101 Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers (Part 1)
In this 5 part series, I look at 101 habits of highly effective bloggers. I crafted this list based on my observation of successful bloggers and their blogs. I do not intend to elaborate too much on each point. I want to keep each point as short as possible, so that you can reflect upon them. I hope you enjoy reading the list. This article is published in 5 parts, so please check back soon for the next part. You may not agree with all 101 points as some of the habits in this list are debatable. If you agree or disagree with a habit, please note the point number in your comments and give your opinion about that habit from your own experience. Thank you.
Part 1 – Habits 1 to 20
1. Has a plan
A successful blogger not only has good objectives but also has a plan to reach the objectives.
2. Believes in own abilities
In order to become a successful blogger you have to first believe in your own abilities.
3. Consistent message
A successful blog voices a consistent message. Flip flopping on issues will reduce the credibility of your blog.
4. Actively comments
A good blogger actively comments on other blogs. Since comments on other blogs are going stay to permanent, it is important that you provide valuable comments to build a good reputation among the readers of various blogs.
5. Replies to user comments
In order to build a good rapport with your readers, you have to reply to user questions and comments.
6. Responds quickly to damaging information
If someone intentionally or unintentionally publishes any information that can damage your reputation, you have to respond quickly.
A classic example of this is when Darren Rowse of Prologger.net responded quickly to some April fools jokes that had the potential to damage Darren’s reputation.
7. Posts regularly
A good blogger posts regularly. Ideally one should post every day, if you are unable to post daily, you can post less frequently, may be once every 3 days or once a week. But at least keep the posting interval consistent.
8. Creative
In order to compete with millions of other blogs on the Internet, you have to make your blog unique. Creativity plays a vital role in making your blog unique.
9. Has a unique template
As your blog matures, start thinking about developing your own custom template to differentiate the look and feel of your blog from the rest of the crowd.
10. Uses graphics in posts
Images are a great way to grab attention to a post. They can illustrate a point very effectively. Images can increase reader curiosity and interest; this is especially true with abstract or metaphor images.
11. Helps other bloggers
People always remember those who help them. Help out other bloggers and webmasters. They might return the favor in future.
12. Socializes
Socialize with other bloggers, participate on social networks. Traffic from social networking sites plays a vital part in the success of your blog.
13. Backups blog regularly
To be on the safe side you should always backup your blog files and database. Most of the web hosting companies perform weekly backups. Backing your blogs manually has 3 benefits.
• If you accidentally delete some files or folders you can quickly restore from your own backup.
• If the fault is yours, some web hosting companies may charge you to restore backups.
• Some web hosting companies overwrite the weekly backup data, so if you lose some data, and didn’t notice it for a week or two, the backup may be overwritten with the corrupted data.
14. Learns from mistakes
Effective bloggers learn from mistakes. They seldom repeat the same mistake twice.
15. Does it right the first time
If you have to venture into an unknown project, see how others have implemented similar projects successfully. You may not avoid all mistakes in the first place. But the fundamental direction of your project will still be correct.
16. Good Writer, Better Reader
If you eat well you will have the energy to work hard. Similarly if you read well you will have a great variety of things to write about. Therefore a good blogger is one step ahead on reading than writing.
17. Never underestimates the value of any information
Have you ever worked hard on an article and end up not publishing it, because you thought what you have written is obvious and everyone else would know about it? A good blogger never underestimates the value of information and knowledge. Not everyone know what you know, this applies to even very simple things.
18. Concentrates on few things
Effective bloggers concentrates well on the few most important things that determine the success of their blogs.
19. Uses a successful blog as a spring board
An effective blogger uses a successful blog to spring board into new blogs and business ventures.
20. Good learner
An effective blogger is a continuous learner with a thirst for knowledge.
Do you agree with all of the above points? Please comment.
Generally the posts from effective bloggers are center to the theme of blog. Then never divert their reader by writing something off-topic.
Good post. I really like number 16. Reading is an important part of maintaining a resourceful blog. Can’t wait to see the rest of the list!