There is nothing magical or hidden about creating a successful blog. I would argue that anyone can do it if you…

Have the Desire

Just like with anything in life, creating your own blog requires the desire and the passion to keep it up. Whether you choose to write daily, one or two or three times a week, or even monthly, writing a blog requires a “stick-to-itiveness” that will keep you going through rain or shine.

A blog is usually considered something that is personal…almost like a diary. And it will be your desire to blog regularly that provides the motivation to continually add to it. This is even more important as you get regular followers who find you engaging and interesting.

Be You

Have you ever tried to impress someone with your lofty speech or physical prowess? You do know that, for the most part, people see right through you? But yet we keep pretending to be something we’re not.

You cannot do this with your blog. Don’t write from a mountainside when the people you’re talking to are searching on the valley floor! You have to “go where they are”; meaning:

• Write for them…not down to them

• Write what’s important to them…not what you think should be important

• Address their needs and give them what they need…or they won’t need you

You must write frankly, honestly, and with conviction…from the heart and speaking from the knowledge you have. This is how you will engage the visitors to your blog and why they will return…because they know you care about them.

Be Engaging

Whether you are writing about the news, celebrities, animals, or even how to market online, you must engage your readership not only with what you say but in your responses to their feedback (which you should be asking for).

A blog is considered an interactive medium between the author (you) and the reader (your visitor). Whether you are doing this through comments or even selling, you need to interact with those who read your posts regularly or just happen to stop by for whatever reason. There must be dialogue and interaction between you…after all…they are your customer…you need to treat them as such.

Is the Customer Always Right?

To this I say, “no”! That’s why you need to know the purpose behind your blog and what the vision is that you have for it, selling stuff or not. You are responsible for keeping the blog focused and moving forward for everyone.

You will get some folks who do not agree or may even leave a not so kind remark. Guess what, as long as you've kept the ability to moderate, you can accept these comments are not. It’s not censorship when the comment (and the customer) is attempting to derail or destroy your blog community.

Finally…Define Success

Don’t get fooled by the numbers game, those that visit and click on your site. Success for you might simply mean that you are posting regularly about something that you care deeply about or are marketing through an affiliate program.

The fact that you…

• Have a blog (website)

• Post regularly

• Provide value and content

• Meet someone’s need

…would be considered a success and is something that you should be proud of.

The fact that you have a huge following and/or are making a lot of money from your site…is gravy!

Thanks for reading.