Having a blog is harder and more fun than I thought it might be. People blog for a wealth of different reasons these days. Some people blog to have a place to share their random thoughts on the day and many blog on more of a professional platform.
It seems to me, a brand new blogger, that if you’re interested in attracting an audience of readers, a personal business is exactly what your blog can become. If you want readers, you’ll have to figure out exactly what you want your blog identity to be, promote it and brand yourself and your blog. I’m still struggling with all these issues, although I have a general idea of how I’ll go about them. I want to attract the generation Y’s who are interested in reading advice and stories centered on the work place and careers. My blog is currently called “The Roaring Twenties” which I think is a cute name. However, I’m a bit concerned that I’ll rule out the thirty somethings who many of my posts will apply to as well. Should I change the name to something more attractive to both the 20 and 30 somethings crowd? I have been grappling with that question the last few days. Also, how important is the name of my URL in relation to the name of my blog? I couldn’t find an available URL related enough so my URL is fairly different from my blog name. How will this effect who I attract as readers?
There is also the issue of networking. I’m currently investigating all the networking blogs out there to try and get my name on the table, so people can find my blog. Networking for your blog can be a job in itself, but it’s been a lot of fun meeting all these new people on the same adventures as me. I’ve recently joined or already belonged to “Twenty Something Bloggers”, “Linked In”, “Facebook” and now “Tweeter” (this one I only joined with hopes of promoting my blog and meeting other bloggers)
My final piece of advice to both myself and others is this: Go with it! See where it takes you and depending on how popular or not popular your blog becomes, you can alter things at that time. If anyone has suggestions for my blog, throw them at me!
-Twenty Something
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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4 comments:
what are you looking for in networking?
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I wouldn't worry too much about your url- mine has nothing to do with my blog and it's been fine for me.
As for attracting readers, I think the number one, hands down thing a person can do is BE a reader. Leave comments on blogs you enjoy. I started blogging thinking that I would be 50 before I got a comment, but leaving comments is the best and easiest way to get your name out there. Now I don't worry about comments at all, and even better, I've found a whole community of blogs I really enjoy reading.
Good luck!
OK, now you've got me thinking about it.
Your blog title can be very important in terms of SEO. Also, I like your name, but does it tell readers what what your blog is about or do they need to dig into your site to find out -- and will they?
Also, what are you going to blog about? From this post, it looks like you're not sure.
Many people blog for the sake of blogging. However, successful blogs have a clearly defined audience and topic in mind. Once you know what you want your blog to be, then you are on your way.
Then of course, this could just be the musing of an individual who passed out of the "roaring 20s" some time ago.
Good luck with you blog and most important, have fun.
(Also, your LinkedIn question...great way to drive traffic. Now find other places to do it)
Jim
20 Something Bloggers is where I've collected most of my readers, but I haven't figured out how to make good use of Linked In yet. I know this is obvious, but commenting on other people's blogs is also a great way to gain readers.
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