Beginning Your Blog

Blogging has offered the opportunity for any and all to have their voices heard. How pleasantly inspiring, and yet depressingly daunting of a challenge! Many of us desperately want to join the blogosphere for whatever reason, but somehow it seems a unattainable goal. We want to build and maintain an excellent blog that is the envy of others in our field, but where do you start? Better yet, once I do get started how to I continue to grow and deliver great content? There are several major blogging stumbling blocks I am constantly asked by the beginner blogger that I would like to take the time and address. Here are a few thoughts on how to not only jump start your blog beyond these obstacles, but also upward to blogger stardom.

“What Do I Write About?” (Reading Rainbow)

You know you need to be involved online, and want to start a blog, but you really don’t know what to write about. A very simply place to start writing is by watching reading rainbow. Better yet just read. Always read other respected blogs by thought leaders in your field. A successful writer and therefor blogger begins with an avid reader. Find these thought leaders blog’s and discover their blogrolls or who they personally recommend. Following this simple tip can add an exponential amount of excellent reading. I just bulked up on my new media marketing by adding 20 more excellent blogs. Earmark time to read these blogs. Religiously.

“How Do I Start My First Blog?” (The Curse of the Blank Page)

Many would agree that the most difficult part of created a blog is its beginning. Staring at a blank screen waiting for inspiration to strike simply isn’t enough. However there are several steps you can ease yourself into getting your blog up and running. Or rather walking. You must walk before you can run. Begin to counter this curse by simply writing. Write short sentences, and do not get hung up on punctuation or grammar just yet. Write often throughout the day to see what schedule works best not only for you, but find out when your brilliance may strike. Authors have different times of days to prefer writing, even different environments. Most important write. Write? Write. Write! Also, do not begin with a title and write regarding the title. You are limiting your horizons. Simply right within your flow of consciousness, and if other issues arise address those as well. You can always create this other topics into other blogs. Simply write. You need to begin to exercise and train your mind and body into writing.

“Where Do I Start?” (All Dressed Up With No Place To Go)

You have gone through all the trouble of setting up your blog and its associated services, you’ve even had a few false starts, but nothing your writing “is coming out the way you want it to.” Many people know what they want to say, but don’t know the best way to say it. Its as if you are all dressed up with no place to go. Perhaps your are not connecting with an authentic yet personal authors voice? Or you are more of an idea person that struggles with the follow through? Maybe you are a perfectionist finding it hard to let go. There are a few ways around this. First, give yourself rules to blog by. Are you going to finish this blog in one sitting, are you going to let the idea fester for a week before you commit “pen to paper.” Perhaps your beginnign place is backwards. Try to find a picture to help convey your thought which will create forward motion. Maybe your opening or topic sentence is too narrow not allowing you to really think far into the topic. Tinker with your workflow and rules. Whatever your rules are stick to them. This will force you to move beyond your problems if by nothing else then by sheer brute force.

“Seriously, I’m Not A Good Writer!”

Luckily, for you bloggers are not necessary good writers more of a good, clear conversationalist. Have an open mind, and be flexible regarding what you are not. The concept of your blog or given topic is a fluid one. You are attempting to establish yourself as an author so don’t put preconceived notions upon yourself regarding your deadlines, authors voice or any other hindrance. Simply remember to constantly write, rewrite, and write some more. Your new to it. Realize your position as a beginner and cut yourself some slack, but do not become lazy. You can always recommit, and begin again. There is no sense in burdening yourself. Never get discouraged. Simply remain open minded.

“I’m Stuck In A Rut!” (Writers Block)

Writer’s block has spelled the end of even more prominent writers then yourself, so how do you avoid this? It is easiest to keep several topics in the preproduction phase. This will keep you moving on multiple fronts, and assist against writers block. Also this will help you fine tune your topical blogs. Often I begin to blog about a given topic, and it quickly takes rabbit trails which in its own time become their own full fledged blogs. Keep more then one topic going on in your blog. During this time feel free to try several different authors voice through each individaul blog. Don’t become pigeonholed in what you want to do, but rather what you are. Feel free to attempt different methods of witting a blog. Simply save it as a draft, and continue building upon it when either new ideas come to you, or to revise it at a later date.

“No One Reads My Work!” (Open House Launch)

Often we are fearful of investing time, effort, and money into creating a blog which no one reads or appreciates. This can be avoided through a bit of extra leg work and publicity. Now that you have successfully create a few introductory blogs, through your multiple blogs, you are able to throw a “digital house warming party.” Announce to all of your social networks, groups, or associations about your new blog. They may have a vested interest either in you or your given blog topic. Your introductory blogs will acquaint them to with your work, and encourage them to come back. It is important for you, of all people, to feel as if you have successfully introduced yourself into the online arena. Even if it is only a small splash with a few friends. This validation and encouragement is a great beginning.

“How Do I Get Better Then My Competition?” (Blog Envy)

Never be jealous of another persons online success. Often it take more time and effort then most realize. Rather attempt to lead and cultivate your readers. Quality over quantity. You can only lead, by beginning to follow. Do not simply envy other persons blogs, read their blogs, and learn from them. Always attempt to connect with its author and/or community. This begins a crucial networking cycle which may become useful later on in your blogs life. Perhaps you will be able to interview its author regarding a spotlighted topic on your blog, ask him/her for critical feedback, or even be able to cross pollinate with their existing community. There is no downside to reading and interacting with your role models. Most are kind enough to take the time. You may even be able to make a mentor or two.

Conclusion

Hopefully these few ideas will be able to spur you onto creating your own blog. Remember to continually be reading and writing. Many do not begin with a talent for writing blogs, but luckily for most of us talent is never enough to succeed. It takes a healthy measure of dedication and passion.

Feel free to add to this list, or expound upon it!