It’s that time of the year where goals and resolutions take the front seat. Write down your goals and make sure they are in sight for you to see frequently. It’s easy to fall behind if you don’t have a plan. Here are 5 ways to stay in front of your blogging goals.
Write, Write, Write
Writing is the foundation of your blog. While some do video blogs or podcasts, a written post is still the route that most bloggers
follow. If you want to write well you need to write frequently. If you are having trouble finding the words, get warmed up by commenting on other blogs. It will get the cerebral juices flowing and provide a nice stretch before diving into your own post. Try to get some writing in daily that’s longer than 140 characters. Chances are that you don’t publish a post daily, but get out and comment or generate other written content for your site.
Enough with “Epic”
It’s silly already. If you are happy with what you’ve produced before hitting “Publish” then you’ve done your job. Michael Jordan didn’t make every shot, Babe Ruth didn’t hit a HR at every at bat, and Dan Marino didn’t throw a TD every pass. You and I are not going to write something “epic” each time out. Don’t try to be perfect, it will kill your efficiency. Strive for being solid, and good things will happen.
Join a Blogging Group
Blogging is a grind, and far from sexy. The process of blogging is no picnic, and doing it all by yourself can be catastrophic. Most bloggers want to help other bloggers. There are always exceptions, but the core is more than willing to help and work together. You’re doing yourself a disservice by ostracizing yourself. I suggest you join a blogging group. You can find them in Facebook. While I’m a part of several, the best managed group is called Biz Blogging Buzz. The group basically reads, comments, and shares each other’s content. It is a great example of a group hitting on all cylinders led by Kim Castleberry. If you’re not in group, give it serious consideration.
Stay Focused
This can be challenging, especially when you’re not making living online. At one time or another most of have lost focus with our blogs. Don’t fall into the trap of “I’ll write when I have something to say” which generally leads to large gaps of time between posts. Take a look at Mark Schaefer’s blog. He published over 280 posts in 2012 and surpassed 1000 in just four years. That’s incredible. That’s the true definition of consistency and focus. I know Mark stays ahead of the game by having more than a handful of posts in reserve. This is imperative for those times when something comes up unexpectedly. It gives you a cushion.
Be Social, Stay Social
Come here I want to show you something. I want you to meet Google Plus, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These three have millions and millions of users that want to connect with you. Open the door and exit your site. The time outside of your site is more important than the time spent inside. Roll up your sleeves and spend time on these social networks. I know you’re probably on Facebook, but are you just communicating with in-person friends only? You should consistently communicate and be social with others in your vertical or niche. It will help with your blogging world, and more importantly you’ll find a lot of good people out there to meet. Get off the deserted island.
As always, comments and shares are appreciated. Have a Happy and Successful 2013.
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Great post Steve I have just started spending more time on Linkedin could do better. I love the blogging alliances I have meeting new people and reading their content have learned a lot since we are not all in the same business.
@Lydia Brown Thanks Lydia. These blogging alliances are a great way to build relationships and to expose yourself to different blog topics.
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I like to subscribe to a bunch of blogs in my niche. Reading what they are talking about allows me to research the latest trends in the market. This helps me when writers block kicks in.
@Clint Butler I feel the same way, I try to subscribe to blogs daily...Ideas on content, website design, an E-mail Marketing can be uncovered from seeing a lot of variety...
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Excellent points, Steve -- creating great content that is useful for your readers is spot on --thanks for the post!
@MaryEHaight Thanks Mary, it's an ongoing test...
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Great pointers you've highlighted here, Steve! I particularly liked the "Enough with "Epic"" part of the post. I'm guilty of this one big time. There have been a few instances back in 2012 where I didn't post anything because I didn't feel the post I had prepared was perfect enough. However, I will be remembering your suggestion moving towards the future. Thanks mate! Awesome article!
@Deone Higgs Thanks Deone. Yes, if we wait for perfection we might be waiting for a long time. Think solid and feel good when you hit publish. This will allow you to put out more content.
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This is great and honestly just what I needed to hear. I'm on my 3rd blog, hopefully this one wont be another failed attempt. I love the points you make; 'enough w/the epic' and 'join a blogging group'. Given the links you provided I'm already doing research into joining a group. Really great stuff, thanks!
@cnbruni Thanks Catherine. Blogging is definitely challenging. I think if you really enjoy what you're writing you increase your odds dramatically of success. Success has many different definition. Some see success as consistently posting each month, while others are looking to make a living. Are people making a living doing it? Yes, but it's no cakewalk, and not pretty for most. I hope the 3rd blog is a success for you.
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Thanks! Good ideas and reminders as I resolve to keep blogging consistently in 2013!
@davidbcrowley Thanks for stopping by David...It can certainly be challenging at times, but we need take of advantage of that time we have to write and rid the distractions. Have a nice weekend.
Your "Enough with Epic" gave me a chuckle Steve because I know exactly what you mean. You've shared some terrific advice here. I know for me consistency is as important as being intentional in the ways I go about building my brand identity. In fact I'm currently branching out to write for a more targeted audience. I anticipate that some time this year I'll break that developing niche off and set up another site, but for now my core message of living life by design is well suited. I love trying new things!
@marquita.herald Consistency is so important Marquita. 80% of Success is showing up. Well that's what Woody Allen said once. :) Well good luck to you on that second site. It can be challenging, but certainly rewarding if managed properly. Thanks Marquita.
Oh, thank you for the "enough with epic" point! Along with "create great content", "write an epic post" is all about overcooked hack advice. It's way better to be real than epic. Going to check out your blogging group recommendation. I belong to a few but you can never have too many friends :)
@CarolLynnRivera Hi Carol, yes you hit the big 3 in that department. :) - About to embark on a lot of reading and commenting as part of the group shortly. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
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Good tips here Steve. I especially relate to the "Enough with Epic" idea. I've found lately that I'm putting more pressure on my writing, and as a result am publishing less than I would like. Perfection is the enemy of finished. One of my goals for 2013 is to get back to publishing more regularly, while taking less time to write each post. Time to "ship" as Seth Godin would say.
Cheers!
@Brent@Echelonseo.com Hi Brent - That "Enough with Epic" has definitely hit a chord with many. Time to "ship" is right. Perfection is can be a deal breaker for many, it's important to accepting of our work. It's probably a little better than we think.
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Very good post on the importance of getting started and generating solid content.. The old saying was everyone has a book in them.. The new truth is everyone has a blog in them!!
@BryanMurphy I agree, it's just a matter of whom gets it down on paper, or on the net in this case. You definitely have to want to do this in order to have presence. Blogging isn't for the faint of heart. Have a great weekend Bryan.
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Great post- and great tips for any blogger, new or old. Thanks for sharing!
@USBabyhuddle Thanks for stopping by, I'm glad you enjoyed them...
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Hi, Steve! I love this post. I've heard writing referred to as working out. It's pretty much the same thing. And thanks for relieving some of us from the burden of having to be epic every time we write. I've decided, with the time I have available (I have 1.5 jobs already, before I come to blogging), writing is the best way for me to make an impact.
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@SteveBorgman Hi, Steve! You have a great handle on it the process. How you manage with 1.5 jobs sounds likes a good post, if you haven't done so already. It's important to you, and you find a way.
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Hey Steve,
What a great post! These are all really big helps to stay on track. I'd like to add one more though, reading other blogs in your niche. Sometimes I start reading blog posts from my favorite bloggers and it just triggers the creative juices. I start getting in the zone to write.
@aprilmechler Thanks you April, I appreciate the kind words. You make a great point April, and I do it so naturally that I failed to mention in the piece. It can definitely ignite ideas. Thanks.
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Hi Steve!
Excellent points you have made here! I like the suggestion you made to go to other people's blogs and comment. If you don't know what to write about, there is so much information one can get from reading other people's blogs. They can be an inspiration to many facets of topics.
As for joining B3 Community: Hey I love it a you know and it is the best group of bloggers! Of course Kimberly is the Best when it comes to those learning curves for me.
Thanks for your great information,
Donna
@donnamerrilltribe Hi Donna - Yes reading others blogs can definitely spark ideas. I've enjoyed the group as well, and Kimberly does a tremendous job. I'm trying to sprinkle it in a few times within the week versus saving it all for Saturday night, like I did again this week. :)
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Great tips. Concise list and love your first point - someone had to say it :)
@Steph_Montreuil Thanks Steph, glad you enjoyed it...
Thanks for these tips. It's a good reminder that not every post has to be epic! -Vicki
@happygreenmama1 Hi Vicki - The "epic" thing is always in our face. It's overplayed, and you can't be "out of this world" every time out. Trying to be perfect each time leads to craziness. Thanks for the comment.
Another Great Tips Steven. Yeah Engagement is must thing for all bloggers.
Thanks.
Great tips, Steven and thanks for the tip about B3. It would be nice to join a blogging community...I'll give it a shot :)
Cheers!
--Sean
@SocMedSean Thanks Sean...Yes, it's a good group and professionally managed...I think you would like it...Have a good one
I think this is a sign : )
@GigLogo I hope so :)
I think I need someone else to organize my schedule. Figuring out where to spend how much time seems the trickiest question in the SoMe swamps. Is there anywhere I can buy hours to be able to get a bit more done?
@haroldgardner Isn't that the truth Harold. One or two 30 hour days wouldn't be too much to ask would it? :) They can definitely be swamps.