A little while ago, Michael D’Agostino, of A Life Examined, brought up the idea of a new blog hop called Question of the Month. He thinks blog readers would like to know a little more about us, the bloggers. So we’re all gathering to show you guys who we are by taking part in the Question of the Month blog hop. On the first Monday of each month, we answer the question that gets posted here.
This month’s question is: “If a friend came to you looking for advice on starting a blog, what three pieces of advice would you give them?”
So, since we’ve been advised to stay away from some of the commonly applied tips of the trade such as: visit other blogs, write what you love, and link back to older posts from time to time, I’m going to try to think a bit outside the box.
Tip #1 – Find a niche. It doesn’t have to be something uber unique, just something that will help narrow your focus and tap into a specific audience. I, for one, have set myself up as a fan and contributor to geek culture. “Geek” has become so broad and popular as of late, that I’ve made a point to single out some of my specific interests, instead of trying to cover them all. I mainly talk about books and movies, but I’ll slip in some of my music interests from time to time.
Tip #2 – Embrace the culture. Many people don’t realize that blogging is a subculture and that within it, there are many micro-cultures to join in and become involved with. Joining blog hops and tours is a good way to connect to others who share your interests and learn from others. It’s important not to become overwhelmed by all the blogosphere has to offer. Many newcomers to the culture may feel the need to try everything all at once, but a little here and there should be enough to help someone find their place and feel like they are a part of something bigger.
Tip #3 – Plan and schedule. Don’t be afraid to think ahead whenever possible. Some blogs are designed to be spontaneous while others clearly work on a set schedule. In either situation, a bit of planning and scheduling can go a long way, even if it’s just setting up post for special occasions and or holidays. It’s always good to have a bit of wiggle room when posting to your blog so as not to turn the positive experience into a stressful one.
So that’s what I got. Hope it’s somewhat helpful.
Please visit the other participants in this hop and even join in if you’d like. I can’t wait to see what other tips will be shared.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
