10 tips for starting a blog
1. Be focused
Many blogs start out trying to do too many things. Find a niche and focus on it; it's actually easier! With a lot less work you can be the best for that niche.
2. Be different
There are probably a lot of people thinking about, and even working, on the same idea that you are. Good ideas will have competition, so you have to find something about your blog that stands out from the rest. Remember that the specialist at something will do much better than the generalist, so make sure you're the specialist. Get a good, non-generic name, one that's distinctive and easy to remember. Don't follow trends, start your own!
3. Be casual
People are relaxed as they browse the web. It's a very casual thing to do. Fit in with how they feel, and they'll 'hang out' with you. You want to offer them something that fits in - and even helps - their everyday lives. Make sure you do it with a relaxed tone on your blog.
4. Be picky
Make sure you are picky about the content that you have on your blog. You want quality content in order to bring quality results to your efforts. People will come back for more when they know your content is high quality. Be picky with everything you do. Don't aim for mediocrity.
5. Be user friendly
Make sure your blog and the features of your blog are easy to navigate, easy to find, and easy to use. Don't think everyone is as intelligent, or as intuitive as you are. Make things user friendly, so that people enjoy their experience on your blog.
6. Be selfish
Make sure you're doing what you want to do. Provide information that you want to provide. Do it only for yourself, not for anyone else. If you're doing it for someone else, you're not going to be as interested in it. Doing it for yourself creates passion, and passion brings rewards to you. Be selfish. It's for you after all.
7. Be greedy
Not only do you have to do it for yourself, to be selfish, but you also have to get some reward for it. There's no point doing anything if there's nothing in it for you. Find the opportunities for getting something back from your efforts. Income from advertising or affiliate programs are a good start. Be greedy enough to let yourself be rewarded for your work.
8. Be agile
Be prepared to change anything about what you're doing. Anything. Nothing needs to be fixed, and everything needs to be open to evolution. As you get feedback, or learn from your experiences, allow your blog to grow with you. It's ok to change things, to do things differently. As you learn new things, and get new ideas, you're going to want to try them out. Do it. Your experience is valuable. Take advantage of it. Don't think you have to stay as you started. Grow, be agile.
9. Be balanced
Commitment is crucial, but don't let the rest of your life suffer. In fact, spend a lot of time on your life, enjoying its experiences. Not only will you find balance, but you'll also feel happier. And the best bonus is, it'll give you more to write about.
10. Be cautious
Rules are not to be taken literally. Your own heart will have the best advice for you. Learn to listen to it. There are always 'exceptions to the rule'.
2. Be different
There are probably a lot of people thinking about, and even working, on the same idea that you are. Good ideas will have competition, so you have to find something about your blog that stands out from the rest. Remember that the specialist at something will do much better than the generalist, so make sure you're the specialist. Get a good, non-generic name, one that's distinctive and easy to remember. Don't follow trends, start your own!
3. Be casual
People are relaxed as they browse the web. It's a very casual thing to do. Fit in with how they feel, and they'll 'hang out' with you. You want to offer them something that fits in - and even helps - their everyday lives. Make sure you do it with a relaxed tone on your blog.
4. Be picky
Make sure you are picky about the content that you have on your blog. You want quality content in order to bring quality results to your efforts. People will come back for more when they know your content is high quality. Be picky with everything you do. Don't aim for mediocrity.
5. Be user friendly
Make sure your blog and the features of your blog are easy to navigate, easy to find, and easy to use. Don't think everyone is as intelligent, or as intuitive as you are. Make things user friendly, so that people enjoy their experience on your blog.
6. Be selfish
Make sure you're doing what you want to do. Provide information that you want to provide. Do it only for yourself, not for anyone else. If you're doing it for someone else, you're not going to be as interested in it. Doing it for yourself creates passion, and passion brings rewards to you. Be selfish. It's for you after all.
7. Be greedy
Not only do you have to do it for yourself, to be selfish, but you also have to get some reward for it. There's no point doing anything if there's nothing in it for you. Find the opportunities for getting something back from your efforts. Income from advertising or affiliate programs are a good start. Be greedy enough to let yourself be rewarded for your work.
8. Be agile
Be prepared to change anything about what you're doing. Anything. Nothing needs to be fixed, and everything needs to be open to evolution. As you get feedback, or learn from your experiences, allow your blog to grow with you. It's ok to change things, to do things differently. As you learn new things, and get new ideas, you're going to want to try them out. Do it. Your experience is valuable. Take advantage of it. Don't think you have to stay as you started. Grow, be agile.
9. Be balanced
Commitment is crucial, but don't let the rest of your life suffer. In fact, spend a lot of time on your life, enjoying its experiences. Not only will you find balance, but you'll also feel happier. And the best bonus is, it'll give you more to write about.
10. Be cautious
Rules are not to be taken literally. Your own heart will have the best advice for you. Learn to listen to it. There are always 'exceptions to the rule'.
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