One Twenty Five

Oh man, this questions makes me all types of nervous to answer, because, well, who am I to give advice on blogging? Exactly, nobody.  There are billions of personal blogs out there and hundreds of thousands of them have more followers, more readers, higher stats and more awesome, than my tiny corner of the Internet, but I keep getting this question, “how can I get more followers?” so, as always, I’ll try my very best to answer it. (This post adds to, So, You Wanna be a Runner? and So, You Wanna Run a Race?)

Your Blog = You

• Firstly, I think one’s blog is similar to their style, it’s an expression of the person they are! Which means inside-out, upside-down, or sideways, whatever you like, do it! Thus, don’t take my ‘tips’ too seriously, they’re more what I like in blogs, and what I think makes a successful bloggy.

 Format

• To me, format can make or break a blog. If I stumble across a blog and it’s hard to read, I peace out in 3.2 seconds (if that).  I’m (as is everyone else) a very important person and won’t spend time trying to figure out which order the posts are in, or where the ‘next page’ button is.  Keep it simple, clear, and clean, aka professional.  I honestly think Google has been so successful because of it’s simple layout (and mad math skillz obs) – its so user friendly (and tumblr, on that matter, too).
• I’m a huge believer that 90% of all blog reading is done during working hours (we’re quite the productive bunch, aren’t we?), which means if your colours are all bling-bling, and your mouse is sparkly, there is no way someone could coyly read your words from their cubicle desk, hence they won’t, or at least I won’t, so use light colours, use easy to read fonts (people are lazy, and won’t put effort in), and keep it classy.
• Platform? Don’t kill me Tumblr folk, but I’m REALLY not a fan of tumblr.  It’s great for photo/inspiration/pretty-things blogging, but if you’re just starting up a writing-want-lots-of-readers-blog, I’d recommend Word Press. I am seriously considering making the move. Because don’t even get me started on, “We’ll be Back Shortly.”

Features

• No automatic music. Ever. End of story, just no.
• I personally also hate “endless scrolling.”
• This only goes for tumblr blogs -> Don’t answer too many questions, or so I’m told. I actually like reading peoples’ answers to questions, but have read on other blogs, I’m the minority, and not to “flood your blog with questions,” as it’s “annoying.”  Thus I don’t, as I figure people don’t like it. This is probably more of a personal preference. 

Photos

• Hmm, I really shouldn’t open my mouth about this topic, as tons of my photos are of the uttermost horrid quality (see today’s post). But, I appreciate well thought out photos on any blog.  And I, myself, am trying to improve mine… 
• I have two cameras, a point and shoot Cannon and my SLR, Sony Alpha 33. I mastered my Cannon, but my Sony? Not so much.  I have two lenses for it and am still trying to figure out the world of SLR cameras.  Perhaps if I ever do figure it out, I’ll make a post on this, but until then? This is all I’ve got for you.  
• Oh wait, I will say, people (aka me, myself and I!) love, love, love photos! Especially on weight loss blogs.  A good photo can (and will) grab someone’s attention, quicker than a written post will.

Writing

• Proof Read. [Do as I say, not as I do] I’m not an English major, and never got into the blog world to get “published,” or anything like that, I did it to lose weight. But, if you are one of those folks who love writing, and want to make a living of it, I feel the need to put ‘proof read’ as a point under writing.
• I think we’ve established my English isn’t too stellar, so I really don’t judge, BUT well written, well thought out posts? way better to read.
• Spend time on it.  The Internet will be there later for you to post your witty banter, so don’t hurry, think about, and reread it. (I’m awful at this as I write. Post. Edit.)
• Be honest.  Always, be honest.  People can tell if you’re fake. Write from the heart/gut don’t be embarressed (says the girl who made a post on her boobs!), if anything, people will relate, and thus read.

  Network

• Leave comments, leave the love, read other peoples’ stories. Create links. Network, network, network!
• Tweet too!

It Takes Time

• I blogged for a VERY long time with 3 followers. I called my mom when I hit 30, gasped when I hit 100, and there may, or may not, have been tears when I saw 1,000.  Followers are a bonus for me, and not the reason I blog. I think if you’re just trying to get followers people will be able to tell… which isn’t a good thing, so blog for YOU, and the readers will come, but don’t expect the interwebs to come flowing your way over night, give it time, be patient. 

So yup, those are my off-the-top-of-my-head pointers. Please comment to correct me, or add something else. What do you think makes a successful blog?  As these are my personal thoughts.

   Happy blogging,

E