The absolute key to success is preparation. Most of us come to blogging out of passion for writing. Most of those also blog after having successfully completed a fulfilling career or assignment. All the experience we have accumulated over the years finally culminates in our passion to share that knowledge. Our past success is an asset as well as an obstacle. It provides us the knowledge and experience to write about subjects authoritatively. Based on your previous success, you assume that we will become successful bloggers too. We conveniently forget the struggle, the preparation and the effort that went into our previous success. Keeping this in mind, let us proceed on a step-by-step journey to prepare and ensure blogging success..
Step 1: State your purpose: We get so caught up in the content that we often forget the purpose for which it is being written. The purpose of the blog, gives direction to the blog. Therefore it is desirable that we first define what the purpose of writing the blog is. Preferably this should be done with a pen and paper. Once you are clear about the purpose of your writing the blog, you'll automatically find the content and structure at your fingertips.
Step 2: Structure your content.
The blog is published on the Internet. The Internet essentially is a place governed by the search engines. The search engines will throw up your content only if it has lateral and vertical depth, is unique and the content is well structured. Although the search engine brings the visitor to your blog only good content will keep him there. Great content will bring him back.
Step 3: Measure your competition:
Contrary to popular belief, writing a blog is not similar to writing a book or article. Writing a blog can often be compared to a competitive sport like competitive bicycling where the goal is set to reach the destination. You would be adjusting your speed and effort based on the competition. The competition is intense, only the best will win. However, writing a book is like cycling on an empty road alone. You can cycle at any speed you want to, what ever distance your heart desires.
Step 4: Set the tone for your blog:
this is a very important step to target your viewership. Most blogs need you to be easy-going friendly approachable and trustworthy . At the same time you have to ensure that you don’t get boring and monotonous. Wit is welcome and appreciated. Sarcasm is not. Other blogs need you to be focused, to the point, qualify every statement with facts and figures and set a serious businesslike tone. Choose this path carefully.
Hopefully these four steps should sufficiently prepare you to write a successful blog. Cheers and happy blogging.
