If you’ve started a blog but have yet to grow your readership or make money from it, it’s time to look at the competition. What makes a blog successful? The best blogs all seem to have a few qualities in common. They’re updated reliably, with unique content and a distinct voice. They are usually aesthetically appealing, easy to navigate, and feature active comment sections. Although every successful blogger may follow his or her own path to success, there are a few qualities that they tend to share.
Successful bloggers often have the following traits or skills, which is worth keeping in mind as you work on your own projects.
1. Perseverance
Getting a fledgling blog off the ground takes time and dedication. Successful bloggers tend to be those who don’t give up easily. How many of us have started up blogs only to see our posts become fewer and farther between over time? Blogging is a time commitment, and it requires the will to succeed even when it’s slow going at times. If you want yours to reach the top-tier, you’ll need to look at the big picture and be willing to take the steps needed to get there. Commit to your audience and be ready to work hard.
2. Unique Tone of Voice
What do the blogs you most enjoy have in common? They probably have a distinct tone of voice, for one. If you sound like everyone else, your blog will likely get lost in the shuffle. Be yourself and don’t try to make your blog sound the same as others in your niche. Humour is a great blogging tool, but don’t use it if it doesn’t come naturally to you. Your jokes will only fall flat. Focus on what makes your voice unique and stick with it. Your voice is what will make your audience feel connected to you.
3. Consistency
Along these same lines, you’ll want to blog consistently with the same tone. Set an editorial schedule so that you are able to put up new posts consistently. The best bloggers may not always post something new every day, but they’ll be consistent enough that readers will know exactly when to return for the next post.
4. Willingness to Learn
Blogging should be an ongoing process. Most successful blogs grow and adapt over time, with very few maintaining the same layout and format from year to year. Being a successful blogger involves having an intellectual curiosity about your subject. You should be interested enough to read what other people are writing and share valuable information with your own readers. Good bloggers also tend to have a tech savvy side. You can stay up to date on the latest blogging trends by pursuing IT courses online or following tutorials.
5. Good Listener
It goes without saying that the best bloggers are usually good writers, but they also tend to be good readers and listeners. To succeed, a blogger should pay close attention to the comment section and really listen to what readers are saying. Communication skills are as important as technical skills if you want to engage your audience.
The good news is that these are all traits that can be acquired over time. By developing these skills or qualities, you can improve your chances of success as a blogger.