"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

7 Habits of Highly-Effective Bloggers


If you've been on the blogging scene for more than a hot second, no doubt you've discovered that there are different levels of success and degrees of popularity.
I liken it to boxing.

You know the deal...
I'm not a sports expert by any means, but from my limited exposure, I can say there's a "lightweight" division, "middle weight", and "heavy weight".

These categories and classifications are contingent upon experience, performance record, and the pack of one's punch. In some ways, blogging does too.

There are bloggers. And then there are bloggers!
And from what I've observed as both a blogger and spectator, here's what distinguishes the "heavy weights" and highly effective bloggers from your garden variety blogger.

1. H.E.B. (Highly effective bloggers) are unique. They learn from the best, but develop their own style to impress. Even if they address a common topic or technique, they put their own spin on it, or shed new light on an old subject.

2. They're consistent. They post minimally once a week, even if it's a brief post or perspective.

3. They keep the needs of their readers in mind. They're more emotional than promotional. In other words, their goal is to connect and make an impact, as opposed to selling you a product or selling you on how terrific they are.

4. H.E.B. are great conversationalists and talk "to" their audience not "at" them. They respond to comments and answer questions posed. They are thought leaders and influencers.

5. They provide quality content with great take-away value. This includes proofing their words, researching topics, reporting relevant study findings, and addressing timely topics. They take pride in what they do.

6. They know the importance of proper "sharing" balance. These savvy folks reveal enough of who they are to create a level of intimacy and connection, but not too much where it's inappropriate or excessive.

7. They're persistent. Have you noticed that most hugely successful bloggers have been at their game for anywhere from 2-10 years? That they've guest posted at prominent sites, developed a following via popular social media forums, and that they've paid their dues. There's a great grain of truth to the expression, "you reap what you sow."

From my perspective, these are the most important practices and principles of highly effective bloggers.

Agree or disagree? What common traits or habits would you add to the list?

Image: Salvatore Vuono

10 comments:

  1. I agree. I am not sure what catergory I would put myself in though. Hmmm, food for thought.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for weighing in, Yvonne.

    ...Always good to hear from you. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Jennifer.

    Good list of habits and you are correct, there is a correlation between these and successful bloggers.

    I would also add resourceful and creative.

    Surviving in a business environment often challenges bloggers to find various techniques and tools that deliver successful results. If these are not available for a particular project or situation, we have to make it happen anyway. :-)

    Regarding creativity, no blogger would last past the first post or first weekend without it.

    Nice looking site you have here, sort of fits my style. :-)

    Thanks for the post. We'll see you around the blogosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jennifer Brown BanksJanuary 13, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Hi Jimi,

    Welcome! Thanks so much for dropping in and giving such great feedback. Hope to reconnect in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree. I think you've covered the bases well. Gives me food for thought, thanks!
    Happy weekend,
    :) Karen

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jennifer Brown BanksJanuary 14, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    Karen,

    ...not that you need much "food for thought". I'd say you're enjoying a bit of a buffet most days. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jennifer, I had to post on one of your own posts. Good stuff! I want to narrow down a couple but they're all great.

    I will say that I had my experience of 5 years blogging, but I really can't count it because I was a TERRIBLE blogger. I didn't understand the power of networking until Twitter came around (@thompsonland if you didn't know).

    You've got a great handle on it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jennifer Brown BanksJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    AWWW, thanks! I don't know that I'm any better than you are. I'm still not as active or as versed on social media as many of my blogging peers. Nonetheless, I'm enjoying the journey and feel blessed!

    Thanks, Bryan.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I don't think I'm too far off from being a highly effective blogger. :)
    Blogging has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. When I hit the gate I thought that I could be the Queen of All Things Blog in 6 months. Laughable, right? But you know what? I absolutely love the few people who follow me and they keep me going. Even if the only thing I net are callouses on my fingers, it will still be worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. waningwoman,

    That's the "write" attitude. And it's definitely not as easy as it looks! And for the record, I've been to your site and have enjoyed what I have read, even when I may not have time to leave a comment.

    ReplyDelete