Blogging Do’s and Don’ts {says me}
I’ve got a busy coupla days, so today I’m posting just a few opinions.
On your blog:
1. Don’t apologize for a lack of posts, it’s booooooring.
2. Do be candid and speak openly about what you think. For some reason, we are so interested in other people… this is why the radio, T.V., reality shows, and blogs are so popular. We can’t get enough of what you think!
3. Don’t ignore other blogs. If you want people to comment on your blog, you’ve got to comment on others. Try to post a comment on one new blog a week.
4. Do reply to comments on your blog. It’s polite, and lets people know you are reading them.
5. Don’t post in a hurry! I do this often, and then have typos that I glance over and don’t notice. Now I have a proofer! {thanks JP}
6. Do post pictures of yourself. Like I said, we’re curious!
7. Don’t hate on Facebook, Twitter, etc., without having used it.
8. Do be confident!
Let me know you stopped by »
Girl I love all these and totally agree! So one question what is a proofer and where do I find me one?
@Brandy – my friend at work reads through and sends me an email when I screw up. And it happens often… I write them and read them over so quickly that I miss things. So now, I read them VERY slowly after I post. We’re all human.
good to know. I’m trying to be better about #3 as you can see!
I just wanted to let you know that I read every single one of your posts, although I rarely comment. {sorry!} I am totally guilty of being a blog stalker. But I definitely appreciate that you respond to every comment – it is sweet and lets me know that you care about what your readers have to say.
xo
@Shannon – Thanks for the comment! ;) We’re ALL guilty!
I found you recently and love you! You are on my blogroll so I never miss an update now. ;)
Thank you for this post. The whole commenting thing gets me down sometimes. I see a blog that clearly everyone loves. They are popular, but not popular to the point of getting 50+ comments on one post. So, they should have the time to say hello at least once? Right? :( I know not everyone likes me blog content but saying hi and thank you is respectful! Good karma too!
Cheers!
I am so totally guilty of being a lurker. I have so many blogs I subscribe to, but rarely comment on them. This is a great blog though. I think I will make it my new vow to make sure to comment on each of them at least once a week.
haha, i love this list.
it’s pretty great :)
xo.
I always reply to comments via email (if I’m given an email address) but do you think it’s better to do so in the comments section instead?
Great list! #1 & #7 are my favorites. :) I always say blogging is like high school. It’s still a popularity contest, whether we like it or not, but the popular kids aren’t that way because they’re any better at blogging–they’re just better and socializing! Of course we have this thing called internet that I didn’t have in high school, so socializing is much easier than it was then. ;)
Great advice, especially for a newbie blogger!
Thanks for the tid bits of info. I am a new blogger and appreciate and advice when I can get it.
great little list. new to the blogging world and I have to agree with all of it. I think Natalie’s comment is very funny! had me giggling…
have a wonderful weekend.
joanna
great list, Brooke! my Dad is my proof reader. he sends me an email everytime I make a typo (which is way to often as well). it’s nice to have someone watching your back!
Amen! I agree with all of this, especially the comments part. And how many times does it make our day to find a friend on blogger and see that they have commented on what we carefully composed?
This is a great list and your right, I’m totally going to take your advice and make at least 1 comment per day! great goal idea!
You’re right Brooke. I know many people who blog for various reasons but who are jealous of my blog because I actually “share” on it. I try not to overwhelm with too many deep thoughts – I mix in enough shallow to keep things balanced. But we’re friends or interested in people because of WHO they are. We can’t know someone when they don’t share that.
Love this post! Great points! I ALWAYS struggle with proofing.
Just got back into town, and didn’t realize my list would out some of you ‘lurkers’! HA! Sorry I gave you a guilty conscience, but thanks for commenting! :)
I agree! But I always struggle with pointer number 2 and 8.. and with proof reading too. I’ve never really maintained a blog since I felt like I don’t have anything interesting to say… I hope I can cope up soon. learn some techniques… and actually have readers read my blog.. haha =)
Great suggestions. I totally break rule #5. If I didn’t post in a hurry, I’d never get around to finishing. But my husband has started to proof posts after they are published because he knows I can’t spell. :)
@Jo – I had a problem with number 2 also. Sometimes it’s hard not knowing who’s out there and who you’re talking to. Just forget about it – and write as if you’re talking on the phone to your sister or mom. Thanks for the comment!
@mrslimestone – I break #5 all the time too. It’s hard to slow down and read it thoroughly. I know I still make all kinds of mistakes. Oh well! We do our best! You have a very cool blog!
good tips, especially the begin confident part. that’s where it all begins.
Great ideas! I hardly ever reply to comments…just not enough time. Sometimes you gotta let things go or blogging will take over!
My blog is brand new and I give scouts honor that I will keep these things in mind! I’ll probably get a little more confident with each post! Thank you for doing such a good job!
I am guilty of a few of these. Thanks for bringing them to my attention! I will be better. I am going to link to this post soon and maybe some of my lurking readers will comment.
This post and all the comments are so good. Every single one gave me something I didn’t know, so thanks to everyone. Just in the beginning stages, playing around with a niche and hiring a designer.
I found your blog on The Lovely List and I love it! There are so many cute ideas and projects.
I also just started a blog and I will definately keep these tips in mind!
Thanks..keep up the great blog! :)
I have been guilty of breaking rule #7 a couple of times on my blog (but in the nicest way – if that’s possible)… Boo rats boo :(
Nice to know!
Very good advice! I often wonder how to bring more traffic to my site. I blog about anything and everything from my narcolepsy to my catalog home!! I am an avid blog reader but I always forget to leave notes! Thanks for all the blog tips.
Great ideas…I try to respond to comments, every once in a while someone has a question. I was reading a blog last night and several of the commenters asked the same question for the author and I went through all the comments looking for her answer and she didn’t answer..I thought that was kind of bad..I had the same question..part of the deal with a popular blog is to read all the comments to your blog..otherwise what’s the point. It is kind of like high school. I like that I have 30 some followers and I also check on their blogs and comment..its a friendship..if they are interested enough in me to follow me, then I will gladly return the favor.
Just found your blog! Loving what I’ve seen so far, esp. this post and the fun ones about your pregnancy. Such a cute nursery!!
I have just stumbled across your blog via FatMumSlim – it’s gorgeous!
Some great advice here.
Thanks! I’ve only recently started my blog and I’m already addicted, though I question myself every day. It’s good to know I’m doing it alright.
Thanks for the tips from a newbie – found you via FatMumSlim.
Think you’ve nailed it there. Good tips.
Thanks for the tips! I’m new to all this so I’m open to any advice. Your site is beautiful. I’m still playing around with mine and trying to figure all this out, so yours is great inspiration.
Wonderful tips! I wish more people would listen. LOL
HI Brooke! Congrats on the baby! You are so cute & I love your blog.
Alli
great advice! wow how I’m bad about the proofing. and it’s true, every time I read someone else’s excuse about not posting, snooze. and then I get all guilty and apologize myself. thanks for the reminder list!
Hi…I am from Indonesia. I know your blog from greenbaglady.org. I like this post. I have three blogs now that represent my interest; business, greenblog and one blog about my life as a house wife.
Great tips! I am new to the blogging world and thoroughly enjoy it. I feel like I learn something new about blogging etiquette, technicalities, etc. every day. Grazie!
Thank you for sharing these great tips. I’m a new self-taught blogger and can use all the help I can get. I’ve included a link to your tips in my sidebar. Thanks for the inspiration :)
I’m new to this blogging and I love it!!! Thanks for the tips…
I need a proofer. Actually I think I may need two.. ;)
Great site. Loving the baby bump pics. ;)
Just read your blog on blogging, as a new one, I really appreciate the advice. there should be a book called “What all the cool girls know.”
All good tips! I’d add – Make it easy to comment. I get frustrated when you need to have a google account to comment, or need to do word verifications, etc. Ease of commenting is a necessity for me!
I NEED THIS ADVISE. THANK YOU SO-
Couldn’t agree more. Especially the first one! Apologize quietly to yourself. Inside voice.
; )
jackie.
Every single time I happen upon someone’s blog and they are breaking rule #1, I think of you and your awesome list, Brooke. I hope that you and your little man (and your big man, too!) are doing great.
Great advice, and coming from someone with such a beautiful and well written blog – I take it to heart. Being a web designer means I am not a stranger to the internet, and spend too much time on it, but lately I have been trying to break that “oooh, can I really be a blogger too” shell – and I hope it works out. :)
What a great do and don’ts indeed! Thanks ohBrooke! I adore your blog!
What a great list. I especially like #1. Haven’t thought about it, but it’s so true! Thanks and nice to meet ya. I’m new here. Followed a path.
Oh. My. GOD. Thanks for this list. I actually laughed out loud and scared my cat. I’m so glad someone agrees with me about how irritating and eye-roll inducing it is to read another “sorry, life has just been CRAAAAZY lately” post.
This is super….I’ve heard a few but you added a few more for me! Very helpful…thanks a bunch!
hot tips ahoy hoy!
I’ve just started my blog and am keen to get any ideas on how to improve it. I’ve been posting my blogs in a hurry and am still not 100% sure of how to get the most from my layout.
thank you
Thanks for the blog advice – I need it!