I've had a few emails recently asking what you should do as soon as you have started a blog. A back to basics question.I guess if I was starting blogging today my first steps would be to:
(1) Write as many posts as possible as quickly as possible.
I do this now when I start up a new blog. I write as much as I can - and all separate posts - in the time I have. A blog needs substance and a bit of meat on the bones and I say this despite being a vegetarian! Quantity though must still be quality!
Regarding the posts I would suggest that these should be as varied in subject matter as possible, but within your chosen niche. For example, if your blog is about dogs then write about everything to do with dogs. Don't keep the subject too narrow and simply write about Scruffy, or whatever your own dog is called.Spread the words of wisdom you are imparting to cover say dog breeds, dog training, dog illnesses, dog food, dog baskets, dog stories, dog competitions and everything you can think of about dogs - yes and also about Scruffy.
I say this because:
(a) This way you should get more search engine referrals. It's worked for me. I've had search engine referrals on the same day as setting up a blog - only a few of course.
(b) You are building your 'back catalogue' of subject matter that readers can refer to. This is the value of having 'labels' shown in a blog's side column. These will catch the eye and should increase page views per visit.
(2) Decide on your Keywords.
Keywords are essential in getting search engine referrals. Decide on your words and then try to incorporate them within your post title, your post's first sentence and in the body of what you are writing.
Also associate other words with your main keywords. For example with words such as 'money making' there will be a lot of competition from the Big Boys. If, however, you can associate money making with other words like I have, for example, with say 'Money Making Wealth Toolbox' then it's more likely to get on the first page of Google.
(3) Write about anything new within your niche.
If it's new, and on the way up, get in early. By doing this you are more likely to get a good position on Google. If you write about, say, Paris Hilton forget it. There are too many other blogs doing this already. But write about someone who is about to, or has just, hit the headlines for the first time and then you are in with a chance.
(4) Use Images.
As I wrote in my last post that images and photos, if used properly, bring search engine referrals.
From what I have written here you'll see that what I consider to be the first basic of a blog is content - the right content. Start with this and then move on to getting traffic and all of the other things associated with having a successful blog.
Ask yourself: Are my posts interesting enough for someone to read and would they make readers want to return to my blog?
What would be your advice to someone starting up a new blog?
Good Luck,
Mike.
