Why are some bloggers more successful than others?
Blogging isn't for everyone. In fact, few people can pull it off and actually get a reasonable return on investment. While it can be fun to share your ideas, there is a whole world out there whose ideas differ from that of your own. And beware... sometimes they are even happy to tell you about it.
But it isn't all doom and gloom.
Blogging can be quite lucrative from a brand profile prospect and for some, financially. Successful bloggers don't just make their livings out of blogging, they quite often make their fortune. Think Mia Freedman (www.mamamia.com.au) and Seth Godin.
After taking up blogging about 4 years ago, I realised what a loyal following someone can have, by writing on a regular basis and sharing ideas, experiences and thoughts on a variety of topics.
As I have matured as a blogger, I realised that by adding personal experiences in the blog the number of loyal readers quadripled. People want to know my thoughts, experiences and whether or not I am having a good day or a bad day. Chances are that many of the readers have had an experience similar to my and can resonate with the story being told.
I have shared my father passing, friends with terminal illnesses and how they have coped, the good times, the bad times, and pretty much anything to do with being an entrepreneur and growing the business.
The thing with blogs is that even though you may be a one man band, you can be successful and make your fortune through your blog. You can also look to the outside world as being much larger a business than what you actually are and reach people from areas of the world that you never thought imaginable.
In the marketing industry, the most successful bloggers are those who are professional marketing bloggers. I may put in half an hour a day blogging, but these people have made it their careers and have spun off books, seminars and have joined the public speaking circuit.
Seth Godin is one of the most famous marketing bloggers and someone to admire. His business and brand is reputable around the world and even marketing entrepreneurs like myself hold on to almost every word he writes and says.
Other interesting online mediums include 'news updates' like Huffington Post. I have been published in this online news medium quite a few times and it certainly has helped the profile of the Marketing Eye blogs and opening it up to new markets.
To have a successful blog that gives your small business a reasonable ROI, there are a few things that you need to take into account:
a) Make sure you invest in the look and feel of your blog. Ensure it is easy to read, that the font size is one that is industry standard.
b) Make a commitment to blogging. People that read blogs like routine, not disimilar to those who read the paper each day, every day at the same time over breakfast.
c) Ensure that you have quality content and that it is relevant to the target audience you would like to attract.
d) Don't be afraid to be opinionated, because if it gets a reaction, then you will probably find that the person actually found it worthwhile reading and will come back to see what updates you have.
e) Consistent writing style is imperative. If you change your style, it will be confusing to the reader and they will tune out.
f) Give away FREE STUFF.
g) Ensure you have links to RSS Feeds and any social networks you are part of like Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Pinterest, YouTube etc
Another great thing to do with blogs is to create anticipation. If people anticipate that they will get something of value from your blog, they will come back and they will subscribe.
Blogs can be fun but if you write them, they can be very addictive. Try not to waste time blogging and instead use your time wisely. Think about your target audience and listen to feedback. If one blog is really popular, work out why and then replicate.
Happy Blogging ;)
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comments ( 12 )
EmelyDFrye
17 Dec 2016Hi there, i read your blog site every now and then and i own the same one
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27 Jan 2016Heya i would really love to subscribe and read your blog posts .!
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07 Jul 2015Tremendous things here. I am very happy to peer your article.
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12 Jul 2013With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues
Replyof plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of exclusive content I've either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help prevent content from being stolen? I'd certainly appreciate
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23 Oct 2012Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the challenges.
ReplyIt was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.
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16 Sep 2012This is the only time I've been to your site. Thank you for posting more information.
ReplySteve Nuttall
08 Jun 2012Melissa, I stumbled across your blog via the MAANZ LinkedIn group.
ReplyThis is great stuff and helpful to companies who are looking to use blogs to raise their profile and be thought leaders.
Should companies encourage staff to write blogs about pertinent issues under their own name or under the company banner? Are people less likely to follow a company blog than an individual's?
Ellah
11 Apr 2012Great tips Mellissah!
ReplyVery honest and informative. Running a blog can be tiresome and I say this from experience. It's important to be honest and opinionated because that's what attracts people, they want to see personality and that's what you give with every post!
An interesting and informative post.
Brittany
10 Apr 2012Again, another great blog Mellissah!
ReplyI like reading your blogs because there is always a great mix of personal stories and great business and marketing advice. It appeals to all readers: marketing graduates trying to gain advice, entrepreneurs looking for insights and CEOs who have similar stories to tell.
I found this blog especially resourceful as I plan on starting my own blog soon and will definitely take your advice and things I have learnt from reading your blog on board!
Ren
04 Apr 2012Blogging as you say, can in fact be a complete waste of time for a business or alternatively, it can improve the success of a business. It really depends on the writing style of the author. The author, as you have correctly pointed out, needs to make their writing meaningful to their target, by personalising stories, make making their blogs exciting and full of life. There is no in between writing styles, there is just no room for mediocre writing and dull blogs. With mountains of social media and information available to users at the tip of our fingertips, we as readers have enough information to sift though and filter out! We don't have time to absorb rubbish and meaningless drivel. It's just not feasible in this day and age with men and women spending their days commuting to work, engaging in in extra curricular activities and fulfilling their social life and family commitments.
ReplyReading inspirational books and topics that you are passionate about are great ways to improve the way one articulates their self. It does cost a lot of money to spend on blogging, if a writer cannot articulate their self very well. It cost time, resources and brain power, which could.
Interesting conversation starter!
Sophie
29 Mar 2012Your articles are always interesting and true, I like your blog because you don't be afraid to write what you think. Your choice of pictures too, is always relevant and related to your content. You share your experience, your success, your mistakes...
ReplyThanks