Google’s Blog Search to find something in your area of expertise. You could also browse through some blogging networks such as 9rules to find some quality blogs up your alley. Write about politics a lot? Find some other political blogs to subscribe to. Chances are, not only will you find some blogs that you really enjoy reading and discussing, but if you submit worthwhile comments people who read them will likely check out your blog. Just whatever you do, don’t spam and don’t troll. It won’t help you.
When somebody comments on one of your posts, return the favor and respond to their comment, send them an email, or leave a comment on their blog. Just like you, other people like to know that their thoughts are appreciated.
Join a network
Once you have some quality content and are willing to dedicate some time to your blog, joining a blogging network can really help you out. A good network will connect you with other, like-minded bloggers, boost your traffic, and possibly help you make money. There are several different blogging networks, probably more than there really needs to be. They all have their own goals and mindsets, so it’s up to you to find one that works for you and your blog.
Lastly,
Don’t worry too much about it. Have some fun and break some rules. Popularity can take time, but having fun doesn’t have to–just be passionate about what you do, and as long as you enjoy it you’ve already won (that sounded so cliché). 
I eat food. I listen to music. I sleep. Sometimes. I drink lots of coffee. I make pretty pictures. I talk to people. I believe in things. I write stuff. I take photographs. I have a laughing addiction. I am human. 
I don’t think you should discriminate against trolls. They are a valuable ally of the orcs in World of Warcraft, and some of my best friends are trolls. Heh, seriously, good post, my friend. I shall employ these decisive strategies you have shared, and assuming my attention span lasts long enough, in time I shall be unto a god of the blogosphere, my divine wisdom displayed for all to see in its HTML glory.
…Ever notice how writing this stuff goes to your head? Because some people are freaking ego maniacs on these things. I swear, it’s annoying. Good thing I’m around to counter their stupidity, eh?
Anyhow, I’m off to master my destiny. To the Blogmobile, Robin!!
No comment.
Apolgigies for double post - i pushed the button
Would you concider shaing this blog design? I really like it, and I’m kind of new to this whole blogging thing. I would happly give you credit. Get back to me.
Thanks,
Adam
@Adam: This is my personal design and isn’t available for others to use.
I do freelance design/development and would be happy to work with you on your own design, but you have to pay for that.
There are tons of free wordpress “themes” out there though, if that’s what you are looking for.
Ok, thanks for getting back. Im working on a theme edit. http://www.adambrowndesigns.co.uk/blog, Id love some help trying to get latest flickr photos in the purple area next to the green header. Im willing to pay, whats your rates?
Great site, I am bookmarking it!Keep it up!
With the best regards!
David
Hey,
I love what you’e doing!
Don’t ever change and best of luck.
Raymon W.
Looks Like Dallas is in trouble!
Phoenix might end up blowing them all away.
PHX vs. Det. Hmmm..Could be interesting?
What was that all about?
I’m very confused about this blog. Lots of
way off topic stuff here!
I’m not quite understanding what all
this is supposed to be about?
Must be me or something…
Wow!
I can’t believe the Pats got Randy Moss!
That is so cool. The rich get richer, again!
Just a short note to say I like your blog.
Good job and keep up the great work!
Kenneth
That is a great article. I’m just getting a few blogs up and running with my co-workers. I printed it for my ‘partners’ to digest.
Matt
Escaping the Daily Grind
Wow, there is some really nice info here.
I’ll definitely come back soon to see everything.
Way to go!
Joey
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I think patience is my biggest set back. Though I also have an issue as a web designer I tend to spend more time on the design than I should and less time on the content. I balancing it pretty well right now.
Thanks for the tips! They seem to have worked for others. Though it may take years for it to become popular, humble beginnings are in everyone’s story.