11 Things I Love in a Blog

These thoughts are from a blog-reader's point of view, not a blogger. They are things I have found make or break a blog for me. ;) 

1. Interact.

This one is super important. Interact. Reply to comments on your blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, you name it. It doesn't need to be long—just say, “thank you!” Follow blogs or accounts you think you will like (you can always unfollow if you don't). By doing so, you create a friendly atmosphere, one that says you're willing to be friends and you want to know about us! It makes you personal—not a stuck-up girl who's amazing at _______ (fill in the blank—writing, sewing, etc.).

2. Be Humorous. 

Don't be afraid to let your special brand of humour out upon your blog. It's you! It makes you and your stuff unique and interesting... and funny. xD Some of my favourite bloggers are hilarious! Some people are not as funny as others—that's OK. Everybody has some humour. Let it out. I’ll  love you for it. 

3. Be Serious. 

On the other hand though, don't shy away from on-my-heart and God's-been-teaching-me and this-is-life posts. This also builds your “personality” to us. You're a person who cares about others, not just an island in a sea of yourself. You can raise awareness, you can touch hearts, you can share experience, you can share wisdom, and so forth. You don't need to make this a place for your pet peeves or whatever, but you get the idea.

4. Share Tips & Tricks. 

We all like to know about hacks and tips and ideas. They're useful. Don't be stingy. Share your experience in writing, sewing, reading, you name it! We'll be sure to read it. 

5. Share About Your Life.

Again, this builds your “personality.” Share what's going on! It doesn't need to be super detailed, just a quick little update. But it keeps you real. Vlogs can be super fun (but don't neglect articles. We can save an article if its useful, but vlogs are harder). Share your thoughts on life or your life. Share lessons you've been learning. Share about your faith. Do tags. (I love tags!!)

6. Don't Post Too Often. 

Some bloggers post two to three times a week. That gets wearing. If not on them, then on their readers. We have life going on too. We don't have that much time to spend online (or we shouldn't. *coughs*). One of my favourite bloggers posts once a week. Every Saturday. I love that! I only have to read one thing from her, I know when it's coming, it's always worth reading. Check for you how many posts can go up. Maybe you can post a review on Tuesday and a real post on Saturday, and a Wrap-Up once a month.

7. Share Stories. 

You want people to read your writing. You want them to buy your books. One way to get readers is by sharing your work. Post Flash Fiction. Post the first chapters from your books. Post excerpts from your WIP (I swear, that can really whet people's bookish appetite!) Have freebies and sales! They'll read it because it's free, and if they like your work, they'll be far more likely to buy it, share it, and review it.

8. Have Good Blog Navigation.

Try not to have adds if you can help it. Make sure to have a search button (what if I want to reread that three-month-old post of yours because it was so good?). And try not to have 5,000 tags. Have as few as you can, but have enough—and use them! They're amazingly helpful to us. 

9. Try to have Guest Posts & Share Articles.

Guests posts are always a win-win. You get a break + you get to share a blogger or author you like, the author/blogger gets known by others, and your followers get a new, different post. Several of my friends include their favourite articles of the month in the wrap-ups. That is also amazing for everyone concerned! 

10. Share About Books.

The chances are, you're a bookish person and your followers are bookish people. Share reviews. (They are a-maz-ing for if you want to check out a new author). Share your raves and rants. We want to know what books are so good we should maybe try them out, or which ones we should avoid or be cautious of (especially if we have similar tastes). Be respectful and don't overdo it, but I think you know what I mean. ;) 

11. Schedule.  

Most of those tips boil down to this: be (yo)unique. This is your blog to do what you want with (as long as it’s God honouring, of course). This is your place to bloom and be creative and experiment. Write about the stuff you love. Do the kinds of things you enjoy doing. Post what you’d like to see. You don’t need to copy another blogger even if she has 1k followers. Be yourself. Be who God made you to be. Don’t be afraid. If He put you here, He has a plan for you and He’ll tell you how to do it. 

~ // ~

This was one of my very first posts and I decided to take it from the vault and post it on the chance that it might help someone. :) Let me know what blog things you love/dislike in the comments! :)