In this month’s Sydney Observer technology section we have devised a few tips on how to create a blog, generate an income and keep readers coming back for more!
By: Madhu Manohar
Anyone, at any age, can create an online weblog, or “blog”. Running a blog only requires a computer, dedication, and a passion for what you’re writing about. However, while we’ve all heard of ‘make money online’ or ‘make money while you sleep’ ideas – do they actually work?
Research your favourite blogs
Before you write your first entry, research as many blogs with similar topics as you can. You may be overwhelmed with how many other bloggers have the same coverage area, but take notes on what has made that blog successful, as well as what you didn’t like as a reader.
Time is money
You might have a formula for the most successful blog ever, but if you cannot find the time to work on it regularly it will never take off. The most successful bloggers often spend hours every day writing, networking, and perfecting their blog. Dedicate time to your blog each week before you begin so you know you will be committed to it in the long term.
Stand out from the pack
Ask yourself: can my blog offer something different to the hundreds I have found within the same category? Try and make the content in which you are writing about unique. There are thousands of blogs discussing everything from fitness or fashion and if your topic is something popular, make sure there is something different about it that stands out.
Get blogging with good content
Blogspot and WordPress are popular and easy sites to get started with blogging. Your first blog should be something catchy that your target audience (for example, boutique fashion for 20 to 35 year olds) is seeking and something missing your audience requires, which you have now provided for them. Viewers will only visit a blog regularly if the content and overall experience is helpful.
Add some style (and ads)
Once you have published a series of blogs you can look at making your blog visually appealing. Color themes, layouts and images are all important features of any Web site and blogs are no different. With good content and a stylish theme, you can start adding online advertisements to bring in some revenue. There are numerous advertising networks that make it easy to add ads to a blog.
Network and share
Once everything is established start sharing your blog and it content through other online channels and networks. This step is vital and is often approached by bloggers much sooner than it should be. If you begin to share an unfinished, unprofessional looking blog it can detract viewers form visiting your site again.
Networking your blog involves promotion and social media. Social Media is a key aspect of networking in today’s world, especially if your target audience is under 30. Be creative with networking, but remember that to make money you might have to spend money. For example, Facebook offers paid promotional campaigns in which you can substantially increase your following.
To initially increase your blog’s social media audience try targeting countries with high response rates such as India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Indonesia. Social media users in those countries are more active in liking, sharing and following blogs, which widens your readership and increases ad revenue.
Other social networks which make it easy to build a following without any cash investment are Twitter and Instagram. And Linkedin is another great portal for networking with other professionals in your field.
