how to make a blog successful …
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in english this time since it is not related to berlin ;-)
no i am not coming with an answer to that question. but anyhow, i went to the SIME in stockholm the last 2 days and had the great chance to hear people talking about the power of blogs (ok that’s not a highlight, i read cluetrain manifest in 2000 or 2001). But there, i met with some people running sucessful blogs. God what impressive. The lesson: if they make it, i can. there is no secret, only to dos. here is the result, happy i’ve met the people behind.
Here the beautiful blog from a quiet impressive dutch women, karin loeffen: Dutchcowboys
but also: Nico Lumma, great german guy to read at lumma.de
well, any comments? ;-)
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Great show SIME in Stockholm, beautiful and talented lady this Karin Loeffen, but what the hell has she to do with http://www.DutchCowboys.nl
So we started the Karin Loeffen mystery on DutchCowboys: http://www.dutchcowboys.nl/weblog/8767
Maybe somebody has a clue?
Comment by Henk 26. November 2006 @ 07:18well well. seems like i need to improve my dutch. I think karin recommended me a great blog called dutchcowboys. she was right, it’s a great blog, unfortunately in dutch ;-). I must have thought she’s the author of it. So here we are now!
Comment by berlinkollektiv 26. November 2006 @ 07:52Mystery Solved ;-) you’re right she is prob a friend of the show…
Comment by Henk 26. November 2006 @ 07:55[...] how to make a blog successful … [...]
Pingback by berlin kollektiv 26. November 2006 @ 08:38Ok so finally : how to make a blog successful …
1) Stay on topic
Opinions are generally accepted but the content of the items in the blog should all relate to a general theme. Unless you have an uncanny knack for wit, humor or cynicism, the majority of your readers will be interested in the content that relates to a specific defined theme or loosely defined area of interest. Most readers won’t care that you eat Cheerios for breakfast. They may, however, be interested in the fact that vinegar takes out stains and that toilet paper rolls make great wreaths. Define a topic and stick to it. This will ensure that you create a loyal following of interested readers.
2) Be informative
If you are attempting to create the impression that you are knowledgeable about a specific industry or sector, be sure that you stay current on news. If you are endorsing a product or voicing an opinion, be sure to check your facts; your reputation is at stake. If you are offering an opinion, be sure to qualify your post, making it clear that the content is intended as an editorial.
3) Old news is not news
While blogging every day can be a drain, it is important that the information presented is current and accurate, writing an article or blurb about something that happened 6 months ago, will not be of interest to many. Telling your audience that Martha Stewart was convicted and will be going to prison, after her sentence is completed will make people question the value of your columns.
4) Adhere to a schedule
Create a schedule and stick to it. Realizing that blogging requires time and effort, don’t create unrealistic expectations and be unable to deliver. An occasional lapse or holiday is generally understood but readers returning to find stale, out-dated content are going to find another blog with similar content. New blogs and RSS feeds are popping up on a daily basis. If you have worked hard to develop an audience and a community you don’t want to lose them due to lack of communication.
5) Clarity and simplicity
Keep your posts and blog entries clear and easy to understand. Remember, the web is global and expressions, idioms and acronyms don’t always translate. Sometimes a little explanation goes a long way.
6) Keyword-rich
If the goal of your blog is to increase your visibility, include related keywords in the title of the blog. Use the title as a headline to attract interest. Each item post should have a title that will attract attention but still be relevant to the post. The title should be no longer than 10-12 words.
7) Quantity matters
In order to attract the attention of search engines, you will need to develop content and substance. A headline or simple sentence is not going to generate the interest of readers or help with search engine ranking. Be sure to archive old blog posts to develop a large portal of similarly-themed content.
8) Frequency
If your blog content is updated frequently, search engines will tend to spider the pages at regular intervals.
9) Spell checking and proof-reading
It only takes a few extra moments and can save you from having to make embarrassing explanations. Remember that whatever you publish on the Internet can be found and archived. Think carefully about what you post before doing so.
10) RSS
RSS will increase your blog’s reach. It is important that you include your blog’s content in an RSS feed to increase readership and distribution.
Most weblog audiences are small, but with time and regular updates audiences grow. Bloggers may never have more than a few hundred readers, but the people who return to regularly are generally interested in what you have to say.
Comment by Henk 26. November 2006 @ 18:50Thanks for posting the tips on blogging.
So the last tip to make a blog successful is…?
To create a buzz!
The good news is: you are doing great! ;0)
Thanks, lots of success and keep the SIME vibe.
Kind regards
Comment by Karin Loeffen 27. November 2006 @ 16:55Karin Loeffen
http://www.libersy.nl
Thx Henk,
this is great, i’ll follow the rules
f.
Comment by berlinkollektiv 27. November 2006 @ 19:56hi karin,
i am the first to be surprised about what happened. quiet amazing. unfortunately i don’t understand dutch, so i hope the guys from DC where nice with you… But anyway, now that we created some buzz around you (unintentionally), can’t you help me with my blog ?? ;-)
Comment by berlinkollektiv 28. November 2006 @ 21:01