I am sitting here wondering whether Spring will actually make an appearance or if it plans to be fraudulent until Summer. Anyhoo, a couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about how I became a copywriter, which generated a lot of interest, so I thought I’d expand the gift of my knowledge to blogging and give you some advice on how to be a bad ass blogger!
I have previously mentioned that I have been on/off blogging for around ten years, and although I have progressed hugely, I made some mistakes on the way. But most importantly, I’ve learnt loads.
If you want to become a professional blogger, there are a number of essential skills you will need. It is never as simple as merely signing up to a website development platform such as Blogger or WordPress and then typing up your thoughts. There is a lot more that goes into it than this! With that in mind, read on to discover the essential skills you need to have if you want to make it as a professional blogger this year.
Content writing – There is only one place to begin, and this is with content writing skills. You are never going to have a successful and profitable blog if you cannot create content that is unique, helpful, interesting, and engaging. It is not only about finding subjects that interest others and writing about them in an exciting manner. It is also about presenting the content in the right format, ensuring it is relevant to your user base, having a friendly and conversational style, and ensuring it is carefully constructed for SEO purposes, which we will delve into in more detail next.
Marketing skills – To be a good blogger, you don’t only need to know how to write well, but you need to know how to market effectively too. A lack of selling skills is something that hinders a lot of new bloggers. You need to get to grips with SEO so you know how to operate a website that will rank well on Google and other search engine websites. Aside from this, some other tips include reading more books, especially those related to business and marketing, as well as connecting with other influencers in your niche. By building up strong relationships with other companies, you can both help each other out.
Social networking skills – Social networking does fall under marketing, yet it is so pivotal in the current day and age, and so it deserves a section of its own. Social media can help you to boost your blog in so many different ways. Not only does it help in terms of traffic, but you can also find a greater audience for your content too. People love social media because it enables them to get closer to brands than ever before, and the same goes for blogs too. Make sure you post on a consistent basis, and you also need to use the networks where your target consumer base is present.
Photo editing skills – They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and therefore, what’s good content without top quality images to accompany it? You will increase your overall search rankings and engagement levels if you master the art of using quality images. Rather than simply using stock photos that are seen on so many other websites, develop your own photo editing skills so that you can add unique images to your website too. You may also want to consider taking frequent Adobe Illustrator classes so that you can design your own logo for your blog. This will ensure your blog stands out from the crowd while also making it appear more professional.
Follow-up skills – You should post questions and comments regularly, i.e. at least three times each week, so that you can engage with your readers. Fresh content is a necessity for reader interest, yet you also need to respond to all of their queries in a timely manner too. You will only be able to engage readers on a daily basis if you maintain an active and consistent presence.
Networking skills – Last but by no means least, networking is a critical blogging skill that you will need to acquire. Firstly, it will enable you to connect with hundreds and thousands of bloggers. Secondly, network opens the door for you to improve the sales and traffic you make on your website. Teaming up with other related businesses is a great way for both parties to benefit from more traffic.
So there you have it; the essential skills you need to have if you want to make it as a top blogger this year. There is a lot to take into consideration, from the marketing side of things to photo editing and, of course, the actual writing itself. Nevertheless, if you can develop your skills in the areas that have been discussed above, you can give yourself the best chance of making it as a badass blogger!
Please feel free to add any tips you may have below.
*DISCLAIMER: *This article is a contributed post and may have some affiliate links.*
These are awesome tips girl! Networking is super important so i'm really glad you mentioned that one. blogging is one of those things that you always have to do your best at. no rest for the wicked right? lol
Yes! Networking can be difficult but when done right can yield amazing results! I agree, if you want to be a top blogger you have to put your all in it! Thanks for reading 🙂
Great post! Photos are amazing! :)If you want that we follow each other let me know by leaving a comment and please click on links at the end of this post –> http://beautyshapes3.blogspot.hr/2018/03/im-fine-thank-you-outfit-rosegal-zaful.html
Thank you very much.
Couldn't agree with you more on all of the above points! Photo editing is definitely a skill to hone in on when blogging, and you make some brilliant points about networking and following-up!aglassofice.com x
Photo editing is a skill I really am lacking in but am determined to improve on this year! Thanks, I am glad you found the points useful.
Another great post, Madeline. Thank you. There is always room for improvement. Photo editing is an area I need to work on too. amakamedia.com
Thank you Nwamaka. You're most welcome dear. Let's set photo editing as a challenge for both of us this year!
Its always so nive to read your post because you give so many good advices! Your blog is definetly one of my fav in my list!https://strawberryleopard.blogspot.pt/
I am so honoured that you think that. What's the point if I can't help my fellow blogger, eh?
These are all great tips sis. I definitely agree with them all. I haven't got there yet but learning. Thanks for sharing.https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Hi Missy! Thaks for reading. Me too I am learning everyday. It's one thing knowing what to do but implementing it is a totally new kettle of fish!
Great post! I love posts like this. Part of my 'spring cleaning' routine for my blog is actually take note of great posts like this and applying tips where need be; taking stock and developing our skill. Thanks for this.www.bubusboulevard.com
Thank you Bubu. Thanks for the feedback – I'll definitely make a note to produce more posts like this. I am glad to hear that you are still spring cleaning (I am too!) We are all learning together . Believe it or not I am on my journey to being a badass blogger!
Great points all around. I'm a part-time blogger and I can see why some people pursue blogging as a full-time job – it's a lot of work! It's enjoyable most of the time, but I'm definitely guilty of failing to do one or more of the things you mentioned once in a while (I think I've finally figured out the social networking bit but have a lot of work to do in terms of follow-up and networking especially…) || http://www.lorikemi.com
It's a he'll of a lot of work especially when you have to juggle so much! We are all guilty of falling short but we'll get there! Thanks for reading. X
Interesting post. To be honest, I struggle sometimes with consistency in blogging. There are many times when I just get writer's block and don't have anything else to say. Reading this article was very helpful though and I hope to keep coming back to your blog for more information! – http://www.jamilakyari.com
Thanks so much Jamila for reading. I am glad you found the points helpful. Gurrl, writer's blog is real! Can I suggest you read my post entitled "Do the ten things and you'll never run out of blog post ideas"? I do hope you come back!
I totally agree with you… These are great pointers for bloggers to followGlowyshoes's blog
Thanks ao much Glowy. I'm happy you found these pointers useful!
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