Your blog is a powerful online resource.
It can build personal brand visibility, authority, and credibility.
Whether you are a new blogger or just looking to crank up your results, my interview with Donna Merrill will give you three quick tips to implement right now.
But first, let me introduce you to Donna. She’s an Internet Marketing veteran, and a woman who has used her blog to build a thriving business.
She’s also a ball of fire, enthusiastically embracing everything she attacks.
As she puts it,
“I was born and raised in Brooklyn, U.S.A., of Italian decent in an Italian neighborhood. I’m spunky! You can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can’t take the Brooklyn out of the girl! “
I started following Donna’s blog many years ago for several reasons. Donna is knowledgeable, well-spoken, and incredibly engaging. She is also down to earth and a whole lot of fun.
She was a blogger I immediately connected with, enjoying her ability to take a topic like blogging and express the ins and outs in a way that was easy to consume and simple to understand. That’s a talent that not many bloggers have.
It was with this in mind that I asked Donna to provide three things every new blogger needs to do…right now. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
Blog Tips for New Bloggers
1. Find Your Passion
Focus your blog on something you are passionate about. Your passion should help you clearly define your niche, or specialization.
You should definitely blog about things you are passionate about.
You will find it easier to write about your special interests than anything else. And you will be able to come up with ideas for articles, and write them more convincingly when you are truly interested in the material.
Let me give you an example of this.
Let’s say your biggest passion is for health. Then, you narrow that down to a health drink that you think is really great. It might even be a drink that you are selling as part of a health business you are in.
You like selling this health drink because it has worked wonders for you. Now you are so darn passionate about it that you want the entire world to know that this stuff works!
That’s what it looks like to blog within your passion zone.
Just a word of caution about a blog that is closely aligned with a product you sell. Always bear in mind something called the “Pareto principle.” This dictates that your posts should be 80% pure content and only 20% promotional.
With that in mind, you can’t just write an article saying “This stuff works!” That just looks like a 100% sales pitch, not an information piece that gives value to readers interested in health.
If health is your passion, attract readers to your post who are interested in health. If you want to promote a product, such as your favorite health drink, you can. But only occasionally.
Generally speaking, write informative articles in the health related field about 80% of the time. Write about good food, exercise, anything you want as long as it is within your niche. Once in a while, no more than 20% of the time (or less), you can offer relevant products and services to your readers.
2. Join Blogging Groups And Alliances
Your blog could look like a graveyard if you don’t figure out how to get people reading it and getting involved in commenting and social sharing!
There are many Facebook groups in your niche, as well as Google+ Communities. You should be sharing your blog posts there so that people will start visiting your blog.
But you can jump start this process by joining blogging groups and alliances with other bloggers. As a group, these bloggers are committed to visiting your blog, commenting o your posts and sharing them on their social sites. In turn, you are required to do the same for them. This is a process known as reciprocity.
Here is how reciprocity works:
You write your blog post. Someone in our blogging alliance visits your blog and comments on your post. You answer that comment in the form of a “reply”. Then you go over to their blog and read it, leave a good comment.
You go one further step and share it on your social sites. You will notice that most blogs have social share buttons. All you have to do is press one and share their content and you are good to go.
Now, here’s a super way to get some engagement going.
At the same time that you share someone’s article on Facebook, go over to their Facebook profile and “add them as a friend.” ALWAYS do this with an attached message like “I would like to add you as my FB friend so I can syndicate your blog further on this platform.”
Repeat this process on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or anywhere else you like. You will be surprised how appreciative people are when you do this.
When you join blogging groups, engagement starts. It’s really that simple.
You will slowly get to know people and they will come to know you. This is how your blog will start to grow organically.
Remember: this won’t happen overnight, but over time. Give yourself the time to follow this process consistently over a meaningful period of time (like 60 or 90 days), and you are sure to see great results.
3. Manage Your Social Sites
Properly managing your social activity on social sites is critical to getting your blog recognized and talked about.
But social sites can also be a time-trap that keeps you from engaging in other important aspects of blogging. It can also overwhelm you to the point that you lose perspective of your overall game plan… promoting your blog.
Here are some ways to make your social sites a benefit too, instead of a distraction from your blogging.
When you are on social sites, limit the time of your visits. Try to create certain times of the day where you can post something social as a tweet or status update.
Never… I said never post a “Buy This” kind of message. You will quickly see people running away from you instead of being attracted to you. Social sites are just that… social. Don’t treat them like roadside billboards.
Limit the time you spend on each social site to a pre-determined amount of time. Maybe 10 minutes a day on Facebook, three times a day, for example. That way you won’t get sucked in to endless chatter, but will focus your efforts on meaningful posting and conversation that builds engagement with people, and showcases your skills, personality and, of course, your blog.
It doesn’t really matter what your preferred schedule is, just be sure to create a time schedule for yourself. Otherwise, you will look up from your keyboard only to find out that it’s time for bed! Don’t let that happen to you.
Create certain times of the day to post something on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Then go back a few hours later. See who has responded to what you posted, say a quick thank you or continue the conversation. I personally like to do this 3 times a day. Morning, afternoon and even late night to keep in touch to my friends on the other side of the world.
I hope these tips have helped you understand that the key to blogging successfully is to just get out there and do it. Make friends and share your passions. Eventually, you will develop a look, feel and “brand” that others will come to recognize and appreciate.
Dedicate your time and effort to this process. Never expect things to happen overnight. And most of all, share your self and your information sincerely and generously. Giving is always more important than receiving in life, and it’s no different that when you are trying to establish yourself as a blogger.
Malika Bourne says
November 23, 2014 at 11:02 amRebekah, RECIPROCITY is an imporant part of being a community member. I loved your example of being a Brooklyn girl. Personally, I’m from Iowa-we tend to be long-winded.
Malika
Roxann Souci says
June 27, 2014 at 9:14 amHi, Rebekah!
I have never read one of your articles without coming away with some pearl of wisdom and practical advice. We’re already pals on Google+, but I cannot believe that I didn’t follow up on FB and Twitter! You have been very helpful for me as I learn how to navigate Google+.
I am surely not shy, and your suggestions are well taken. I especially liked your advice about checking back 3x daily to respond to comments. I have enough followers on Twitter to make that a daunting task otherwise!
My business is geared to companies just entering the social media arena. I keep things simple in my posts so they are not overwhelmed. Thank you for the opportunity to post a link to one of my articles.
http://www.fetchresponse.com/social-media-and-your-business/
Take care. Stay well. Stay your charming, sunshine self.
Roxann
Randal says
June 14, 2014 at 10:34 pmRebekah,
Thank you for this great blog post! I am going to post a link to this from my blog as I did your 25 Smart Ways to Promote Your Latest Blog Post. I especially want to find some groups and get some reciprocity going!
Rebekah Radice says
June 16, 2014 at 12:02 pmI’m so glad you loved it Randal! Thank you for the wonderful feedback!
Mandi says
April 29, 2014 at 3:48 pm#2 is so important but it can be really scary for us shy people. Finding a “tribe” is essential to the growth of your own brand.
Fortunately, I’ve always found these groups to be very welcoming. In blogging, as in business, it seems you don’t get it unless you ask for it!
Rebekah Radice says
June 16, 2014 at 12:04 pmI know exactly what you mean Mandi. It’s not easy for most people to join a new conversation or group. The good news is that there are so many out there, each with their own unique style. Just find the ones you feel most comfortable joining and slowly get involved.
guniha shih says
April 28, 2014 at 2:01 amI agree with you. This post is truly inspiring. I like your post and everything you share with us is current and very informative,
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kinjal raza says
April 18, 2014 at 12:20 pmGot some depth knowledge in advance after having a quick and brief glance on to it, thanks a lot for sharing here on this webpage.
Joan says
April 13, 2014 at 5:49 pmThanks for the great practical tips for this newbie blogger! I can use all the help I can get! I feel like I have entered some new, exciting world!
~joan
Emily Dill says
April 6, 2014 at 9:03 pmI love these tips…I’ve just launched my blog in the past few months and I’m trying to read everything I can find right now that may help me build a loyal audience. Thanks!
Mariya saad says
April 6, 2014 at 12:57 amI am very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not theT
Mark says
March 30, 2014 at 3:28 pmAwesome Rebekah!
I just found your totally excellent blog as a direct result of following the sound advice of my coach Donna Merrill!
All three blogging tips are excellent advice for any serious blogger, regardless of what particular level they happen to be at!
But as Donna so expertly points out, tips #’s 1 & 2, really make blogging such an incredibly powerful business resource! Don’t you agree?
James says
March 30, 2014 at 2:05 pmRebekah,
Can you recommend any blogging groups or provide resources to find them?
Great post btw…very helpful.
Daniel Cuttridge says
February 6, 2014 at 9:31 amHey Rebekah,
These are some solid points. The biggest is obviously being passionate about what you do, without that nothing else will come into place.
I’ve had so many clients that are doing what they do, because they want to make money and they just don’t care about what they’re doing. 90% of them fail because you can just tell in the content.
Linda says
February 1, 2014 at 3:46 amThanks for the blogging tips. I need as many as I can get since I am fairly new to the game.
Monna Ellithorpe says
January 27, 2014 at 8:48 amHi Rebekah,
I enjoyed reading your post and the interview with Donna Merrill. I’ve just recently met you and Donna and find both of you so full of information and advice that I want to try everything but I have to keep focused and do one thing at a time.
Have a great day, to both of you. Monna
Willena Flewelling says
January 26, 2014 at 1:47 amPut Rebekah Radice and Donna Merrill together and you’re sure to get a dynamic duo — double value for your money!
Seriously, your message is simple but powerful.
Having a set time for spending on Facebook or other sites is vitally important. Without it, it’s amazing how quickly the time flies, and how little I get done. But then, you’re talking to one who is sorely lacking in the FOCUS department.
Thanks for the great post!
Willena
Donna Merrill says
January 26, 2014 at 11:03 amHi Willena!
Yes, I like to write things simply so other bloggers, especially newbies, can learn. Spending too much time on social sites can be a big problem. Then the person gets frustrated that nothing much is happening in their business.
I don’t like to see ANYONE, be discouraged, so I always make that point. Yes, over and over again sometimes, but as long as one doesn’t get sucked into social media, all will be fine.
-Donna
Rebekah Radice says
January 26, 2014 at 3:43 pmAwwww…thank you Willena! Donna is amazing, isn’t she? I just love how she explains things, especially blogging. She has an extremely valuable gift. So glad she chooses to share it with all of us!
Holly says
January 25, 2014 at 2:54 pmSome great tips!! Blogging what I am passionate about is certainly much easier than doing research and figuring out what to talk about. Managing my social sites is the big work.. Not knowing which one to go with and making sure that too much time isn’t spent in one place.. managing it is key!!
Donna Merrill says
January 26, 2014 at 11:09 amHi Holly,
You said it! Managing social sites is a biggie. We have to manage our time and “stick to it” – otherwise, time is just wasted.
I don’t do each and every social site. My advice to you would be see where most of your peeps hang out. Then spend more time on that platform than any other. Of course, you have to hit all of them, but 10 minutes a day – 2 – 3 times a day will get you more mileage.
-Donna
Leslie Denning says
January 25, 2014 at 11:41 amHi Rebekah. Great post and interview with Donna Merrill. She is one of my favorite people, and it’s good to see her here. Those 3 tips are useful for anyone who blogs.
Your blog looks really snazzy, by the way.
All the best,
Leslie
Donna Merrill says
January 26, 2014 at 11:16 amHi Leslie!
Thanks for the compliment! I agree, I just love the way Rebekkah’s blog looks!
Thank you for stopping by,
-Donna
Craig Desmarais says
January 24, 2014 at 2:45 pmGreat post Rebekah and Donna! I recently started to zero in on Facebook Groups and Google+ Communities to find people interested in what I blog about. I also created Gplus Circles and Facebook Lists for the same group of people that I connected with on a more personal basis.
I find this helpful as you can be more intentional with your posts so you can deliver the best content that your readers are most likely to read and engage with.
Have any recommendations on where I can begin looking for blogging groups?
Rebekah Radice says
January 26, 2014 at 3:50 pmI think you hit the nail on the head with the word “intentional.” That’s certainly what we should all strive for when blogging or hopping on social media.
Here’s a list of FB groups specifically for bloggers that might help get you started: http://emfastincome.com/7-active-facebook-groups-bloggers-huge-traffic/
I would definitely look into Kim Castleberry’s group as well: http://bizbloggingbuzz.com/blog/
donna merrill says
March 30, 2014 at 9:03 amAgreed!
Kim’s group is so great! There are so many active bloggers there with great reciprocity.
The “international” mindset is what we need when blogging and on social media. I’ve made so many friends all around the globe. We have to take into consideration their needs as well.
-Donna
Mimi says
January 24, 2014 at 11:50 amThanks for an informative post. Being passionate about your subject area is of great importance since you’ll be writing about it so often.
Donna Merrill says
January 26, 2014 at 11:22 amYou hit the nail on the head!
As long as we are passionate about what we love to do, blogging content becomes a breeze!
-Donna
Rebekah Radice says
January 26, 2014 at 4:12 pmVery true Mimi! It makes writing about what you do every day and what you’re good at all that more important.
William Amis says
January 23, 2014 at 12:43 pmYes, we should blog about our passion and be yourself with words you speak. Never change who you are and the way you express yourself. This alone will make your site unique as each of us are.
Donna, you bring a light to the hard task of creating and keeping a blog active. Without interactivity we are dead in the water, per say. Having your own passions exposed helps others see you as a real person.
Thank you for helping us get it right!
Donna Merrill says
January 23, 2014 at 4:01 pmHi William!
Indeed! As long as we follow our passion, be ourselves and write just like we are talking to our best friend, we are showing our unique quality. It’s the best way to engage with others by writing content like this.
Yes, William, without interactivity we are dead fish in the sea!
Nice seeing you here at Rebekah’s place,
-Donna
Rebekah Radice says
January 23, 2014 at 6:57 pmAbsolutely William! As Donna said, if you write about your passion, it’s very easy to come up with content. Be true to yourself and honestly share who you are offline, online and writing becomes a breeze!
Clau says
January 23, 2014 at 10:19 amGood article. I read it carefully an I will apply what I learn.:)
Donna Merrill says
January 23, 2014 at 4:03 pmThat’s wonderful! When we read something and apply it, we can’t go wrong.
Thanks!
-Donna
Ashley says
January 22, 2014 at 7:34 amBlogging your passion is any many ways key!
Who wants to get up in the morning knkowing that they have to write about things they don’t enjoy. It really shows in your writing too I think.
So once you have that down, sharing and reciprocity are again the next things I would recommend too! No blogger is a virtual island :>
ashley
Donna Merrill says
January 22, 2014 at 9:00 amHi Ashley,
You are spot on! Without passion, people fizzle out. When we are passionate, every day is a new adventure of learning and sharing.
Yes, reciprocity is key to every blogger, otherwise a blog will be a grave yard!
Thanks so much for your input,
-Donna
SGRuby says
January 21, 2014 at 6:05 pmThanks Rebekah,
Nice posting..simple and to the point. The quality of the posts shine when you have a passion for what you are writing about. I am off to read your social media post…
Your point about personal brand is a good one. I have a posting out on Jan 22 on personal branding at EntrepreneurialPractice.com Come by and visit!
In the meantime you might enjoy my Golden Retriever Business Dogs post.
Donna Merrill says
January 21, 2014 at 6:27 pmPersonal Branding is something that we need to be mindful of all the time. We have to keep things uplifting and positive. Most of all we need to keep our listening skills sharp so we can understand what people need from us.
I’m going over to visit your page now!
-Donna
Kumar Gauraw says
January 21, 2014 at 4:30 amHi Rebekah,
As I have said this many many times, I learn every time I come to read a post on your blog and guess what, I learnt that I had made the mistake of not sending you a friend request on FB and I hadn’t circled you on my Google+ yet.
But, I just did that. Thank you for always adding value with your resourceful posts with some great tips for everyone. Enjoyed being here and now going to share on my platforms.
And by the way, yes, Donna is somebody I follow as well. She does a great job with her blogs and not just that, she is a go-giver! Always active, always encouraging and socializing. She has passion for blogging, no doubt!
Regards,
Kumar
Donna Merrill says
January 21, 2014 at 10:45 amHi Kumar,
Nice to see you here on Rebekah’s place. It’s great that you connected with her on Facebook and Google+. That’s where you will find her around and you don’t want to miss a beat when she posts something.
Also, thanks for the kind words Kumar, I appreciate it.
-Donna
Rebekah Radice says
January 21, 2014 at 1:06 pmI’m so glad we’re now connected on FB and G+ Kumar! Donna is an absolute dynamo. isn’t she? She is such an incredible giver and always so willing to share her amazing advice and insight!
Mary says
January 21, 2014 at 4:13 amThanks for sharing this!! I’m new in all this. I just learning, learning and learning everyday. I know its really hard in the beginning but with article like this we have a much better ideas. Thanks so much!!! 😉
Donna Merrill says
January 21, 2014 at 10:37 amHi Mary,
I’m so happy to know that you enjoyed this article. Blogging is a never ending journey of learning. As you are on your own learning curve, you can always share what you know with others.
Remember, there is always someone who needs information that you know. Sharing is caring as they say.
-Donna
Peter Leigh says
January 21, 2014 at 3:35 amThis is my first visit to your site Rebekah, and I like what I see.
A great choice of points Donna. I think that choosing something your passionate about is key to a successful blog – If it’s something you love, then you simply won’t run out of content ideas, and writing that content will be far easier than struggling to come up with compelling posts for something you’re not really in to.
Social sites are great for sharing, gathering inspiration and for interacting with others in your field, but it’s definitely easy to get sucked too far into them. I find that spending time interacting with the blogs & content that you find through social media is far more useful than interacting purely through the social sites themselves.
Donna Merrill says
January 21, 2014 at 10:41 amHi Peter,
I sure glad you came over to Rebekah’s site. She always provides such great information. I follow her too!
Indeed…choosing something your passionate about makes it much more easier to write content. When we are passionate about something, we tend to keep a good learning curve on it also. The more we learn, the more we can share with our content.
Yes, you can find many other bloggers via social sites. It’s a good way to build up your own readership too.
Thank you so much Peter for your wonderful comment,
-Donna
nick catricala says
January 20, 2014 at 6:05 pmRebekah,
your could not write on a more suitable person about blogging and brandinga nd what ever is going on in this side of teh world.. Donna is a great example of what all this is all about..
I know here for two years, we become friends just because she is as down to earth and at the same time outspoken and direct.. she know what she is doing and she does it great.
Even so I read her blogs and know her, I cannot say that I lick up a lot of what she does and how she does simply because she has within her all that wonderful stuff.. What pick up from her is to be honest and stick to what I believe it is right and never let others dictate who I am.. I am me and I always strive to be better person to be able to serve others well in every way.
Thanks for writing the most important 3 tips shared as you did… I know they will be beneficial to me and others for sure.
Thanks to you and thanks to Donna as well..
_nickc
Donna Merrill says
January 20, 2014 at 6:21 pmHi Nick,
Wow…thanks for that wonderful testimonial! Has it been two years already that we know each other? Time flies.
Yes, I always try to simplify things, especially for newbies. I know how difficult it is to start and always keep my entire audience of readers in mind.
I’m so happy we became friends through blogging and social media. Only goes to show how good relationships happen on social media!
-donna
Michael Young says
January 20, 2014 at 11:36 amHI Rebekah,
I have been dipping my toes in to the blogging waters for a while but not very focussed and not very often or regular. These tips are great and I plan to be a little more focussed in the immediate future. I particularly like point 3 about managing my social sites. I find it so easy to get caught up in sidetracks and easily distracted from the primary task. To set myself a fixed time to be on a social platform will (hopefully) help me be more focussed with my time there.
Thanks for sharing this.
Regards,
Michael
Donna Merrill says
January 20, 2014 at 6:24 pmHi Michael.
Social media can be time consuming. I think that everyone has gotten caught up for hours on a social platform.
Write down the times you have at least three times a day for 10-15 minute intervals. Post something…or go out there and scan what resonates with you press like and don’t forget to comment. People appreciate that.
If you are blogging, see if you can set time to write a post at least once a week. As long as you are persistent, you will do well.
-Donna
Joseph says
January 20, 2014 at 11:12 amHello Rebekah,
This is a very informative article and the three points are perfect guidelines for upcoming bloggers.
I have one question, where can I find blogging groups or communities to join in order to find blogs that I might be interested in?
Joseph
Donna Merrill says
January 20, 2014 at 6:30 pmHi Joseph,
You can find blogging communities on Google+ there are so many that may resonate with you. Search “communities” and see what comes up.
On Facebook there are “Groups” that bloggers meet. Some are great whereby they read several blogs in the group, comment and share, and then can post their blog post. Reciprocity is the key when joining groups.
Also Post a question on Facebook like “Where can I find a blogging group or alliance in whatever specific niche you like to be in”
Hope this helps,
-Donna
Donna Merrill says
January 20, 2014 at 10:22 amHi Dan,
Limiting your time on social networks is so important. You can get stuck on a platform for hours like you did on Twitter.
Social platforms are important to be on to engage with others and be just that…social! But when you find yourself stuck on one, it’s time to schedule a DMO (Daily Method of Operation) for yourself.
Once that’s done and you stick to it, Social media is a breeze!
-Donna
Donna Merrill says
January 20, 2014 at 10:19 amRebekah,
I want to thank you for having me as a guest on your blog. I am truly honored to be here. Looking forward to engage with your followers too.
-Donna
Rebekah Radice says
January 20, 2014 at 10:57 amI have been stalking…I mean admiring your blog for a long, long time Donna!
Thank you so much for taking the time to put so much thought and effort to each of your tips.
I’m thrilled you said yes! 🙂
Galen says
January 20, 2014 at 9:32 amI love the 80-20 rule for promotional content vs pure value. It’s so important if you’re looking to grow your blog because readers will keep coming back if the content is helpful and interesting.
I find when I’m passionate about a topic (entrepreneurship and marketing for me) I can stay on top of my blogging schedule and it’s much more enjoyable to keep the momentum going.
Thanks for the post!
Galen
Donna Merrill says
January 20, 2014 at 10:17 amHi Galen,
Following that 80/20 rule is so effective. No one wants to be bombarded with “offers” on a blog they are reading. When I encounter bloggers like that, I never return.
I want to read good content, learn something new, an engage with the author.
As long as you are passionate about what you are doing, there is never a lack of content is there?
-Donna
Dan Toombs says
January 20, 2014 at 8:32 amHi Rebwkah
Thanks for sharing. I’m not a new blogger but I am actively writing my business blog more regularly these days.
Your tip about limiting your time on social networks is a good one. They are quite time consuming and addictive. I’ve also found them to be quite good for business.
After about four years using Twitter daily for a few hours per day, I’m now toning it down. I’m really enjoying sharing my articles on Google Plus and reading the articles of others.
That’s where I found you. Thanks again and I look forward to reading more.
Dan
Rebekah Radice says
January 20, 2014 at 10:59 amIt’s something I have to force myself to adhere to daily Dan. Otherwise, we can find ourselves sucked into the deep, dark hole of social media with nothing to show for it.
I love to hear that about Google+. It’s such an amazing place to meet great people like you!