As I’m working through 31 Days to a Better Blog, I took some time to analyze my blogging habits. Doing so I found ten ways to improve my life change blog. Here they are:
#1 Do More — Write Less
Sitting at the computer for hours on end doesn’t make for much real life experience. Usually the best writing comes from getting away from the keyboard and soaking up experiences and emotions and relationships.
#2 Schedule Writing
Although lately my writing has been fairly prolific, generally I am more consistent at blogging if I clearly define a posting schedule. That’s probably a personality issues, but given my propensity for note taking and organizing, without specifically outlining a blogging time or periodic goal, my time will ten to fill up with other scheduled events.
#3 Do Better Keyword Research
I know the ins and outs of keywords, but find the research tedious. I want to write about what I want to write about. But it would be grand if I took the time more often to find the overlap between what I want to write about and what people want to read.
#4 Improve Images
Writing, analyzing, coding, organizing — those are things I have expertise and interest in. Graphic arts and design are simply not my forte. So when it comes to creating eye-catching graphics, logos, clever site design, I’m just not there. I appreciate it when I see it, but I’m not really adept at creating eye candy.
Taking more time to create quality graphics would make my blogs more appealing.
#5 Update Site Design
While I love the Thesis Theme out of the box (I’m all about simple and clean design), the corollary to the above idea, is to take a hard look at the entire site design and layout and make it more attractive.
#6 Take Notes Everywhere
Blogging ideas come up at the most unexpected times. I might be out with the kids, watching a movie, at the grocery store, driving to a class, on a run, or in the shower. Having something to record those ideas — wherever I am — will keep those best ideas from being forgotten.
#7 Get More Sleep
I’ve been an insomniac since birth. Ask my parents if you think I’m exaggerating. While it allows me to get a lot done (thus the “super-charged” moniker), it isn’t good for my health, my mood, or my thinking skills.
If I could (a) find a way to go to sleep at a normal hour and (b) discipline myself to do it, I’d be a better blogger. And a better pretty much everything else, too.
#8 Focus on Goals
Creating very specific blogging goals is a great exercise, but really focusing on reaching those goals is something that can be elusive. Stepping back to remember the purpose of a blog, will help me tailor the posts, design, pages, graphics, links to meet that end.
#9 Wait to Publish
When a post idea comes, it’s easy to just let it pour out. The urge to post immediately is strong. Sometimes, however, it’s better to wait, to reread, to think some more. Even going back later to check through a post will reveal some problems you missed.
Waiting a few hours or even a few days to post could mean the difference between a high quality post and a mediocre one.
#10 Finish 31 dbbb
31 Days to Build a Better Blog is a huge undertaking. If you take each assignment seriously, it can take significant time and effort to complete. Sometimes that is discouraging. But I intend to push through and complete the entire course. I’ve already seen great benefits from following Rowse’s advice.
Have you found ways to improve your blogging and writing?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I love #6 – I might lose my mind if I didn’t carry a small note pad with me. I’ve forgotten far too many ideas that way.
#9 – is essential – if I published my posts without re-reading I’d be in a world of trouble
Thanks for sharing these tips.
Kiesha @ We Blog Better´s last blog ..The secret to getting your subscribers hooked on your blog
Thanks for commenting, Kiesha! Glad to have your input.
It’s not easy to take a hard look at what you need to improve on and actually commit to it right on your blog. I think that will be one of my challenges – owning up to mistakes and pitfalls. Now that you have done this post, you’re half-way to your goal. Best wishes to your successful completion of these tasks.
@Ileane
Ileane´s last blog ..Guest Posting Contest – Will I Be A Winner?
ileane is right. i don’t want to expose my faults to the whole world. it’s too embarrassing. maybe it would be better if i could.
Great tips Alison! When I first started blogging, my main rule was to post something every weekday – I wanted to build up my audience quickly. Unfortunately, the last few months haven’t allowed me the time or energy to keep up with that schedule. So my latest idea is to write 2-4 posts on the weekend and publish them during the week. I’m now scheduling in my posts as you mentioned and it seems to be working so far.
Keller Hawthorne´s last blog ..Who Is Talking About Your Website? Find Out with Google Alerts!
Ileane and Kender, I know what you mean. Really, I came to a point in my life where I realized that my faults are so readily apparent to everyone else, that acknowledging that I’ve also noticed them doesn’t really hurt anything.
Keller, that is a great tip. Most of us have serious lives outside of blogging. It’s not so much when we schedule, but that we find a way to fit it in our lives and to be consistent.
Thanks for your comments, ladies!
Thank you for this information especially the schedule writing. I can really use that for my blog.
Glad to be of help, Brother Hannibal. Thanks for stopping by!
I just read all the challenge articles. Lots of good info. This is my favorite one and most practical. Thanks.
CarnieD, thanks for the kind words and thanks for stopping by. Glad it could be helpful to you.
Great advice! The getting more sleep part seems to be a struggle for me. I’m in the middle of the 31 days to build a better blog and it is amazingly helpful.
Melinda, I feel your pain!
Glad to hear that the 31 days is useful for you. Rowse did himself proud, if you ask me!
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