I recently participated in a 22 word challenge [here]
This month completes a year blogging with Wordpress. During this time, I’ve learned valuable methods, developed sound habits and have been changed because of insightful suggestions. The connections, friendships and challenges during this time have been amazing.
If someone asked me to narrow my list of essential blogging tenets, these following three areas are critical to a blogger.
So learn, modify and perform!
Control Your Mindset. Blogging isn’t easy, period. Like anything in life that’s of value- it will require everything. This game is not for the faint of heart. There will be days when you feel depressed, unmotivated and de-attached. It can be a lonely experience- no comments were left, stats were low and so on.
You’ll be convinced (in your own mind) that you have nothing intelligent to offer. Quitting will become attractive as your drive and inspiration fell into what feels like a long, cold lonely, well. You must press through these times. Hang in there, we’re here to help you.
How to fight and defeat these feelings and thoughts:
- Remember your accomplishments
- Ask for help
- Reward yourself
- Don’t be a phony
- Write out of your experiences
- Consider others first
- Find a blogging mentor
- What else? (share below)
Know Your Plan. If you don’t have a blogging plan, this covers all aspects to blogging. For example, Do you have a writing schedule? Marketing approach? If you haven’t developed a thorough plan for your weblog, STOP!
Don’t comment on other sites (until your plan is in place), stop wasting time on Twitter and Facebook.
Write out a blogging plan. Get it on paper immediately. Having it on paper goes a long way because you’ll want to keep it in front of you as purse your tasks daily. This will ensure that you stay on track.
Don’t rush the planning process. If you skip over this, your blog or business will fail.
If your serious about your blog no matter the topic, learn to treat it like a business. Think about these things as you write your plan:
- Concept Overview/Site Objectives
- Core message of your blog
- Monetization Strategy
- Site Map
- Content ideas
- Offline Strategy
- Research
- What else?
Master Your Habits. Consistency is central, I know it’s easier said than done. We all struggle but your worse off if you don’t have a plan in place to rescue you when you’re drowning in a sea of information overload.
Respect the blogosphere- it’s able to distract and hinder your productivity.
If you have bad habits in your life, this will leak into your blogging, you must replace them with sound, efficient immediately. If you haven’t done so already, go pay Leo from Zen Habits a visit.
What are quality blogging habits?
- Learning to be original. That’s what people want- people don’t need another blogging guru. Sticking with your writing schedule. For example, you might spend your Sunday and Thursday mornings writing in 3 to 4 hour blocks.
- Having purpose and direction. It doesn’t take a college degree to realize that having a sense of purpose (aim) can be the driving force behind your actions.
- Master a to do list (or what type of system works for you). The resources and voices out there about productivity are many, so you don’t have any excuses.
- More content creation (cannot be overemphasized).
- Daily Blogging Checklist (to ensure you don’t miss a step).Talk about a productivity boost.
- What else?
Final Thoughts
Boost your blogging output, potential and success- control these areas:
* Mindset
* Plan
* Habits
Efficiency will ignite your blogging output. Also, this isn’t meant to be some secret fomula for overnight success because such a thing doesn’t exist. I believe the three areas mentioned here are essential, and only represent a small steps of an entire process.
Image Credit: bLaugh
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{ 55 comments… read them below or add one }
Have you ever seen any politician speech. When they speak they just keep one thing in their mind and that is they think their listeners are less smart than him/her.
This thought keep motivating them to speak more and more. I just follow this whenever I felt that I will not able to post more. That does not mean that I write some stupid stuff … this is just to beat the blue so that I can give my 100% once again …
ZK@Internet Marketing Blog´s lastest post..Twitter Giveaway Contest – Win 5 Blog Blazers Books
Hey ZK
Thanks for commenting. I’m not quite sure I’m following your point? :) Please clarify kind sir.
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Heh, I wonder how true that is – politicians really do seem to condescend regardless of their party affiliation. Seems a lot like the “think your audience is naked” trick – a thought I occasionally use when I’m doing public speaking for real estate seminars.
The daily blog checklist and schedule will really come in handy for me. I need a little more discipline when it comes to blogging. Its too easy for me to spend too much time on one task.
Carla´s lastest post..Blogroll – 02/23/2009
Hi Carla,
Discipline, few have it- we all need it. You’re not alone. :) How many of us can attest to spending too much time on one task? Thanks for sharing.
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Planning, that is something I really need to focus on. Thanks for providing a few examples, it will give me a base to start from. Organisation is the biggest hurdle in blogging for me, so planning everything out beforehand might be the fix!
Dot Com Dud´s lastest post..January Traffic Analysis
Dot Com Dud,
It’s amazing how many folks are unprepared for something (blogging) they desire to draw an income from. It baffles me- if your taking your business serious then you better know your plan and work your plan. Establish yourself as an authority by taking your blogging serious. Handle it like a business. Again, if your aim is to grow an audience, develop into a seasoned blogger and expand your personal brand- this applies to you.
Organization, this is where that daily check list comes in. Try a various systems or develop your own. What works for me or you will not always work for others. :)
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Under “How to fight these feelings and thoughts”
Can you explain a little deeper in detail as to what “Don’t be a phony” means? In what perspective are you talking about exactly?
Thanks, and great article!
Alex | Blogussion.com´s lastest post..Blog Design: Making the most out of your footer space
Alex,
You bet man, the aim here is not to get caught up in being someone your not. It’s one to be influenced by someone’s work but another to copy their style.
Don’t give off an impression that’s different than reality. Be yourself- if you’re just like the next guy, what makes you special or different? Why should people listen to you if they can get it from so and so. Does that clarify?
Don’t be a poser, a fake be true to your voice, opinions and style. Thanks for the question and your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the post.
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Sounds good to me. Thanks for clarifying it bro. :)
Alex | Blogussion.com´s lastest post..11 Effective Ways You Can Promote Your Site Offline
I like the idea of a daily (or weekly) blog checklist. Think I’ll draft one for myself today. Thanks Miguel!
Daphne´s lastest post..Just Keep Showing Up
Daphne,
Sweet! Let us know how it turns out. :)
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Bad habits are my weakness, I tend to waste time and am inefficient. It’s my goal this year to work on a tighter schedule and do my blogging first, then spend time on social media and reading other blogs. Those two things are very important to building a blog, but I need to spend the hours when I am freshest actually writing!
Tracy´s lastest post..I’m going on the Shangri-La Diet
Tracy,
I hear ya, I fell victim to this when I first started blogging. Spending too much time of social media sites when I should have been writing to maintain a consistent content creation schedule on my site.
Keep a notepad with you as you go about your day, there will be moments when ideas hit come to mind- jot them down and expand on them later. :) Thanks for sharing.
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
I think of myself into journey in this blogging atmosphere, sometimes your not in mood to do blogging, those feelings of lazy, blockage mentality is most hindrance attitude.To be more rejuvenate, think that you are just doing blogging sincerely and not expecting any rewards or being pushed to final results.Think positive not optimist.
Ari Lestariono´s lastest post..Chocolate as Remedy, More Than Sweet!
Ari,
you’re right, there will be plenty of moments like this in the life of a blogger. See my comment to Tracy- that should help to deal with those types of situations. :)
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Thanks for providing a few examples, it will give me a base to start from. Organisation is the biggest hurdle in blogging for me, so planning everything out beforehand might be the fix!
no problem, glad you found the examples helpful. That’s the way to do it, one step at a time don’t try to change everything overnight. Again, planning is a critical part of the process, and is seems to be one of the most neglected areas as well. This might explain why so many people buy up tons of products only to be left frustrated and still without a plan. People think they can simply jump into the game with preparation- that’s why you’ll always lose or quit.
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
I like this post because I am also blogger and this is very useful information for my blogs, I think affiliate marketing is also good strategy strong for marketing.
@ I.T.
Thanks! we’re happy you found it useful. Affiliate marketing certainly has its benefits. :)
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Regular updation of interesting content; maintaining good relationship with your readers and last but certainly not the least a regular promotion of your blog content is what I think are important aspects to look forward in a blog!
Selena,
Awesome! I agree- thanks for sharing. How do you balance time of each? =)
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Thanks, and great article! Difficult to apply ^^
Thanks, you’re right- none of this is easy. Hard work and dedication is required. The lazy not wanted. :)
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
A good blogging habit goes a long way to help in being successful. Consistency is prime and one should have patience to reap the benefits.
Make Money Online Tips´s lastest post..How To Get Top Ranking In Google
@ MMOT
You got that right. :) Hard work, consistency and patience… characteristics of successful students, bloggers, business owners and so on. Thanks for sharing your insight.
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Thanks for providing a great checklist! I will be saving this and referring to it often, I know. You continue to provide insight just when I’m looking for it. So glad you’ve done so much heavy lifting and have chosen to share your wisdom here. Rock on!
You’re Welcome! I’m delighted that this is proving to be useful to you and others. Let’s continue to share and encourage one another as we seek to boost are productivity, own our styles, market our sites and so on. Thanks for your kind words. :)
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
I know how it feels when you think like it’s all “gone”. Call it a writer’s block, or whatever. The best thing to do is to just relax and motivate yourself.
About the plans – plan indeed is vital for your blog. Some man once said (forgot who) – “Failing to plan means planning to fail”.
Cheers !
The Moneyac
The Moneyac´s lastest post..Raping The Tube – Make Money From YouTube
Hey Moneyac,
For me, it was what my 8th grade math teacher always told the class. I never forgot it. Learning to relax and position yourself in best possible place to increase those creative juices. Sometimes it helps to step away from the computer (mac- I’m a mac user), go running, walking, swimming or get a workout in at the gym. I feel sharper after exercising, especially when I push myself. If writer’s block or a funky spill comes- simply step away and return to it later. Also, don’t forget to keep a notebook with you to record your thoughts or ideas as they hit your mind. :) Cheers!
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
That is some great advice. Keeping the mindset that if you are feeling detached, that maybe a little R&R from the internet world might give you a renewed source of energy and that energy will stimulate your mind into creating better content. Having a plan on paper of not only what to do to setup your site, but to keep it running (written good habits), all the way down to traffic generation tasks, maintenance of plugins/themes/software, etc. Blogging takes a lot of work, but with proper mindset and planning, it can be rewarding.
~ Kristi
Kikolani | Blogging, Poetry, Photography´s lastest post..9 Ways to Use Social Networking for Blog Promotion
Hi Kikolani,
I’m glad you found it to your liking. :) Right now, mindset- the way we approach life, blogging and so on, clearly plays a significant role on our development and success. Yes, you’re right about blogging, There’s way to simplify certain tasks but never let it be said that it’s easy. It’s hard, demanding and can be rewarding. Thanks for sharing!
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
One of the things that throws people with checklists and plans is actually getting too attached to them. Circumstances change and you must be willing to change and adapt plans accordingly; sometimes quickly.
Dennis Edell´s lastest post..Top Commenter Contests – Officially Speaking…
Hey Dennis,
I completely agree. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken. Excellent point, we must be willing to change when necessary. :)
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Mindset and mindpower important for this business and one must be diligent to get rid of lazy habit.Just do it, don’t think the final result.
Ari Lestariono´s lastest post..Healthy Heart Depends On Your Bites
Ari,
I like it, don’t think about the end result just do what it takes to get you going in the right direction (healthy habits of course). We’re all about “a better breed of blogging” here. No spamming or spammers allowed! :)
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
If you are working at home it is very easy to get distracted. Personally, I must have a schedule to get everything done, but things change and so must the schedule sometimes.
But, nothing is as important than determination and that you turn up every day to do your marketing.
Tom – Home Business Tips´s lastest post..Website Profits Now!
Tom,
I know where ya coming from, there are times when I can’t function unless I’m at a coffee shop away from the many home distractions. :) Someone should write about how to be productive without leaving the house! haha, but seriously, a change of scenery can help. Appreciate the feedback Tom,
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Really you are a good student. You do your homeworks and take note of important things.
I cannot stick to a to do list. I always back slide
@ Luggage Set
You’re too kind, :) take in as much as possible but if you can’t grab most- just focus on the essentials. As far as a to do list, we’re never perfect, however, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to employ a system that might help boost our productivity.
Even if you fail, keep after it- you’ll improve with practice. Growing slowly is okay. :)
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Controlling your mindset is the most important point here as well as for anything else you want to accomplish in life … YOU are always your own biggest obstacle ;)
Caleb´s lastest post..Posting Frequencies
Hi Caleb,
ah, how true is that- thanks for sharing bro. :) What can we do today to prevent ourselves from being a stumbling block to ourselves for the sake of efficiency, growth and overall productivity?
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Read CipherSearch.com!
One of the things I’ve noticed garners particularly favorable reactions is daring to be different … to bring insights from what might seem entirely unrelated industries into your current topic.
For example, I’m a psychologist by training, but a marketer by current profession. I used to treat suicidal adolescents … and there were gigantic differences in their mindset and emotional state linked to very subtle differences in the words and phrases they presented with. “Doc, I was thinking about killing myself” was a vastly different mindset than “Doc, I’m afraid I might kill myself”. (The former was usually MUCH less serious – though this is NOT hard and fast if your treating such people!)
The thing is, this isn’t a psychology lesson, but a marketing insight for PPC marketers … very small differences in keywords can represent enormously different needs.
And the META lesson is … draw upon your successful experiences OUTSIDE your current topic and relate them to the topic at hand … you’ll be perceived as dramatically different than the rest and be bound to capture attention.
Hope that helps :-)
Hey Glenn,
Surely, impressive insight. Capturing attention is huge considering the tons of conversations, events and other offerings the blogosphere is throwing at us daily. Thanks for sharing. :)
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..22 Word Challenge: Ignite Your Blogging
Hey that a different perspective then I usually see in post about blogging. I think good habits are the key to success in just about anything.
Ned Carey´s lastest post..How do I Make Money in Real Estate?
Hey Ned,
So true man, approach, attitude and habits. :)
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Pictures (Chicago)
ah, how true is that- thanks for sharing bro. :)
Hi Blogywalker,
You bet! :) Glad to know that you agree.
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Pictures (Chicago)
I like this article and your blog. The pic in this article is very funny!
clickktdotcom´s lastest post..List Pro-Blog About Make Money Online
Hi Click,
Thanks! yeah, the pic is funny… what else did you like? :) cheers! thanks for visiting.
-Mig
Miguel Wickert´s lastest post..Pictures (Chicago)
Habits for success, is making our own repetition starting from our focus of mind that one day we will success in any kind of venture and tenure no matter how difficult it seems.If your “down” one day it’s ok, that’s human being, but don’t get drag by that feeling, quickly bounce back and start focusing on our goals and fight it out.Wish you success all.
Ari Lestariono´s lastest post..Smoking Meditation as Holistic Remedies
Yes!original is important.I have see people plagiarizing articles and they still have the cheek to claim that it’s their own piece of work!
This is an awesome post. a vital factor in blogging.
Thnaks for sharing.
James King´s lastest post..How to choose a good web host
I am completely agree with your thoughts that blogging is not an easy task. You have to give your 100 percent in blogging. Most of the people start their blogs but they are not able to manage or update the content.