Got a blog? Blogging for writers is a little different from generic blogging. In your case, your blog supports your writing. If your blog isn’t doing that, these tips may help.
Blogging for writers: WHY are you blogging?
Writers start blogs because they’ve been told that they “should” have one. Yes, it’s a great idea, but if all you want is a one-page calling card, there are many free service providers who’ll create a one-pager for you. Alternatively, use the profile page on a social media network as your calling card.
Blogging can be an excellent hobby, but if you’re using a blog to promote your writing services or books, be clear about that. It’s useful to write down WHY you’re blogging — create your own “mission.”
1. Create a “mission” for your blog (example: “I’m blogging because I want top quality, high-paying clients in six months”
I’ve created many blogs over the years. Hundreds, a decade ago, when money blogging was profitable. Here’s what I know: it’s surprisingly easy to forget why you had a sudden rush of blood to the head and created a blog.
In a plain text file, in a folder you created for your blog’s details (hosting company info, URL, password etc), write down your mission statement.
In other words, what are your goals for the blog for the next few months, and how will you achieve them? No one will ever see your mission except you, so you can make it as detailed or as minimalistic as you choose. Drag the text file into Evernote, or similar. It will be useful to have it accessible when you’re creating campaigns.
Examples of mission statements:
- To promote my upcoming series of mystery novels. (Add dates);
- To win high-paying clients by — (add a date);
- To get a traditional publisher for my novel by — (add a date.)
It’s vital that you’re SPECIFIC in your mission statement. The more focused your blog, the more likely it is that you’ll achieve your goals.
2. Create itty bitty campaigns: tie blogging into everything you do
Blogging for writers — to build your writing business — is different from other kinds of blogging. You might create an affiliate blog because you’re a huge fan of product X, and want to promote it. Or you might create a large fashion blog in order to make money by selling advertising space. Or you might want to sell physical products… A blog can be used for almost anything.
Your biggest challenge will be getting sidetracked. You’ll read what other bloggers are doing, and you’ll find ideas and techniques you want to try on a blog of your own.
Remember your mission statement. It’s just a goal, and you can’t do goals, you can only do tasks. Therefore, create some tiny blogging campaigns, and set goals for them. Your itty bitty campaigns will help you to achieve your mission for your blog.
Let’s say that you’re blogging to promote your new series of mystery novels. Your tiny campaigns could include:
- Get 200 mystery readers onto a mailing list;
- Create five blog posts about the first novel in your series before publication day;
- Write three posts promoting other mystery writers (with the hope that they might help you too.)
3. Take a break when you’re busy — keep your mission in mind
You have a mission statement so that you don’t get side-tracked. You created the blog for a purpose, and until you’ve achieved your mission, focus on that.
Once your mission’s completed, let the blog lie fallow if you wish. Your blog is just a tool to help you to do something. If you’re busy with other work, and don’t have a clear idea of why you should write a blog post, don’t do it.
Thousands of writers use blogs as the hub of their activities to promote their writing. They’re happy with their results. Blogging is easy — after all, writing is what we do. Many other bloggers hate their blogs. They either give up, or they post the occasional desultory post, which has little or no effect on their profits from their writing.
Blogging for writers is amazing: it’s instant publishing. You CAN make it work for you. Create a mission statement for your blog today, and start achieving your mission. And of course, have fun. 😉
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