{"id":2947,"date":"2012-01-16T11:21:33","date_gmt":"2012-01-16T18:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ann-tran.com\/?p=2947"},"modified":"2012-01-30T12:21:51","modified_gmt":"2012-01-30T19:21:51","slug":"10-bloggers-share-their-2012-blogging-formula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ann-tran.com\/2012\/01\/10-bloggers-share-their-2012-blogging-formula\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Bloggers Share Their 2012 Blogging Formula"},"content":{"rendered":"

How do you <\/em>decide how often to blog?\u00a0 It\u2019s a fact that blogging can definitely burn you out fast if you\u2019re not careful!\u00a0 So when you do get burnt-out, take a mini-break in order to refocus your efforts and then return to the scene refreshed.\u00a0 I took three weeks off at the end of this past year and recharged, and ultimately I came back with fresh blogging ideas and many fun topics.<\/p>\n

I was curious about how others bloggers deal with this, so I reached out to ten bloggers and asked for their perspectives on how they will approach blogging in the coming year.\u00a0 I will be providing their important feedback later in this post, but first I would like to share my experience with you.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

During my first year of blogging, I only posted 22 articles, which equals about one or two posts a month.\u00a0 After my one year anniversary, I felt I needed to write at least once a week.\u00a0 Obviously, I saw a shift in traffic right away. You often get back into an endeavor what you are willing to put into it, and in my opinion once a week works for me.<\/p>\n

I see other writers who deliver one post a day, usually based on high quality content.\u00a0 This amazes me!\u00a0 Blogging daily works for some people, but it might not work for others.\u00a0 I have found that if you create new and unique content that is written in an enjoyable style, your readers will most likely want to see what you have to say next. The more often you publish notable posts, the more remarkable material there is for people to read and share with others.<\/p>\n

I write when I\u2019m suitably inspired, and not just to meet a quota.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure if my readers have enough time to read that much!\u30c4<\/p>\n

I find that I learn so much by doing these series and inviting friends to share their expertise and individual perspectives on subjects.\u00a0 With that being said, it is my pleasure to introduce you to these\u2026Bloggers.<\/p>\n

Finally, I hope the knowledge from the following dedicated bloggers will give you an idea of what works for them.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s your magic blogging formula?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/td>\n@CarlaYoung<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nIn 2012, my approach will be simple:\u00a0 listen to what my readers want and find amazing experts to write on those topics.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nKnow your audience!\u00a0 Get inside their heads, know what makes them tick, pay attention to what captures their interest.\u00a0\u00a0 I know I have hit the mark when I get comments like, \u201cAre you looking over my shoulder?\u201d or \u201cI really need to work on this.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nUse social media to \u2018tune in\u2019 to what your audience is talking about.\u00a0 Pay careful attention to what frustrates them and what tweets or status updates get the most comments.\u00a0 Those provide important insights into future topics worth exploring.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nNow all you need to do is deliver it in an artful form that is uniquely you!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@frugalista<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nIf there is a magic formula for blogging, please let me know so I can buy it. \u30c4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nFor any blogger who makes it past the year mark, I say try new subject matters on your blog. \u00a0If it doesn’t work, you can take it down. \u00a0If it works, then you would have discovered a new reader.\u00a0\u00a0My blog became popular because I blogged about what I felt at the time – insecure about my finances.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nFour years later, my finances are much healthier so I am including content for people who have discretionary income. \u00a0It’s not about alienating one reader but growing your readers. \u00a0You have to give your blog wings.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@geekbabe<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nI\u2019m finding that trying to cover too many interests dilutes my focus and makes posting content that on a regular basis difficult. \u00a0In 2012 I\u2019m going to spend more time concentrating on my true passion, the tech niche. \u00a0Learning how to bring posts to life with video and better quality photography is also on my agenda this year.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nMy biggest bit of advice for a new blogger is to keep in mind that it\u2019s called \u201csocial media\u201d budget a big portion of your time for getting to know others in the space. \u00a0Don\u2019t be afraid to interact with people outside your niche and introduce those people to each other. \u00a0Relax, be yourself, get social, support others, have fun and watch social media magic help your blog to grow.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@isazapata<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nI started blogging mostly to share the highlights of my career with the world.\u00a0 Blogging has been very useful as it has allowed me to share more information than other social media outlets.\u00a0 It has been a fantastic compliment to my website, I can refer people wanting more information regarding my latest events, press coverage, and charity events to the blog.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nI would say my blog is my \u201cSocial Media Head Quarters\u201d, it is a hub of information.\u00a0 You can find out about my product lines, you can connect with me through Facebook, Twitter or watch me paint via YouTube.\u00a0\u00a0Blogging is a way to share my inspiration and 140 characters just aren’t enough to express my feelings.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nMy goal for 2012 is to blog more about things that I am passionate about such as spirituality and to share more photographs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@JuliaRosien<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nI write a couple of different blogs and while the approach is different for each, there are some similarities.\u00a0 Blogging offers me a chance at longer conversations with friends as well as people I may not know \u00a0yet.\u00a0 I tend to blog about newsworthy items or about my perspective on issues – in the hopes that my thoughts will spur more conversation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nI don’t blog because I want people to hear my opinion – I blog because I want to converse and debate and stretch my perspective on issues that matter to me.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nIn 2012, I plan to update my blogs once a week – more if the opportunity presents itself.\u00a0 More importantly, I’ll continue to read and comment on other blogs for the learning and networking opportunities.\u00a0 As a print journalist refugee, I’m so thankful for this medium and the opportunities that go so far beyond what print will ever be able to offer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@lorimcneeartist<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n\u201cQuality over quantity\u201d is this year\u2019s theme for my blogging, business, social media, and personal life.\u00a0 When I began my blog nearly three years ago, I was posting 3-4 blog posts per week.\u00a0 Juggling blogging with my professional art career, writing and family responsibilities became overwhelming at times.\u00a0 This year, in order to combat burnout<\/em>, I have decided to cut back on my postings to 1-2 original posts per week.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nYes, it is important to keep a steady stream of traffic flowing to my blog, so I am constantly working to increase my loyal following of readers and newsletter subscribers by building trust and meaningful connections on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Triberr, StumbleUpon, and Google Plus.\u00a0 Replying to my readers\u2019 comments as well as taking time for commenting on other blogs is at the top of my list.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nQuality content has always been important to my blog, but nowadays I am being extra cautious to only accept original guest posts that have not been previously published on other blogs. \u00a0Duplicate content can negatively impact blog ranking.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nOf course, blogging great content every day is better than blogging great content only a few times a week. \u00a0But right now for me, the quality of my life is more important than the quantity of my blog posts.\u00a0 ~ Lori<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@merylkevans<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nYou don’t want to blog for the sake of having an updated website, especially a business one.\u00a0 Prospects and customers will find your blog and it needs to be worth their time to read it.\u00a0 They’ll also see your business is active, gain insight into what you know and trust you a little more.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nAlthough I’ve blogged five days a week, I’m committed to once a week. That’s what works for me in keeping my business and personal lives balanced.\u00a0 At the same time, it lets me share knowledge, satisfy search engines and stay fresh.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nMake it work for you.\u00a0 Don’t let experts dictate what’s best.\u00a0 It’s OK to listen to what they have to say as long as you base your decision on the right factors.\u00a0 Giving into pressure to do what they say ultimately leads to faster burnout and sacrificing quality.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@MsSonicFlare<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nMost recently, one of my dearest client just asked if we could help them on getting strategy and implementation in place for blogging for their corporate communications department.\u00a0 He asked if there is any magic formula to any successful blogs out there.\u00a0 Although, there isn\u2019t any magic formula in developing a successful blog per say. There are best practices that you might want to implement.\u00a0 First and foremost, you need to know your overall strategy.\u00a0 Then, try to keep it up by creating an editorial calendar that essentially will build up your content throughout the duration of your blog strategy.\u00a0 Get a system going and do blog at least once or twice per week.\u00a0 Did you know that as of August 2011, there are estimated over 164 million blogs out there?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nHere are more facts and data:<\/p>\n
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  • 27% of bloggers are full time bloggers<\/li>\n
  • The U.S. has about 49% of the blogging population worldwide<\/li>\n
  • 5% of the blogs are business-focused and 14% are focused on technology or Internet marketing<\/li>\n
  • Traffic sources: 41% Search Engines, 28% Social Media, 20% Referring Sites<\/li>\n
  • Two-thirds are male<\/li>\n
  • 60% are 18-44<\/li>\n
  • 75% have college degrees<\/li>\n
  • 40% have graduate degrees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nHere are my top 5 tips to keep in mind on blogging:<\/p>\n
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  • Be authentic<\/li>\n
  • Write from the heart<\/li>\n
  • Passionate about your topic<\/li>\n
  • Don\u2019t try to ramble too much, just get to the point.<\/li>\n
  • Edit, edit, edit<\/li>\n
  • Have fun<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nInteresting fact!\u00a0 By looking at the statistics, we need more women bloggers out there. Come on ladies, let\u2019s help on balancing that number out.\u00a0 Together, we could be on a forefront in engaging our audience together.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nIf you need additional tips or help, please contact Ivo Lukas<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@poshbrood<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nMy approach to blogging in 2012 will be to carve out time and blog more regularly.\u00a0 It can be a challenge to blog when I’m on the road, especially with the littles in tow.\u00a0 Also, I’ve found it’s worthwhile to blog when you’re not totally excited about something or have nothing to offer readers.\u00a0 I find that posts or topics I’m most excited about end up resonating with readers — they feel your enthusiasm and want to continue reading.\u00a0 I respect our readers’ time too and don’t want to post just for the sake of a post.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nAlso, it’s so important to not try to be something you’re not.\u00a0 I’m a snarky working mom juggling a blossoming start up, travel and my family.\u00a0 My posts are not all cupcakes and lollipops, neither is real life, is it? I think readers appreciate our unfiltered voices — I wouldn’t connect with a step ford wife either!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nWe love sharing real word-of-mom advice on family travel, hotels, attractions, airlines and destinations.\u00a0 We offer our readers our real-life accounts of what happened when we checked into the hotel, what room works best for families, what to expect from room service and lots and lots of minutia.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nWhen you have a great post, ask your family, friends and fans to Re-tweet, post on Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.\u00a0 Be sure you reciprocate by doing the same for them, too! Collaboration and supporting other bloggers and writers in your niche is a great way for us to all succeed and attract new readers.\u00a0 Here’s to the Year of the Dragon!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n@TheBigDebowski<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nThis year, I hope to do more guest blogging on other sites, as well as have some guest writers contribute to mine – it’s a great way for both parties to benefit and share new information\/perspectives with a new audience.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nI think the biggest seed of advice I\u2019d offer a new blogger is to not be afraid to get started.\u00a0 I brainstormed content for months before actually debuting my blog, exactly a year ago.\u00a0 I was terrified of variety of things\u2026\u00a0 Every possible excuse NOT to start crossed my mind at least once.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nBut, of course, once I finally jumped in, I was so glad I did.\u00a0 It\u2019s exciting having something that\u2019s both \u201cmine,\u201d and that I can use to help others learn.\u00a0 It\u2019s an AMAZING feeling when people remember something specific you\u2019ve written, or compliment your writing and or content.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nI don\u2019t think there\u2019s a \u201cone size fits all\u201d formula for bloggers \u2013 you have to just know who your audience is, where they are, and what they expect from you.\u00a0 When you have all those things defined and you\u2019re knowledgeable and passionate about your subject matter, the writing part comes naturally.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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How do you decide how often to blog?\u00a0 It\u2019s a fact that blogging can definitely burn you out fast if you\u2019re not careful!\u00a0 So when you do get burnt-out, take…Posted on<\/span>