JO-ANNE VANDERMEULEN “Conquer All Obstacles”

Is there a correct way to  blog? Much like asking if there’s a right way to write.

Actually, any form or action of writing is a form of expression that satisfies the writer and communicates with their audience is a win-win process. ‘Correct’ is such a subjective term. But, there are better ways to ‘Conquer All Obstacles‘ if one is to follow the advice of experts who have tested their theories and proven successful.

If your objective in posting a blog is to generate traffic so the direction the spotlight will shine onto yourself or your books, then heed to these TEN SUCCESSFUL POINTS – CREATING A BLOG YOUR READERS WILL LOVE:

1.) Write in conversation style – Easy to understand and enjoyable to read.

2.) Chose a clean design, with no distractions as your template.

3.) Use short paragraphs. Include bullet points, headings, and subheadings – Easy to scan for information.

4.) Keep blog posts short. If needed, set-up a link to long reference material.

5.) Have a plan and stick to it. Topics/How to Market/Scheduling – Shows committment.

FACT – Blogs take up to 6 months to gain a steady group of readers unless you market your blog consistently. Promote to advertisers and readers.

6.) Create links to past relevant and popular posts and ones that introduce YOU – Easy navigation will assist new readers.

7.) Produce valuable and unique content. Learn/Entertain/Update – Your readers must get something out of reading your blog.

8.) Establish a sense of community – Interaction will satisfy your readers as they will feel a part of your blog.

9.) Brand yourself by discovering your niche and using this tag in your signature and theme of each post – a tremendous gain of popularity through search engines will attract new followers.

10.) Remember to include “About Section” and “Contact Detail” pages along with your contributing post page.

To ‘Conquer All Obstacles’ does not mean to get caught-up into the web of perfection. What one reader may see as valuable, another may view as a waste of time. The most important aspect when blogging is for you to write. Relax. The more comfortable you are in expressing your voice, the better your audience will adhere to your blog.

JO-ANNE’S UPDATES

- Last night we returned from Cuba. We had a two week fabulous holiday! (I plan to have pictures in my Facebook photo album page for you to view by the end of next week.). Not sure if I’d call it a test or a conquer…no cell phones and my laptop stayed home. Now, isn’t that an interesting way to leave work behind?

-Thank you to Robin Sullivan for being my guest blogger while I was away. Stay tune for the exchange on her site. I will be Robin’s guest blogger discussing “Field Guide to Blogging”.

-Yes, to be honest, I missed technology. But I can survive without it. I spent two glorious weeks under the hot sun (versus my sub-below freezing Saskatchewan temperatures), listening to the crashing waves (versus the crunching snow), and with the greatest decision…should I flip over and get more sun on my back? I read like crazy, met many interesting and wonderful people, and romanced with my husband as if we were on our second honeymoon.

-At the end of January, I curled in the Saskatchewan Scotties Provincials. I have attempted to gain entrance nine times before. A dream come true.

-Now comes the most exciting news…but, I can’t completely open the ‘can’ yet. We are on the final stages of preparation. Very soon, I will be able to give you what hundreds of my readers have been requesting.

PREMIUM PROMOTIONAL SERVICES launch date is set for March 2nd. I will only take on three clients per month (one-to-one attention) with  first come, first serve bases. Others will have the option to have their name placed on a waiting list.

My blog “Conquer All Obstacles” will continue as always.

OTHER INTERESTING POSTS:

TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG?…THAT IS THE QUESTION

LEARN HOW TO DESIGN A PRODUCTIVE BLOG/WEBSITE

ATTRACTIVE BLOG/WEBSITE GENERATES TRAFFIC