blogging

Creating a Successful Blog

Forestwood

So you have time to read blogs? Why? Don’t you know what you want in life?

Said a philosopher who had no concept of having to battle with a financial position.

Benefits of Writing a Blog

Most of us aren’t completely aimless in life, we have some kind of plan and guess what, we do like to read blogs, because we like to write blogs. It is as simple and as complicated as that.

Why do we write a blog?

  • To Spread Awareness
  • To Inform or Educate
  • To Meet others
  • To hear Independent Perspectives
  • To Promote something or someone (not discussed in this blog post)

There are more similarities between people from diverse cultures than there are differences. We can learn so much from each other if we keep an open mind.

Choosing Topics for Blog Posts

Develop your own personal voice and blogging style by writing quality content that might be useful to others.

Perhaps the best way to stand out from the crowd and make an impression upon people is to produce content that impacts them in some way. Write something that matters, that helps people, that solves a problem, that enriches people’s lives, and you increase the chances of them coming back again and again.

artofblogging.net

Write Interesting Blog Content

Blog posts are interesting to readers if you:

  • Write about topics that you know well or in which you have some expertise
  • Write about something that is dear to your heart
  • Post about subjects you are passionate about
  • Ask questions of your readers to engage the audience and build your own blogging community.
  • Keep posts short and succinct as much as you can! Long posts tend to bore the reader. Everyone is time poor.

Tips on Increasing Blog Traffic via the WordPress Reader

  • Research your topic to see what others have written previously and how this blog topic performed. Google can also give you an idea of the most popular questions the public has about any given subject. This can help you structure a post to answer those questions.
  • If you reset the publication date on a post multiple times, WordPress will drop your posts from the WordPress reader for a while.
  • Too many re-blogs of other sites will also result in your blog not appearing in the reader which means less new people coming across your blog.
  • WordPress does not want to have lots of duplicate content in their reader. New bloggers often make this mistake in an attempt to gain new readers. Unfortunately, it has the opposite effect.
  • Visit other bloggers who are writing about a similar subject.
  • Share your post via a Hyperlink in Pinterest and social media

Commenting and Blog Etiquette

  • Be kind to those who take the time to comment on your blog and visit their blog.
  • Reading and commenting on other blogs can only help to build your community and increase your readership.
  • Find a blogging challenge that interests you and join in. There are many types and it is a good way to build a blogger community of like-minded folk.
  • Long comments are interesting. Bloggers love long comments. It is hard to begin a conversation if you receive a comment that merely says, “Great Post.” It could even be a spammer as it is not specific enough. Think about what you liked about the post? I usually try to keep the conversation going by asking something further about the topic which leads to a deeper, more fulfilling conversation.
  • No one has time to read every post of every blogger that you might follow. Liking posts is no ongoing substitute for a real comment.

Tips on Formatting a Blog

Themes and WordPress bugs

  • Some WordPress themes do not present all that clearly on every device. I was using a Twenty Twenty theme that did not show: “allow a comment,” option and did not format well on some devices. It is wise to check how your post and blog presents on various devices.
  • Customize the chosen theme with a colour or featured post to stand out from the crowd
  • Add a featured image to each post where possible. This creates interest in the WP Reader.

Tips on Formatting Blog Posts

Use Headings and Subheadings

  • This is good for SEO. It also aids in making your post organized and flow.

Useful Widgets for a Blog

  • Include a translation option for speakers of a language other than English
  • Add a Follow option for Email and WordPress Readers – this is ESSENTIAL
  • Link other Social media Accounts
business workplace
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Media

  • Free blog plans have a limit to how much media storage you have. Resize your photos for faster loading of your site and efficient utilization of storage limits or purchase a paid blog plan.
  • I use Imgur or Flickr to add images by linking a URL (saves downloads and uploads). Copy the image location in google, (Right-click), if you don’t have a photo of your own to illustrate the point you wish to make by adding media.
  • If your google photos don’t show to other readers, it could be due to your privacy settings in Google photos.

Adding Tags to your Blog Post

  • Adding Tags and Categories are useful for helping other readers discover your blog.
  • It can also help if you want to check back on a previous post, on your own blog.
  • Use up to 15 categories and tags in total.
  • Using more than 15, or adding irrelevant or inappropriate tags, will result in your post being bumped from the WordPress reader. The more tags you use, the less likely your post will be featured in the Reader. And that means less new readers and followers.
  • Delete old tags that have a count of zero (posts>tags>count)

Recently I posted about maintaining a blog, and using tags in posts, which led to some really productive comments and conversations.

Using Tags in Blog Posts

Published by Forestwood

A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word. Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, a writer and I enjoy photography and crafts, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.

394 thoughts on “Creating a Successful Blog”

    1. And if I may speak on behalf of the blogger community, you have much to share that is interesting and informative, Peggy. I also love that you visit other blogs regularly. May you continue blogging for many years.

      Liked by 7 people

  2. I was like Peggy, my blog was more a diary for myself to remind me of we’re we’ve been, and what we’ve doing, and to keep my family up to date with the same. Sometimes it was a platform to play devils advocate on certain topics too, which I guess is also a bit of a self diary of expression on certain topics. I was stunned at first when strangers decided to follow along too. After a while I started to appreciate having followers, but with the appreciation also came a bit of a feeling of pressure to keep my content varied. As you know Amanda I’m on a break at the moment, but I’m re-thinking how final I want the break to be. One day maybe I’ll get back to it.

    Liked by 11 people

    1. I totally agree on the self-expression aspect of blogging but your comment makes me think, Chris. That there is some pressure in writing posts. Interesting. Occasionally I have a moment when I can’t think of anything clever/interesting/witty to write about and that is when I go through the reader and find in making comments on other blogs I get more ideas for posts.
      I am so pleased to hear that you are willing to give blogging another go. I do hope the WordPress gremlins behave themselves and make that return easy.
      I had a few blogging breaks, when I took extended holidays and found I didn’t miss blogging like I thought I would. Sometimes when I get out of a habit of writing, it is easier to stay away for good. But once I started back again, I am all in and the habit is entrenched. I can’t wait to read more of your travels and daily life in Busselton.

      Liked by 3 people

  4. “Ask questions of your readers to engage the audience and build your own blogging community.”
    I reckon this is rubbish. Well, it is to me I find it really irritating.

    Liked by 5 people

      1. Thank you for supporting me, Chris. If it was anyone else, I would have been offended but M-R is by her own admission, a ‘grumpy old woman,’ and I do think she was trying to keep me from getting too lofty an ideal about my own status and advice. I can guarantee that she will always give her honest opinion about everything – albeit brutally! I don’t always have to agree with her though. 😁

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Helpful points my friend.Thank you.
    I feel total words should be less than 150, otherwise people start spending energy towards yawning🥱 .Many times my post exceeds 400 words.
    I am helpless and seriously planning to cut down number of words.
    What are your thoughts on a lengthy post?
    Does it find favour with your readers in case you exceed 150words?

    Liked by 8 people

    1. I will check my stats and get back to you on this. Marion made a comment about blog post length and SEO. I would like to know if there is a definitive answer to this as it is especially relevant to have an approximate word count as a rough guide, PtP. Great question.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I agree. I tend to leave the lengthy posts for last. 150 words seam very short, depending on the topic and I love the variety of bloggers I follow and who started following me. But those really lengthy ones are a burden, Why not split it rather?

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Thank you Appeltjie.
        I strongly believe that any blog in which word count goes beyond 150….people start scrolling for the highlights.

        This is not with those blog posts with low word content.

        Ultimately the content is the King and people patiently read the blog if it is worthy of their time and interest in the subject,come whatever may be the word count!

        Splitting the content is a good idea and I guess you are talking about two blog posts instead of one.
        But then people must have patience to read the remaining part 2.

        Thanks again for the suggestion.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. yes, I mean two blog posts. I am a very busy teacher and literally steal time to read the blogs I follow. I would rather read quickly and come back for a second edition.

        Liked by 4 people

      4. It is really interesting hearing the different perspectives. Almost like we should have an abridged version and expanded version so that the reader has choices.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Yes I have split posts into two before. It can work. I was only half serious about the two versions and you are right it would be duplication. Not good for SEO, apparently.

        Liked by 1 person

      8. Amanda to be frank with you I started loving your blog and initiated reading your earlier blog posts.

        I feel fortunate to have found you in the ocean of WP.

        So there is no question of scrolling.

        Your photographic challenges keep me busy which I am enjoying thoroughly.

        The photos,quotes and the topics you cover are very interesting and are thought provoking.

        You make your readers at home by your helpful and interesting interaction,in in the process we the followers are extremely benefitted.

        The fact that we all love to hear your version during the interactions via comments and I love reading your interaction with other bloggers in the comment section too.

        The 150 word count is a general assessment of mine after completing 2 years of blogosphere life.

        My earlier posts were not less than 800 words and I enjoy writing like anybody else.

        Those interested will definitely read the post fully.

        I love lengthy posts because I enjoy reading.

        Many may not have same kind of patience.

        Please continue posting lengthy posts which keep our brain sharp.

        I thoroughly enjoyed, that lengthy interaction with you, which I had on earlier occassion.

        Liked by 1 person

      12. Thanks ever so much Appeltjie for the delightful comment. I am so glad you like my posts. One of the criticisms I received in the past was the subjects I chose were too diverse, so it is reassuring that you like them.

        Like

      15. I think it depends what you are writing. 150 might be enough for a poem but it doesn’t take much text to go over 150. I tend to use photos or video to break text up when it is over a few hundred. Using shorter paragraphs helps to prevent eye fatigue in the reader.

        Liked by 2 people

  7. Looks of good tips! I blog for many reasons, but I have to say that making blogging friends around the world was an unexpected pleasure. And a great one. I have learned so much about various places, and, in turn, I hope my blogging friends have learned something about Maine and the United States from reading my blog.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Thanks, Laurie. Making new blogging friends and learning is the most wonderful thing about reading other blogs. You can always always learn something new. The world opens up to you and appears on your doorstep! It is the travel experience without leaving your desk chair, don’t you think?

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Some useful tips here for sure. I’m not new to blogging but I am to Word Press so the advice re the Reader is helpful for me in particular. As to why I blog, I’ve always written about my travels, and have shared them online for as long as such things have been possible! Partly it’s for my own pleasure, remembering and recording my travel experiences, and partly in order to engage with others who travel – to compare experiences, share ideas etc.

    ‘There are more similarities between people from diverse cultures than there are differences’ – that is something I have long maintained, and I believe one of the main benefits of travelling is to demonstrate that we have so much in common even with people living very different lives to our own. If more people realised this the world would be a happier place imho

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I hear you loud and clear, Sarah and am on exactly the same page. Conversing via blogger with many others around the world widens our perspective and ensures that we hear from many different opinions. This can only be beneficial. My first blog posts were just travel diary entries, and it became more addictive and cathartic than I realised blogging could be. In many small ways, we can spreak loving kindness and community via our blogging posts and that community can influence other’s lives in positive ways, even just for a few moments of their day. What platform were you using prior to WordPress?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I started off sharing travel reviews on Virtual Tourist for many years, before blogging was even a thing (2005 onwards)! That’s how I first got to know and engage with a worldwide community of travellers. When that site closed, in 2017, I started blogging on TravellersPoint, which I still do (https://toonsarah.travellerspoint.com). Getting going on WP was a bit of a lockdown project – a chance to share photos and stories from my travels in a less journal mode, a bit more random and I hope engaging to a wider audience, not just passionate travellers like myself 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Do you know that I once had a Virtual Tourist account for a while. I am sorry to hear that it closed down, but then am happy to hear that Virtual Tourist’s loss is WordPress’s gain. I started out with travel blog posts that were a way for me to remember my travel experiences. However, it evolved after that into posts on a variety of things. You will find blogging more versatile, as you can link so much more to the blog in terms of media and youtube videos and here is a warning. It is slightly addictive. If I can assist in any way with blog advice, just ask.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yes, TripAdvisor bought out and later closed VT. There was (and remains) a lot of bitterness among VTers as we weren’t given a lot of time to save our content (I was lucky that I had most backed up as Word documents) and also the VT staff seem to have been treated quite badly. But as a community we’re still thriving on Facebook and many of us still meeting up regularly (when there’s no pandemic to stop us). Some of my WP contacts are VT friends, such as The Rambling Wombat (aka Albert), whom I know you follow too.

        Thanks for the offer of assistance, I’ll certainly bear it in mind 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Oh that is cool that you know Albert from VT days. I can imagine his breadth of knowledge on the history was welcomed on that platform. I like that the VTer’s bandied together to maintain their community. It is always the way when one company swallows another that the smaller one’s staff gets the boot. I don’t like it and I am sure the staff didn’t either. Unfortunately, in the current environment we are likely to see more of that happening.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Sadly, most of us will never have a successful blog and I am no exception. We have 2K -10K followers, but only 20-100 likes per post. Meaning 1,900 – 9.999 of our so called followers, don’t care about what we write. We have a small audience, but will never go further, perhaps we don’t even want to. We are writing a diary, hoping that some might care, because writing for just the one person that should matter, is not good enough. (So there it is my honest and perhaps a bit cynical view of the blogging world.)

    Liked by 6 people

    1. You know the stats you mentioned may actually be the case for many of us, but it is totally fine with me and by the sounds of it, with you too, Bridget. I like that you are totally honest in your comment. We are documenting history in many ways. Reflecting the opinions of the self and a small part of the public at the time to current and past world events. Chronicling this social history is important. Important personally and historically. If bloggers are focused on constant validation via consistent likes and possibly also comments, it tends to influence the blgo content and writing, I think. Now that is MY cynical view. Am I wrong?

      Like

    2. Thank you Nonsmokingladybug.
      Excellent point you brought out.
      Here is my guess.

      If you are garnering 1% of likes out of your total followers ..that is more than enough and can have a satisfied day.
      Any thing more than that is bonus points
      ( example – getting 10 to 15 likes for a blogger having 1000 followers)

      Liked by 1 person

      2. It’s just my personal assessment.
        My feeling is other bloggers will find out us somehow or other, if we are like-minded + resonate with each other and so is with us and surely we find out our own other bloggers of similar taste.
        Birds of the same feather fly together, even if they belong to different parts of the world.

        Like

  10. Some helpful hints for new bloggers Amanda. My posts average around 1,250 words which I believe is optimum for SEO content and web searches as I was of the understanding that they should be a minimum of 300 words as otherwise they are viewed as being thin on content. But of course it doesn’t matter a jot if you are just happy writing and not necessarily wanting to increase web traffic as blogging should be a fun creative activity, shouldn’t it!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Excellent point, Marion. I wasn’t aware of the optimum for SEO, so thanks for that. Another challenge at being either concise or a little more wordy! That happy medium. The proof is in the pudding as far as your massive blogger following indicates! And you write so well. It is always a pleasure to visit your blog.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much for your kind words Amanda and for taking the time to read my blog. As long as everyone just enjoys writing and reading other people’s blogs that’s all that matters. One day I’m sure we’ll get back to Australia and you back to Europe – we’ll just have to be patient! Take care, Marion

        Liked by 2 people

    1. It is okay, Linda. You don’t need it. It is just the cream on the top to attract more blogging traffic. I did not link my blog for some years and it didn’t matter. Enjoy your week. Are you up to much?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks every time I think maybe I should set up facebook i just about go into a complete panic, haha This week will be busy building new duck pen as we have some new additions in the menagerie, We are slowly growing our living off the land life. Just love it.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Facebook is a double edged sword. It can suck you in or be dead boring. You have to be the master of it and use it for what you want to get out of it. And have strict privacy settings. Then it is okay.
        The addition of Ducks sounds wonderful, Linda. I just purchased a worm farm and will look at native bees next. Have you any experience with either of thoes?

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yes I have had a worm farm for a while now (bunnings has worms in a box ready to go) i made their farm out of an old box freezer & I have an old bathtub that I will be setting up as well. Its pretty easy. Native bees we dont keep would love to though, we just have them come to visit our garden. We did have some make a hive in the trunk of a tree near the house but they have since moved on for some reason.

        Liked by 2 people

  12. Great tips! I would add to make sure your name (or blog name) and avatar link up to your blog. When you leave a comment, often other readers read what you wrote and want to visit your blog. Make it easy for them to find you! And, I agree with adding questions when appropriate. My latest post about telling friends about your blog got a ton of very long and thoughtful comments.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Thanks so much for raising this, Janis. I had that in mind to add as a tip when I was thinking about this post,and I forgot to include that in the body of the post. I will update the post to reflect that hint and link to you for reminding me. I find it so frustrating that I cannot find and visit other bloggers who leave comments. It’s such an easy fix for bloggers to add the link into the avatar page. They are losing a lot of community that way.

      Like

  13. “So you have time to read blogs? Why? Don’t you know what you want in life?”

    Yes! Confucius had a way with words, didn’t he? LOL!

    As with the self-publishing trend, blogging gives the power of speech and press back to writers and independent thinkers. My only tips:

    • Emote clearly and as concisely as possible (remember, digital readers are more likely to scan than to actually read).
    • Research serious topics, especially politics and religion.
    • Ensure proper grammar, punctuation and spelling.

    Most importantly, blogging ensures some freedom with the written word, but it also incurs some degree of responsibility.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I always apprecriate your insightful input into the post conversations, Alejandro. You are so right about the freedom of speech and that it incurs some degree of responsibility. The public often hand over that degree of self-control and responsibility to the media and ingest blindly what they read. Every writer has their own bias and conscious or subsconscious agenda (be that for altristic or nefarious goals). We should all be cognizant of that when we read blogs, social media and mainstream news.
      Your point about the grammar is well made. I often made errors in that regard and never have been featured – for that and other reasons on freshly pressed. Having said that, it matters now, as I do not write to simply gain followers and chase targets. Thus, whilst I should focus on grammar and punctuation, I don’t get hung up about it. Self-expression and sharing of important information and the community that results from comment conversations on my blog is most important to me.
      Being succinct and concise is bothe the challenge and the incentive to continue to improve content!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Speaking of grammar, I read a thesis a few years by a woman who was working for a doctorate in education. The piece was good, but riddled with spelling and punctuation errors. She stated her case well, yet I cringed at the thought of handing it over to the committee. She’s already done that, though, and earned her position. I don’t know if they ignored or somehow overlooked the grammatical inaccuracies or if her arguments were persuasive enough to dismiss them. But, as a writer and linguistic purist, I couldn’t bring myself to skip over that.

        I hope I’m not alone in that assertion.

        Liked by 3 people

      2. I think grammar is becoming diluted, Alejandro but then language is fluid, constantly evolving and changing, isn’t it? I used to be quite pedantic about proof reading and grammar, but find that getting older means I have lost my sharpness in detecting typos and errors, prior to publishing. Then there is the challenge of technology. Different wordpress drafts on different devices throw me, as does typing comments on my phone keypad, which has three languages and my swiping finger slips on occasions. Having said that, spell check doesn’t pick up everything and many are far too reliant on that. And, now I know who to hire as a beta-reader, should I publish a book!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Thanks it helped me so much! I recently started writing blogs and I am little bit confused, Am I doing it right way or not..! So thank you so much for this helpful tips.

    Liked by 4 people

  15. I guess the first question is, what constitutes a successful blog? I started mine to share photos and some stories with friends and family. In that regard I consider it a success. Along the way I’ve come across other blogs I enjoy and bloggers I enjoy communicating with. I don’t have a huge following and don’t follow a large number of blogs, because I know I’d never keep up. I’m also not on social media, don’t do any of the things to suck up to Google (AKA The Evil Empire), and have no idea how the WP Reader works. But I’m quite happy with that.
    Your tips are valid, clear, and concise, and I imagine they’re most helpful for people looking to get their blog out their more.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Interesting points Graham.
      But I have a doubt.
      How many likes or followers the minimum one can or should expect in blogosphere?
      I mean if I have just one blogger following me and we both have fruitful discussion about our posts…is that OK ? Or I have to wait for more followers?
      Just curious

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Expectations on blogging, PtP! There is a whole blog post we could write on that.
        I don’t think you can put a number on how many likes you can expect, as this changes as the numbers of bloggers who follow you change.
        Try posting on different days and times if you are not getting any likes at all.
        Check your blog is showing up in the reader: Enter a tag that you have added to a post in the search bar on the reader and then press Ctrl or Command F5 on a PC, in the reader to hard refresh the reader. Your blog should appear in the results. The blogs with the highest likes appear first, unless you choose ‘date’ as as opposed to ‘relevance.’
        I think it is better to see what time is best to post, going by number of views, rather than getting fixated by the number of likes. Some people like without ever reading a word.
        It is also useful to check what terms people are searching for on the search enginges when they find your blog. To check this, go to the Dashboard, and Site Stats> referrers to see search terms people have used.
        Does that answer your question?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you Amanda for adding some more useful tips.Appreciate.You have covered everything .I was just curious about being happy in blogosphere with minimum number of followers among whom there is a healthy discussion .

        Like

      3. It was a good question to ask whether word count was relevant. I checked my stats and I don’t think it matters to readers but it does matter to wordpress and to the WordPress reader. If you post too many posts too often that are less than 300 words, your blog may get bumped to the bottom of the wordpress reader index and then less people will find you. Between 300 and 1000 is a good number of words to aim for.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. I don’t think there is a minimum. One blog I follow doesn’t take comments. She appears to be happy just posting photos and I usually like the photos. It’s really what makes the blogger happy. If someone wants more followers, more comments, then that’s where Amanda’s tips can really help.

        Liked by 3 people

      7. I concur with Graham. As long as you are happy with your blog, the number of followers and likes is irrelevant. It is only relevant if you want to develop it further.

        Like

      9. And there are many blogs with just that. Many followers and never a comment to be seen. I do wonder about them, but they are not usually the kind of blog I will often read.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I like that you highlighted those points, Graham and thanks you for the compliment on the tips.
      Defining a success is different for each of us. Some of us just love to write and get words down. They do not care about followers. For them, it is about expressing the self.
      As for followers, I try not to take notice of the total, but do cast an eye in that direction to gauge some feedback on whether my posts are interesting or boring. One solid meaningful follow is worth more than 50 likes in my book!
      I started my blog as a travel diary and it just evolved from there. I even could say blogging has become somewhat therapeutic for me.
      For the length of time I have been blogging some bloggers using affiliate links would have achieved 10K+ views per month in only three months, not ten years, but this is the kind of blogging where it is like a marketing job. The pleasure, for me, is just purely writing from the heart and sharing is removed completely. These folks may make money from their blog and good luck to them. However, I never ever look at these blogs so I am unsure who reads them. Do you ever read them?
      SEO I only understand in very basic terms, and as a free blog, most of it doesn’t apply anyway only whether people can find you in the reader. At my stage of life, I am past sucking up to anyone, including google!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Interesting points again Amanda,to be frank I ignore SEO,Word count,length of the post and the only thing which satisfies me if someone gives a genuine comment.Unfortunately in the Photographic related blogs there is nothing much in the form of comments except Wow/beautiful/fantastic/lovely etc.What else one can expect?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Short and succinct comments are mere courtesy and not much more. They indicate a relationship or the desire for reciprocal communication is not present. They are missing out on so much.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. What I like most about blogging is that anything goes, within the bounds of what WordPress deems acceptable of course. A blog can demand visitors reveal their deepest personal secrets, or it can refuse feedback of any kind. It can deal in 10,000-word essays or wordless photos. It can hock schlocky products or lambast that practice. And visitors to any blog can respond or not. (And in answer to your question, I have zero interest in marketing blogs.)
        As your tips explain, there are ways to increase the visibility of a blog and to attract visitors. Those visitors can read on, they can follow, but they don’t have to. It’s a very flexible, democratic world, which I’m very much in favor of.
        I think blogs focused on writing, by their very nature, probably generate a more expansive response than photo blogs, but I think that’s fine, too. I am totally in favor of bloggers putting out whatever they want and visitors reading/viewing whatever they want. I don’t think every blogger wants to become the soulmate of every visitor and vice versa, which I guess is my way of saying, unlike Philo, I don’t agree with your comment that ‘Short and succinct comments are mere courtesy and not much more. They indicate a relationship or the desire for reciprocal communication is not present. They are missing out on so much.’
        I’ve had succinct comments on posts that have conveyed a great deal, where a memory has been triggered or a dream alluded to. I’ve had comments of a single emoji which I’ve appreciated and recognized as someone saying they got they point of the post. I don’t expect anyone to be writing 300 word responses to every post any more than I’d expect every interaction with a friend to be super fantastic.
        But that’s just me, and not only am I comfortable with others having a different opinion, I’m actually very glad for that. Everyone has their place in the world and in the WordPress community. The trick is finding out what that is.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. We can all learn from diverse points of view, Graham. Even when M-R is cranky at me, I learn to be more accurate in my communication so that my intention is not misinterpreted. How ridiculous it would be to assume that we would all agree on everything. And I am glad you raised that point because I quite agree with 90% of what you said.
        I love the freedom of expression and choices we have hear on wordpress.
        I like the anonymity to a certain extent as long as it is not misused for nefarious pursuits.
        I don’t expect everyone to synch with everyone else and write 300 word comments in response. That would be silly to expect that. I do try to find out what people mean by Great post, or Great photo, particularly if I have posted three and I have no clue which one they are referring to. But I take your point, it is acceptable to say that and in turn it is also acceptable to say either a short “Thanks” in response, or ask a question to clarify what they mean. Whilst not everyone wants to share more than “great post” – if they choose to do so, we can enhance understanding between cultures and people of all persuasions if we foster relationships, if both parties are happy to do so. I hope you understand what I mean. I encourage more than a two word response but it is perfectly acceptable for people to write that if that is their choice. Does that make sense?

        Liked by 2 people

  16. Blogging is a project I do together with my dear wife Hanne-Dina Siebers who is a known Norwegian photographer. We both are interested in how to combine text and pictures and how people will react to it. I am a retired professional author and lecturer and I have to express myself to become aware of what I really understand. My theory is that only what I am able to express in a charming and entertaining way I have understood. And I love new ideas. A lot of the comments are correcting my limited way of understanding and inspire my reasoning.
    I don’t think that’s important that a blog is successful if one measures the success in numbers of followers or traffic. A lot of blogs are narcistic or populistic and attract many boring senseless comments. Really interesting blogs that present something that’s inspiring and not clichees are often have a low number of followers. The qestion is what one sees as successful concerning blogging.
    The blog etiquette of philosophical or literary blogs is a problem. It produces an affirmative tendency that doesn’t help understanding.
    And last not least, I suppose a successful blog reaches people beyond the limited blogosphere, it’s a stepping stone for getting into other media like radio, TV or podcasts f.e.

    Liked by 3 people

  17. Blogging is a good way to keep in contact with people, especially now with the lock-downs and self isolating. WordPress is an ideal vehicle for people to write and have it published instantly. Recently they changed the format and it really irritated me no-end, nearly gave up. I now also pay a small fee not to have face-cream advertising which I gladly paid.
    My advice would be to keep it short and snappy. Personally I use it almost like a diary of events that pop up as soon as I write the first couple of words. Inspiration often comes from the mere act of writing just a few nouns and verbs. The rest follows.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I concur with everything you said, Gerard. You have led a most interesting life, and even in a retired quieter life, you find lots to write about. One of your secrets is the quirky humour you inject into your posts, and that is exactly why I begun following you. It was an old post that I found and loved the humour. I particularly remember reading the story of you and the Smoked Salmon from Woollies and how you bucked the system with the incorrect pricing. I laughed so much at that.
      I also find inspiration if you start writing something – anything. Just writing a stream of consciousness almost. That act starts the brain ticking and ideas come forth from there. Keep writing and entertaining us.

      Like

  18. Some really handy tips! Thanks for sharing. I’m new to blogging and learning everyday. I find that practice is everything. I’ve gotten better at looking at things from a reader’s point of view – which helps to write better. ☺️

    Liked by 5 people

    1. That is smart, Jan. Sometimes bloggers become so in their heads and enjoy expressing what they are feeling, they forget to think about how other people might view their posts. I have a whole lot of posts in the drafts – ones that need to be re-hashed before publication, for that very reason. They aren’t good enough for posting – yet. But I have them to look back on and re-write into a better format in time to come.
      With your pro-active attitude and open- mind, your blog will surely be very popular with readers. I see that you like yoga. How long have you been practising?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for your lovely words! My drafts are much the same. A bunch of ideas until I can build them up.
        I started yoga in my twenties and sadly let go of it for a while. Have gotten back into it over the last two years. It’s been a great way to look after myself – physically and mentally – during lockdown. Do you practice yoga as well? ☺️

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I love Yoga – we have free lessons in the park as well as doing my sun salutations each morning at home. I have been practising for most of my life, on and off as teachers came and went. I have just joined up with a new teacher who practises Vinyasa yoga which I have not done before. Have you heard of that variety?
        Through yoga, I discovered the benefits of meditation, which I thoroughly enjoy to deal with life’s challenges.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. That’s great! Sun salutations are my daily yoga routine as well. I’ve heard of vinyasa but not too familiar with it. You’re quite right, yoga in itself is meditative and so good to calm the mind.

        Liked by 2 people

      1. You raise great talking points Amanda which sometimes I participate and others just read. Others quite often say what I think. I let my photos talk for me in the main.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. There is nothing wrong with that, Brian particularly as yours is a photographic blog. A picture says a thousand words and google tells me that is around the optimum word count for good blog SEO. Lol.😜

        Liked by 1 person

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    1. Indeed, Veena. We can learn about each other’s lives and aspirations and in a small way bring the world together. This is sorely needed in a divided world.

      Like

    1. I found you via Restless Jo whom I have followed for some time and contributed here and there to her Monday walks. Thanks for the link. This subject does seem to be a hit with readers, but then again it is what we do so many people would find something to add to the discussion.

      Like

  24. Interesting post with lots of useful tips, thanks for sharing.

    My blog is more of a photo-blog to share my photography with people who hopefully enjoy my photos. I have to admit the written part of my blog is not my strong point as writing is not my strength.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. That is totally okay to be a photo blog, Ryan. There are many blogs like that. See Bushboy’s comment here. You might stick with that or you might evolve your blog to something else. That is the beauty of blogging. You are free to make it exactly what you wish, although I would love you to join in with my Friendly Friday photo challenge sometime so others can find your blog more readily.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Ryan Garden,greetings from India.Thanks to Amanda I am reading your thoughts on photo blog.

      In photo blog there is no need to have writing skill friend.

      Neither you need comments.Likes will do and that gives us the inspiration and strength.

      The photo reveals everything.

      Thank you namaste 🙏🏻 and

      Liked by 3 people

  25. Pingback: Creating a Successful Blog – jdvn1

  26. These are fantastic blogging tips, some of which I incorporate and some of which I should implement at some point!

    I find it extremely important to reply to comments from my readers and expect the same from other bloggers. What annoys me most is when pages take ages to load (I rarely have good internet), because posters don’t resize their photos, and when there is no check box for receiving replies by email. This means – if I want to “wait” for a reply to my comment on their blog – I have to leave the post open in my browser and refresh the page over days, sometimes weeks! I hope to spend more time improving my blog in the future but – unfortunately – don’t have a lick time for that right now.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thanks for your very welcome comment, Liesbet and compliments on my post. This is not the usual post I would write, but it does seem to be attracting much interest and if I can share some piece of information that may assist others in their blogging journey, then I will do so.
      Re comments – I use the notifications tab to check to see if my comment on another blog has been replied to. If I waited for an email, I might have forgotten all about what I said and that sometimes happens with notifications too. And, I should point out that notifications aren’t as reliable as an email. I do miss them occasionally so I go to the unread tab. You can also see followers on the notifications panel. It is the little bell on a pc and on the right at the bottom of the screen on my mobile phone. Like you, I think it is important to reply to comments. If someone has taken a moment of their time to write to me, and read my blog, I will answer that as soon as I can. Time zone differences mean it might be the next day before you see it, though! If do try using notifications, I would be interested to hear how it works (or if it doesn’t), for you.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I need to check out that notification tab (and first find it) in the Reader that you are talking about. And, I will, whenever I’m less busy with this memoir! I’ve never used the Reader before. Thanks for the suggestion. By the way, it sometimes takes me a few days to reply to the comments on my blog (life is more than blogging), but I would never ignore them. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Aha, found it! My blog is self-hosted, so no notification tab or reader tab on my blog or dashboard. Until today, I had no idea about how to access the reader. I went to WordPress.com to access it and that’s where I found the notifications. Reading blogs and keeping track of comments here would be much less overwhelming than receiving hundreds of “blogging emails” every week. You might just be the one to finally push me towards an easier and more straightforward blogging life, Amanda! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Thank you, Liesbet, because now I have learnt something about self-hosted blogs. I do know that some features are lost when you self host but was unsure of which ones. I am glad you have located the reader and I do hope the notifications will assist you to access comments more easily. Via email is far too time consuming. You can also access comments via your dashboard – I think? On the dashboard side bar?

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Thank you for the useful tips. I actually started my blog couple months ago. But I have very low visitors and readers. I must follow your tips and tricks then. Haha. Thank you

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Thank you so much, these are very helpful tips! I just started my blog a few days ago and have created two post so far. I plan for my blog to be about things that interest me and also things that are going on it my life. One thing I have noticed in the few days I’ve had my site is the low number or views, so I most definitely plan on using your tips to get more blog traffic. In your tips about adding tags to your most you said to have 15 tags, I have only really put at most seven tags on one of my post. Do tags have to be very complex or can they be simple words? Also how do you find out if a tag has a count of zero or are old? Thank you again for sharing your blogging tips they are very useful, and I plan to use them in my future post.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It is best to put relevant tags. No more than 15! The less the better Add a category as well. The important thing is to make them highly relevant to your content. Single words in lower case like photography, food, travel etc. Don’t be discouraged by lack of views. It takes a good 12 months for others to find you. You can help by visiting and commenting other blogs like you did here and participating in blogging challenges. I post a photo challenge every second friday but there are many others like poetry and writing. Type challenges into the WordPress reader search bar to find them.

      Like

  30. Appreciate so much your taking the time to write this post, Amanda. I read it with great interest, ticking off items which I think I have done on my own blog or making notes for changes.

    Of particular interest is the WP Reader, which I don’t use much. But after reading this post, I think I might pay a little more attention to it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It took me a while to understand the role of the reader as it related to my blog, Ju-Lyn. I do find it useful in many ways. To discover new blogs, to check noone has posted the same photography them that I have posted recently, and to become inspired or read something interesting.

      Like

      1. About 2 weeks. I’m at work rotation and between home schooling and busy family life I wanted an outlet. I started reading books and thought why not share about it. Created the blog, social media pages and I’m up browsing tips saw your post…

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Well a big welcome to you on behalf of the bloggers here at StPA community. I hope you enjoy your journey. It can become a little addictive once you start.

        Like

  32. Thank you so much for this information. I really liked reading it. The main motive of me writing a blog is that I like to write. I like to write my thoughts down. I’ve came across a variety of people with like or different mind. The only common issue I found was no one really knows what and how I feel. This made me write about my feelings and views. Writing helps me clear my mind. And you’re doing a good job by spreading awareness among new bloggers about how to blog. You are doing a great job bud.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I love to meet new bloggers that love to write. Writing is great therapy! Keep it up. There are many bloggers who have emerged from very dark places because writing a blog has helped them process difficult thoughts and feelings. Thanks for taking the time to make a heartfelt comment.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Penning your thoughts down on a pen and paper helps to know what exactly are you feeling. It acts like a mirror of your true self. When you’ve got no one to talk to, talk to your diary, paper, journal, blogging community. People may find each others perspective very different or like, but the main motive of blogging is to express yourself. I appreciate each and every writer, blogger, speaker and anyone who knows how to express themselves because they don’t just portray their selves but also portray the society and it’s issues. If a simple pen and paper could lend you some self-knowledge, then why not sharing it with others too? You don’t know what someone is going through. Sharing your experiences and thoughts may save someone’s life. Also, I can’t thank you enough for replying me. Thank you for noticing my comment and taking time to reply.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. You are very welcome. Writing down thoughts can be very healing but always expressive. It is a life long practice we can nurture. In the blogosphere, there is always someone willing to listen.

        Like

  33. I started blogging by accident. And I do not necessarily blog about academic topics. Most of the times I write down what pops up in my mind, sharing thoughts in a way that might benefit others, sometimes just getting something off my mind.
    And then I meet others bloggers who have photo challenges and my life is enriched.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. A happy accident, Appeltjie.
      🙂 @photo bloggers who have photo challenges! You raise a good point that some people post academic blogs which is yet another great angle to blogging. As is the people who just want to pen thoughts down in a self-published way. Both are equally valid to the author, I think.

      Like

  37. Very helpful. I started my blog 3 weeks ago and I felt abit lost, but this is quite helpful. I still don’t know how I could build a community here tho.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. You have already started, Debra. As an advertising slogan says, It won’t happen overnight but it will happen, if you post original content and begin participating in things like challenges.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Great tips. I want to start a blog and be more serious about it in a couple of months. As I like to put in 110% of what I do so I’ll be posting regularly after I’ve finished all my work for applying to Uni.
    I will surely be using your tips when I start😊 thanks x

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Welcome to the fun and wonderful blogosphere, Miriam03. You sound a bit like a workaholic?
      You will love it here at WordPress, but be patient to start with. If nothing seems to be happening, that can be normal until other bloggers get to know your style and content. Visiting other blogs helps.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. That is very kind of you to share this post, Donna. Thank you so much for that. I have set aside a facebook page for the blog and will share links there.

      Like

  43. First of all thanks for stopping by to comment. Somehow I thought you’d stopped blogging. I’ll add you back into my feed.

    I like all your suggestions. Wish something like this had existed when I first started blogging.

    My only suggestions to newbie bloggers are always the same: be succinct in what you write and read/comment on a wide variety of blogs. That’s what has worked for me over the years.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Ali. But Me – stopped blogging? Nah. I would break the 9 year record and Sandy would whip my butt if I left her to manage the photo challenge alone, every week. Besides, there is always sometimes to write about, even if I don’t post for a few days. Sometimes blogs drop off the feed and end up in the blog ether somewhere.
      I quite agree with your suggestions on being succinct. That is a skill I still find challenging. You are the expert to aspire to in that regard.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m a newbie actually. I joined WordPress just a few days ago. I’ve posted 3-4 blogs. Please have a look and let me know what you feel about them!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. This is a subject that clearly appeals to a many, many bloggers and that is to be expected, I guess. What continues to surprise me about blogging is the highly supportive and encouraging community. There are sadly, few parrellels in real life that come close to it.

      Like

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      2. As long as you credit me with the content, that is okay. A short intro sentence describing my blog would be especially nice, 🧡🧡 so that people who might be interested in my blog can go there.

        Liked by 1 person

  52. Pingback: Creating a Successful Blog – Author Steve Boseley – Half a Loaf of Fiction

    1. For one month you are doing exceptionally well. Just keep posting and making comments. Be patient and read lots of other blogs. Join challenges and your blog will gain views.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. India…. By the way, I must say I am in love with Australia and you wouldn’t believe, yesterday itself I was thinking about living in Australia for a few years, after this pandemic is over, if that is possible!!

        Liked by 1 person

  57. Pingback: Creating a Successful Blog – Brooklyn Dynasty

  58. Hey, I’m also a new blogger here and your this blog helped me a lot. Thanks for that but I’m confused that how to take participate in the competitions? I’m new here, anyone who can guide me?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. If you use the search function on my sidebar, look up Friendly Friday Challenges and you will find a photographic challenge. There are instructions on how to participate in the header. A prompt word is given each week at the hosting blog and you interpret that how you wish, writing a post in response. It is as easy as that.

      Like

    1. Resize your images to 800×600 for speedier loading. Media will use up your storage space quickly. Do you have trouble with photos or video upload?

      Like

      6. I will have a look at your blog. Many bloggers don’t like people who ask if you can follow them. I prefer to leave it up to the individual to see if the blogs sync. Rest assured that I will take a look at your blog. 🙂

        Like

  60. Thank you so much for this information Amanda. I am a new blogger and mostly posting about Books, Productivity and some tips for healthy and positive lifestyle.

    I sure am gonna read more articles from your blog. Through your writing I’ve got a feeling that you’re the kindest soul. So I wish you more happiness and love to your life 💛💛

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That is such a lovely compliment, Lahari but I am nowhere near perfect. More like a WIP! Lol! Your blog sounds interesting and just the sort I would like to read. I will pop over and have a look. Happiness na dlove to you as well. Whereabouts in the world are you situated?

      Like

      1. Thank You Amanda. Do give it a read, and feel free to give me any suggestions if you would like. I’m always open for learning and improvements. And about my whereabouts I’m from Hyderabad, India🇮🇳. May I know about your location and what you do for living?

        Like

  61. I’ve started blogging for the first time in August 2020. After a trip to Italy visiting family amidst all of their coronavirus nightmare and now, after reading these posts it’s so nice to feel and what a difference it makes to your mindset ! I love the escapism and how sharing thoughts, ideas etc makes us one big community x

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You have seen what blogging can offer you Secretmolise. The ability to share your thought for the most part without negative judgement that is so rife on other forms of social media. Blogging is wonderfully positive.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Exactly! Yes 👏🏼 it’s is so good ! I hope others can get some
        Form of joy out of what they read of mine ♥️ thank you for your blog, very insightful help and thanks for the comment x

        Liked by 1 person

  63. Really interesting piece and simply put. I do love writing but struggle with all the “bits” that go with it. I may use bits of this to organise myself 😄

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Please do if they help you, Camille. I didn’t know all this information when I started so it gives you a heads up. How long have you been blogging?

      Like

  65. This is helpful! I write my blog for myself and others, and I’m having a good time doing it. It’s also very therapeutic.

    Like

  66. I recently started blogging about two months ago. I’ve used my blog as a way to work through my mental battles and struggles, and to raise awareness on the challenges men have with acknowledging possible mental illness. Those blog posts are personal and therapeutic for me. I also try to write inspirational messages. I’ve really enjoyed writing this far. I really enjoyed this blog post and look forwardeo trying some of your tips and reading more of your posts.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I like that you are posting about the challenges men face with mental illness. The biggest issue is often speaking up and talking about it. The more it can be discussed, the more awareness there is in the community and therefore understanding. I am glad to hear that you like writing. Do you find it cathartic?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I grew up during the times when men were told to suck it up or to man up, so coming out and talking about any mental concerns is challenging for men. Thankfully, times are changing and it is becoming acceptable for men to have issues as well. Men need to know, as well as others in society, that it is okay to have mental issues/concerns. It doesn’t make you less of a person because you have your own battles.
        Writing has helped me release many of my emotions and feelings. It has also brought out some older feelings and emotions I’ve dealt with, or haven’t. But it is therapeutic to me and I’m glad I am able to. But overall, I hope my messages can reach some people who just need to hear some extra advice or need a little pick me up. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, just keep writing. It will take time to reach those men who need your kind of post. But don’t give up. I started writing because it was a way of expressing oneself.

        Like

  68. ?
    These were helpful and interesting blogging tips. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

    Like

      2. Welcome to the world of blogging. You will find a lot of enjoyment, fun and support here. Have you any questions at the moment? How did you find the set up process?

        Like

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  74. It is so clear, simple and useful. These concrete examples might help a lot people who wants to share their thoughts and leave a trace. Thank you for this post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I like the way you describe blogging as leaving a trace. A trace of who we were. That is so lovely. We may be remembered for a little while so it is important we are aware of our social responsibility and use it for positive rewards.

      Liked by 1 person

  77. Thank you for this. I am thinking of starting a blog myself and the information you have given is brilliant. For now, I am just having a look around and trying to gather some inspiration, as I have no idea where to start!
    I’d like to use blogging as a way to connect to others and share my experiences. I am struggling with my mental health at the moment due to stresses and unrealistic pressures from work. From what I have found so far, no one likes a negative blog which means that blogging would force me to change my perspective and focus on the positive things that are currently lost in the dark cloud above me. I have many interests and opinions that I’d like to share, but I am not an expert in any of them, and this puts me off slightly!
    What you have given is incredibly helpful, so thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If you would “like to use blogging as a way to connect to others and share my experiences,” then you will find that here in the blogosphere. It is true that bloggers don’t like to read negative stuff, but that is true of most people, however, you can structure your post in a way that will still be of interest to readers. Having said that, you will find that the interactions you do have here are incredibly supportive and positive, which might balance out a little of the negative aspects you are experiencing. You may also find it very cathartic as you can express yourself with noone looking over your shoulder. Say what you what. It is liberating! In contrast to social media that is snappy and snarky. If I can help you in any way, please just ask. I started blogging as many do at a more difficult time in my life and it was for me, therapeutic.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Great! Indeed, social media can be a nasty place to be, sometimes. I am a natural over-thinker and often find myself writing posts that are more of a short story than a “quick glance” type of thing. I’ve always found that I can communicate better through writing, (though I wouldn’t consider myself a writer by any stretch!), than speaking as my brain processes the words faster than my mouth can handle, and important details often get missed or lost in translation!
        I will continue along this path and hopefully start a blog soon. If at least one person reads and relates to what I’m writing and I help them in any way, even if it’s just the knowledge that they are not alone, then I would consider that a win.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Let your posts be negative or positive but the piece of information you serve should completely be true. Although the post could be negative but the awareness spread across will always be positive.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Good distinction Tanvi. We may criticise to spread awareness of something that we wish to be changed. This is particularly relevant in politics. I am not perfect and I been negative at times too. I aim not to be so and find that positivity begets more positivity.

        Like

  78. Pingback: Creating a Successful Blog – Curiosity Corner Dublin

      1. Yes and no. I wrote a blog a long time ago, but am just getting started again. (I published my first post this week.) As a VA, I have actually written a number of posts for other business owners. So, I decided to write for my site too. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Wishing you luck in your journey. Covid is a good as time as any to begin writing. In some ways, even better as you are documenting this critical time in human evolution.

      Liked by 1 person

  81. Very well written!!! Loved this- I found my self constantly researching all the thoughts and questions that came to my mind and I would spend hours reading other peoples blogs – so I started my own and I absolutely love it.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. The beautybasics comes from my Facebook page Im also In direct sales for a awesome skin care and make up line. I blog however about a lot of different things- the title for my website is the beauty of life

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