When it comes to blogging and creating content, clarity trumps confusion.
Some people have been blogging for five or 10 years. But for most of us, blogging is a relatively new communication medium. Too many people are unclear about what it takes to become a successful blogger.
Here are 7 ways for you to become a kick-ass blogger:
- Kick-ass bloggers are clear on their expertise, niche, and passion. They don’t panic and lie awake at night trying to figure out their niche. They know they are the sum of all their experiences. They look at their professional and personal journeys and know what instinctively feels right. Lack of passion leads to lack of clarity, which brings on mental chaos, confusion, self-doubt, and sometimes therapy.
- Kick-ass bloggers write when they feel inspired and compelled to share a powerful message that’s worthy of someone else’s time. If they feel like they need the structure of an editorial calendar, they use one. If they feel “trapped” by a calendar with topics, they don’t bother with it. They trust their gut.
- Kick-ass bloggers who aren’t professional writers are OK with that. They are conversational. They don’t get rattled over grammar and style. They write from the heart; in their own voice and personality. Being a layman doesn’t stop them from participating.
- Kick-ass bloggers look back at where they began and are proud of their persistence. They realize that the only way to be a kick-ass blogger is to keep practicing and improving. Their mantra: ”Just keep writing.” They are keenly aware that it takes a long time to get noticed.
- Kick-ass bloggers have soul. They watch for lessons in life and those light bulb moments that lead to wordsmithing, editing, critical thinking skills, organization, and expression. They create content that moves, educates, informs, and entertains people because they are willing to show their own humanity.
- Kick-ass bloggers understand that comments, or lack of, may mean something, but it doesn’t mean the end of the world. They know deep down inside that as they continue to write and attract readers, the comments will follow.
- Kick-ass bloggers have studied and learned what their audience wants. They are clear in their role as a blogger. They relate to their community. They engage with all kinds of people and personalities. They follow prestigious and well-known bloggers. They offer meaningful comments. They guest post. They analyze stats and traffic. They follow trends, know keywords, are aware of the importance of strong headlines and titles, and so much more. In the end, they consistently deliver.
They have earned the title of kick-ass blogger. Have you? Or are you still nervously biting your nails wondering why three people unsubscribed from your RSS feed yesterday?
P.S. Here’s a free resource for you. Take advantage of my 21-day video series “Speaking of Communication.” It focuses on Social Media, blogging, PR, writing, and communication themes. Click on this link now for instant access http://www.getinfrontcommunications.com/
Fantastic blog. Just so you know… I am not just a smart aleck on twitter. I do have 3 blogs I post too.
Hi Bo,
Now this makes sense! Thank you for explaining
Susan
I just want to say to your readers….listen to advice like this…I did these things and went from 25 readers per day to 12000 readers per month and got my blog written about in national media….all in one month….just write about what you know, stay focused on a topic, and most importantly help people….your post has to offer a trade off for your reader’s time. It can be an emotional outlet or a tip or advice…but each post has to give and then you will get things back….also I would add tell a story.. Not fiction but tell your story…you can check out my story at selloutyoursoul.com
Hi James,
I appreciate the personal story angle you mention. It’s absolutely true that we connect with others through our willingness to share our experiences and challenges. Great point! Thank you for your comment.
Best,
Susan
this is an awesome blog post… most awesomist. but the one thing you missed out on (and should possible add), is that to be a kick ass blogger one needs to be a kick ass shameless self promoter. see http://www.ephman.com is a pretty neato blog (if i say so myself). not to mention that all moola it makes from advertising goes to help fight melanoma cancer. if you visit you’ve donated. so check out http://www.ephman.com and be a kick ass visitor
Hi-
You add a critical point on self-promoting (without going overboard of course). I’m impressed with your cancer connection too.
Thank you for reading—and writing.
Susan
I may add: kick-ass bloggers do kick-ass things.
I take Mars Dorian as an example, blogging outstanding content ’cause he manages to give it an outstanding personal touch.
If you blog about what everyone else is blogging about, you’ll be a normal blogger.
If you blog about what everyone else is blogging about, *but in your own, personal way*, providing added value and your personal experience as a nice topping, you’ll be a kick-ass blogger.
Dear Gabriele,
Agreed. “Normal” is so overrated. Go the extra mile.
Cheers,
Susan
This is my first time visiting your blog. Saw this link as a RT on The Twitters and glad I clicked. Excellent post and very encouraging. My post today is a reflection of what I’ve learned in the past 11 months blogging at my current blog. (dare I say, great minds?) I don’t think I’m at the level of ‘kick-ass’ yet, but I’m working on it.
As for the self-promotion, I definitely agree. You have to get out there and be genuinely interesting, interested and engaged.
Welcome Sara, I am glad you stopped by and took time to comment. Your last line of being interesting, interested, and engaged resonates with me. Great minds….indeed!
Best of luck with your blog,
Susan
Great article!!!
Right on!!!
Kick-ass bloggers also write whats on their minds and don’t worry about making money off their blogs.
Hi Jim,
I’m not sure I agree with that. I don’t see anything wrong with monetizing your blog/site, while keeping the integrity of your message.
Susan
This is my first time visiting your blog. Saw this link as a RT on Twitter and glad I clicked. Excellent post and very encouraging. My post today is a reflection of what I’ve learned in the past 11 months blogging at my current blog. (dare I say, great minds?) I don’t think I’m at the level of ‘kick-ass’ yet, but I’m working on it. As for the self-promotion, I definitely agree. You have to get out there and be genuinely interesting, interested and engaged.
Welcome Sharon! Self promotion and proactive are essential in businesss. Thanks for commenting.
Best,
Susan
At 4 of 7 on the kick-ass scale, I’m damn happy!
I love blogging. I can only hope that each day as a blogger, I am learning and growing. Pretty sure with persistence I will be a 7 of 7 Kick-ass blogger!
Always practicing Jessica. Please let me know when you’re a “7.”
Cheers,
Susan
Brilliant post – thankyou. As a novice blogger it’s good to hear that I’m doing some things right and also good to hear what I need to think about improving
Awesome post! I been around for a while, but this is still helpful to read. Shared with my networks and all that good stuff.
I appreciate your kind words. Thanks so much for reading!
Susan