What Makes a Blog Good?

[Image: Kristina B via Flickr]

I am still working on figuring that out myself. I really want to devlop my blog into something good that will continously engage and connect readers on daily basis. To develop a community and relationship with other bloggers, and selfishly make a few dollars in the process. Not make a living, but make enough to cover hosting expenses, etc. Until that day, if it ever comes, I will continue to search for what will make my blog engaging and work to draw in new readers.

Over the past, almost year now, of blogging I have learned from others and for myself a few things that make blogs worth reading. Some of them I have been able to incorporate, and others I am still trying to work to accomplish.

• Content – Content for your blog is key. Not only with quality of content, but with quantity as well. You want to keep a continuous stream of fresh content. All of the content may not be top notch every day, but work to produce content as often as you can.
• Be Yourself – Be yourself when you blog. It makes writing a lot easier, and enjoyable.
• Niche – The niche for my blog is not still undetermined. It ranges from personal thoughts and feelings on various subjects to reviews of books. My blog is really just a personal blog that deals with a smörgåsbord of content.
• Engage Readers – Ask questions. Give the readers a chance to bring their knowledge and thoughts to the topic of interest.
• Statistics – Do not dwell on them. They will drive you nuts. I am not saying never check them, but do it in moderation. Use them to know what is driving people to your site. You will learn that some posts that you think will draw the most visitors will not draw any and other posts you just throw together gets tons of traffic. Visitors will come…it just takes time.
• Be Friendly – I try to respond to all comments and thank them for visiting the blog and taking time to share. Also, in building the community I try to visit their blogs or subscribe to their RSS feeds.
• Visual – Your blog should not be overwhelming visually. Your content should be focused first and foremost. I suggest you get a theme for your blog that is very minimal, but easily customizable such as the Standard Theme. (Check it out…You will not be disappointed!)

These are just a few of the things that I am working on an d I feel that will make my blog better. I will continue to try to better my blog daily, and look for better ways to do it!

Have you found any effective ways to better your blog?