Tips For a Blog

Lots of writers start blogging to get their name out there, or because we're told we should. That's why I did. I kept reading blogs and thought, hey, maybe I need one of these. So I started 'ol BookingIt up and have had a great time with it.

There are a few tips to running a successful blog.

1. Keep it short
2. Keep it focused
3. Keep it on a schedule

To me, those are the most important aspects. I also comment alot on other blogs, and if someone comes to visit I go check out their site and say hi.

For more in-depth info on creating a great blog, check out author Camy Tang's article Building A Blog.

What do you do to get your posts noticed?

Comments

Jody Hedlund said…
I love to read other people's blogs too! It's been a great way to connect with other writers.

And like you mention, it's great if the blogger can then flip over to your blog and say hi.

Sometimes when I enjoy and comment on someone else's blog, but then never hear from them on mine, I begin to wonder about them.

I realize everyone can't comment on every blog, but I think it's polite to repay the visit at least once.

It does take work, but as you mentioned, it's all part of building a writing career, right?
Nice post and the link to Camy's blog was great too.

I find blogging fun, but I don't want to do it every day! And I had a contest on mine, but didn't want to post anything else until the contest was over, afraid that people wouldn't find the contest. Funny, huh?
Hey..I love your pretty layout. I got one there too. How did you get a white background for your posts?
I visit other people's blogs and try to comment on each one, though there are so many wonderful ones out there, it is becoming an enjoyable full time job just to blog!

Enjoy your blog and the beautiful background and all the info you share.
Jessica Nelson said…
Hey Jody,
Yeah, I think someone did a post on blog etiquette and it usually is polite to recomment on someone's blog, esp. if it's the first time they've stopped by yours.
Yep. I've heard that we don't HAVE to blog when we're published, but honestly, I like it so much that it would be hard to stop.
Girl, you were up early today!
Jessica Nelson said…
Hey Sherrinda,
I'm so sorry! I don't know if I knew about your contest. I hope you had lots of players.
Camy's site is so amazing. I think I could probably link to her on any subject that has to do with writing. She's got tons of info over there.
I don't want to blog every day either, so I just settled for every other day. :-)
Jessica Nelson said…
Thanks Donna!
You do a great job of visiting people, I think. It's wonderfully uplifting when someone takes the time to leave a comment, so thank you! :-)
Angela Ackerman said…
Good advice. I think responding to those who comment on a post is hugely important as well. I do my best to do this, because I want my readers to know I value their imput.
Kristen Painter said…
I try to follow those rules. And I don't do anything specifically to pimp my blog, but I probably should.
Tana said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi Jess -

Blogging is a wonderful way to keep the creative pump primed. I also enjoy the interaction with other bloggers and readers.

Please forgive me if I haven't returned a visit with a comment on your blog. Some blogs have a different comment format, which I still do not comprehend. If someone can enlighten me on how to leave a comment on these blogs, I'd be forever grateful.

Blessings,
Susan :)
Jessie Oliveros said…
Blogging is definitely a good way to network. Sometimes, however, I think my book would much closer to finished if I blogged less.
Jessica Nelson said…
Hi Angela,
That's very sweet of you. :-)
Jessica Nelson said…
Kristen, your blog is pimped! LOL It's got all sorts of cool links, it sparkles, you comment on people's blogs (mine all the time, which both amazes and humbles me), and your posts are always fun to read.
Jessica Nelson said…
T. Anne,
I think your font is fine. Easier is better, right? :-) I was wondering what your first name is. Now I know it's something really unique. Does it have some sort of meaning?
LOL That name sounds memorable to me. But pronouncable? That's the thing. Heheee. :-)
Tana said…
LOL! Exactly! That's my world.
Jessica Nelson said…
Susan,
No worries. :-) There are some sites I don't comment on either because I just don't feel like entering all my info. Grrr...
Plus, sometimes we just get too busy (like today, I'm not gonna be able to read anyone's blog until bedtime, 'cause I'm fixing to take the kiddos to the park).
What I like about your blog is that you're so scheduled and I know what to expect each day.
Jessica Nelson said…
LOL Jessie
I KNOW my book would be finished if I blogged less. It's the price I pay...
:-)
Jody Hedlund said…
I was up REALLY early! (Remember I only get half a night's sleep sometimes?) ;)

I noticed from your side bar you made some progress on your WIP! Good work! I'll be asking you on my blog on Monday if you met your weekend goal!

I'm still lagging behind on my weekend goal! So off I go to write some more!
Jessica Nelson said…
LOL I'm about to force myself off the computer because I haven't written yet today, and I need to.
I'll be there Monday. Can't wait to see how you do. :-)
Nancy J. Parra said…
Great post- and very true. Cheers!
Jennifer said…
I love blogging. :) I draw people to my blog (or try to, anyway) by posting about interesting topics that seem "hot." And I comment on everybody else's blogs.

And I wrote about Twilight just to see if it got me hits...I know, I'm a sellout. But it was a review, so.

Anyway. Hope all's well on your end!
♥Jen
Angie Ledbetter said…
I love the different styles and focuses of the blogs I read almost daily. Kinda like the blog homes reflect the writers' styles and focus, dontcha think?
Jessica Nelson said…
Thanks Nancy! Cheers right back atcha!
Jessica Nelson said…
So funny about Twilight, Jen. Smart. I never thought of doing that.
Jessica Nelson said…
I think you're right Angie. :-) What are you doing up so late? LOL
Katie Salidas said…
Good post!

I'm horrible about staying on top of my blog. I'm lucky if I get in a new post every other week. I need to try and force myself to get on a schedule.

Of course the other side of that is, I spend most of my time reading my bloglist. I love keeping up on what's going on in my favorite blogs.

If I spent more time writing and less reading, I could probably get in a post every day.

=)
I follow an insane amount of blogs (over 150!) so keeping up with them feels like a full-time job. But I understand the importance of networking. And there is so much good information out there that I can't help myself.

This is an excellent post. Thank you! I especially like the "short" idea. Short always gathers more readers, from what I've noticed. Also, sharing writing advice seems to help a lot. I've noticed that most people don't want to read about my personal life problems or anything. That is what my personal blog is for. ;)

Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm excited to have you around. :)
Jessica Nelson said…
Hey Quixotic,
Sometimes it's a lot more fun to read than to write. LOL I hear you.
Jessica Nelson said…
Hi Lady Glamis,
Thanks for stopping by. WOW! 150 blogs? That's crazy. I don't know how you do it. I understand though. The networking is wonderful and I meet so many new people. It's fun.
My favorite part of blogging is following others blogs and seeing where it takes you. For example - I just found this blog post from T. Anne's blog, and then I hit the link you had in your post... and it can just go on and on forever.

I like your advice to keep it short. That is definitely something I struggle with in my own posts - I tend to get a little too long-winded for my own good, I think.
Jessica Nelson said…
Hi Kate,
Thanks for stopping by. It is fun to "follow the blogs", so to speak. I have a very dear writer friend who I met by doing that. :-)
Jessica, I just have to say how great your "short" yet "punch" posts are. I wish I could be so concise and relevent!!

I mostly keep my blog as sort of a diary for myself on this writing and life journey I'm on. If it can help others out with some pertinent posts that others can take something from, than all the better!

I've found some wonderful blogs and fellow writers through people who have left comments on my blog and other blogs that I read, a major bonus to this blogging endeavor!
Jessica Nelson said…
Oh yes, me too! You know, it really depends on what kind of blog you have. Yours is personal, I think people don't mind longer posts.
Mine is not very personal at all, so I do try to keep thing short and easy. :-)
Anonymous said…
I probably need to work on it more. I don't always update it like I should and I'm thinking I need to comment more on other blogs as well as trying to come up with catchier entry titles (titles are the bane of my existence, lol).
Anonymous said…
Wow Jessie, you can teach your Mom a few things. I can't believe how much you accomplish at home!! You are amazing. Love Mom
Jessica Nelson said…
LOL Dara! I think your titles are fine. :-)

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