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I realized as I chose topics for the Warlord of the Forgotten Age promotion that I should probably talk about blogging. I started mine in December of 2012, which was about 3 months before I released Beginning of a Hero and I had no idea what I was doing. Some people would say I still have no idea what I’m doing. To them I say, ‘I will see all of you at the next family reunion’. Let’s see how serious I can actually be here this time:
- DO NOT forget images. This is something I never considered when I was starting out, so most of my earlier posts lacked pictures. Once I was told I needed something to draw people in from the reader, I started connecting to photos in a way that doesn’t allow them to show up these days. Honestly, I don’t even remember how pictures worked way back then, but I know it was different. You can decide on it being something funny or serious. As long as it has some relevance, you’re good.
- It isn’t necessary to make a post every day. You can skip a few or take a break to do other things . . . Okay, I’m terrible at following this tip. I have become better about skipping days, but I will admit things feel a little weird if I’m silent. This is because I use my blog as my main social media and promotion hub, so being here is also part of my working day. Really, you simply shouldn’t force a post and let the ideas flow naturally.
- Create a few repeated themes and segments that you can pull out. An ongoing short story can keep people coming back, but that takes a lot of dedication. Posts that are the same, but not connected so much have a better chance of success. For example, I do a lot of these 7 lists for fun and have the Ye Olde Shoppe skits that people enjoy. One thing with this is that you should never afraid to retire something that is no longer working. Things might start off great and then the shininess fades away. Nature of the blogging beast.
- Never feel pressured to reveal more than you’re comfortable with. I’ve had a lot of people tell me to show more of my real life and family on here. I’ve also had many get angry that I show even a little bit of my real life and family. The thing to always remember is that your blog is your realm. You are the one in charge and should only post what you feel comfortable sharing.
- It never hurts to revisit old posts. Either you can do this on your own or repost them as a retro thing. Personally, I like wandering back because I’ve touched on so many topics that it shows how much I’ve changed. My opinions on various writing trends and techniques have evolved to the point where I could probably write another post that doesn’t sound the same. Blogging really is a medium where you can track your own growth as a person, so it’s good to take advantage of it.
- Avoid blog wars. Seriously, these get messy, divide support groups, and can tarnish the entire experience.
- Interact with other people either on your own blog or their own. Follow people and comment when you can. It may be easier to simply do a ‘like’ and walk away, but that doesn’t really help draw people to your own blog. Even if it’s not on every post, if you see something that gets your attention and creates a thought on the topic then you should share it. The only way we grow here is by wandering out of our own blog bubble to say hello to our neighbors.
Legends of Windemere 
Excellent list, Charles. I would add, “click the social media buttons on those posts you like. It really shows a person you are behind them.”
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Good point. Didn’t think of the social media part. Honestly, I always forget because I hit reblog and that sends it to all my stuff.
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You do a great job at that.
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Great post today. I thought it might be one of those funny lists, but it wound up being some good reflective advice.
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These have gotten rather serious lately. I go in aiming for humor and advice, but I’m not hitting the jokes that often. Maybe I’ve matured. 🤪
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Maybe it’s your current mindset. Things might take a lighter viewpoint later this week.
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I wrote this two months ago. I think I’ve been in a somber mood for a while.
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Oh, sorry.
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Great tips!
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Thanks
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Great tips! I would maybe add don’t be afraid to have guests on your blog. Connections count 🙂
Happy holidays, Charles!
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Good one. Thanks. 😁. Reminds me that I was considering opening my Thursdays to guests starting next February.
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I am sooooooooooo reblogging this 😄
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Thanks for the reblog
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Welcome, Charles 👍😃
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One thing I’ve found out about blogging is that, while I sometimes wonder who on earth might be even vaguely interested in some of my posts, those are often the most popular ones! Constant learning and adjustment is the process. That, and having the confidence to click “Publish”.
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I’ve noticed that too. It’s always surprising which posts get attention and which flop.
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Great advice!
Hope you can rest today!
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Looks like I’ll rest tomorrow
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Reblogged this on When Angels Fly.
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Thanks for the reblog
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Welcome!
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Great post, Charles! I laughed my butt off at your “see you at the next family reunion” comment. So true. But seriously, I always have enjoyed your blog. What first drew me to your blog and kept me coming back for more was your self-effacing humor. I mean, if we can’t laugh at ourselves, who can we laugh at?
The only thing I might add is to have fun. Readers can tell when you’re stiff and blocked. Blogging shouldn’t be a chore; blogging is purely writing and expressing feelings and/or ideas. If you’ve run out of ideas, have a fellow author/blogger do a guest spot. It works wonders, trust me.
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Glad you enjoyed it. Not sure when I started doing the self-effacing humor, but it seems to work. People definitely need to take themselves less seriously at times.
Fun should be one of the blog essentials.
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Thanks for sharing. I am approaching the two year mark and am struggling lately to come up with new and relevant info. I do have rules for myself, which include blogging two days a week, visiting and commenting on other sites, and no more than 400 words. I also visit past blogs and repost the ones I really liked and for some reason got no traffic. What I’ve found with these, is if I change the title to something more exciting, people will check them out.
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Titles and pictures seem to be at the core of getting attention. I’m with you on finding it hard to think of topics too. By my fourth year, I felt like I’d gone over everything writing-based. I keep a notepad with me in case I see a topic in a book, show, movie, or game. Really depends on what I’m doing. Does your blog have a specific theme?
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My theme is writing your first novel. I’ve tried to provide info to help new writers avoid some of the mistakes I have made. I never thought about carrying a notepad and jotting down ideas. Thanks.
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That’s a tough topic. I remember doing posts as I learned and stumbled into things. Still, it’s something a lot of people wonder about. We’ve all been in the position too.
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Great tips, I’ll have to remember them when I restart my blog after New Years.
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Good luck. Taking the rest of the year off?
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Yeah, things changed and I just haven’t had any ideas for my blog for a few months. I’ve felt guilty for not posting, but it’s hard to come up with anything funny to say sometimes.
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Comedy is always tough.
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Good tips from lived (or blogged) experience, Charles. I do “like and leave” after reading posts when whatever point I might have made in a comment has already been made by earlier commenters. Being on the west coast means I come late to many posts.
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I’ve run into that also when I get to a post later in the day. Sometimes I still comment and mention that I’m agreeing with the other person. Not often though.
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My only added advice would be to decide what your blog is and try to keep focused on it. Your focus has been pretty consistently on your books, and that’s been an important factor. Readers know what to expect, and that’s important.
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True. Although, I have seen that branching out as you move along can help bring in new faces. I started talking almost exclusively about my books, but I branched out to humorous skits and things about writing in general. The broader the topic, the easier it is to make posts too.
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I really like your tips for blogging, Charles. Wishing you and your family a happy festive season.
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Thanks. Have happy holidays and a healthy new year.
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Great advice. I shall be using some of them on my blog.
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Thanks. Glad to help.
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Pingback: Friday Roundup – 5th January 2018 | Stevie Turner, Indie Author.
Good information Charles. I appreciate this.
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Glad you enjoyed it.
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