This blog was written because of a simple request for help in starting a blog about staging. Let me say that I am not expert in blogging, but have generated a lot of business because of it, so I feel that every professional in this industry should at least give it a shot. If a small amount of guidance from me (and anyone else who wants to contribute) will get someone on the path to building a successful blog, I'm more than happy to share what I've learned. So, Here it goes...
1. Blog about what you do. This is about the most basic piece of advice anyone can give you, but it is the most important. The reason you blog is to increase business. Show people you know what you are doing and establish your expertise in your field. Eventually you will be comfortable with branching out of your comfort zone.
2. Keep your audience in mind. Who is this individual blog directed toward? Make sure you are speaking directly to them.
3. Always keep your ultimate goal in mind.The point of your blog is to generate business, so you are ultimately this is your online job interview. In this forum it is easy to get sidetracked in the social aspect of things and you should show that side of yourself, but be smart about it. Everything you say is used to decide whether you get hired or not. Think about what you say and use the delete button if you have to.
4. Show pictures of your work.The proof is in the portfolio. Show them your skills.
5. Don't over think it. Let your words flow from you naturally. Agonizing over every word will drive you crazy and bring your blog to a stand still.
6. Don't pick too broad of a subject. Be specific - it gives you more to write about later.
7. Write when you are inspired. Sitting down to the computer with no direction makes blogging just a task you must complete and it will show in your writing. You also do not need to write just at the computer. When a blog subject pops into my head, I write it down with a couple of notes and sit on it until I am really have it rolling in my head.
8. Control Yourself. When the blogging bug finally bites, you will want to blog all the time about every little thing that pops into your head. People will tire of you and you will burn out quickly. Write some blogs elsewhere and post them later. It will make blogging easier and give you a stronger readership. Sometimes I write off of the top of my head and sometimes I just don't have the energy, so I look through my blog reserves and post one I may have written weeks ago. Craig Schiller is a good example of this. He is a great blogger, but does not post very often. People anticipate his blogs because they know he is good and what he posts will be worth reading.
9. Don't worry about original subjects. Everything has probably been blogged about before, but not from your point of view. We all have a unique approach to writing and our perspective are never 100% the same. People want to hear what you have to say about it.
10. Be Yourself, but be mindful of others. Our opinions are as varied as our personalities. Everyone will not agree with you or you with them. Just accept it and be respectful and polite about it. It all comes back to the job interview. If you are rude and forceful about your opinions or disrespectful of others you will lose the job and possibly your audience.
Spend some time reading other blogs to get you started. Find out who inspires you and read them regularly. They may help you find your voice.
Most importantly, just do it. Your first blog may not be your best, but it is always the hardest to get through. Get it over with - you will feel better for it and you can always delete it later. ;)
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Kimberly - There is a ton of great information here. One thing I would add is that if you are trying to use your blog to get leads or jobs then you need to include the area where you work as well. Thanks for sharing!
Could you add this post in Blogging & SEO I am the moderator over there? We are always looking for blogs about blogging and Seo tips.