Whether you’ve just started your blog and need to hit the ground running or even if you’ve been writing your blog for a while, these should help take it to the next level.
1. Take 31 Days to a Better Blog
Most people know that blogging isn’t rocket science. Yet, most blogs that get started never end up gaining popularity and eventually end up being swallowed up into a great void in cyberspace.
Darren Rowse of problogger has been blogging for years, mostly through trial an error. Thanks to his persistence he has become one of the most popular bloggers blogging about blogs.
Darren’s 31 Days to a Better Blog workbook will walk you through getting your blog from beginner to pro status in no time. Each task is set out to be performed one day at a time and through the simple steps and challenges, you’ll find yourself with a new understanding of how to run your blog as well as keeping it popular and being exposed to new readers.
The 31 Days to a Better Blog workbook is only $19.99.
2. Upgrade to a Premium WordPress Themes
While there are literally thousands of free wordpress themes available online but choosing to go with a premium theme can really set your blog apart. Sure, there are some great looking free themes out there, but there is nothing worse than finding another site that looks exactly like yours because they are using the same theme.
Of course, a premium theme can look like many others as well. If you’re not a designer, you can save lots of frustration by looking to a professional for assistance.
I have discussed why I love both the Thesis theme and the Frugal theme recently. I recommend reading it as it will shed some light on many issues buyers have expressed.
3. Get Your Tribe
There is a good chance you’ve heard of Seth Godin before. Part marketing guru, part experienced blogger, and part great author, Seth has created an amazing and inspirational resource in his latest book, Tribes.
Tribes discusses how one must be a leader in order to gain tribe members, or in the case of your blog, readers. Readers will quickly understand why being a leader, surrounded by your tribe, is a major key to success in any avenue of life, but especially your blog.
4. Become a Trust Agent
Another must read book is Chris Brogan and Julien Smith’s Trust Agents. Trust Agents shares information on how to become a leading authority online. We all know this type of authority can’t be purchased or bs’d about which is what a large portion of social networking junkies attempt to do. You must have it inside of you. Chances are though, you don’t know how to unleash it. This is where Trust Agents come in. As the title so plainly states, Trust Agents will teach you how to: “Use the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust.
5. Social Media
“Social media” is one of the hottest terms around today. People label themselves as self-proclaimed gurus every day yet most people still don’t quite understand how to use these skills to their true potential.
There are no set rules for social media and most learn as they go, but one thing is for certain: You want to be utilizing these tools as much as humanly possible.
Twitter and Facebook are the default social networks out there that people refer to typically. There are more, but these two certainly have the majority of users and that is where you want to start.
Your blog can be great, and you can get a bit of traffic from Google, but you are missing its true potential. My largest site, Have Pack, Will Travel, would be nowhere without my 2,000+ list of targeted Twitter followers. Call them my tribe if you will. Either way, they’re dedicated, we share information, and help each other promote. It works very well.
Custom Design (bonus!)
Who would I be if I didn’t take a second to promote WP Design Club‘s services? Several of my clients have told me they are graphic designers, but simply too busy to take on designing their site themselves. Other have no clue and need to put that task into the hands of someone else.
A custom design sets you apart. Be sure to give us a consideration if you are going that route.
Glad you included social media there in your list! Twitter and Facebook are awesome social media tools that can really go a long way towards building your site traffic and readership. You’re right, there’s no exact science to doing it, you just need to feel your audience, and make sure you relate to them and provide them with something valuable. Thanks!
Great post Jeffery,
I am happy that I kind of haphazardly have already followed much of your advice:
I have purchased THESIS.
I am currently reading Seth Godin’s Tribes.
I already own “31 days to a better blogging” which I will read next.
I discovered the power of Twitter about a week ago and am now addicted.
I am currently discussing “custom design” options with you via Email.
All in all that ought to give me a good start!
Thanks!