Top Ten Unspoken Rules of Blogging
Your mother has probably asked you at some point: “What’s blog?” In which case, you proceed to explain that first of all, a blog is a noun, not a verb. And secondly, it’s over your head.
Oh wait, maybe that’s my conversation with my own mother.
Regardless, we at BAKERY are assuming you know about a blog, because you’re reading this one. And chances are, you’re probably writing one of your own.
So rather than bore you with our standard ‘Blog Definition for Our Mother’, we’ll give you something worthy of reading: A Top Ten List of The Unspoken Rules of Blogging. It’s one confused sea out there, so follow us— we’ll help you navigate the blog waters. [Again, a noun]:
10. Don’t be boring. I once read a book by the lovely Maggie Mason of MightyGirl fame entitled No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog
9. Which brings us to our second rule: Link to others frequently. Chances are, they’re smarter than you, and have funnier things to say. And who knows? Maybe they’ll return the favor and give you little linky back. This is how your blog grows!
8. Be yourself. You know how you can see through your co-worker when she tells you she listens to Laura Marling [she's totally a Timberlake fan]. Yeah, that works for online, too.
7. Find your niche. This goes without saying, but pick a topic and focus on it. It’s ok for your topic to be broad, but don’t make it scattered. Your audience will thank you with RSS subscriptions.
6. Stay positive. At least, remotely positive. No one likes to read a Mean Mary. Plus, you’ve gotta watch what you’re saying when the entire world is listening.
5. Bring originality. The best blogs bring something other than a round-up of overexposed links and articles. Whether it be personal photography or a bit of personality, bring what you’ve got, because no one else can.
4. Start a conversation. You know those people who leave you nice comments? Write back to them. Visit their site, and thank them for reading. A little dialogue goes a long way, and you may even spark an e-friendship while you’re at it.
3. Get involved. Collaborate with others, visit local events, read other blogs. Learning from others is a good thing, and you’re bound to experience some fun along the way.
2. Update often. If you keep your readers waiting, they’ll get annoyed. Update at least 3-5 times weekly. Can’t find the time? Recruit guest bloggers, or well, for blog’s sake, make time.
1. Cite your work. Research, research, research. Don’t give out false information, and if you find something link-worthy, always credit the original source. This goes for photographs/blog images as well.
congratulations you guys, this sounds amazing. can’t wait til my jamie and i can afford the help. you are perfect for us. oh, and now i’m hungry.
Best wishes for your new venture.
congratulations on the new venture you two and good luck! thanks for the blogging tips. short, sweet and do-able.
What a brilliant idea. You guys rock. And thanks for the good advice.
This looks promising.
Thanks for the tips and good luck!
We’re VERY happy to help; thank YOU!
Amazing rules we somehow leave it at the back of our mind! Good work there!
so glad i’ve found you – thanks for the tips very helpful
wonderful tips! i’m excited about this new business endeavor…i’ll have to shoot you an email one of these days.
thanks for the great advice! super great business idea, too, found you through decor8 by the way. ..
Great tips. However, I’m not sure I agree with #8 “No one likes to read a Mean Mary”. There are some very popular blogs that are mean and snarky – as a matter of fact, the meaner, the more popular they become. I don’t get it and will always stop reading and commenting if the blogger and their commenters do nothing but pick on people, but it seems to be true. And the most popular ones seems to get picked up by the main stream media as well.
Those are great tips! I have my personal blogs but am in the process of startingone for the non-profit that I work for…these tips will come in handy I am sure!
Thanks for these! xoxo <3 Üdo
so helpful! everything i have thought of but now in written words! thx!
What a fantastic list. You’ve got me so excited to hear more from you. Thanks for launching a great site.
What great advice! Love your new blog
cuuuuute! found you through the lovely poppytalk. lovely design, best of luck with everything!
this is so neat! i’m hooked already!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and knowledge. Lots of great advice so far, I look forward to reading more.
great blog. good info. thanks for being out here. i like it. i’ll be back.
Sound advice.
And now I’m doing exactly what I should be doing by leaving a comment – oh and arrived via the excellent Poppytalk.
Cheers!
that was very informative. I’ll be back!
I love this list!I love reading other’s opinions about what makes a blog good, and what can get it supported. I just referenced this in my blog! Thanks!! -amy
These are some great tips. Thanks so much for posting these. I’m excited to read more!
thanks for the great advice! this is coming at a wonderful time as i have just started a blog to get myself prepared for a new small business venture, starting to build some readership before i launch my shop. i will continue reading here!
thanks for the savvy tips. this list is everything i know but didn’t realize until you posted this list. perfect.
i am a brand new little blogger…just trying to carve out my own little space in the big blogging world. your tips are wonderful!thank you!
Those are great tips. I started blogging this year and am still figuring it out. This blog is exactly what I need!
OMG I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered you. I am loving this site..it’s like all my bloggy questions, answered!