Do you want to be a successful blogger? Do ideas for posts randomly pop into your head whenever, wherever? Do you think about ways to improve your blog?
How to write more? Better? Faster?
Do you study what the most successful bloggers have done to get to where they are right now?
You are not alone. I do this too. It’s one of my passions. To see what makes the difference. What works, what doesn’t, and to understand the why. Because of this, I can write cute posts like this one.
Here are the seven best habits to have as a blogger.
1. Effective bloggers are prolific
The first key to being a successful blogger is to write. A lot.
The more you write, the better your writing gets. Talent that does not get used, is wasted. And the more posts you add to your blog, the more juice you’ll get from search engines. And more content means more reader visits to see what’s new.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still an advocate for quality over quantity, but the truth is that effective bloggers work hard. Putting a successful blog together requires a lot of time in front of your computer, and not surfing Facebook or posting pictures of what you had for lunch on Instagram.
Great bloggers put a lot of time into researching, writing, editing, and planning posts for their blogs.
2. Effective bloggers are creative
If you’re ready to take risks you need to come up with creative ideas all the time. The sad part is that, as time goes on, it can feel overwhelming to come up with and act on new ideas that keep adding value to your blog.
If you want to be truly creative you’ll need to keep taking action, and never let self-doubt, the naysayers, or the urge to procrastinate be stronger that your will to succeed.
3. Effective bloggers are really, really, really passionate
You’re passionate about what you blog about, aren’t you?
I know that so many advertise being passionate about your niche that it has become such a cliché, but this does not make it any less true…
Not only do you need to feel strongly about whatever it is your writing, but you also need to make your readers feel it too.
They need to feel your fire.
4. Effective bloggers never stop learning
If you’re new to blogging, you’re probably on a steep learning curve at the moment.
Maybe you tell yourself that things will get better when you’ve been doing it longer.
No, it’s not. It never gets easier, no matter how good you become.
Mostly because you’ll always need to step up your game. Also, because things change very fast.
And you have to keep learning.
If not…
What happens to a building that is not lived in?
A car that is not driven?
Have you ever noticed they decay faster than usual?
The same is your blog. Staying the same means a slow death…
5. Effective bloggers are focused and consistent
Successful bloggers develop a schedule and stick to it.
They write consistently about their topic of choice, and with a consistent voice and approach. Whether they post three posts a day or two posts a week, their readers know what to expect.
6. Effective bloggers are visible and engaging
A lot of bloggers view comments as a bit of a pain in the dorsal region, so to speak. Yeah, I’m feeling very PG-13 at the moment.
If you think that replying to comments is a waste of your time, you might want to reconsider. And fast. Before you’ll find yourself in “no-comment land.”
Effective bloggers see their blog readers as interesting people who they naturally want to interact with them, not just some statistic. They reply to comments on their blog posts and talk to their readers on other social media because they value them.
The best bloggers focus on creating strong content that resonates with their readers. They’re not afraid to be provocative or share personal stories. They have that unique voice and point of view which creates reader loyalty.
Effective bloggers really talk to people. They show they care, and engage their readers rather than just going through the motions of networking because it has to be done.
7. Effective bloggers are persistent
Did I ever tell you about the Chinese Bamboo tree? No?
Well, the Chinese Bamboo tree requires nurturing – water, fertile soil, sunshine. In its first year, we see no visible signs of activity. In the second year, again, no growth above the soil. The third, the fourth, still nothing. If there are no results, it is easy to become discouraged and give up.
But then, in the fifth year, something happens. Growth. The tree grows 80 feet in just six weeks!
Overnight success is a myth, and top bloggers understand this.
More so, they even count on things being harder than their most pessimistic expectations. Persistence and patience are a top blogger’s best friends.
Successful bloggers don’t give up. They do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.
What trait do you think is most valuable?
What do you think the most important trait of a top blogger is? It might be one of these seven, or something completely different. Do let me know in the comments section below!
Brevity.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Very useful tips.Thank you so much for sharing valuable information.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLike
Habit #7 is very important to me. I have to wait and continue with my blog and online business regardless of the naysayers and other disappointing results. I believe and have a strong desire to go after what I truly want. I want to live a happier, more comfortable, and more stable life in this world.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Cristian, just going through your older posts (i’m fairly new on wordpress) and i need to say, your posts are truly remarkable: substantial, to the point and always so funny. i can look to you as someone who knows what they’re doing, and also is masterful at guiding someone who has no clue. like me 🙂
mersi mult!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Monica!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you =) Very useful tips. Wish I had as much comments as you 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
You can. If you learn all there is about blogging, and you write with passion, and you persevere, it is possible.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I have over 2005 posts alone on HF since 2014. I think blog subject is not for everyone I guess 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a lot more to blogging than just writing a lot of posts.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Agreed, even though this article says you should post a lot and be active. I have incredible engagement through Facebook but I can’t make my followers comment on the blog 😀 I guess that’s something to work on in the future. Thanks for your replies and honesty.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hello, I like Point 5 the best, once you are committed to the work everything else will naturally fall into place.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I am working on increasing my online skills while getting my blog started. Your tips have been extremely encouraging and helpful.
LikeLike
Wow, Cristian, spot on, as usual. And damn if it’s not what I need to hear! Another trait I’d add is a burning desire to be a successful blogger, rather than, in my case, attempting to use my blog as a jumping off point to create a platform to land an agent for my book. When I say it like that (honest) it sounds sleazy. Thank you for the wake-up call. Time to rethink, recommit with passion, or find a new path.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you, Alice.
That can be a secondary goal. And it’s not sleazy. I blog to make money, because I’m also passionate about not starving to death.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love it! No reason not to combine our needs and desires.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It makes sense that way.
A lotn of folks want to conquer the world, some even try, but they cannot gain the world unless they are willing to give others a piece of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Persistence is definitely key along with engaging.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m looking at these 7 as a self-assessment report card. I have some work to do! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Never thought of it like that, but I guess it is something like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing these tips. They are very helpful.😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure!
Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
LikeLike
All the points are valuable, however I’d go with the 4th point: Effective bloggers never stop learning. There’s always something to learn each day. Great insight.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Indeed. The more you learn, the more you understand there’s so much more to learn.
LikeLike
I especially like the part about PASSION. I try to convey my PASSION for my subject in every post. After seven years, that PASSION has not subsided. Thank you. Vann Helms
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I needed to read this. I get so discouraged because I’m trying to do so many things but I know it will be worth it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hang in there. It is worth it. Vann
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am new to blogging, and this was definitely very helpful and uplifting. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jenna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I strive to be an effective blogger. Thanks for inspiring us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
exciting as usual found your post to be very helpful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
I always love to read your articles as they make so much sense.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Ana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Ana Yong and commented:
Everyone who wants to be a highly effective blogger should read this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Number 7 really motivated me after reading
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear that.
LikeLike
That’s such a good idea -thanks -I” ll be using that tip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLike
I think persistence, creativity and communication with other bloggers are the top habits. Thank you for this inspiring and encouraging post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Persistence and quality work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely agree that consistency and giving readers a schedule to expect is important. Something that with consistency, I did see improvements in traffic and interaction. I have never gotten a comment other than to give advice on how to use the site, specifically it was a theme related comment. I was so psyched to have gotten my first comment only to learn that it wasn’t about my content at all. I don’t expect comments or likes, I just enjoy a platform to be heard and thankful for those who have experienced the same whom I’ve connected with/follow me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No 4 for me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I really enjoyed reading this post. I think you’ve covered the major points quite well, here.
If I was to add an “honourable mention”, I think being open to constructive feedback/criticism is another great trait to have. It allows for more opportunities to grow and reach far beyond previous limits. Plus, it builds good character.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
And, yes, being open to criticism is a sure-fire way to grow as a blogger. Otherwise, it’s damn near impossible.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great title! Reminds me of the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” 😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s where the inspiration for this post came from.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Persistence and Patience are a top blogger’s best friends” ✍️
LikeLiked by 2 people
For me it would be trait or habit number 3: passion! I believe if you’re passionate about what you do the other traits will most likely follow. Inspiration and creativity will come because the fire is there. You will write and create a lot of content because you love to! 😄
LikeLiked by 2 people
For me, the courage to express my ideas is key. I feel that many of my ideas are unusual which causes me to hold back on expressing them (like I want to delete this and skip it right now). But actually that unique perspective, to the extent that it is real, is an important reason for me to express my ideas. Thanks for your list – all are valuable. Thanks for getting me think about this.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on anything everything and commented:
Helpful!
LikeLiked by 1 person