As a blogger, there is one question I get asked over and over again, ” What do you have to do in order to build a successful blog?” This is a tricky question and one that is more difficult to answer than you would think. Here’s Why.
Success Is Hard To Measure
Sure there are tools like KLOUT and Alexa which rank one blogs’ “success” against another blog. It is best to keep in mind though that there are many different kinds of blogs and bloggers. Some bloggers blog primarily as a way to keep a journal of their important family events. Some post about their family for a wider audience. Some write about books, fashion, crafts, interior design, giveaways and truly the list could go on for a while here.
So if your blog successfully helps to keep Grandma and Grandpa and all of your other family members updated on what is going on in your life, then I would say mission accomplished! You are a successful blogger, even though your Alexa ranking may be 10,000,000 globally (the higher the number the worse the rating).
If you would like to go further than maintaining a journal type blog, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Set Goals For Your Blog
Now armed with the understanding that success can vary from blog to blog, your first step should be to set personal goals for your own blog. Is your primary blogging goal to reach a very specialized audience? Is it to reach a wider and larger audience? Are you looking to make money off of your blog?
The goals you set should be uniquely your own and should reflect what you want to see your blog turn into. Don’t rush it. It’s best to take baby steps and set small and perhaps even some bigger long term goals that are realistic for your life. Remember that sometimes our original blogging goals will change over time, but in order to make blogging work for you- set goals and set them right from the start!
Establish Your Brand
Good bloggers understand they aren’t just creating a blog, they are creating a brand. Branding is an opportunity to showcase what makes you unique, because you are!
The first step of branding is to create your own blogging voice. It might take some time to do this, but the voice you use in your posts is your brand and everything you do as a blogger should support and promote that brand. Strengthening your brand should also be done through your blog images, the hops or link-ups you participate in and your social media posts, pics and tweets.
Make Connections
No matter how nice looking your blog is no one will visit it, not even your family, unless you let people know it exists. If you want people to visit, get out there and make connections! Blogging is all about community and genuine connections with other bloggers. Your effort and the connections you make all help to define and promote your blogging brand.
You Will Get Out Of Blogging What You Put Into It
If you have something of value you treat it differently. This same rule applies to blogging. Your blog will reflect the work you put into it. Enough said.
The Secret To Successful Blogging
I know I am not the world’s expert on blogging, but I am happy with the progress I have made towards achieving my personal goals, and most of all, I have had a blast every minute of the journey. The biggest secret of blogging is to enjoy the work and the people you meet doing it. With JENerally Informed, I love my subject matter and the audience I attract. If you aren’t having fun, the work will become a chore, and a difficult one as blogging regularly is wicked hard work. If you are achieving your goals, AND having fun there is no greater measure of success.
Stay Happy! Stay Informed!
Love,
Jen
Comments
I most definitely think you have made a name for yourself and your blog is totally a success in my eyes. And I can’t thank you enough for sharing your tips here, too ;)
Janine Huldie recently posted…MotherHood Is Joyous and Fragile
That is so sweet, thank you Janine! It’s great having other blogging friends who support and encourage one another! Back at you, because you are a rock-star in the blogging world!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
It takes work and I’m not much for that part. It gets in the way of boating and other fun things. I know many great bloggers and you’re one of them. Yes you are.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Comedy Plus recently posted…Awww Mondays
Hey I hear you! If I had a boat and could go anywhere well then my blogging goals would definitely be a’ changing!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Great post. I wouldn’t really call my blog “successful”, but it’s getting there. But I still get people asking me “how to do it”.. I need to direct them to you! haha! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Gingi recently posted…What’s Going On RIGHT NOW To Legalize Goats in Visalia, California
I think you are very successful, but I get it it .I don’t know if we ever ever wake up one morning and say wow I have reached ultimate success with my blog! There are always things we wish we could find time to do with them.
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
I’m glad you addressed it this way. It’s not about metrics or page views, in my mind. If you enjoy what you do and feel fulfilled by the engagement and ideas, you’re on the right path.
I am so glad you agree! Focusing on metrics and page views, just makes my head hurt!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
I think it is important to not compare yourself to other bloggers. You never can know how much time and effort they put into their blog. And like you said if it ain’t fun, then it will be very hard to keep doing it, since blogging is also a lot of work.
I try not to look at my figures or to compare myself to other bloggers. Each of us has unique features to bring to blog land and I think each of us has our important part here. :)
Serins recently posted…Blood runs cold – Haiku prompt challenge 44
That is so important! What works for some bloggers, just may not work for us! This is really another secret of blogging that each blogger has to discover for themselves.
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
People always think I’m more “successful” than I really am – if you go by metrics and stats. In truth, I just wanted to be giving my family and friends my words and photos! Ding. Success. I also really like the commenting part of it but that has slowed down in a major way in 2015 and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s a global thing.
Lately I’ve been financially more successful with my blog which is odd!
Tamara recently posted…Why Don’t You Go Ask Your Sister!?
I am glad that financially your blog is doing well for you this year. I would take it! That is fabulous! Probably over your years of blogging, you have seen some serious changes in the whole process. I ended 2014 on an all time blog-stat high and was excited.Then in 2015 it slowed and plummeted. I wondered why too, but then I just decided to continue doing what I do and let the chips fall as they may.That makes for a much happier Jen!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
I love reading your posts, this one and all the others because I do authentically hear your voice. It’s because you do enjoy what you do and I can hear it in your voice.
Thanks for the tips and the reminders. As you mention, goals are key. I need to always take a step back and think of my goals, because my goals are different than the next person’s goals…Then I see my progress and feel great. If I compare myself to another blogger/vloggers work, then I get stressed.
Have a great week.
Caryn recently posted…50 Clean Eating Tips – If You Don’t Know Where to Begin
Thank you! I will take your compliment, because I sometimes worry that I am bringing the real and crazy Jen on out! Readers beware :)
I learned the setting goals thing the hard way. I was all over the place when I first stared blogging! You are very wise to focus on your own goals and progress, because comparing just saps the fun right on out of blogging!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
REALLY good post Jen and will help so many out. Including me! I do need blog goals though…and will write them out as soon as I brush my teeth!!
Kristen recently posted…Top 5 Things Every Woman Needs in Her Closet
Thanks Kristen! Most definitely get those teeth brushed and then set some goals. Although in my book brushing teeth and showering feels like a huge accomplishment!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Very good tips.
I try to always make connections. I’ve “met” some awesome people that way.
Amber recently posted…I’m Not Cooking On Mother’s Day!
Thank you Amber! I like the emphasis on”met”. My kids call all of my blogging friends “Moms imaginary friends”!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
I love this! I was in a tailspin for a little while, worrying about metrics more than anything else and I realized that it wasn’t making me happy. Meeting other bloggers, jotting down my thoughts, and sharing the crafts we do around here are my primary goals and that’s what I focus on now. Instant happiness and I have a lot more time to focus on actually living my life without being in front of a computer all day/night. ;)
Sarah Nenni Daher recently posted…Cruciferous and Avocado Salad
You are very wise.Worrying about your numbers can drive you to the brink of madness! I can’t figure out a solid pattern yet and like you I’m just not caring anymore! Better to do what makes us happy. P.S. I like what you do over on Ruffles and Rainboots and I don’t think I am alone!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
I still have a really hard time with comparing myself to other bloggers and their stats. I have to take a step back and remind myself that I do this for my own creative outlet and as long as I’m happy, then I’m a success. All the friendships are just icing on the cake!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Do You Need an Escape? Try Houdini! {Review}
I think that is a constant battle for us as bloggers, but I think you have the right idea. Taking a step back and finding our happy place is the best way to go!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Making connections and relationships is of the utmost importance to me when it comes to blogging!!!!!! Without others helping and motivating you, you will totally lose your blog fire!
GiGi Eats recently posted…The D Train: Are You On It?
Hi there! So nice to meet you! You are right the best part of blogging is the relationships we make with others, it keeps us motivated and ready to roll :)
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
And look at that – a new relationship is FORMED :)
GiGi Eats recently posted…Carnival In Your Mouth!
Wonderful post! I do think success is a personal goal for everyone, and what you get out of blogging is definitely what you put into it.
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Book Expo America: I’m Going, Are You?
Thank you! It really is true, you reap what you sow. I guess my Mom was right all along!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
You are my favorite blogging mentor! I think we started our blogs at the same time, and yet you know waaaaay more about it. One thing I’ve always wondered is how do you do that little click to tweet Twitter box with the quote from your article? That looks like a useful thing to know.
April recently posted…Life in Northern Cal: Modeling Good Habits and Helping the Homeless
I think I did start JENerally Informed around the same time as you! I had been blogging a few years before for my book and also for various other bloggers, so it’s not really fair for me to say I was a newbie. I had learned a lot before my jump over here and had made a bunch of mistakes that I was able to avoid repeating over here!
You should get the click to tweet app. It is free and downloads right on into WordPress. It is a hugely helpful app and one that I love.
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Oh! Okay, that sounds like a plug in that I need to get!
April recently posted…Do you boast about the faithfulness of your friends?
Great post Jen!
Yes, we each have a unique voice and that voice IS our brand. Having confidence in it is important.
I also agree with making goals and connections. Plus it HAS to be fun because it is a heck of a lot of work!
Thanks so much for sharing.
xoxo
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom recently posted…How to Include Art in Your Homeschool Curriculum
Thank you Jennifer! You know it girl, you wrote the book on successful blogging! You come up with fabulous ideas for things we should do on our blogs I haven’t even thought of!
Oh my goodness Jen! I’m blushing! Thank you.
i loved this post and I’m so glad you linked it up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom recently posted…How to Include Art in Your Homeschool Curriculum
I consider you a really successful blogger and role-model blogger, Jen, because your content is unique (you’re not a cookie cutter of other blogs in hopes that will make you successful), and you also do a really good and consistent job injecting your personality into your blog, so we get a good feel for who you are. Your interactions with your readers are on point, too. In a nutshell, we all feel like we can relate to you and that you’re our friend :).
Celeste | Leapfrog and Lipgloss recently posted…May 2015 Taste Trunk Review ~ BBQ Box
Aww Celeste this is why you are my blogging BFF. I really hope someday our paths cross.
Check this out though, last night Jen’s Guy found this site that gives you a dollar amount for how much your blog is worth. I don’t know how they come up with the amounts, but I entered everyone I knew and seriously yours is worth double digits!! So back at you successful lady blogger!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Aww, I hope they do! I’d love to go to a blogging conference at some point.
What? Where? Do point me in that direction!
Celeste | Leapfrog and Lipgloss recently posted…Mommy Reality Challenge: My Nemesis
Celeste, I got that for you!
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=website+worth+calculator
Your cheerful and perky response left me suspicious. Just clicked the link, yup. that would be why….
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Well put, Jen! The worst thing we can do is to compare ourselves with others. Success truly is measured on a personal level.
Leslie recently posted…{Pregnancy Update} It’s A…
Thanks Leslie! It’s a tough lesson to learn not to compare ourselves, but it is such an important one!
I think you hit the nail on the head with #1. You have got to set goals for yourself and your blog or you won’t go anywhere. All really great tips Jen!!
Tiffany | A Touch of Grace recently posted…Being a girl dad
Thanks Tiffany! I had a difficult time with that at first and learned the hard way that setting blogging goals is vital!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Great tips friend! So much of blogging really is what you put into it. I guess I really need to make some goals for myself other than “keep posting” lol. So much to learn from this post. I think I will pin it FFR :).
Hey that is a great goal, “Just keep posting, just keep posting”!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Connections are so important, and I like how you talk about success being different for everyone! So true :)
Akaleistar recently posted…Vote for Remi
Thank you! I am glad you liked this :) The connections we make as bloggers really are so important!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Thanks for sharing this! I am a new blogger and have read sooooo many articles about the different aspects of blogging. This is a great post because it stresses the importance of enjoying what you are writing about and making genuine connections. Thanks!
Visiting from the SHINE blog hop.
Jody @easypeasymom recently posted…Quick And Easy Greek Style Quesadillas
Jody, so nice to meet you! I am glad you found this information helpful. You are right there is a lot of information out there telling us how to best blog, but truthfully you have to enjoy it and make it work for you or it just won’t!
Jen recently posted…The Secret To Successful Blogging
Hey Jen,
Yes, I so agree…. Your blog is a reflection of you and your passions. If you force it, it becomes a chore, who wants that? Blogging is our creative side shinning through, housework is a chore :)
I am finding my voice, what I love about blogging is the community and visiting and chatting with the other bloggers :)
I never knew about Aelxa, interesting…. I did know about Klout…. I just love to write and chat with others :) It’s my creative release…
xoxoxo
BritishMumUSA recently posted…He She Him Her They Them LGBTQ
You are so right! Readers can totally tell when we are forcing it! Plus doing that totally takes out any of the fun in blogging. Who needs that stress?
I use Alexa, but it should totally be used with caution. Placing too much stock in it, just makes you crazy!
Jen recently posted…Mommy Reality: How Stuffed Animals Destroy Parents
It is funny how as a blogger your own voice and personality just kind of comes out. Even if you’re trying to be like another blogger, in the end you still come across as yourself.
Jenny @ Unremarkable Files recently posted…9 Telltale Signs Your Kids Read Too Much
thanks for this! I do sometimes wonder if I’m talking to myself! cheers from kidcandoodle.com
Thanks Lana! I do talk to myself regularly, the whole Mom thing I guess, but it really is better not to do it when blogging :)
Jen recently posted…You Need This Today- Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream!
I have been blogging for almost four months and it is so exciting to watch the blog and the brand grow little by little.
Thanks for the great mentoring Jen.
#jenerallyinformed
kristin mccarthy recently posted…Twin Toddlers, Teeth and Torture
Four months and you have a great blog! Congratulations! I am glad you enjoyed this post.
Jen recently posted…Home For The Holidays The Clean Version
Thanks for this post–there are so many good reminders here. Your blog is definitely an inspiration! : )
#happynowlinkup
Holly from klinwin.com recently posted…Hostess Gifts to Say Thanks and Sorry
Oh that is so sweet! The road has been bumpy over the years, but I have learned some things that I hope will spare other bloggers from some of my most unfortunate mistakes that I have made along the way.
Jen recently posted…Home For The Holidays The Clean Version
great tips, i don’t know if i have figured out my “brand” yet, but i am REALLY working on it! #happynowlinkup
It might take a while, but once you lock it down and hit it hard, that is when I found a lot more opportunities come my way. Good luck!
Jen recently posted…Home For The Holidays The Clean Version
Thank you for such a helpful post. It’s always good to get advice from more experienced bloggers. Have a great week #happynowlinkup x
Thank Lisa I am glad you liked this. I can tell you that blogging is the best and has opened up a lot of avenues for me, but oh boy does it take work and luckily, I learned a lot along the way from my seasoned blogging friends as well.
Jen recently posted…Home For The Holidays The Clean Version
I just read this again b/c I feel like I’m in a crossroads with my blog, and sometimes it feels like I will never be a successful blogger. It even helped to go back and read what I commented the first time. Ha!!
April recently posted…Global Warming, Honest Abe, and the Best Month Ever
Haha, that’s funny! Those crossroads happen in blogging. I have been there about a million times. It is fun and scary to be there. Make sure to reach out if I can help in any way :)
Jen recently posted…Home For The Holidays The Clean Version
Thank you for a wonderful post, Jen. I really like that you’ve included a broad definition of success. For too many bloggers, they feel that they aren’t really making progress if they’re not earning something, or anything!, from their blog. Sure, a low Alexa rank and a high Klout score are definitely encouraging and an income is always nice, no matter the size, but beyond those measures are the relationships we build with our readers and other bloggers. For me and so many others, as you’ve shared, the real benefits are in loving what you do and enjoying the people you meet along the way.
Thank you also for hosting the terrific #HappyNowLinkup. While it’s always great to be able to share one of my posts at a linkup for others to discover, I really enjoy reading others’ work and meeting new bloggers through the process. I’ll definitely be back!
Thank you Reuven for your sweet comment and I am so glad you found your way here and to the #happynowlinkup. That linkup indeed has a great tribe of bloggers participating each week. I am in awe of what gets shared there. Some truly talented bloggers :)
Take care!
Jen recently posted…Pumpkins, Nudists and Halloween 2016
Excelelnt post and very good advice. I have been working on our brand and setting goals for a while and it is starting to pay off. A lot of hard work goes into it but it works. #happynowlinkup
I am glad to hear that, hard work really does pay off in the blogging world!
Jen recently posted…Pumpkins, Nudists and Halloween 2016
Thank you for this, Jen. My sister (who is a writer herself) had always talked about the writer’s voice and I never paid much attention to this until I stumbled upon my own. You are quite right about the importance of establishing a voice and remaining true to it. #happynowlinkup
Carolina Twin Mom / Mary Peterson recently posted…Andy Cat for President
That’s interesting. In the beginning I admit to having voice difficulties, but once I found it (mostly just used my real personality) and stuck to it, that was when my blog started to blossom.
Jen recently posted…Pumpkins, Nudists and Halloween 2016
It’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison game with blogging. And if you’re not careful, you can burn out very quickly. You’re completely right that it’s important to enjoy it. I’m so glad you kept blogging and I’ve had the pleasure of knowing you through this forum.
Leslie recently posted…The Cheap and Easy Way to Add Molding to Your Doors
Amen sister! I have almost burned out a few times myself. I am so glad we have gotten to know each other in this great blogging world as well :)
Jen recently posted…Pumpkins, Nudists and Halloween 2016