A positive outlook: 10 ways to get back into blogging

Posted by Ben on February 13, 2009 | Permalink | Hits: 493 

| Overcoming blogger's block | 10 ways to think up new post ideas >

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In the last post I looked at 10 possible reasons why bloggers may have stopped blogging. Today, I'll be taking a more positive approach, and looking at 10 ways you can get back into blogging.

1. Reduce duplication.

Setting up multiple blogs is only worth doing if you have the time to manage them all. If you currently have multiple blogs, could any of them be combined? Do you really need them all? Do you have time to post content on every single one, promote them, and maintain them?

I've already been reducing duplication across the various blogs I have. For instance, I decided to stop blogging at zenworking.com and start writing effective working tips at benbarden.com instead. Also, I closed weeklyblogging.com so I could focus on toptenblogtips.com.

2. Refocus.

Is your blog a jumble of unrelated topics that nobody really comments on? Or have you run out of ideas? Why not take your blog in a new direction?

It doesn't have to be totally different - last November I stopped writing blogging tips at benbarden.com, and moved to the format I now use at Top Ten Blog Tips. I still write blog tips - I just changed the format.

3. Revamp.

Is your blog theme feeling a bit tired? Maybe it's time for a new theme. Ideally, get a custom design - maybe you know someone who can help you, if you're not sure how to do it yourself. Avoid using a theme that others are using - it doesn't help your blog to stand out.

4. Spring clean.

Remove all the stuff you don't need, including links, widgets, images, anything really - clean up your blog as you might clean up your house.

5. Less is more.

Why write daily if most of the content is written for the sake of it? Could you improve your blog quality and free up time by writing fewer, better posts?

6. Collaborate.

Invite a guest poster to write for your blog, bounce ideas around with blogging friends, or team up and write a group blog. I'm in the process of doing this for one of my blogs - watch this space!

7. Use Twitter.

Although Twitter is a great way to promote your blog, don't join and start posting loads of links. Use Twitter, don't spam it. Twitter should be social, not a sea of self-promotion. Add some blogging friends.

8. Clean up your feed reader.

Unsubscribe from dead blogs or those you don't read. I did this just the other day - and suddenly, I'm reading and commenting on blogs again.

9. Save your best posts for guest posts.

Writing guest posts for other blogs is a great way to reach a new audience. Forget about the posts that are "easy content" that everyone is talking about, e.g. "Here are some great WordPress plugins" - your guest posts should be original, and compelling.

Send the post to a friend for review before the final submission. That gives you a sanity check and a chance to think about the post before it is submitted. If you have any doubts, read and re-read the post until you're happy with it. If you still don't feel right, put it to one side and try a different subject.

10. Keep talking.

Find some blogs where the author and the other readers are receptive to great comments, and jump into the discussion. You'll meet lots of great people, and you'll find some blogs you like, too.

Bonus Tip: Join CMF Ads. Friendly blogging forums, low cost advertising, no need to spend hours every day "working the network" just to maintain your rank. You can't go wrong.

What do you think? Can you think of any other ways to get back into blogging? Or are you already there?

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Comments on A positive outlook: 10 ways to get back into blogging

4

Ben | February 15, 2009 | Ben's home page | 207 comments

Thanks guys :)

Ken, everything in moderation - I try to limit my Twitter usage. I hop on when I have the time. Using Twitter in short bursts works better for me than staying on there all day :)

6

Ben | February 18, 2009 | Ben's home page | 207 comments

Thanks Kim. :) Regarding feeds, have you read my Google Reader guide? Tags might help :)