What makes a good blogger?
I have read a lot of blogs over the past couple of years and have spent a great deal of time analysing what I think makes a good blog and blogger. Obviously, what is a good blog and blogger is going to be diffrerent for everyone but I thought I would share my thoughts on what I love to see in the blog world.
There are of course some exceptions to my thoughts as there are some blogs that don't use any images at all and are just brilliant writers etc. but generally speaking to me these are the common tips that I have seen good bloggers do.
1. They share their story. They are not afraid to share honestly and openly what has happened to them over their lifetime and believe that what they have to say is worthwhile and will make a difference.
2. They use good images. I love a blog that has great images. Either pictures they have taken themselves or images that are found on the internet for use.
3. They write from the heart. I love to read powerful writing. Writing that makes you laugh or cry, that touches your heart and leaves you feeling like a different person after reading it.
4. They link to other bloggers. I love to see a blogger share some blog love and link to other bloggers. All bloggers love to get traffic to their site and it is a joy to see someone sharing something you have written.
5. They know their worth. When working with companies or brands they know that they have influence and value. They are confident enough to ask for compensation and respect themselves enough to value their words, effort and time.
6. They don't take themselves too seriously. They know that having a blog should be fun and enjoyable. They know that not everyone is going to agree with what they have to say and are prepared to handle comments that may cause them to feel offended.
7. They know their blog voice. A good blogger knows their own voice and style and is consistent. They are not tempted to change and become someone else for the sake of keeping readers or companies happy. You can know they will be reliable with what they share and say.
8. They love their readers. I love to see a blogger who listens to what their readers want. They answer questions, they appreciate that they took the time to stop by and they make them feel important.
9. They have a simple blog design. I love a blog that is easy to navigate and looks simple and inviting. A good blog design helps you feel that the blog is an extension of who they are as a blogger and you feel good every time you visit.
10. They know content is key. I love a blogger who knows that content is key to having a good blog. They work hard to provide good content that readers will enjoy and are not afraid to put in the time and effort to research if need be.
11. They mentor other bloggers. I love a blogger who takes the time to help other bloggers progress and better other blogs. They share what they have learned and support the blogging community.
12. They are teachable. I love to see a blogger acknowledge that they still have more to learn. They are open to new ideas, they admit mistakes and keep moving forward to improve upon what they already know.
13. They have a life besides their blog. A good blogger knows that a blog is an extension of them and their thoughts but is not their whole life. They have real life relationships and live life off their blog as well as on it.
14. They know when to take a break. I love to see a blogger admit they need a break. They value their own mental and emotional health and can step away from their blog to take care of themselves if need be.
15. They are not jealous. I love a blogger who celebrates the success of other bloggers and knows that comparison leads to misery. They understand that we all have different voices, talents and opportunities and is happy to support others in their blog journey.
Naturally, there is a lot more that could be added to this list but these are the top thoughts that stand out to me on what I have seen makes up a good blog and blogger. There are after all so many blogs to get ideas from these days!
What would you add to my list?
What a beautiful post. It is so positively written, and so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteLove this post Naomi. Fits so well with what I am writing about over the next four weeks. Will definitely be quoting you and re-directing to it. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGlad it fits in well for you and you are welcome to link to me anytime :)
DeleteWonderful words of wisdom =). Thank you Naomi.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with everything you have so beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteI dont blog but love to visit many amazing blogs I have been led to through twitter.
I understand that sometimes due to lifes circumstances and/or large volume of comments, bloggers can not reply to all comments.I have noticed some never reply to any and then I wonder is it worth commenting because I dont know if my comment is being read.
When they do reply to what comments they can, I admire them for taking the time out to do so.It cant always be easy to find the time.It makes the people who wrote the comments feel like they have been heard,even if their particular comment isnt replied to and for that I would like to say thankyou to those bloggers.
You Naomi always take the time and to me that means alot.xx
Deb we all appreciate your wonderful support you give to bloggers and I love your comments on my blog. N x
DeleteA good blogger takes into consideration other people's feelings, be it through what they write or what they say during their promotion of themselves or their blog. I have seen bloggers fight on Tweeter over something that could have been prevented if the first blogger had stopped and thought about how they are sounding in their words.
ReplyDeletelol I can't spell Twitter ;)
DeleteGreat reminder Rhonda. It is easy to get caught up on issues on twitter. I try to stay away as much as I can. N x
DeleteExcellent points Naomi! I've been doing too much of 13 and 14 to be a blogger, let along a good one! I love these, so true.
ReplyDeleteLiving your life and taking a break is excellent. Never feel guilty for doing that! N x
DeleteNumber 13 - they have a life outside their blog! That's a doozy! All great points Naomi.
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to get sucked into spending all your waking hours thinking about your blog. I fell into that trap last year and nearly sent myself crazy. Comparing yourself to other blogs and bloggers will just end up making you miserable too. I think a lot of those 'best' blogger competitions to that to a lot of people.
I took a break from it all for a few months and now when I do it I just make sure I have fun, both on the blog and on the facebook page. I think people like that and that's why it's grown so quickly and I enjoy it more.
Some lessons we have to learn ourselves don't we? Love that you are having more fun with it. N x
DeleteI think a good blogger communicates with there readers!
ReplyDeleteGreat list Naomi and I as a blogger I think it's really important to keep these things in mind. It is far too easy to succumb to the pressures of blogging rather than enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. People all to often are unaware of the emotional effort that goes into a good blog. I have been half heartedly blogging over the last 12months and have now come to the realisation that it's hard work. This post has inspired me to give it another go, thanks Naomi.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard work Prue. If you love it as much as I do it really does not seem like work, it becomes far more enjoyable. Good luck. N x
DeleteNaomi, I love this post so much. Have bookmarked it ... the next time somebody asks me about blogging, I'll tell them to come here.
ReplyDeleteThe sharing bit is essential. Share your inner story, the bit you only tell your closest friends, and I will read your blog forever.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts Claire! Inspiring. N x
DeleteI would have to agree. That is a great list.
ReplyDeleteHard pressed to find anything to add - love this list.
ReplyDeleteI would say, though, that it's important to not get lost in the hype. Not to put much weight in to whether or not you are "followed" by a certain number, or how many comments you receive.
Writing is such a personal outlet, that reaching anyone - just one - is a triumph in and of itself.
Be your own trending topic. The rest will fall in to place, and serve your heart in the manner you provide.
Love your page.
xxoo
Thanks for your additional thoughts Christine. Great reminders. N x
Deletegreat list Naomi. I agree on everything you have said. I also beleive that bloggers should engage with their readers and comments. I love replying back to my readers that leave a comment.
ReplyDeleteI love replying back as well. I wish I had more hours in the day though!
DeleteLove the list. I'd add that I love a blogger that shows respect. To everyone and everything. This doesn't mean no swearing or ranty pants posts, just no put-downs and judgement. x
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder Emily. So hard not to judge some days. N x
Deletelove this post, very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insight into blogging Naomi. Sometimes it's hard to see ourselves as other see us .... no, it's always hard to see ourselves how other see us and our blogs. I totally agree that it's important not to compare ourselves to others because we all have different life experiences and all see things from different perspectives. I also think that we have to not be afraid to share who we are through our words. I know I find things written from the heart inspiring.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog as always.
Leonie (Lotti)
Aah, I love this Naomi, making me miss that I haven't blogged for a few weeks xx
ReplyDeleteI think you have pretty much nailed it N!!
ReplyDeleteOoh! I'm cheering in Hobart, Naomi. A fabulous list. I'd add that they make it easy to contact them by having their email address clearly available. I love emailing bloggers and sometimes that can be hard to do! J x
ReplyDeleteGreat read for someone like myself being new to the world of blogs! Both from a writing perspective and for choosing which blogs to follow! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great list. I started up a blog again and I just read your list and felt confident that I am on a good blogging journey.....just stepped onto the yellow brick road...will see what happens as it curves and forks out. eek!
ReplyDeleteLoving this list and hoping that I've at least got a few of those going for me on my blog! Working on the rest...because my life and blog is a work in progress! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Naomi, I love your blog. It inspires me and, as a mum of 5 myself, I can be pretty sure that when the day starts terribly, I can dip into your blog and seek inspiration and change the mood of our home. So thank you and please keep your blogs coming xx
ReplyDeleteHowever think of if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, "pop"! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this blog could undeniably be one of the very best in its field. Very good blog
ReplyDeleteSurely, I will revisit your site for additional info. Thanks for the article. I really like this website , and hope you will write more
ReplyDelete