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      36 Brilliant Blogging Tools to Help You Write Better, Publish More, and Increase Traffic


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      Running a blog can be tough. There are times when it can feel like having multiple jobs. Not only do you need to create fresh, high-quality content, but you’ll also have a website to manage, social media posts to schedule, and data to analyze.

      Having a versatile bag of tools at your disposal can keep your blogging gig from becoming overwhelming. There are solutions for most of your day-to-day tasks, from design to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and everything in between.

      With all the possibilities to choose from, you could spend weeks just combing through your options. So we’ve done the hard work for you. In this article, we’ll cover why you need the right tools. Then we’ll detail 36 brilliant blogging solutions worth checking out. Let’s get started!

      Why You Need the Right Blogging Tools

      As a blogger, you’ll want to find tools that help you become more productive and successful. For example, discovering topics to blog about that your audience will love can be tricky. The right solution can help you brainstorm ideas and explore new niches you weren’t previously aware of, saving you a lot of time in the process.

      What’s more, there’s more to blogging than just writing. You need to be sure people can discover and share your website. Therefore, to maximize your reach, you’ll want to look into blogging tools that give your SEO and social media a boost. This can make up for any lack of knowledge or experience on your end, and free up your attention for your actual content.

      36 Brilliant Blogging Tools to Help You Write Better, Publish More, and Increase Traffic

      We’ve argued the case for having the right blogging tools at the ready. Now let’s explore 36 of the top options and see what they can do.

      Research

      Content creation requires lots of research. You need to be sure people are searching for what you’re going to be writing about. You’ll also need someplace to keep ideas and notes.

      1. Google Keyword Planner

      The Google Keyword Planner home page.

      Before you start writing a new blog post, you might want to make sure you’re using words that people are searching for. Google Keyword Planner can provide you with feedback on your potential keywords.

      This great tool will help you by showing you how popular each chosen keyword is through search volume metrics. You’ll also get some suggestions for other relevant phrases you may want to use.

      Price: Google Keyword Planner is free to use, as long as you have a Google Ads account set up.

      2. Google Trends

      The Google Trends website.

      When trying to nail down an idea for a successful blog post, you might want to start with Google Trends. You can enter any topic into the search box, and this tool will provide you with a ton of information and history about it.

      You can filter your results, which is especially useful if you’re trying to capture a particular region’s attention. Google Trends also provides you a list of related topics, which you can use to brainstorm more content ideas.

      Price: Google Trends is entirely free for anyone to use.

      3. BuzzSumo

      The BuzzSumo website.

      If you’re wondering what’s trending in your niche, BuzzSumo can tell you. Just search for the topic you’re interested in, and you’ll get a list of the top-performing content in that area.

      You can also enter the URL for one of your competitors. BuzzSumo will give you a list of the top-performing content from that site, so you can see what’s resonating with your potential audience.

      Price: BuzzSumo offers a seven-day free trial. After that, you can choose from several tiers starting at $79 per month.

      4. HubSpot’s Blog Ideas Generator

      HubSpot’s Blog Ideas Generator.

      When you start blogging, it’s hard to imagine ever running out of ideas. However, the day will likely come when you sit down to write and come up empty. That’s where HubSpot’s Blog Ideas Generator comes into the picture.

      Provide the generator with up to five nouns, and it will return a week’s worth of blog ideas. If you need a year’s worth of topics, you can enter some details and unlock 250 more potential blog posts.

      Price: The Blog Ideas Generator is free for anyone to use. But, if you want more ideas at once, you’ll have to trade some information to get them.

      5. EvernoteThe Evernote website.

      With all those new blog post ideas, you’re going to be doing a lot of research. If your bookmarks bar is becoming a disorganized mess, Evernote can provide a place to keep all of your screenshots, notes, and articles.

      What if you prefer a mix of handwritten and electronic notes? You can actually scan your notes with your phone into the app. You can even search these scanned documents since Evernote can read handwriting.

      Price: Evernote has several plans to choose from, including a robust free version. You can upgrade to one of the paid versions starting at $7.99 per month.

      Writing and Grammar

      Well-written, readable content is crucial for a successful blog. Even the most compelling ideas will suffer without the right words to convey them.

      6. Grammarly

      The Grammarly writing tool.

      Even the strongest writer can benefit from having a second pair of eyes look over their blog posts. Grammarly is like having an experienced editor making suggestions to improve your writing and style.

      Each time you open a new document in Grammarly, you can set goals for its tone, formality, and intent. You’ll then receive feedback to help you hit those targets. Grammarly also has a Chrome extension, so you can check your emails and Google Docs as well.

      One downside: Grammarly is currently only available in English. If you’re looking for a multilingual grammar checker, consider Language Tool, which can check your writing in more than 20 languages. It’s what our team uses to review Spanish content.

      Price: Grammarly’s free plan checks your grammar, spelling, and conciseness. The premium tier adds more style and genre checks (as well as a plagiarism detector) for $11.66 per month.

      7. Associated Press (AP) Stylebook

      The Associated Press Stylebook.

      The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is a reference every blogger should have on their bookshelf. Using AP style for blog posts can help to keep them concise, clear, and informative.

      The AP Stylebook is updated frequently. If you buy the book from the official website, you’ll receive email notifications about these changes. It’s a simple way to keep up with stylistic adjustments.

      Price: You have multiple options for purchasing the AP Stylebook. A spiral-bound physical copy will cost you $26.95. The online stylebook starts at $22.00 for one user.

      8. Google Docs

      The Google Docs home page.

      Google Docs is a web-based word processor. You can use this application to compose, edit, and format your blog posts.

      One advantage of Google Docs is that you can access your documents anywhere, regardless of your device. For a blogger on the go, this is a must-have feature!

      Price: Google Docs is free to use. You can upgrade to G Suite for additional features and applications, starting at $6 per month.

      Project Management

      Blogs have a lot of moving parts. Project management tools can help you stay organized, so your blogging tasks stay on track.

      9. Asana

      The Asana project management tool.

      Asana enables you to build a roadmap for your blog projects. You can group tasks to make up a project or divide them into smaller chunks.

      If you collaborate with other writers on your blog, Asana is a powerful tool for team management. You’re able to see at a glance where each post is in your pipeline.

      Price: Asana’s free option allows collaboration with up to 15 people. Premium plans begin at $10.99 per user per month.

      10. Trello

      The Trello productivity tool.

      Trello’s design is based on cards, lists, and boards. It’s an intuitive system that can hold a ton of information.

      Trello is an excellent alternative to Asana if you’re looking for something a little more streamlined. You can keep all the attachments and notes you need for a task on its card. This format is also easier to handle if you’re a team of one.

      Price: Trello has a robust free option that enables you to have an unlimited number of personal boards and ten team boards. Upgraded plans begin at $9.99 per user per month.

      Design

      Gorgeous visuals to complement your words are an essential part of creating branded, shareable blog posts. You don’t need to be an artist, but the right tools can help you fake it.

      11. Adobe Photoshop

      The Adobe Photoshop website.

      When you think of photo editing software, Adobe Photoshop probably comes to mind. Whether you’re touching up a stock photo or creating a new logo, you can probably do it with Photoshop.

      One exciting aspect of this platform is that new features are always being added. One of the latest is the object selection tool. You can lasso or draw a rectangle around an object, and the selection snaps into place around it.

      Price: You can try Adobe Photoshop for free for seven days. After that, plans start at $20.99 per month.

      12. Canva

      The Canva photo editing tool.

      Canva is like Photoshop’s younger but no less accomplished sister. The free plan gives you generous access to templates, stock photos, and other design elements. However, Canva Pro contains some valuable features as well.

      With a Brand Kit, for example, you can collect the colors, fonts, and logos that make your blog recognizable all in one place. Imagine the time you could save on looking up HTML color codes!

      Price: You can upgrade to Pro for $9.95 per month. There’s also a 30-day free trial.

      13. Logaster

      The Logaster home page.

      Are you struggling to come up with a logo? If so, Logaster can generate a variety of options to choose from in seconds. Just enter your blog’s name and scroll through the possibilities.

      If you’d like, you can give Logaster more information to build your logo with. For instance, you can try specifying a color and industry for more personalization. If you’re not entirely happy with the design, you can do some editing by signing up for a free account.

      Price: You can download and use the small version of your new logo for free. However, Logaster also offers packages that include different size logos, letterheads, favicons, and more. These range from $19.99 to $89.99.

      Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

      SEO has many different facets that all need your attention. The following tools can help you analyze and optimize your blog’s content, so you’ll have a fighting chance for higher rankings.

      14. Yoast SEO

      The Yoast SEO plugin.

      If you have a blog on WordPress, you’ll probably want to install the Yoast SEO plugin. This tool makes optimizing each of your posts easy.

      For example, you can give Yoast SEO a keyphrase, and it will return actionable advice that you can use to improve your post. The premium version can even account for other forms of that keyphrase, including synonyms and plurals.

      Price: You can get started with the free version or go all-in with Yoast SEO Premium. The latter starts at $89 for one site.

      15. SEMrush

      The SEMRush website.

      It might be unfair to give SEMrush only one spot on this list, as it provides multiple tools. SEMrush offers insights on everything from social media to Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising.

      Most importantly, however, SEMrush’s SEO Toolkit can give you an edge over your competition. The Domain Overview lets you see which keywords your competitors use. You can use this information to hone your content plan over time.

      Price: SEMrush plans range from $83.28 to $333.28 per month. Higher tiers get you access to more reports and extended limits. The good news? We’ve worked out a free SEMrush trial for our readers, so you can see if this tool is a good fit for your blog without a long-term commitment!

      SEMrush

      16. MarketMuse

      The MarketMuse solution.

      MarketMuse is a complete, AI-based solution for content. This tool can lend a hand with anything from research to content creation.

      The ability to optimize content can make MarketMuse a valuable part of your blogging strategy. Its AI analyzes your copy and makes suggestions for the language you should use. This can boost your SEO rankings, as you’ll be using the same words your audience uses to search.

      Price: You can try MarketMuse’s Pro plan free for a month. After that, the cost is $325 per month.

      17. Ahrefs

      The Ahrefs SEO tool.

      Ahrefs is an invaluable resource if you’ve been blogging for a while and want to move to the next level. This SEO toolset can help you maximize your efforts.

      While Ahrefs offers a wide range of features, it started as a backlink checker and still excels at that task. The Content Explorer tool analyzes individual pieces of content and displays how many backlinks they receive over time.

      Price: Ahrefs offers a seven-day trial for $7. Full plans start at $82 per month for a single user.

      18. Can I Rank?

      The Can I Rank tool.

      Can I Rank may be the next best thing to hiring an analyst. This tool uses AI to deliver actionable insights that can help you improve your blog’s SEO.

      To do this, Can I Rank’s reports provide steps towards ranking for your target keywords. You’ll get suggestions for improving your current content, and new keywords you may want to focus on going forward. The AI will also connect you to other SEO tools that may be helpful.

      Price: Can I Rank has a free plan, which limits how many times you can access each report. Paid plans start at $49 per month, and a free trial is available.

      19. Ubersuggest

      The Ubersuggest Chrome extension.

      Installing the Ubersuggest Chrome extension gives you access to SEO metrics and insights every time you search.

      Ubersuggest can help refine keywords that you’ve researched. If you perform a search with one of your target keywords, you’ll receive a list of related target phrases, along with the search volume for the current month and the estimated competition for the keyword.

      Price: This extension is free. You don’t even need to create an account, although you’ll gain access to more features if you do so.

      20. LinkMiner

      The LinkMiner extension.

      Broken links can hurt your site’s SEO. They’re easy to fix but not always simple to find. Fortunately, the LinkMiner Chrome extension unearths broken links for you.

      This extension provides you with overall results for each page you analyze. It also highlights all the links in your content in red, so you can get them fixed right away.

      Price: You can use this extension for free.

      Site Management

      A user-friendly CMS can make managing your website much more straightforward. When you pair that with reliable hosting, you’ll have a solid foundation for your blog.

      21. WordPress

      The WordPress.org home page.

      WordPress powers 37% of all sites on the internet, and for good reason. This free, open-source platform is powerful, flexible, and supported by an active community.

      One appealing feature for bloggers is the Block Editor. This editor makes it easy to create stunning, rich content, with no design or coding experience necessary. The drag-and-drop interface makes it possible to rearrange your content and experiment with different possibilities.

      Price: WordPress itself is free. You’ll just have to pay for a hosting plan. You can also choose to purchase premium themes and plugins.

      22. A Managed WordPress Hosting Plan

      DreamHost managed WordPress hosting.

      You’ll probably get more out of WordPress if you complement it with a managed WordPress hosting plan. These specialized plans come with extras that can make your website building and upkeep a lot easier.

      After all, just because you’re a blogger doesn’t mean you’re a web designer. That’s why our DreamPress managed hosting plans include a website builder specifically designed for WordPress sites. After you’ve created your site, we’ll keep it safe by performing daily and on-demand backups.

      Price: Managed WordPress hosting can vary in cost depending on your provider. Our hosting plans start at $16.95 per month.

      Blog Better with DreamPress

      Our automatic updates and strong security defenses take server management off your hands so you can focus on content creation.

      23. Wordable

      The Wordable plugin.

      As awesome as the Block Editor is, there are advantages to composing your blog posts in Google Docs. However, you’ll lose a lot of time copying and reformatting your posts before publishing them.

      The Wordable plugin accomplishes all of those tasks in a single click. Wordable doesn’t just import text; it also brings along the images and headings. You can have guest writers submit their pieces as Google Docs and import them with Wordable. You don’t have to set up an account on your site for them, and you won’t have to reformat their posts either.

      Price: You can test out Wordable with a three-export trial. After that, plans start at $19 per month for one user and one WordPress site.

      Social Media

      Handling multiple social media channels can create confusion and the potential for mistakes. To avoid that, you can stay on top of your social media schedule with the help of these tools.

      24. CoSchedule

      The CoSchedule plugin.

      CoSchedule is the editorial calendar of your dreams. It can help you manage blog posts and get them onto social media platforms.

      CoSchedule’s Blog Calendar lets you see your scheduled blog and social media posts in one place. If you need to reschedule a post, you can just drag and drop it wherever you’d like. The calendar automatically adjusts the accompanying social media messages.

      Price: You can get the Blog Calendar for $14 per month. If you’d like to add more functionality with the Marketing Calendar, the price increases to $29 per month.

      25. Social Snap

      The Social Snap plugin.

      Social Snap is a social media plugin for WordPress. This solution comes with a suite of tools designed to get more traffic to your blog.

      With Social Snap, you can place social sharing buttons anywhere in your blog posts. The floating sidebar could be an effective strategy if you tend to write longer content. You can also customize the buttons to match your website’s design.

      Price: Social Snap offers plans starting at $27.30 per year. There is no free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

      26. Buffer

      The Buffer platform.

      If you’re in the market for a complete social media solution, you may want to check out Buffer. This platform provides tools to help you publish and analyze your content.

      Buffer’s Publish tool enables you to manage all of your social media channels from one dashboard. With some determination and a lot of coffee, you might schedule a month’s worth of content in a single afternoon.

      Price: Buffer Publish begins at $12 per month. The Pro plan enables you to schedule up to 100 posts.

      27. Click to Tweet

      The Click to Tweet plugin.

      Click to Tweet is a free plugin provided by CoSchedule. If you have your eyes set on the Twitterverse, you’ll likely want this blogging tool at your side.

      With it, you can pull out especially tweet-worthy wisdom from your content. Your readers can then share these insights with their followers in one click.

      Price: Click to Tweet is free to download and use. You do need to provide some personal information and sign up for CoSchedule’s mailing list to access the tool.

      Video

      You may already include video on your blog, as it can increase the time visitors spend on a page. If not, these solutions can get you started.

      28. YouTube

      The YouTube home page.

      You may already use YouTube to host your videos, but there’s more you can do with the platform. For example, did you know that you can live stream with YouTube?

      Live streaming is a fun way to connect with your audience and has been growing in popularity in recent years. It’s a great way to build a sense of community around your blog.

      Price: YouTube is free to use. All you need is a Google account.

      29. Adobe Premiere Rush

      The Adobe Rush website.

      If creating video content sounds like a lot of work, you can check out Adobe Premiere Rush. This helpful tool makes producing a video (almost) as easy as posting to social media.

      With Adobe Premiere Rush, you can capture and edit footage right from your mobile phone. You can even add graphics, overlays, and voiceovers. Then you’ll be able to share the video to your YouTube channel, Instagram account, Facebook page, and other social media platforms.

      Price: Adobe Premiere Rush offers a free trial that limits you to three exports. After that, you can access the software for $9.99 per month.

      Analytics

      By keeping an eye on your blog’s statistics, you’ll be able to see where you can improve. If you’re not a data analyst, you might appreciate some help in that department.

      30. Google Analytics

      The Google Analytics website.

      If you haven’t already installed Google Analytics on your blog, what are you waiting for? Its many tools will give you access to the metrics you need for running a successful blog.

      While your hosting provider may provide you with some traffic data, Google Analytics offers you a wide range of numbers. Knowing where your traffic is coming from will help you focus your efforts on those channels.

      Price: Google Analytics is free to use. You just need to add a tracking code to your website.

      31. MonsterInsights

      The MonsterInsights plugin.

      MonsterInsights is a plugin that helps make Google Analytics even more powerful. It’s a match made in blogging heaven.

      A favorite feature of MonsterInsights is the Google Analytics dashboard. Instead of navigating away from WordPress, you can view all that data right in your admin dashboard. You’ll also be able to see what’s happening on your blog in real-time.

      Price: MonsterInsights plans begin at $99.50 per year. There’s no free trial, but there is a 14-day money-back guarantee.

      Marketing Your Blog

      Having the best content on the web won’t do you any good if no one knows it exists. Fortunately, you can get your blog in front of more people with these tools.

      32. OptinMonster

      The OptinMonster plugin.

      As a blogger, convincing readers to sign up for your email newsletter is critical. OptinMonster can help you create opt-in campaigns that turn casual readers into devoted fans.

      If your opt-in isn’t user-friendly, it’s unlikely to convert. OptinMonster gives you powerful targeting options, such as device-based targeting. This ensures that mobile users only see campaigns that are optimized for their devices.

      Price: OptinMonster’s basic plan will cost you $9 per month.

      33. Hunter

      The Hunter tool.

      Guest posting is a tried-and-true link building technique for bloggers. Crafting a strong pitch is hard enough, but sometimes the most challenging part is finding the right email to send it to.

      To make things easier, you can simply enter a domain name into Hunter’s search box, and the tool returns every email address it can find for that company. You can use this to see a particular individual’s email or search for a role, such as “submissions@” or “editorial@”.

      Price: You can perform 50 free searches per month. Paid plans start at $34 per month.

      34. NinjaOutreach

      The NinjaOutreach platform.

      Partnering with an influencer can increase your blog’s audience. NinjaOutreach enables you to filter through lots of influencers in your niche, so you can find the right one.

      Whether you’re targeting Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or YouTube, NinjaOutreach has you covered with its extensive database of influencers. You can even find other bloggers who may be interested in collaboration.

      Price: NinjaOutreach offers a 7-day free trial. A monthly plan starts at $119.

      35. Mailchimp

      The Mailchimp platform.

      There’s more to email marketing than sending out a blast whenever you publish a new post. Mailchimp helps you organize your list and send out updates on time.

      No one wants to read ugly emails, but thanks to Mailchimp’s drag-and-drop builder, you can make customizations and even add images and videos. Then, real-time analytics lets you monitor how effective your campaigns are.

      Price: Mailchimp offers a generous free plan to get you started. You can get an upgraded email-only plan for $9.99 per month.

      36. Teachable

      The Teachable home page.

      Sharing your knowledge is an effective way of establishing yourself as an expert in your blogging niche. Unfortunately, setting up an online course can be a challenge.

      Teachable is a complete solution for building and running an online course. You can make your lessons extra special by taking advantage of Teachable’s live features. For example, you can schedule one-on-one sessions with your students to check in on progress and answer questions.

      Price: Teachable’s Basic plan comes with everything you need to create your first course, and costs $29 per month.

      11 Blogging Tools We Use on the DreamHost Blog

      While all of the blogging tools on this list are excellent, we have some favorites we use for the DreamHost blog itself. Here’s some extra love for the solutions that make our job so much easier:

      1. Google Docs: When it comes to collaboration, you can’t beat Google Docs.
      2. Grammarly: Even the most seasoned writers miss an Oxford comma from time to time.
      3. Language Tool: This is a useful grammar checker if you need support in languages other than English. We use it for our Spanish content!
      4. MarketMuse: If you love the content on our blog, we have to give some credit to MarketMuse.
      5. WordPress: Like so much of the internet, we love how easy WordPress is to use. It really is our favorite blogging tool!
      6. DreamPress Hosting: Not to toot our own horn, but we’re really good at this hosting thing.
      7. OptinMonster: No one wants to annoy their blog visitors with unwanted opt-ins, and we’re no exception.
      8. Yoast SEO: We’re proud of what we publish, and Yoast SEO helps ensure that our blog content gets seen by plenty of visitors.
      9. CoSchedule: Keeping track of when and where we’ve published our content is much easier thanks to CoSchedule.
      10. Canva: The one-click resize option for various social media channels is a gift.
      11. Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to be sure we’re giving you more of what you want.

      If you’re not sure where to begin, the above tools should start you off on the right foot.

      Ready to Launch Your WordPress Blog?

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      What’s Your Next Blogging Tool?

      Handling a blog on your own is a difficult task. Taking advantage of a few of the many blogging tools available can give you back some valuable time.

      Today, we’ve looked at a few reasons why you might want to invest in some blogging tools. If you’re just getting started with your blog, you might try out Google Docs and Grammarly to keep your content organized and polished. If you’re ready to step up your marketing game, Mailchimp can give you the edge you’re looking for.

      Ready to put those new blogging tools to work? It may be a smart time to upgrade your hosting service, to prepare for all the new traffic you’ll be getting. Check out our managed WordPress hosting plans!



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      From the Experts: 20 Great Blogging Tips for 2020


      There are a lot of A-list bloggers out there. We interviewed a handful of them to gather 20 tips that will help take your blog content to the next level this year.

      Just open your Instagram app, and it’s obvious: there are a lot of bloggers out there. Influencers sharing content on a myriad of topics — from paleo diets to patio furniture — seem to occupy every inch of internet real estate, peddling travel tips and gardening how-tos. With glossy photos and witty copy, it seems they’ve got it figured out. They’re real bloggers, right? 

      Is there even room for aspiring bloggers like you and me?

      Short answer? Yes! 

      Nearly 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages each month, according to WordPress. That’s a lot of opportunities. If you’re looking to enter the blogosphere (or increase the success of your already-established blog), you might think you need a lot of luck to make it happen. But there’s no need to buy lotto tickets or wish on shooting stars. You just need some expert advice. 

      Luckily, we’ve got that in spades. 

      We’ve done the legwork for you, talking with the web’s blogging elite and garnering their best tips. Consider these 20 tips an all-inclusive handbook to blogging success, chock-full of guidance from a handful of virtual mentors. These expert bloggers will instruct you on the keys to blogging success: how to get the ball rolling, create quality content, and stay dedicated, even in an evolving blogging environment.

      Are you ready to be a more professional blogger in 2020? Read on!

      Blog More with DreamPress

      Our automatic updates and strong security defenses take server management off your hands so you can focus on content creation.

      1. It’s About Time

      Before you even think of pursuing a blog — with the intent to make money blogging or simply as a hobby — you have to be real with yourself. Know your capabilities, as far as time and availability go.

      “Successful blogging requires time, dedication, and some strategic planning,” says Brittany Watson Jepsen of powerhouse DIY craft blog, The House That Lars Built. “I wouldn’t plan on doing it if you don’t have sufficient time to devote to it.”

      The House That Lars Built home page.

      According to a survey of more than a thousand bloggers, a typical blog post takes nearly four hours to create. The same study reveals that a large number of bloggers write outside of regular “work hours,” including on weekends and at night. Translation: bloggers are always on; blogging is their lifestyle, and it requires quality time to produce success.

      And writing blog posts is just the beginning; in addition to creating content, bloggers must optimize for search engines, make time for social media, market their content, network, and engage with readers.

      For design guru Emily Henderson, running a blog isn’t a back-burner endeavor, either. 

      “I had to make it a major priority or else it won’t get done,” the full-time blogger says. “Now I have a staff that helps keep it running on a daily basis, and we fill it with original content every single day.” 

      Not being fully committed is what separates amateur bloggers from the pros.

      “I think the main mistake I see in new bloggers is not being totally committed to what they’re doing,” says Jill Nystul, creator of phenom blog One Good Thing by Jillee. “You can’t do anything halfway in the blogging industry and expect to be successful. I see a lot of people start blogs, post a few things over a couple of months, and then wonder why they aren’t getting any traffic. Commit to a topic and a posting schedule and show your readers that you are dedicated to providing great content consistently.”

      2. Invest in Good Gear

      When you decide to start a blog, use whatever tools you have to get the ball rolling. But when you are financially able, your blog will benefit from getting your hands on some professional equipment.

      “The look of my blog definitely got a lot better when I invested in a real camera rather than using my phone which I totally did in the early days of my blog,” Nystul says. “And you don’t have to spend a fortune. We still use a Canon Rebel, and it works great.”

      A few other popular blogging tools: WordPress software, the Adobe Suite, a web hosting package, email marketing software, and useful plugins. The more professional and put together your blog, the more trust you’ll earn from readers.

      3. Your Mission (Should You Choose to Write It)

      You’ve got a burning passion for blogging, yes? Well, first, take a breath. 

      It’s crucial that you figure out a few things first, like what your blog is all about and what you want to do with it. Having a kick-butt blog is a good goal, but let’s dig deeper. 

      Ever heard of a mission statement? It’s commonly used by businesses to identify values, goals, and purpose — typically in a few easy-to-remember sentences. And it’s critical to the success of your blog.

      “I wish I would have found my mission sooner,” Jepsen says. “But I started it in a time when bloggers weren’t making money, and I didn’t know that was a trajectory I could take, so I didn’t write it accordingly. If you’re looking to make money, you will write differently than someone who does it just for fun. Create a focused mission statement in order to know what your content should be and who your audience is.” 

      Let’s look at a few examples of mission statements.

      • Amazon: “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
      • IKEA: “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.”
      • Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.”

      Can you see how these concise statements guide how each business operates, shepherding big decisions to even the tiniest ones? It works the same way with your blog.

      Take creating content, for example. 

      “Before we write a single post, we ask ourselves, ‘Does this help our readers make or save money?’” says Kathleen Garvin, editor and marketing strategist for finance blog The Penny Hoarder. “That’s key for us. We’re content creators, but we only want to publish a story if we think it’s truly helpful or interesting for our readers.”

      The Penny Hoarder website.

      A well-crafted mission statement will, ideally, inspire and steer — but not confine — your choices and provide a roadmap for content, structure, and voice. A few minutes of work for a valuable return.

      Great! Now. Where to start? Begin by pondering the following questions:

      • Why did you start blogging?
      • Who is your target audience or blogging niche?
      • What questions do you want to answer?
      • What are you passionate about?
      • In what way is your voice unique?

      Next, try to organize these answers into a few short statements that summarize your goals. Try the Twitter approach — spelling out your purpose and goals in 280 characters or less. You could even try this fill-in-the-blank formula:

      My mission is to _______ for _______ through _______.

      Things to keep in mind: keep it short and sweet, grammar-and-spell-checked, specific but jargon-free, realistic, and focused. Then put it where you can see it — preferably in BIG, bold letters. Refer to it often and adjust as needed.

      4. Just Get Started

      Achieving top-tier blogging status can seem like a long shot. But every successful blogger started somewhere.

      “Produce, produce, produce,” Henderson says. “Leave your perfectionism at the door and just put your work out there. Get feedback, adjust, move on. Without creating and putting your product or service out there, no one will find you and hire you. Just start.”

      Emily Henderson’s blog.

      Begin with exercises to simply get you writing every day. This will help you form the habit that will make blogging easier.

      For content ideas, try a brainstorming worksheet to collect your thoughts (you can do this on a device, too). 

      “Write as often as you possibly can,” says Erin Loechner, design and lifestyle blogger at Design for Mankind. “This does not mean publish as often as you possibly can. Get in the habit, work on your craft. Discover your voice. It takes great practice and great patience. Do it anyway. Sit down in your chair and type it out. Edit later. Publish later. For now, just write.”

      Design for Mankind home page.

      5. You Get What You Go After

      If you’ve been around the block, you know that blogging involves two very crucial Cs: content and consistency. These skills may be the most vital keys to success. We already discussed the importance of creating. Now, let’s talk consistency. 

      It’s proven that marketers who prioritize blogging efforts are 13x more likely to see positive ROI. That’s a big deal. Consistency is an essential part of those efforts.

      “A common mistake early bloggers make is not posting on a consistent schedule,” Garvin says. “Yes, it can be tough, especially in the beginning when you might not have much of a readership, but it’s important for SEO and to build a community. Producing quality content and consistently has been essential to our growth. Like they say, if content is king, consistency is queen!”

      Brittany Watson Jepsen found consistency key to achieving success when she created her blog.

      “I think one of the best things you can do as a blogger is to keep your content constant and consistent,” Jepsen says. “Even when I started out nine years ago, I worked on my blog every single day. That consistency kept people coming back because they didn’t have to wonder if there was content. There was! The next best thing to focus on the main message I was trying to convey. It took me a while to figure out the main thing I wanted to focus on, but once I did,  that’s when the traffic started to roll in. Once I focused on crafts and DIY making, I became known for that, and people started to see me as a trusted voice.”

      If you want to be the authority, the go-to on a particular topic, your readership needs to trust that your blog will have content they need. Your quality content, consistently posted, will draw a following. The two Cs really are inseparably connected. 

      “There are a lot of more detailed keys to blogging success like photography, SEO, social media tips and tricks, etc., but the number one thing I always tell bloggers is that content is king,” Nystul says. “That can mean different things depending on the topic of your blog, but readers will always respond to quality content. My team uses CoSchedule for our editorial calendar, and we love it. It helps keep us super organized and on the same page even when we all work remotely. A couple of other things we love are Slack for messaging and Wunderlist for making to-do lists.” 

      There a host of useful tools available online for planning posts and establishing a schedule. 

      “An important key is to have a plan for what you are wanting to post rather than sitting down and writing every time,” says Syed Balkhi, founder of tech-help site WPBeginner. “Tools like Asana or the WordPress plugin Edit Flow are great for planning out blog posts in advance.”

      The WPBeginner home page.

      To nail down a consistent blogging schedule, try an online calendar or one of a variety of template worksheets available. 

      6. Be Your Own Reader

      When you want to have a successful blog, you really should put yourself in a new pair of shoes — the shoes of your reader, that is. While you are blogging to share a passion, you’ve got to stay focused on your blog visitors and how your content can appeal to their needs and questions.

      The team at The Penny Hoarder made their content more functional to readers by breaking down complex and jargon-heavy financial information into useful, readable packages.

      “When people think of personal finance, they usually expect the content to be dry or boring,” Garvin says. “So we do our best to make it accessible and fun. We write in a friendly, conversational manner, and try to showcase that tone across all media. With that said, we take our readers’ trust seriously.”

      The team at Emily Henderson takes a similar approach when considering their blog’s usability for readers.

      “With every post, we want to be our own reader and ask ourselves, ‘Would I find this interesting, helpful, informative, and beautiful?’” Henderson says. “If not, then we come up with different content that we feel will better suit the audience.”

      Sure, while you’re slaving away at your keyboard, it’s easy to forget that someone is on the other side. But keeping your reader in mind will help you to create attractive, useful content that draws a crowd.

      7. Think (Twice) Before You Hit Publish

      As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to hastily click “Submit” the instant you finish a blog post. 

      “Once the blog posts are planned out,” Balkhi of WP Beginner says, “a common mistake is not going back through to take a look at some of the finer points of the blog post to ensure it reads well for your visitors as well as search engines.”

      Prep your post for publishing by working through a checklist (or a WP plugin) to help you optimize the content — a tool like Naytev works well — and make it appealing to search engines (48% of consumers start mobile research with a search engine) and readers.

      Take time to make sure you’re citing sources correctly and that you haven’t overlooked glaring grammar mistakes (don’t make the off-putting their/they’re/there error). This extra time is a worthwhile investment.

      8. Talk About Yourself

      It may seem like a silly thing, but talking about yourself on your blog is important. And by this, I mean, don’t neglect your blog’s “About Me” page. 

      This page is crucial for helping readers to get to know you, your purpose, and what they can expect to find on your site.

      “This is one of the most highly trafficked pages on any blog because it tells people who you are, gives your background, and explains why someone should follow you,” writes Matthew Karsten, travel blogger at The Expert Vagabond. “Keep it fun and personable. Let your readers know who you are!” 

      Instead of listing random facts about yourself, have a purposeful statement that answers the following questions.

      Who Is Your Audience?

      Let’s look at Karsten’s blog, Expert Vagabond. On his “About Me” page, he writes:

      “It’s a place for people like you who are looking for daily inspiration and motivation to live a life full of adventure.”

      The Expert Vagabond ‘About Me’ page.

      For whom? Check. Karsten clearly identifies the intended audience of his blog.

      What Value Are You Offering to Readers?

      Look at The Penny Hoarder’s manifesto:

      “[The Penny Hoarder’s] purpose is to help people take control of their personal finances and make smart money decisions by sharing actionable articles and resources on how to earn, save, and manage money.” 

      Bam. Garvin and her team have readily identified what they’re offering to those who visit the site.

      What Credibility Does Your Blog Have?

      You could share sites your blog has been featured on, like done on WPBeginner’s About Me page or reader testimonials. Share why your content can be trusted.

      Why Are You Passionate About What You Do?

      While it’s better not to be haphazard about the info you share, you should let readers connect with you by offering a snapshot of yourself and specifically, how your blog grew out of your passion. After all, your readers’ connection to you is what will likely draw them back for more.

      Take Jepsen’s”About Me” page, for example. A little of her bio:

      “Brittany Watson Jepsen here. I grew up teething on the seaweed of Southern California though I preferred reading and creating in the great indoors. My mom’s favorite quote was ‘a creative mess is better than tidy idleness,’ and so my childhood was spent creating artwork, music, and yes, lots of messes.”

      See? Well-written, purposeful statements connect Jepsen to her readers and them to the purpose of the blog.

      What Is Your Call to Action?

      Don’t let your readers browse your “About Me” page and click away with an “Oh, that’s nice.” Encourage them to visit other pages of your blog by providing links to more content, whether that be additional blog posts or social media handles. After all, more clicks equal more traffic.

      And if it wasn’t already obvious, make sure your “About Me” page is accessible and easy to navigate.

      9. Give Your Blog a Facelift

      Ever happened upon a website that seems like it never left the dial-up, over-animated era of the early internet? Well, we have.

      Shudder.

      Even if your site isn’t outfitted with rainbow colors and crowded layouts, its design could be unintentionally frustrating readers. A smart design sets your reader up for a pleasant experience that will entice them to visit again. Never neglect a user-friendly design.

      “A good site design is like settling in to write at a clean, beautiful-to-you desk,” Loechner says. “It is surprisingly important for you and for those who might be visiting such a desk. Pay attention to it; design needn’t be complicated.”

      Be flexible and willing to alter your blog design based on what works best for your readers.

      Keep learning and always be willing to adapt,” Garvin says. “For instance, we recently got rid of display ads on our site because it negatively affected our user experience. It can be scary to remove a revenue source and pivot, but it’s necessary for continued growth. Don’t be afraid of change, but do find out what works best for you and your readers.”

      Have a friend or outsider look at your blog and consider a few questions:

      • Is it dated, confusing, or “broken” or attractive, functional, and engaging?
      • Is there clutter?
      • Does the site load quickly?
      • Would a first-time visitor immediately know what it is about and how to navigate it?

      Utilize themes on WordPress for tried-and-true designs, consult experts, or outsource to a designer (we can help with that!) to ensure your design is aesthetically pleasing. Trust us — no one wants spinning graphics or animated mouse icons. No one.

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      10. Think Mobile

      It’s a pretty startling statistic: 80% of internet users own a smartphone. 

      Chances are good that readers are accessing your blog on a mobile device, likely while they’re commuting to work, sitting in a waiting room, or logging miles on the treadmill. So along with establishing a beautiful design, you’ve also got to optimize for mobile users.

      “Blogs are widely read on the go, so consider a simple and minimal design that looks just as great on your phone as it does in the cubicle,” Loechner says.

      Often, this means choosing a responsive template, but you can also utilize plugins to optimize a WordPress theme. You should consider the following as well:

      • If using a pop-up opt-in form or ad, are mobile users able to navigate around it? 
      • Are outbound links mobile friendly? 
      • Do your social media buttons work properly?
      • If using video, does the player work? Some mobile devices don’t allow Flash.
      • Is your comment platform still mobile friendly?
      • Are slideshows functional?
      • Can users read infographics?

      And really, the only sure way you have to analyze your site for effectiveness across devices is to test it. Use this handy Google tool.

      11. You’ve Got Mail

      You’re probably used to sending most of your inbox to the trash bin, so you might not think that email plays a significant role in blogging success. Think again.

      “One mistake we’ve talked about is neglecting our email list,” says Garvin. “In the beginning of The Penny Hoarder, Kyle used to write a regular, personal email to readers; it was one of his best traffic sources, and he had an open rate of over 50%! However, as the site started taking off and he was pulled in different directions as CEO, we dropped the personalization in favor of a simpler format. We turned things around this year: We’ve started offering a ‘weekender’ roundup email, a daily newsletter, and several other targeted ones. So start an email list early, and keep working to improve it for your readers.”

      Think about this: A survey reported that most of us spend more than five hours checking our email each day. FIVE! Why not capitalize on the habit? It’s easy to monitor your success with email marketing, and it can help you establish a lasting relationship with readers.

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      12. Accept the Daily Grind

      You’ve heard that the biggest part of success comes from showing up, right? Ask anyone at the top of their field — Michael Jordan, Martha Stewart, or Yo-Yo Ma — and we’re pretty sure they’d be the first to say that their success amounts to hours, days, and years of putting in hard work.

      Well, that’s true in blogging too. 

      “Determination is an essential quality to have as a blogger,” Balkhi says. “There are no overnight successes with blogs, but when you write about what you are passionate about, they can be great successes.” 

      Remember Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours principle? Just like playing the piano, painting, or running sprints, honing your blogging skills requires lots of work. 

      “Our keys to blogging success are practice, practice, practice,” say Ryan and Sam Looney of travel blog Our Travel Passport. “Seriously, it’s just about putting in the time to learn your skill and becoming an expert at what you do. We think it’s important to remember that the industry is always changing and content is king. Be original and adaptable and authentic. Don’t use bots. Focus on what makes you unique and tell your story in a way that people can relate to what you have to say.”

      Try a goal chart to keep you motivated when the going gets rough (blogger’s block is real). And of course, keep your mission statement close by. Sometimes all it takes is to remember why you started in the first place.

      “I think the main quality that is essential for bloggers is passion,” Nystul says. “Blogging is not an easy business, and when the going gets tough, passion is the thing that keeps you motivated and working hard.”

      13. Have a Strategy

      Say you’ve got great content and a snazzy site. How do you get people to see it? If you have social media platforms, then you have multiple channels to market your content.

       “Our social media, video, and PR teams work to amplify our content, engage our readers, and raise our profile,” Garvin says. “All of these things contribute significantly when growing our community.”

      The Penny Hoarder team is right. According to consumers, the three characteristics of an effective social media strategy are: 

      1. The brand shares new content.
      2. The brand’s content is relevant.
      3. The brand engages with followers.

      That said, social media is the most effective digital marketing tactic for customer retention after email; it’s essential to choose the right social platforms to get your content in front of readers.

      The Expert Vagabond Instagram page.

      If you intend to manage your social media marketing on your own, then utilize tools like HootSuite or NUVI to manage and monitor on one dashboard. And there’s no shame in admitting that assembling a social team or hiring an agency to help distribute the content online could be best for your blog. You can only bootstrap so much, right?

      14. Engage With Others

      In the blogging game, it’s not you against the world. In other words, it’s not you against every other food/travel/tech blog in your field. Running a successful blog can be a collaborative, community effort that’s personally validating (as opposed to competitive). Go, team!

      Good engagement starts with your content. (Need a refresher? See tips No. 4 and 5.)

      The Looneys recommend staying engaged by posting regularly. “Whether that means posting blog posts once a week or on Instagram every day, it’s important to keep your community involved in what’s going on and what you have to share.”

      15. Go Easy with Analytics

      Numbers say a lot. For instance, a game score tells us who’s on the winning side — and who’s not. The nutritional information in a meal tells us whether or not we can justify dessert. 

      Numbers are important. But they aren’t everything. 

      We know it’s tempting, but clicking the refresh button every 10 seconds on your website’s analytics page fuels an unhealthy obsession that won’t help your success as a blogger (or your blood pressure). Instead, focus on your content, prepare for fluctuations in the stats, and breathe.

      “Forget stats,” Loechner says. “People are not numbers. Readers are not stats. They are humans in all of their lovely complexities. Do not fret yourself over bounce rates and conversion metrics. There are plenty of other things to fret over, after all.”

      Keep an eye on a few metrics for goal purposes, but don’t obsess — numbers change.

      16. Understand Revenue Sources

      The ideal for most people is that their blog becomes a valid source of income. Now, this won’t happen right away, so don’t panic (see No. 11). But you should understand the different ways that you can make money online, so you can decide how — and if — you want to incorporate those methods into your blog.

      Consider using affiliate programs to earn a kickback for the products you promote on your site or running display ads with Google’s AdSense. These revenue streams increase as traffic increases. So if you want to make money by blogging, your first priority should be getting eyes on your content. 

      “The more traffic your blog receives, the more money you can make with it,” Karsten says. “But it takes time to build an audience and grow traffic. Don’t focus on making money right away. Focus on building your audience.”

      17. Combat Internet Trolls

      It seems like anyone who dares to send their work out into the web is, sadly, bound to face the ceaseless negativity of cyberbullies.

      You don’t have to grin and bear it, though. Be intentional about combating the mean-spiritedness you might encounter (no boxing gloves required).

      “For better or worse, I can be really emotionally affected by how people perceive or respond to my blog,” says Lindsay Ostrom, creator of viral food blog Pinch of Yum. “I wish I had that toughness factor, but what I have is more like Sensitivity with a capital S. So I set rules for myself when it comes to reading and processing my social media content and blog comments. Bottom line: be selective about what voices you let speak into your life.”

      Whether you decide to refrain from reading blog comments before noon or you post a motivational message above your computer as a reminder of your potential, know that it’s your blog. Take control and set your own rules.

      18. Don’t Be a Copycat

      Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but in the blogosphere, it’s just plain ol’ copying. And it’s not going to do anything for your online rep — readers can see right through it. With the inundation of blogs and content creators out there, it can be H-A-R-D to produce content that’s new, fresh, and original. But for a quality blog, a loyal following, and a distinguished brand, it’s more than essential to think outside the box.

      “It’s important to remember that you need to create your own original content,” the Looneys say. “A lot of people go to the same places and pose in the exact same way as big travel bloggers. That’s not creative or original. That’s copying someone else’s work, which doesn’t tell anything about you or your story.”

      Build a blog that allows people to get to know you — and what you’re passionate about, not just posting a CTRL + C reproduction of similar work produced in your field or industry. Be aware of the exhausted been-there-done-that content. Followers will reward the extra effort you take to put your own touch on what you produce.

      19. Find A Cheerleader

      With all the hard work, long days, and (probably) blood, sweat, and tears that go into creating a successful blog, you really need someone in your corner — an encouraging mentor who will wave that foam finger when the going gets rough.

      “Having a single person — literally just one, although more friends equal more party — to talk with when things are spinning into that downward spiral is so important to your ability to bounce back,” Ostrom says. “I guess that’s just true in life, right? And it’s especially true for me in blogging. Find someone who really understands and can relate in some tiny way or another why it’s frustrating when people scrape your content, or what it feels like to deal with that rude comment, or how challenging Facebook’s news feed changes have been lately. It is one thing to talk about this stuff, but it’s another thing to talk about it with someone who really understands blogging.”

      Who is this person for you? A spouse, a friend, a coworker? Finding that supportive someone will help you to overcome the difficult days and celebrate your blogging successes. 

      20. Lower Your Expectations

      Yeah, we know how that sounds. But let us explain.  When getting started, “It’s important to not go into it with high expectations of becoming the next big blogger,” says mega fashion blogger Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam. “That pressure alone could ruin the whole experience for you. Starting a blog should be fun, and you should do it because you’re passionate about a topic(s)!”

      Blog because you love it. Of course, we know you have the potential to make it to the big leagues of blogging, but that name-in-lights mentality shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all of your efforts. Early on, establish your “why” and remain rooted in it. Not only will it help sustain your motivation through the hard moments, but it will keep your passion ignited. Once you’re sure of your “why,” GET GOING. “Ask yourself, why am I creating this?” Engels says. “If you can answer that question, then just start! I live by this quote: ‘Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.’” 

      Be a Content Marketing Master

      We know you’re champing at the bit to get your own blog up and running. We get it. To help you get started, we’ve put together a series of guides on different blogging niches: 

      Now that you’re equipped with the best tools, resources, and you-can-do-it! encouragement from the web’s best bloggers, you need a hosting partner. Let our Managed WordPress Hosting plans start your brand-spankin’-new blog off on the right foot with the high-tech tools, stellar support, and abundant resources offered by DreamHost. 2020 is your year!



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      From the Experts: 19 Great Blogging Tips for 2019


      There are a lot of A-list bloggers out there. We interviewed a handful of them to gather 19 tips that will help take your blog to the next level this year.

      Just open your Instagram app and it’s obvious: there are a lot of bloggers out there. Influencers, sharing content on a myriad of topics — from paleo diets to patio furniture — seem to occupy every inch of internet real estate, peddling travel tips and gardening how-tos. With glossy photos and witty copy, it seems they’ve got it figured out. They’re real bloggers, right?

      Is there even room for aspiring bloggers like you and me?

      Short answer? Yes!

      Nearly 409 million people view more than 21.9 billion pages each month, according to WordPress. That’s a lot of opportunities. If you’re looking to enter the blogosphere (or increase the success of your already-established blog), you might think you need a lot of luck to make it happen. But there’s no need to buy lotto tickets or wish on shooting stars. You just need some expert advice.

      Luckily, we’ve got that in spades.

      We’ve done the legwork for you, talking with the web’s blogging elite and garnering their best tips. Consider these 19 tips an all-inclusive handbook to blogging success, chock-full of guidance from a handful of virtual mentors. These expert bloggers will instruct you on the keys to blogging success: how to get the ball rolling, create quality content, and stay dedicated, even in an evolving blogging environment.

      Are you ready to be a better blogger in 2019? Read on!

      1. It’s About Time

      Before you even think of pursuing a blog — with the intent to make money or simply as a hobby — you have to be real with yourself. Know your capabilities, as far as time and availability go.

      “Successful blogging requires time, dedication, and some strategic planning,” says Brittany Watson Jepsen of powerhouse DIY craft blog, The House That Lars Built. “I wouldn’t plan on doing it if you don’t have sufficient time to devote to it.”

      According to a survey of more than a thousand bloggers, a typical blog post takes two and a half hours to create. The same study reveals that a large number of bloggers write outside of regular “work hours,” including on weekends and at night. Translation: bloggers are always on; blogging is their lifestyle, and it requires quality time to produce success.

      And writing blog posts is just the beginning; in addition to creating content, bloggers must optimize for search engines, make time for social media, market their content, network, and engage with readers.

      For design guru, Emily Henderson, running a blog isn’t a back-burner endeavor, either.

      “I had to make it a major priority or else it won’t get done,” Henderson says. “Now I have a staff that helps keep it running on a daily basis, and we fill it with original content every single day.”

      Not being fully committed is what separates amateur bloggers from the pros.

      “I think the main mistake I see in new bloggers is not being totally committed to what they’re doing,” says Jill Nystul, creator of phenom blog One Good Thing by Jillee. “You can’t do anything halfway in the blogging industry and expect to be successful. I see a lot of people start blogs, post a few things over a couple of months, and then wonder why they’re aren’t getting any traffic. Commit to a topic and a posting schedule and show your readers that you are dedicated to providing great content consistently.”

      2. Invest in Good Gear

      When you decide to start a blog, use whatever tools you have to get the ball rolling. But when you are financially able, your blog will benefit from getting your hands on some professional equipment.

      “The look of my blog definitely got a lot better when I invested in a real camera rather than using my phone which I totally did in the early days of my blog,” Nystul says. “And you don’t have to spend a fortune. We still use a Canon Rebel, and it works great.”

      A few other popular blogging tools: WordPress software, the Adobe Suite, a web hosting package, email marketing software, and useful plugins. The more professional and put together your blog, the more trust you’ll earn from readers.

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      3. Your Mission (Should You Choose to Write It)

      You’ve got a burning passion for blogging, yes? Well, first, take a breath.

      It’s crucial that you figure out a few things first, like what your blog is all about and what you want to do with it. Having a kick-butt blog is a good goal, but let’s dig deeper.

      Ever heard of a mission statement? It’s commonly used by businesses to identify values, goals, and purpose — typically in a few easy-to-remember sentences. And it’s critical to the success of your blog.

      “I wish I would have found my mission sooner,” Jepsen says. “But I started it in a time when bloggers weren’t making money, and I didn’t know that was a trajectory I could take so I didn’t write it accordingly. If you’re looking to make money, you will write differently than someone who does it just for fun. Create a focused mission statement in order to know what your content should be and who your audience is.”

      Let’s look at a few examples of mission statements.

      • Amazon: “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
      • IKEA: “Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.”
      • Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.”

      Can you see how these concise statements guide how each business operates, shepherding big decisions to even the tiniest ones? It works the same way with your blog.

      Take creating content, for example.

      “Before we write a single post, we ask ourselves, ‘Does this help our readers make or save money?’” says Kathleen Garvin, editor and marketing strategist for finance blog The Penny Hoarder. “That’s key for us. We’re content creators, but we only want to publish a story if we think it’s truly helpful or interesting for our readers.”

      A well-crafted mission statement will, ideally, inspire and steer — but not confine — your choices and provide a roadmap for content, structure, and voice. A few minutes of work for a valuable return.

      Great! Now. Where to start? Begin by pondering the following questions:

      • Why did you start blogging?
      • Who is your target audience?
      • What questions do you want to answer?
      • What are you passionate about?
      • In what way is your voice unique?

      Next, try to organize these answers into a few short statements that summarize your goals. Try the Twitter approach — spelling out your purpose and goals in 280 characters or less. You could even try this fill-in-the-blank formula:

      My mission is to _______ for _______ through _______.

      Things to keep in mind: keep it short and sweet, grammar-and-spell-checked, specific but jargon-free, realistic, and focused. Then put it where you can see it — preferably in BIG, bold letters. Refer to it often and adjust as needed.

      4. Just Get Started

      Achieving top-tier blogging status can seem like a long shot. But every successful blogger started somewhere.

      “Produce, produce, produce,” Henderson says. “Leave your perfectionism at the door and just put your work out there. Get feedback, adjust, move on. Without creating and putting your product or service out there, no one will find you and hire you. Just start.”

      Begin with exercises to simply get you writing every day. This will help you form the habit that will make blogging easier.

      For content ideas, try a brainstorming worksheet to collect ideas (you can do this on a device, too).

      “Write as often as you possibly can,” says Erin Loechner, design and lifestyle blogger at Design for Mankind. “This does not mean publish as often as you possibly can. Get in the habit, work on your craft. Discover your voice. It takes great practice and great patience. Do it anyway. Sit down in your chair and type it out. Edit later. Publish later. For now, just write.”

      5. You Get What You Go After

      If you’ve been around the block, you know that blogging involves two very important Cs: content and consistency. These skills may be the most important keys to success. We already discussed the importance of creating. Now, let’s talk consistency.

      It’s proven that the companies that blog twenty or more times a month see the most return in traffic and leads.

      “A common mistake early bloggers make is not posting on a consistent schedule,” Garvin says. “Yes, it can be tough, especially in the beginning when you might not have much of a readership, but it’s important for SEO and to build a community. Producing quality content and consistently has been essential to our growth. Like they say, if content is king, consistency is queen!”

      Brittany Watson Jepsen found consistency a key to achieving success when she created her blog.

      “I think one of the best things you can do as a blogger is to keep your content constant and consistent,” Jepsen says. “Even when I started out nine years ago, I worked on my blog every single day. That consistency kept people coming back because they didn’t have to wonder if there was content. There was! The next best thing to focus on the main message I was trying to convey. It took my awhile to figure out the main thing I wanted to focus on, but once I did that’s when the traffic started to roll in. Once I focused on crafts and DIY making, I became known for that and people started to see me as a trusted voice.”

      If you wanted to be the authority, the go-to on a certain topic, your readership needs to trust that your blog will have content they need. Your quality content, consistently posted, will draw a following. The two Cs really are inseparably connected.

      “There are a lot of more detailed keys to blogging success like photography, SEO, social media tips and tricks, etc., but the number one thing I always tell bloggers is that content is king,” Nystul says. “That can mean different things depending on the topic of your blog, but readers will always respond to quality content. My team uses CoSchedule for our calendar, and we love it. It helps keep us super organized and on the same page even when we all work remotely. A couple of other things we love are Slack for messaging, and Wunderlist for making to-do lists.”

      There a host of useful tools available online for planning posts and establishing a schedule.

      “An important key is to have a plan for what you are wanting to post rather than sitting down and writing every time,” says Syed Balkhi, founder of tech-help site WPBeginner. “Tools like Asana or the WordPress plugin Edit Flow are great for planning out blog posts in advance.”

      To nail down a consistent blogging schedule, try an online calendar or one of a variety of template worksheets available.

      6. Be Your Own Reader

      When you want to have a successful blog, you really should put yourself in a new pair of shoes — the shoes of your reader, that is.

      While you are blogging to share a passion, you’ve got to stay focused on the visitors of your blog and how your content can appeal to their needs and questions.

      The team at The Penny Hoarder made their content more functional to readers by breaking down complex and jargon-heavy financial information into useful, readable packages.

      “When people think of personal finance, they usually expect the content to be dry or boring,” Garvin says. “So, we do our best to make it accessible and fun. We write in a friendly, conversational manner, and try to showcase that tone across all media. With that said, we take our readers’ trust seriously.”

      The team at Emily Henderson takes a similar approach to considering their blog’s usability for readers.

      “With every post, we want to be our own reader and ask ourselves, ‘Would I find this interesting, helpful, informative, and beautiful?’” Henderson says. “If not, then we come up with different content that we feel will better suit the audience.”

      Sure, while you’re slaving away at your keyboard, it’s easy to forget that someone is on the other side. But remembering your reader as you produce will help you to create attractive, useful content that draws a crowd.

      7. Think (Twice) Before You Hit Publish

      As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to hastily click “Submit” the instant you finish a blog post.

      “Once the blog posts are planned out,” Balkhi of WP Beginner says, “a common mistake is not going back through to take a look at some of the finer points of the blog post to ensure it reads well for your visitors as well as search engines.”

      Prep your post for publishing by working through a checklist (or a WP plugin) to help you optimize the content — a tool like Naytev works well — and make it appealing to search engines (48 percent of consumers start mobile research with a search engine) and readers.

      Take time to make sure you’re citing sources correctly and that you haven’t overlooked glaring grammar mistakes (don’t make the off-putting their/they’re/there error). This extra time is a worthwhile investment.

      8. Talk About Yourself

      It may seem like a silly thing, but talking about yourself on your blog is important. And by this, we mean: don’t neglect your blog’s About Me page.

      This page is crucial for helping readers to get to know you, your purpose, and what they can expect to find on your site.

      “This is one of the most highly trafficked pages on any blog, because it tells people who you are, gives your background, and explains why someone should follow you,” writes Matthew Karsten, travel blogger at The Expert Vagabond. “Keep it fun and personable. Let your readers know who you are!”

      Instead of listing random facts about yourself, have a purposeful statement that answers the following questions.

      1. Who Is Your Audience?

      Let’s look at Karsten’s blog, Expert Vagabond. On his “About Me” page, he writes:

      “It’s a place for people like you who are looking for daily inspiration and motivation to live a life full of adventure.”

      For whom? Check. Karsten clearly identifies the intended audience of his blog.

      2. What Value Are You Offering to Readers?

      Look at The Penny Hoarder’s manifesto:

      “We help millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more.”

      Bam. Garvin and her team have readily identified what they’re offering to those who visit the site.

      3. What Credibility Does Your Blog Have?

      You could share sites your blog has been featured on, like done on WPBeginner’s About Me page or reader testimonials. Share why your content can be trusted.

      4. Why Are You Passionate About What You Do?

      While it’s better not to be haphazard about the info you share, you should let readers connect with you by offering a snapshot of yourself and specifically, how your blog grew out of your passion. After all, your readers’ connection to you is what will likely draw them back for more.

      Take Jepsen’s About Me for example. A little of her bio:

      “Brittany Watson Jepsen here. I grew up teething on the seaweed of Southern California though I preferred reading and creating in the great indoors. My mom’s favorite quote was ‘a creative mess is better than tidy idleness’ and so my childhood was spent creating artwork, music, and yes, lots of messes.”

      See? Well-written, purposeful statements connect Jepsen to her readers, and them to the purpose of the blog.

      5. What Is Your Call to Action?

      Don’t let your readers browse your About Me page and click away with an “Oh, that’s nice.” Encourage them to visit other pages of your blog by providing links to more content, whether that be additional blog posts or social media handles. After all, more clicks equal more traffic.

      And if it wasn’t already obvious, make sure your About Me page is accessible and easy to navigate.

      9. Give Your Blog a Facelift

      Ever happened upon a website that seems like it never left the dial-up, over-animated era of the early internet? Well, we have.

      Shudder.

      Even if your site isn’t outfitted with rainbow colors and crowded layouts, its design could be unintentionally frustrating readers. A smart design sets your reader up for a good experience that will entice them to visit again. Never neglect a user-friendly design.

      “A good site design is like settling in to write at a clean, beautiful-to-you desk,” Loechner says. “It is surprisingly important, for you and for those who might be visiting such desk. Pay attention to it; design needn’t be complicated.”

      Be flexible and willing to alter your blog design based on what works best for your readers.

      Keep learning and always be willing to adapt,” Garvin says. “For instance, we recently got rid of display ads on our site because it negatively affected our user experience. It can be scary to remove a revenue source and pivot, but it’s necessary for continued growth. Don’t be afraid of change, but do find out what works best for you and your readers.”

      Have a friend or outsider look at your blog and consider a few questions:

      • Is it dated, confusing, or “broken” or attractive, functional, and engaging?
      • Is there clutter?
      • Does the site load quickly?
      • Would a first-time visitor immediately know what it is about and how to navigate it?

      Utilize themes on WordPress for tried-and-true designs, consult experts, or outsource to a designer (we can help with that!) to ensure your design is aesthetically pleasing. Trust us — no one wants spinning graphics or animated mouse icons. No one.

      Professional Website Design Made Easy

      Make your site stand out with a professional design from our partners at RipeConcepts. Packages start at $299.

      10. Think Mobile

      It’s a pretty startling statistic: 80 percent of internet users own a smartphone.

      Chances are good that readers are accessing your blog on a mobile device, likely while they’re commuting to work, sitting in a waiting room, or logging miles on the treadmill. So along with establishing a good-looking design, you’ve also got to optimize for mobile users.

      “Blogs are widely read on the go, so consider a simple and minimal design that looks just as great on your phone as it does in the cubicle,” Loechner says.

      Often, this means choosing a responsive template, but you can also utilize plugins to optimize a WordPress theme. In addition, you should consider the following:

      • If using a pop-up opt-in form or ad, are mobile users able to navigate around it?
      • Are outbound links mobile friendly?
      • Do your social media buttons work properly?
      • If using video, does the player work? Some mobile devices don’t allow Flash.
      • Is your comment platform still mobile friendly?
      • Are slideshows functional?
      • Can users read infographics?

      And really, the only sure way you have to analyze your site for effectiveness across devices is to test it. Use this handy Google tool.


      11. You’ve Got Mail

      You’re probably used to sending most of your inbox to the trash bin, so you might not think that email plays a big role in blogging success. Think again.

      “One mistake we’ve talked about is neglecting our email list,” says Garvin. “In the beginning of The Penny Hoarder, Kyle used to write a regular, personal email to readers; it was one of his best traffic sources, and he had an open rate of over 50 percent! However, as the site started taking off and he was pulled in different directions as CEO, we dropped the personalization in favor of a simpler format. We turned things around this year: We’ve started offering a ‘weekender’ roundup email, a daily newsletter, and several other targeted ones. So start an email list early, and keep working to improve it for your readers.”

      Think about this: a survey reported that most of us spend four hours checking our email each day. FOUR! Why not capitalize on the habit? It’s easy to monitor your success with email marketing, and it can help you establish a lasting relationship with readers.

      12. Accept the Daily Grind

      You’ve heard that the biggest part of success comes from showing up, right? Ask anyone at the top of their field — Michael Jordan, Martha Stewart, or Yo-Yo Ma — and we’re pretty sure they’d be the first to say that their success amounts to hours, days, and years of putting in hard work.

      Well, that’s true in blogging too.

      “Determination is an essential quality to have as a blogger,” Balkhi says. “There are no overnight successes with blogs, but when you write about what you are passionate about they can be great successes.”

      Remember Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours principle? Just like playing the piano, painting, or running sprints, honing your blogging skills requires lots of work.

      “Our keys to blogging success are practice, practice, practice,” say Ryan and Sam Looney of travel blog Our Travel Passport. “Seriously, it’s just about putting in the time to learn your skill and becoming an expert at what you do. We think it’s important to remember that the industry is always changing and content is king. Be original and adaptable and authentic. Don’t use bots. Focus on what makes you unique and tell your story in a way that people can relate to what you have to say.”

      Try a goal chart to keep you motivated when the going gets rough (blogger’s block is real). And of course, keep your mission statement close by. Sometimes all it takes is to remember why you started in the first place.

      “I think the main quality that is essential for bloggers is passion,” Nystul says. “Blogging is not an easy business, and when the going gets tough passion is the thing that keeps you motivated and working hard.”

      13. Have a Strategy

      Say you’ve got great content and a snazzy site. How do you get people to see it? If you have social media platforms, then you have multiple channels to market your content.

      “Our social media, video, and PR teams work to amplify our content, engage our readers, and raise our profile,” Garvin says. “All of these things contribute significantly when growing our community.”

      The Penny Hoarder team is right. According to consumers, the three characteristics of an effective social media strategy are:

      1. The brand shares new content.
      2. The brand’s content is relevant.
      3. The brand engages with followers.

      In addition, social media is the most effective digital marketing tactic for customer retention after email; it’s essential to choose the right social platforms to get your content in front of readers.

      If you intend to manage your social media marketing on your own, then utilize tools like HootSuite or NUVI to manage and monitor on one dashboard. And there’s no shame in admitting that assembling a social team or hiring an agency to help distribute the content online could be best for your blog. You can only bootstrap so much, right?

      14. Engage With Others

      In the blogging game, it’s not you against the world. In other words, it’s not you against every other food/travel/tech blog in your field. Running a successful blog can be a collaborative, community effort that’s personally validating (as opposed to competitive). Go, team!

      Good engagement starts with your content. (Need a refresher? Return to tips No. 4 and 5.)

      The Looneys recommend staying engaged by posting regularly. “Whether that means posting blog posts once a week or on Instagram every day, it’s important to keep your community involved in what’s going on and what you have to share.”

      But connecting with others goes beyond your own site, the duo says.

      “Respond to all of the messages, emails, comments, etc. that you receive. And engage with other people in the community as well. Comment on their pictures, send them emails or messages about how much you love their work, and find ways to collaborate together.”

      Say it with us: one, two, three — go team!

      15. Go Easy with Analytics

      Numbers say a lot. For instance, a game score tells us who’s on the winning side — and who’s not. The nutritional information in a meal tells us whether or not we can justify dessert.

      Numbers are important. But they aren’t everything.

      We know it’s tempting, but clicking the refresh button every ten seconds on your website’s analytics page fuels an unhealthy obsession that won’t help your success as a blogger (or your blood pressure). Instead, focus on your content, prepare for fluctuations in the stats, and breathe.

      “Forget stats,” Loechner says. “People are not numbers. Readers are not stats. They are humans in all of their lovely complexities. Do not fret yourself over bounce rates and conversion metrics. There are plenty of other things to fret over, after all.”

      Keep an eye on a few metrics for goal purposes, but don’t obsess — numbers change.

      16. Understand Revenue Sources

      The ideal for most people is that their blog becomes a valid source of income. Now, this won’t happen right away, so don’t panic (see No. 11). But you should understand the different ways that you can make money online, so you can decide how — and if — you want to incorporate those methods into your blog.

      Consider using affiliate programs to earn a kickback for the products you promote on your site or running display ads with Google’s AdSense. These revenue streams increase as traffic increases. So if you want to make money from your blog, your first priority should be getting eyes on your content.

      “The more traffic your blog receives, the more money you can make with it,” Karsten says. “But it takes time to build an audience and grow traffic. Don’t focus on making money right away. Focus on building your audience.”

      17. Combat Internet Trolls

      It seems like anyone who dares to send their work out into the web is, sadly, bound to face the ceaseless negativity of cyber bullies.

      You don’t have to grin and bear it, though. Be intentional about combating the mean-spiritedness you might encounter (no boxing gloves required).

      “For better or worse, I can be really emotionally affected by how people perceive or respond to my blog,” says Lindsay Ostrom, creator of viral food blog Pinch of Yum. “I wish I had that toughness factor, but what I have is more like Sensitivity with a capital S. So I set rules for myself when it comes to reading and processing my social media content and blog comments. Bottom line: be selective about what voices you let speak into your life.”

      Whether you decide to refrain from reading blog comments before noon or you post a motivational message above your computer as a reminder of your potential, know that it’s your blog. Take control and set your own rules.

      18. Don’t Be a Copycat

      Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but in the blogosphere, it’s just plain ol’ copying. And it’s not going to do anything for your online rep — readers can see right through it. With the inundation of blogs and content creators out there, it can be H-A-R-D to produce content that’s new, fresh, and original. But for a quality blog, a loyal following, and a distinguished brand, it’s more than essential to think outside the box.

      “It’s important to remember that you need to create your own original content,” the Looneys say. “A lot of people go to the same places and pose in the exact same way as big travel bloggers. That’s not creative or original. That’s copying someone else’s work, which doesn’t tell anything about you or your story.”

      Build a blog that allows people to get to know you — and what you’re passionate about, not just simply posting a CTRL + C reproduction of similar work produced in your field or industry. Be aware of the exhausted been-there-done-that content and remember: followers will reward the extra effort you take to put your own touch on what you produce.

      19.Find A Cheerleader

      With all the hard work, long days, and (probably) blood, sweat, and tears that go into creating a successful blog, you really need someone in your corner — an encouraging mentor who will wave that foam finger when the going gets rough.

      “Having a single person — literally just one, although more friends equal more party — to talk with when things are spinning into that downward spiral is so important to your ability to bounce back,” Ostrom says. “I guess that’s just true in life, right? And it’s especially true for me in blogging. Find someone who really understands and can relate in some tiny way or another why it’s frustrating when people scrape your content, or what it feels like to deal with that rude comment, or how challenging Facebook’s news feed changes have been lately. It is one thing to talk about this stuff, but it’s another thing to talk about it with someone who really understands blogging.”

      Who is this person for you? A spouse, a friend, a coworker? Finding that supportive someone will help you to overcome the difficult days and celebrate your blogging successes.

      Because, after all, success is just around the corner. 2019 is your year!

      Share Your Blogging Know-How

      We want your input! Have you tried out any of these tips? What are your best words of wisdom for creating amazing content, an appealing blog design, or dealing with internet trolls? Share with us on social media — we’d love to hear from you.



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