When it comes to blogging, there all kinds of things you should and should not do. If you’ve been blogging for a while, these Do’s of Blogging will mostly be old news. If you’re new to the world of blogging, these do’s, along with a few tips and tricks ,will definitely be helpful!
The Do’s of Blogging…
#1. Be Yourself! This is probably the simplest, but easily the most important thing I can tell you about blogging. Copying someone else’s look/style/voice/content won’t ever bring you the kind of readers you want. Finding your own writing style and sense of blogging-self can take a little bit of time, but in the end its worth it! Your followers will fall in love with who YOU are!
#2. Cover All Your Social Media Bases. Basically this boils down to consistency… If you don’t have your blog/brand name reserved on each social media outlet, whether you use it or not, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to share a blog post on twitter or facebook, went to tag the author/blogger and discovered they don’t have a twitter account or facebook page. While I can still share the content that I’ve found, I can’t let you know that I liked it or engage you in conversation about it! The other reason you need to cover all your social media bases is to reserve the name you want. Even if you can’t put the time and effort into ALL the different social media options, when the time comes that you can, you want to make sure you have the name all ready to go!
#3. Use Images. There needs to be at least one image in every post. 2+ is ideal. Each of these images should be pinterest friendly – ProBlogger has a great post about creating great images for Pinterest. As a general rule, you want to be using the highest quality image possible. Invest in a quality camera, make sure there is lots of natural light in your photo and that the subject is clearly visible. I could go on and on… in fact I will be soon! I’m working on a Do’s and Don’ts for Blog Photography post that I’ll be sharing in a few weeks, but in the mean time, I have an entire pinterest board dedicated to photography tips and tutorials.
#4. Keep Your Blog Design Clean. Gone are the days of crazy backgrounds, the entire rainbow being used in headers and sidbars, and dozens of fonts parading around the average blog. I surveyed my blog readers last January and one of the things that was mentioned again and again was how much they appreciated the clean and simple look of my blog. All the colors, different fonts and detailed backgrounds, can end up confusing your readers and ultimately drive them away sooner… definitely NOT what you want! Another thing that will drive readers away is talking ads, anything that auto plays or music on your site. I’ve mentioned these blogging pet peeves once before, but its something that I STILL run across on occasion!
#5. Use Proper Grammar and Spelling. Thank goodness for spell-check! Nothing pushes my buttons like poor grammar and misspelled words… it never ceases to amaze me how many writers and bloggers forget the basics when it comes to the english language. When in doubt, use Grammerly! I do! 😉
I’ll be back next week with more Do’s of Blogging! Stay tuned!
alicia says
February 17, 2015 at 7:52 amVery helpful!!! You should do a whole series for newbies 😉
Patti says
February 17, 2015 at 8:28 amAll good advice. #4 drives me nuts. I'll click in then click out if it's too busy or cluttered.
Pary Moppins says
February 17, 2015 at 9:14 amNoisy ads and music drive me crazy! Thanks for the list!
colleenpence says
February 17, 2015 at 9:36 amJennifer, I've been blogging for nearly 10 years and you hit all of the major dos and don'ts perfectly. I agree with Alicia above – you should continue giving blog advice, maybe in new site!
Paige @ AULB says
February 17, 2015 at 9:46 amYES to numbers 4 and 5! If it's too busy, I move on right away. If the blogger doesn't use capitalization and proper grammar, I don't return!
amber.m says
February 17, 2015 at 10:55 amYES YES YES to all of these! 🙂
Brenda @DailyMayo says
February 17, 2015 at 11:05 amGood tips! Sometimes I've posted something with a typo, then I am sad. 🙂 I use Grammarly, too! They have a free option now, which is even cooler.
geniabeme says
February 17, 2015 at 11:06 amAll great tips! I need a proofreader because that is that part I suck at the most!!
Courtney says
February 17, 2015 at 11:08 amThese are such great tips. I'm a big fan of a clean blog. I hate having to wait forever for a blog with five zillion plugins to load. =(
kristine says
February 17, 2015 at 11:54 amAmen to all the above girl! Great tips!
Jessica says
February 17, 2015 at 11:59 amGreat tips, thanks for sharing!
StephLouiseATB says
February 17, 2015 at 1:08 pmWould love a whole series! These are great tips but #1 is definitely the most important!
Carrie R says
February 17, 2015 at 1:17 pmThe social media part and photos are so essential! 🙂 Great tips, Jennifer.
phyrra says
February 17, 2015 at 4:32 pm#2 can be hard. I usually focus on my favorite social media platforms.
coolchillmom says
February 17, 2015 at 5:44 pmI am working of cleaning up my design 🙂
kimberleytobin says
February 17, 2015 at 5:59 pmGreat tips! I love the last one, on and offline haha!
Cassie Y says
February 17, 2015 at 7:51 pmThese are all such great tips!
BySarahHalstead says
February 17, 2015 at 8:17 pmLove these tips!!! So essential. Thanks for sharing.
Claire says
February 17, 2015 at 9:20 pmGreat post and tips Jennifer!!
Taylor @ PHPT says
February 17, 2015 at 10:26 pmDefinitely ALL great advice!!! Especially TIP #2!!
makeupbylaurag says
February 18, 2015 at 1:28 amGreat advice. I need to reevaluate myself on these sometimes!
Melissa D says
February 18, 2015 at 1:39 pmPop-ups drive me crazy! If I like a blogger's content, I'll seek them out on their social media buttons–I don't want to have to click several Xs just to get to a post.
brittpenney says
February 23, 2015 at 7:24 pmSuch great ideas! I am realizing that I might want to take some photography classes at the local community college this year. Thanks for the help!
sodomestix says
February 24, 2015 at 12:06 amAwesome tips and so very true! 😀
Jules says
February 25, 2015 at 2:47 amGreat advice. I have to get my husband to proof read as I miss things! #InspireMeMonday
balmtomysoul says
February 25, 2015 at 3:35 pmGreat tips. So true. It is the simple stuff that really makes a difference…that and time! 🙂
Oceanblue Style says
February 26, 2015 at 6:16 amYup agree! So true. However I tend to focus on a few social media chanels. Sabina | Oceanblue Style
kylad2013 says
February 27, 2015 at 11:31 amI swear, I'm the worst at spell check. You'd think I'd remember before pressing publish. This are great tips! Thanks for linking up at Found & Foraged.
GiGiEatsCelebrities says
February 27, 2015 at 8:53 pmCOMMENT on other blogs – because blogging without blogging friends just is not fun AT ALL!
Paige says
March 8, 2015 at 5:21 pmGreat tips
Lynn Marie White ~ Serendipity's Treasures says
March 2, 2016 at 12:01 pmI love Grammerly! I have always been told that I am a great writer and considered it to be a strength. Once I downloaded the free version I was amazed at everything that I had missed. I would like to purchase the full version, I notice that they have 50% coupons off every once in a while (for anyone else interested, download the free version and soon you will be getting coupon notifications).