In my second year of college, my Composition 202 professor walked into our first day of class and distributed composition books – the small, bound, marbled books we find on drugstore shelves for a dollar or two. Taped to the inside cover of each book was a list of topics. Throughout the semester, she advised, we would be responsible for writing three entries in our “journals” each week – at least one of which had to come from her pre-designated topic list. We were required to use these composition books, she explained, because they were plain, inexpensive, and not intimidating.
“So many people buy glossy, leather or hardbound journals at the starts of my classes, and then they develop writer’s block,” she noted. “Why? Because the journals are too shiny, too impressive, and the implication is that the writing that goes into that journal must match the quality of the bindings that hold it.”
How does that translate here? New bloggers are often frustrated – finding time to write about quality topics, seeing their peers blogging about fancy products and insider information, wanting the same content in their own pages.
As a new blogger, there are a few things that you may want to consider that will help you get a jump start to a successful blogging career – if you’re looking to start blogging as a business:
1. What is your voice, and how can you develop it? Are you a frugal fashionista? A modern mom of three raising homeschooled children? What is your online persona? Once you’ve developed that image – think about the topics that would interest a reader who shares that persona – and blog about those topics. Some of the most successful bloggers develop strong online personas and very distinct writing styles that keep readers coming back for more.
2. Include a bio. How are you going to present yourself to the world? Are you blogging anonymously (under a pen name) or using your real name? Regardless of how much PERSONAL information you want to divulge – the best blogs (IMO) are the ones that have a setting and framework. A new reader may want to know more about the person whose posts they’re reading. Include a bio on your blog – mention that you’re a South Floridian or a Washingtonian, or even set yourself as a West Coaster or a MidWesterner. Include the number (and ages, if you’re comfortable) of children you have. The Devil is in the details – and if you’re looking to start building PR relationships – it helps for the PR pros (when they find you) to know what products would be of interest to you, based on who you are and what you blog about. Don’t assume that they will have time to read through a year worth of posts to learn about you (they won’t – they simply don’t have time). Use that bio to introduce yourself to readers, sponsors, advertisers, and PR pros.
3. Establish credibility. In my career as a PR pro, I’ve worked with dozens, no, hundreds of bloggers. One of the most common things I’ve heard is, “I don’t write negative reviews. If I don’t like something, I simply won’t write it at all.” Sure, it’s a relief for a PR pro to know you won’t bash their product, but as a reader, I’m less likely to follow someone who has 20 consecutive posts that say, “This is great! Buy it now here!” than I am to follow someone who may say, “This is great! But here are a few things that I would change, or here’s the one place it falls short.” The latter, I’d feel, are giving it to me straight. Especially with all the buzz surrounding the “Blogola” issues, I’m more likely to trust a blogger who doesn’t sound like they’ve been paid to post about a topic – and PR pros WILL respect you for your honesty. You are, after all, giving them valuable market research that they can take to their bosses or clients to truly improve the product you’re reviewing.
4. Make it personal. Don’t make it vengeful. While attending BlogHer in 2009, I heard a story that, unfortunately, gives bloggers a bad name. A representative from Crocs was told that, unless he provided free shoes for a blogger and her family, she would give him a lot of bad press. “It’ll be easier,” he wrote of their interaction, “to just give me the shoes.” As a blogger – you are officially a member of the media – especially as you gain a following and people begin to trust your word. It’s very tempting to use that awesome power to your advantage, but take a step back and think about how significant and valuable that power is, and use it for good, not for personal gain. Not only do you tarnish the reputations of your fellow bloggers as a collective whole, but you’ll also successfully get yourself blacklisted (PR pros talk – it’s what we get paid to do for a living – and we network with our peers and share stories and contacts).
5. Keep it fresh. Consistent writing – even if it’s only 3 posts per week – keeps readers coming back for more. Like your favorite TV show, you know when it’s on, and even if you miss it, you can play it back through TiVo or watch it “On Demand” later in the week – but you know you can count on new episodes on a regular basis (and you feel cheated when during the height of the season, you get stuck with a Greys’ rerun instead of the next chapter in the saga!). If you want a regular following, give them regular content. You’ll also put PR pros at ease. They are entrusting you with their reputations by sending you product samples and committing to their bosses that you’ll provide coverage (and there’s nothing more stressful to a PR pro than to sit and wait, and check back daily, only to find out that the story hasn’t been written yet). If you set a deadline, commit to it, and only break it if absolutely necessary.
Well spoken! I’ve posted a few negative reviews and don’t have a problem pointing out things I’d like to see differently about a product. PR reps did not stop coming to me. In fact, they appreciated my thoughts, because it helps them to take another look at the products to make them more desirable and useful to their customers.
This is a great list to go by! Thanks!
Great tips – especially about the bio. In fact, I’m going to go double-check mine right now. Thanks!
Excellent information! Although I’ve been blogging for a couple of years now, I had to take a leave of absence while I held a full-time JOB away from home. Now I’m back as a full-time WAHM and have much more time and energy to devote to rebuilding my blog audience. I appreciate your advice. Thanks!
Wonderful tips, thanks for sharing!!!
Great tips! I definitely need to fill in my bio a bit more.
I just did a review where I pointed out both the good and the not so great points of the products. The biz owner wasn’t so happy until I pointed out exactly what you said – that I’m more credible now to people who actually research what they buy before they buy it!
For a lot of reasons, I need to know specific information about what I buy, before I buy it, and for that reason alone, I want to be one of the people giving all the info. If they want me to just say “hey, this product is great!”, then they can buy ad space.
Still somewhat new to the bloggy thing. It would be good to know now, how to get people to leave comments and spark discussion on your blog.
Take care,
Amy
wrong link in other comment.
should be: http://www.crumbsonmyfloor.com I forgot the y in the other one.
I know I need to give more bio but I don’t want to give out too much personal info either.
Very well written. Thanks!
Excellent tips, thanks so much for sharing.
Great article, I appreciate the PR tips. I’m now inspired to go update my bio too, this is wonderfully practical info, thanks!
Great post I really did enjoy it.
Great ideas. Thanks!
Good tips – especially when it comes to credibility. A negative review is so much more helpful than no review at all. I have never been afraid to write one because I know not doing so only hurts me, my readers and the companies for whom I review. I really lose respect for people when I find out they don’t write negative reviews (when they are appropriate).