Blogging is not for the faint of heart, my friend. If you really want blogging to be an important part of your business then you need to take it seriously (but have fun while you’re doing it).

When I say take your blog seriously, I’m talking about committing to showing up every week and putting in the effort to write and create some amazing work. So today, I’m going to share 7 ways to start taking your blog seriously and 2 that don’t work at all.

Looking to start a blog? Check out my quick start guide here.

1. Niche it, Niche it good.

They say there are riches in the niches and there is so much truth to this. It’s important for people to know what you are all about and what you have to to offer. Your followers need to know what they can expect from you. If you don’t have a clear purpose, people will be confused about who you are and why they should follow you. If your readers can clearly describe you as a blogger you are on the right track and if they can’t try and refine what makes you unique.

2. Why baby, why?

Do you know why you are blogging? It better not be to just check it off your list. You better know that the content that you are writing is exactly what your audience wants and is searching for. If you don’t then you won’t be attracting the right people that will want to pay you money.

3. Those who search

When you are blogging, remember to blog for SEO (search engine optimization). That just means that you are writing with Google in mind. When someone sits down at their computer or Googles in their phone for your blog article, what will they be searching for?

I use Google Adwords and their Keyword search to find the best keywords for my blog content. You can also put a search for your topic in Google and then scroll to the bottom of the first page and see the different suggestions that Google has for you. Those suggestions are likely ones that you should be using in your blog.

4. It is about time

If you want blogging to replace your job then you need to actually start treating it like a job. This means that you start putting in the time. It may require a bit of sacrifice, long hours of editing and a revamping of your schedule at first. But no pain, no gain, right?!?

It’s also really important to be smart about how you spend your time. Work smarter by grouping similar tasks together like an assembly line and schedule things out so that you can be more efficient.

5. You Lookin’ Good

Looking like a blogger is a big step in treating your blogging career seriously (and I don’t use the word career lightly). You want people to see you as a professional. Your site should be uncluttered and pleasing to look at. Hiring a professional to design your site is a fantastic idea. If you can’t afford one yet, find beautiful templates to use.

I would also recommend getting a quality headshot of yourself done to post on your blog and social media profiles. You want your blog to look it’s best and you should look your best too.

6. To be clear is to be kind

When you are building your blog, be very clear on who you are, who you serve and what your brand is. This helps those who just meet you to be able to immediately see if your brand is for them.

7. Email is King

Have you been burned by Instagram or Facebook? Just when you think that you have things figured out, they change it up again. Guess what, they can. They are letting you use their platform to grow your business for FREE. That means we have to play their game. But, email marketing allows you to have complete control of your contacts and how your messages are sent to them. Your blog should be getting people on your email list and helping them become raving fans.

Here are a few tips on getting email addresses– 1. Offer some kind of give away for someone sharing their email address with you. It could be a product you love, content you share with them, or a chance to win a give-away. It should be related to you and your niche. 2. Mention your email list on social media and encourage others to sign up. 3. Give your email subscribers upgrades to your posts. These could be check lists, infographics, printables, or worksheets that only your email subscribers receive.

2 Things you should not do when trying to take your blog seriously

1. Be noncommittal. Nothing kills a relationship like someone who can’t commit. Think of your college crush. That didn’t work out because he couldn’t commit. When blogging, you should just commit to blogging. Say you are going to do it, show up and do it. This lets your followers (and you) know that you are serious and that you are in it with them. Consistency is key. You will be amazed at what committing to show up for the next six months will do for you brand.
2. Be afraid to sell something. Hey friend, if you aren’t here to make money, what are you doing? Money is good and I would bet a bunch that you would do some really amazing things with the money you made from your blog. So, go ahead. Sell something. You know the things that you are selling are life-changing, or you wouldn’t be doing it, right? At the end of each blog post, make sure that you are making some kind of offer, even if that offer is just to get on your email list.

And while I’m on the subject, why don’t you jump on over to my free resource library to get my Blogging checklist.

Alright my friends! You did it. I’m excited to see your blog grow. I’d love to hear which step you needed to hear the most. Leave a comment for me and share it with a friend.