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5 Ways to Improve Your Blog Today

February 8, 2011 127 Comments

1. Create an Elevator Pitch for Your Blog 

Since we’re not spending money on ink or the printing-press, and we certainly don’t have Editors, we the bloggers tend to go on and on and on…sometimes it’s a challenge to be able to present an idea in a span of 30 seconds.

If you were to present the “Elevator Pitch” in a casual day-to-day conversation, ideally, it should elicit interest in what you write about. Can you do that?

This “Elevator Pitch” falls right in line with another idea I’ve heard recently.  The 30-60-90 Rule.

The 30-60-90 Rule states that a person you are engaging (on your blog or in real life) is socially obliged to pay attention to what you are saying for about 30 seconds.  After 60 seconds of you going on and on that person is liable to “drift-off”. (broken eye contact, bored look on their face, fidgeting, etc.)

After 90 seconds of your monologue, consider yourself lucky if that person is still standing in front of you.

In short. Be brief.

2. Write a Link Post

Link Post is used to provide value to your reader by sharing interesting and related websites in your niche.

Some folks might hesitate to recommend other blogs for the fear that it will take the readership away from yours. This is a very outdated and ineffective notion.

As the old Buddhist saying goes; a candle loses nothing of its light by lighting another candle.

One of your favorite posts I ever did was Social Media Examiner Finalists Reviewed: Find Out Which Ones Suck and Which Ones Are Good

3. Leave a Comment on Other Blogs

This one is a no brainer, I hope.

The assumption here is that you blog about things you know and care about. And if that’s the case then you might want to engage with others who are interested in the same topic and become one-of-them. Part of the “tribe” as it were.

A great way to do that is to leave a comment. Not a link to your website; but a useful and insightful comment.

While we’re at it, some blogs make it very hard for people to leave comments. There is capture, moderation, approval steps, etc. This is done to protect against spam, alas, few blogs really need it (IMHO).

So open her up and make it easy for people to leave a comment for crying out loud.

If you are using WordPress, I would strongly encourage you to consider using DisqUs comment platform. It’s terrific, I love it. Or feel free to keep with the WordPress native comment system but install additional plugins like comment-luv and dofollow.

4. Update Key Page(s) on Your Blog

This might be the “About” page, or a very popular blog post, or any other page(s) you think could use sprucing up.

In my early days of blogging, I kind of felt like I was cheating by going back and improving the blog post. I’m over that now.  If the godfather of blogging, Mr. Darren Rowse himself, is saying it’s ok, then its ok.

Example: A while back I went over posts on my dog blog and changed the font size (making it bigger). The feedback has been tremendous.

Old Font: Comments are to Bloggers as Crack is to Bobby Brown

New Font:  The Magnificent 7: Best Damn Dog Blogs Around. Period!

Which one do you like better?

5. Create a Blogging Schedule and Don’t Stick To It

I’m perfectly aware that the following advice will work for one group of people but not for others. So pick your own medicine.

I think that all productivity and efficiency experts got it wrong.  Forget about setting goals, planning shit out, setting schedules, etc. It brings stress and agita and you know it.

Having said that, I’ll allow it, as long as the process doesn’t suffer.

My point is that you write (and blog just happens to be your publishing platform) because you love to write.  Making it regimented (5 posts per week, specific time dedicated to browsing and making comments, etc) makes the entire process not-fun and I think is the main reason why so many blogs are left abandoned by their creators.

So who are you and what kind of blog are you writing?

We can divide blogs into two general taxonomies. The hobbyist or blog-as-a-business.

Once we do that, it becomes obvious whether or not you need a schedule and stick with it, doesn’t it?

If you’re blogging for fun, then do whatever feels right baby.

Need More?

You will notice an automatic torrent of ideas generated from these five suggestions, however, that’s only the beginning.

This list is taken from the most excellent E-Book 31 Days to Building a Better Blog (Affiliate Link) written by Darren Rowse of ProBlogger.

Darren’s E-Book offers no less than 31 Ways of Improving Your Blog and is well worth the money. It also comes with a special access to video QandA as well as a Discussion Forum for all participants. Very cool.

Darren was cool enough to give me a discount code for his E-Book. Type dogandogs25 to receive a 25% discount. (regular price is $19.95, with the code you will knock off 5 bucks off that price.)

Buy Now

P.S. If you’ve been blogging for more than 6 months, don’t bother.

Your turn.

What is your best recommendation for blog improvement?

Creative Blogging
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  • JJ

    I want to buy that book [even though I don't think I'll actually be serious about blogging...ever...] just because you make it sound like such a great investment. I’m glad you’re not a car salesman. A.) I would instantly distrust you and B.) I’d probably be driving a new car home.PS: I do love the way you blog – the different sized text, the bold, etc. I lose interest fast (like you said – 30-60-90… I have a short attention span. I’m usually gone by 15…) but … Well, I think it’s more the way you write. I know it’s serious, but I want to giggle…maybe because of how I’m reading it. Anyway, I love it…so being insulted is not an option. If you are insulted, I’ll find you and *really* kick you in the shoe this time. =]Also, I think you have a lot going for you just in the fact that your thought process is seriously intriguing. I want to read more of your blogs; I want to pick at your brain. I think you would make a good novelist. Anyway – and before I write *you* a book by accident – love the article. Off to read others.

  • Dino Dogan

    5 Ways to Improve Your Blog Today @jaennutter wow JJ, thank you so much. Its nice to be appreciated :-)

  • Chrisina Loyd

    I just want to say that I’ve been a fan since 2wt (thats http://2wheeltips.com ) for the uninitiated :) As a biker-chick I appreciate a rare cerebral look at motorcycling culture, and DIno provided exactly that on his bike-blog. This is no different…I felt the same way as you JJ, and I dont even blog (well, not for real anyways, but you can check it out for yourselves if you like http://igirl.posterous.com )Another great post and useful advice. Thanks Dino :)

  • Dino Dogan

    awh…thank you guys @jaennutter @Chrisina_Loyd I really appreciate your comments. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Comments are to bloggers as crack is to Bobby Brown :-) Is that too mean? Sorry Bobby :-) Love ya man.

  • dancingdogblog

    Funny that you mentioned the thing that has been plaguing me since I started: a schedule. It always seemed to me that blogging should not be a struggle – we have other struggles in life to attend to and don’t need to add more. Yet I understand a reader’s need for reliability…which is what brought me to blogging three times a week. Not too much, not too little, goldilocks like! The mantra of writing concisely and to the point has helped me stop the blah blah blah tendency I have, so I found I could cut down my posts from 900 -1200 words to 325-500 words, much more in keeping with the time and energy people are willing to give to a blog. At least according to the experts. That helps with writing focus – I have a tendency to pull in other ideas which only confuses seo. If I’m not interested in traffic that would be fine, but we are all slaves to teh Google now if that’s what we’re looking for…

  • dancingdogblog

    (Oops…) I think if you have time to work in groups, and the group stays focused to respect everyone’s time, you can work with a single focus in mind and move from topic to topic and that will be helpful to members in varying degrees. Certainly it can be helpful in keeping everyone on track within the 31 days problogger formula.

  • Dino Dogan

    Hi @dancingdogblog , thnx for your 2c. :-) I knew i wasnt alone on the regimented part of blogging. I know it works for some people in some situations, and I even think its a good idea if thats all you do (as in Darren Rowse blogs for a living, er go, he prob ought to have a schedule). But I think vast majority of us blog for fun, so why not keep it fun. At least thats how I see it…I could be wrong :-)

  • Melf

    Funny that @dancingdogblog just told me about ProBlogger! This couldn’t come at a better time Dino. Thanks!

  • Dino Dogan

    @MelzPetPals cool…glad the timing is right :-) @dancingdogblog is def on board with the gran(dog)falloon experiment :-) Are you on Dog Trainer 2.0 with us? If not, join us. http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=16122&post=106868&uid=320464215711#!/group.php?gid=320464215711&ref=ts

  • Bigtony423

    Hey man, great post here. i enjoyed it a lot. These are definitely 5 Ways To Improve Your Blog Today.

  • Dino Dogan

    Thnx Tony…glad you stopped by :-)

  • Edie Jarolim

    Well, then there are those of us who love to write — but also write to live (as in pay the bills). I’m treading water here, trying to build an audience for… some reason, as yet to be determined but it will involve income so I don’t have to make those kind of divisions anymore.Anyway, thanks for putting this out there. I’ve been wanting to get the ProBlogger book and, once I’m finished with two more-pressing-than-usual projects, hope to engage in next step planning.

  • Dino Dogan

    Hi Edie, I know what you mean. I’ve been kind of forced into this “building an audience” gambit and its actually kind of fun :-) I have a lot of ideas (few of which I share on DT2.0 – see Twitterview videos); this collective-blog-effort is another, but the best is yet to come :-) I’m working on something big that will involve all of the members of our dog-circle. Very exciting stuff :-)

  • Ellen B.

    I agree that blogs should make it easy to comment. A real pet peeve of mine is when I have to register or have a WP, Google or some other type of account. Great tips, thanks!

  • Kyla Duffy

    These are all great tips. Nothing makes me crazier than reading a post that actually inspires me to comment or want to contact the blogger, and then I can’t. Also, as a businessperson, I can attest to the value of the elevator speech. If you can’t grab your reader’s attention immediately – they’re gone.

  • Jaime

    Love the photos! …oh, and the content’s great too. ;) Thanks, Dino!

  • Dino Dogan

    Thnx Jamie…love the blog…. http://rebeldogtraining.blogspot.com/

  • Chanel (@ChanelJAY)

    LOVE these five steps. I will definitely be putting them all to action. Thanks for the insight.

  • Dino Dogan

    @CHANELJay I know, the 31DBBB workbook is a treasure trove of good advice. Thnx for leaving a comment, always nice to hear from my tweeps :-)

  • DLMeiresonne

    ohmygoodness I’m so glad u posted this! <3333>As far as the “blah blah blah” tendency of writing 1000+ words on a blog, I myself am considering bringing this idea of diversity, offering my readers the reliability that once a week they can find a new, longer article, while encouraging site navigation through smaller articles about entertaining/interesting topics! I tell you, I just saw Inception, and I truly feel this blog/social network thing can sometimes feel like a world within a world….esp. if you happen to blog, like me, at 3AM…..

  • Dino Dogan

    @DLMeiresonne oooh…I wanna go see Inception…it was good? btw…I do like the idea of short/short/long articles.

  • Shauna (Fido & Wino)

    Thanks for bringing up the “Update Key Page(s) on Your Blog”- I have a tendency to concentrate on new content rather than making sure that my info pages are still relevant. Very good reminder! :)

  • Dino Dogan

    thnx for leaving a comment @fidoandwino yeah..that one took some getting use to …it felt like cheating… Im over it now tho :-)

  • bexking

    Does Mr. Rowse suggest placing this “Elevator Pitch” somewhere on your blog, or just to prepare it should someone ask you? Also, which of his two books you referenced, would you recommend to read first?

  • Dino Dogan

    @bexking You could place your Elevator Pitch somewhere on your blog (I have mine up as a private post) but its really designed to server three purposes.1. Crystallize, in your own mind, what your blog is about. 2. During in-person conversations, if someone asks you “so…what do you blog about”, the short version should be no more than a sentence and the person that hears it should follow up by saying “hmmm…thats interesting…tell me more…” At which point you would break out the longer version of the pitch (still no more than 30sec to a minute). 3. It should get you thinking in terms of economy of words. Printing wasnt always free (now it is), and we (bloggers) dont have Editors to curb our enthusiasm towards “wordiness”. It should get you thinking in terms of respecting your reader’s time and attention they are paying to you. Both books are excellent and IMO independent. The 31DBBB is a step by step workbook, and you dont need anything else to go through it. His other book (problogger secrets) explores blogging in great depth and would be a compliment to the first one but not necessary. If you are to get just one, get 31DBBB workbook, you get more bang for your buck. If you use the dogandogs25 code you get a 25% discount at https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=258839&c=cart&aff=125650&ejc=2&cl=11220 Im currently reading Clear Blogging and 6 steps to create a successful blog (4got the exact title of the second one)..I might do a follow-up post comparing problogger, clear blogging and maybe 2-3 other ones side by side…what do you think?

  • bexking

    Thank you so much! Sounds great. I will work on an Elevator Pitch and look into getting the book as well! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and knowledge with your readers!

  • Stephanie Baffone

    This was so valuable! Loved it. One of the things that draws me in to social media is the altruistic attitude of most of those using the tools. It’s a place where I feel my efforts are supported not competed against.I’ll be back!

  • Dino Dogan

    Glad you enjoyed it Stephanie, I’ve softened my attitude towards the schedule, I have a new take, been meaning to blog about it….hopefully this week :-)

  • Jeanie

    So glad I read this, you’ve touched on a number of things I was ponder. Like updating posts that have been published at a later date. Sadly I missed my elevator pitch (in person with someone) last week. Must stop sucking at that! I use a lot of links to other blogs, I was curious if this was a dumb ass thing. Glad to know someone says that’s old skool. I might stick around a bit. I disagree with the planning though. I get distracted too easily, infact I’m bored writing this comment. Luckily you have massive text and photos that kept me entertained. Thanks :)

  • Dino Dogan

    Hi Jeanie …Well, I for one was quite entertained reading your comment. Glad you found my list useful. I’ve moved all my blog and social media related writing to http://diyblogger.net I hope you’ll visit me there as well.

  • Coast2coast179

    I like what you said about the elevator pitch. Learning how to first clarify your ideas, them edit them into a insightful enjoyable read can be hard sometime. I have a tendency to go onnnnnnnnnnn, if given free reign. Trying to fit all the ideas in the world into one post that should have one specific aim. Keeping things concise without losing there spirit is an art form, that I’m working on perfecting. Long way to go yet. Great post dino

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      For sure..without editors and constraints, we all tend to meander toward our point. Its a struggle for me to but I’ve been told that often I win that fight :-)

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  • http://www.itinerantentrepreneur.com/journal/traffic-conversion-swipe-file/ Robert Dempsey

    I can’t wait to see the advice on this one. My biggest recommendation (as I get up on my soapbox) is to write in your own voice and honestly not give a fuck about conforming to what else is out there. I was writing posts of a certain length for the longest time, and finally ditched that crap and just wrote. Dan Kennedy says to “concentrate on telling seriously interested, qualified prospects everything they might possibly need to know to respond positively” (from the awesome Ultimate Sales Letter book). That’s how I feel about a blog post. If you can get across an idea to your audience in 20 words or 2000 it’s all good.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Amen…make it as simple as possible but not any simpler…I think Einstein said that. So take as long as you need but respect reader’s time. We are in total agreement on that one brother :-)

  • http://www.hanelly.com hanelly

    Great stuff, Dino. One thing I did recently to a blog I’m working on was pulling someone in who typically doesn’t read blogs on blogging to take a look and give me an honest reaction. It was a punch in the gut. He pointed out things that didn’t make sense design-wise, annoying layout issues, even mentioned that the spaces between lines was tough on his eyes to read. Now, I could have been all “but you don’t know!!! You don’t even know how to GET to the echo chamber” but I realized he was more like a typical web browser than I was and his opinion had merit.

    Then, I let him get off the train 3 stops after his. He was only mildly upset that I held him hostage on the Metro and forced him to look at my laptop.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      That is a great idea Andrew. An in-prompt to focus group, by force or otherwise, can offer a fresh perspective for sure. Thats a great tip. Thnnx :-)

  • http://dannybrown.me Danny Brown

    Hey there Dino,

    Nice list of tips here, sir. I’m a big fan of #4. Not only does it keep your blog fresh and people can see all the latest info about you (perfect for working gigs), it’s Google-friendly too for the search engines. Which is always nice. :)

    Cheers, sir.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      You know, that one was a sticking point for me for a long time. But you’re right of course, esp since we are always acquiring new skills and have new avenues for showcasing our prowess, it only makes sense to add it to the About page for example.

  • http://www.thesaleslion.com/ Marcus Sheridan,The Sales Lion

    I’m down with all these Dino. When it comes to creating a posting schedule, I think that sometimes gets a bad name because often times people set goals that are way too unrealistic and stressful—like posting 5 days a week. I think a schedule is great, but only once the blogger has been posting for a while and has a better feel for their strengths and weakness.

    A few more I’d add to the list:

    -Write like you talk
    -Be youself, no one else
    -Have an opinion
    -Use personal experience as much as possible
    -Don’t just write comments, write thoughtful comments…and write thoughtful replies to those that comment on your blog
    -Embrace the power of networking at every turn

    I could go on and on with this topic, it’s one of my favs.

    Thx again Dino

    Marcus

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Great additions Marcus. And I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. I esp like the “have an opinion”…go figure :-)

  • http://netaccountant.net Leo

    I’ll add a different take on your number 4: revisit old posts and improve your website internal link structure.

    Every 6 months (I don’t post often) I go through my blog and create links to newer posts (from old ones) and vice-versa (if I missed any when I wrote the new one).

    Re the bigger font size: can’t say I notice any difference between the two.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Great point…and thats something I dont do very often. I know I should but once its out of my system I tend to never look back…just a personal demon to overcome I suppose but you got a solid advice there my friend…thank you for that.

  • http://twitter.com/dancristo dancristo

    I’m on board with all these suggestions. I would love to see a special post just on elevator pitches. Examples of the good, bad and the ugly. Maybe talk about how to sum up a strong value proposition, how to start the conversation and what the ‘call to action’ should be.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Maybe Dan Cristo has got himself a homework assignment :-) When are you going to write a guest post anyways?

  • http://live-your-love.com/ Brankica U

    Dino, loved it. I will have to learn to write elevator pitches, I write such long posts.
    Link posts are so great but I know so many people that are afraid to link out because they think they will leak out their (non existent) link juice.
    I love the new font on your blog, so much better. I tend to click out from blogs with small fonts.
    I have a schedule cause I am ADD and if I didn’t have one I would probably forget to post for weeks and I don’t want that happening since I want more people to read my blog.

    About the book, you think I should get it???

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Its filled with these types of recommendations. If you found these 5 of value, you will find the other ones as well, Im sure. And if you use the code/link above its only 15 bucks.

      Its really like going to a class on blogging. You get 31 tasks and they are all really really good and actionable. They will def fill holes in your game if you have any.

      I took my dog crew through the book and we did it together, as a group, and compared results and notes and such. Doing it that way proved to be even more valuable.

      • http://live-your-love.com/ Brankica U

        OK, bought it. After the vacation I will start working on it and see how it works out for me. Thanks for the discount code :)

        • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

          Cool…and if you have any questions or would like to work through some of the tasks together, lemme know. Im here for ya :-)

  • http://www.expatlifecoach.com/blog John Falchetto

    Thanks for the tips Dino.I live by #5, have a schedule for the dry days, when nothing comes up but then I find a topic in my reader and don’t follow it.
    This reminds me also I need to link to your site, and not just this one but your dog one. Was writing about underdogs and packs today.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Link away brother…expect an email from me…I have some cross promotion ideas on my side as well.

  • http://easypublicspeaking.co.uk/ Keith Davis

    Hi Dino
    Another treasure trove of blogging goodies and easy on the eye.

    What did I like best?
    “As the old Buddhist saying goes; a candle loses nothing of its light by lighting another candle.”
    Thought that was a great image to make a point.

    Might steal that and pretend that I said it. LOL

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Great saying, isnt it? That Buddha was a smart fellow :-)

  • http://twitter.com/davelucas Dave Lucas

    Wow! You actually wrote something other than I would have expected from the millions of other blogs purporting to present the same information. I actually printed out a hard copy and posted it on the fridge.

    And the old Buddhist Candle analogy is perfect! (raises glass in fellow-blogger’s honor)

    But your real gift, the real “secret” to Dino Dogan is… Dino Dogan. You’re just right there on your blog, exactly as you should be, exactly the way blogs were supposed to be. It’s YOU!!!!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Thnx bro, I appreciate the kind words.

  • http://www.bloggingbookshelf.com TristanH

    First off.. I hate Disqus. I’ve written about it before (http://www.blogtipstogo.com/disadvantages-of-disqus-on-a-blog/), and judging from the comments, people definitely agreed.

    Second, I need a better elevator pitch both for my blog and just for me and what I do. I’ve been going to a lot of parties and other events recently and I get the strangest blank stares when I tell people I’m a blogger. They can’t tell if I’m joking or not. Maybe I should go with “internet entrepreneur” instead. It sounds sexier.

    Font size… I definitely do like the larger font sizes more. I think it just looks better, apart from being easier to read and making it look like you wrote more :)

    Great post Dino. Oh, and yesterday I added your feed to my twitterfeed account.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      DisqUs does leave a few things to be desired. I’ll grant you.

      As for the parties, “internet entrepreneur” would definitely get me to take my panties off, so go with that lol

      You’re in my feed as well…neat idea to extend our reach, right?

  • Anonymous

    Great post, Dino! I used Disqus at first and found it to be an improvement from my basic WordPress comment system (approvals did not encourage discourse). At any rate, let me take it from the top:
    1. Love the elevator pitch idea. It’s a great goal and a great exercise. However, I’d like to offer an alternative…much like your #5. Many of us when we first start out may not have the elevator pitch nailed down. It evolves. I could not have told you mine 6 months ago. I can now. My blog is a community for the small businesses and entrepreneurs of the world interested in marketing, pr and social media. I strive for ‘spot-on’ posts and topics and thrive on comments!
    2. The link post is THE BEST tool in the tool box. It is awesome for creating community, generating discussion and getting your post started if you’re stumped.
    3. Yes, no brainer. But, often overlooked. That was again a great starting point for me when I first started blogging. And, it created that community thing I just mentioned…
    4. Love the bigger font. Had to do that with mine as well…evolution is essential.
    5. A man after my own heart. Even though this blog is more for business than personal use…and a schedule helps, it was the very thing that drove me over the edge the first couple of months. I strive to post 2 blogs and 1 vlog/week. If that happens, great. I have general days I’d like to make that happen, but life gets in the way and that’s A-OK.

    Thanks for sharing! Enjoyed it!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      You are spot on in regards to the evolution of the blog. Im glad you found the tips useful. As for DisqUs, what can I say…its missing some things and it excels in others. You take the good with the bad :-)

  • http://www.facebook.com/MorganBarnhart Morgan Barnhart

    Hey Dino!

    Sticking to a schedule has been difficult for me since I have so many blogs, but I’ve begun realizing that I need to setup a weekend schedule to just write them all out for the week and then set them up for automatically posting. Much easier that way for the most part.

    I also dislike Disqus…leaves a lot to be desired, but it’s pretty cool that I can link it to my Twitter or Facebook.

    Cheers for the great post!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      …so..you think DisqUs is….disgusting? lol…sorry…I couldnt resist :-)

      I didn’t realize you have so many blogs…what/where are these blogs? Or is it a secret? :-)

  • liz

    Hey,
    Great Blog.
    I am new to blogging, being that I only had a few posts in a few months and was doing it strictly as a “fun” thing. Yet recently I am understanding that I want to expand my horizon and be more diligent in blogging. This post was pretty informative and I appreciate the suggestions. Yet my blog has nothing to do with products, its more along the lines of creative writing, how can i generate some buzz for it? How would you recommend attracting the attention of a publisher?
    Also on a different note, i am interested in location based applications and was wondering if there are any apps that you know of that can supply information rooted in real time and location, basically how can i find a place/product around where i am that can supply me with info in real time?

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Liz, Liz, Liz…my dear Liz…..so many questions. A client of mine is trying to get some attention from the publisher, I’ve coached her through the process, contact me if you need the same.

      • liz

        thanks, will do

  • http://twitter.com/ElisesReview Elise M

    Great tips. I’m TRYING to make my blog posts more brief (is under 2,000 words brief? haha) and not sticking to a blogging schedule, lol. Well, sort of. Knowing the days I want to put out content (twice per week) is all that’s working for me.

    Haha I’m not sure if I’m a fan of Disqus or not. Sometimes it’s fine, other days I hate it (slow to load and the comment box doesn’t appear sometimes, bleh.)

    Advice to make a better blog? I guess do things differently than everyone else. Easier said then done I guess. VIDEO BLOGGING. hint hint. I like the bloggers most who do video, lol. Really puts a spin on just boring text sometimes.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      I like video blogging…its actually easier than writing, especially with certain topics which would be difficult to “write out”. What I really like is your videos..they are so much fun…you crack me up every time you put one of those out…that thing on Clickbank products was classic :-)

  • http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

    These are solid and practical tips that are easily implemented. I would add that if you are going to blog you should love it or at least seriously enjoy it because if you don’t you are unlikely to last. It is a lot of work for something that may not pay real well…ever.

    But if you love it, than it becomes far easier to do.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      For sure….I’ll second that tip :-)

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    Yo Dino — #4 I need to get on this week… if my darn internet connection will stabilize!

    #5 Is great advice to be considered… When you’re getting started, I think many can get overwhelmed and miss out on the fun and enjoyment blogging can provide. I’m in the process of going from hobby to business blogging and the transition is a little bit stressful… it’s much easier having a hobby than trying to be great or at least proficient at something — especially if you have to learn how to write and be a blogger :p

    Thanks for reminder on #4!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      haha…no prob….Im here to provide an occasional kick in the butt when needed :-)

  • http://www.webguide4u.com Vivek Parmar

    wow that’s a great read, list post + commenting is a great way to help you to grow your blog in no time. Working on lists post and will publish them after sometime so that i can build a great readership on my blog

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      thnx Vivek, good luck with the post and I know you’ll rock it :-)

  • http://www.techiemania.com Sathish

    Wonderful list, Dino. If you are serious about improving your blog, then the first thing you need to do is creating an elevator pitch. If you have a good elevator pitch with some quality articles, you blog will be recognized in the blogosphere for sure.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Thnx Kumar….the thing about the elevator pitch is that it might be more valuable for the blogger and only secondarily its valuable to the reader. I guess it helps bring focus and clarity of vision to what we do…so yeah, for sure….EP is very important :-)

  • http://twitter.com/StartYourNovel Start Your Novel

    I’m going to take up #2 as soon as possible. Never wrote a link post before, but it sounds like a good idea.

    Re: scheduling: I actually like to schedule, because I’m a born procrastinator and sticking to a schedule helps me focus and churn out my material. Having said that, I have the “bonus posts,” which I can publish anytime I like.

    Put simply, I believe it’s good for my readers to know that they can count on regular updates, and then a little extra — the cherry on top.

    *off to write elevator pitch now*

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Awesome…Im glad you found this useful :-)

  • http://www.ryanrenfrew.com Ryan Renfrew

    Hey man,

    Great post, love the elevator pitch! Posts need to be captivating, have a reason and a main idea. No one wants to listen to a string of drivel. Love the 30-60-90 rule.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      You ever “talk” to those people who completely monopolize the conversation and are entirely unaware that they have been talking for 10 minutes straight? Yikes!

  • Anonymous

    Actually, I’m afraid that’s my bad habit (monopolizing conversation), I just get excited about stuff easily:)

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      lol…so you’re that guy, huh?

  • Ashley

    Very useful post! My first attempt at a blog is in it’s infancy (coming up on a month), and tips like these are much appreciated so that I don’t flounder doing everything wrong and give up. Thanks for the motivation!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      You should have left a link so we can come and visit, see whacha working with :-)

  • http://hypertransitory.com/ John Garrett

    This is a very savvy post, Dino! If I wouldn’t have already bought the 31 Days ebook I would buy it right now. I suppose I *could*always buy it again… :)

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Thank you brother and please, dont buy the book twice on my account. BTW…Brankica asked me to write a post for her; expect some link love this Saturday from me via Brankica :-)

  • http://www.productivitybits.com/ Marlon @ productivity bits

    Dino,

    I’ve always been told to have a post schedule and make a commitment to stick to it. And you’re right, it wasn’t fun. I started to feel that I was forcing myself to write because it’s the “schedule”.

    Now I am writing whenever I feel like writing. Surprisingly, I am motivated more by this to write regularly without being bogged down by schedule.

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      I know how you feel Marlon. Setting goals and schedules stifles creativity..well, at least it stifles the flow. Or just plain doesnt work for most people and when you try to fight it it only gets worse.

      Glad you managed to find the balance my friend :-)

  • http://www.super-hero-affiliates.com/blog James Austin

    Hi Dino, I am quite a recent blogger, but enjoying it probably because I do it on an ad hoc basis. I think if I had a schedule I would probably skip straight to the 90 second mark in a very stuffy elevator – not appreciate what I was reading!
    Thanks for the tips!
    James

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Cool tits dude…stick with it and have fun…which I know you will my friend :-) Thnx for spending some time on the site and participating in the conversation.

    • http://www.super-hero-affiliates.com/blog James Austin

      Sorry Dino, I didn’t know my tits were on show, which reminds me I must lose some weight!

  • april bishop

    I like it. I’ve been trying to figure out how to welcome people better but I struggle with what to say if they haven’t filled out a profile or posted anything yet.

    Thanks
    http://www.destinationweddingplans.com

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      If I can offer a point of constructive criticism. You should consider creating an account for yourself and post as April Bishop, rather than admin…it will make you blog much more personable that way.

      hope that helps :-)

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  • http://www.speakingoflove.net Sally Brown

    Thanks for the great post! You have given me much to think about! At first I wasn’t keeping to a schedule on my posts, and found that they were pretty sporadic. I thought this was due to my being in pain from needing a hip replacement. Hip replacement complete and now I’m posting twice a week. However, even though I’ve been able to keep the posts on schedule, it isn’t as much fun as before. So I’m not sure what the answer is. I will continue to read your blog because you have good food for thought. Thanks, Sally

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      Glad you found it useful, Sally.

  • http://www.mylifestylemax.com Stacey

    This was one of the posts that made me decide to create a posting schedule for myself. One that realistic, but not lazy. I come back to it occasionally when I need a quick reminder of all the ish, I shoul dbe doing right now. Well written, and super helpful cheers!

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      How is my favorite guest blogger today? I’m glad you found it useful…btw..what IS your posting schedule? Elise from elisesreview.com has hers displayed on her blog…very bold I thought…

      • http://www.mylifestylemax.com Stacey

        Mine is posted on my page also, but rather discreetly at the bottom of my ‘abou’t page, hopefully I be able to religiously stick to it. Trying to build up a post ‘stock pile’ now. But writing worth while stuff, is not as easy as some people make it look

        stacey

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  • http://www.hollandz.com Brad Holland

    Hey Dino,

    Love the post. Screw schedules, they’re for control freaks.

    I think the font on my blog is too small. I hear it’s not the size that counts though. I’m pretty those are just lies told to us by the ladies so they don’t crush our fragile egos. Anyway, do you have any info on the optimal font size to use on blogs?

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      WARNING!!!! Throughout this comment I will hold myself back from engaging in innuendos lol

      Man..small font does look nice and neat but its killer on the eyes. I think SocialMediaExamier.com got it right font-size wise. Its what I’ve tried to emulate here.

      • Anonymous

        Another fantastic post, Dino! I got sucked in by the “WARNING!!!” showing up in your twitter feed. Couldn’t resist clicking the link.

        PS. Bring on the innuendos!

        • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

          haha…yup..the old copywriter’s trick ….WARNING! NEW! ATTENTION!! FREE!! Im tweeting this comment too, wonder how many people will click cuz those attention-grabbers still grab our….ahhh…attention?

          lol

          • http://www.hollandz.com Brad Holland

            hahaha – #6 Duping your readers by yelling at them with attention grabbers..Comedy Gold

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  • http://theunwiredlife.com Corey St. Onge

    Between work, school, chasing my 2 year old, cooking my wife dinner and cleaning up all the messes I barely have time to think about writing on my blog.  Can you write a blog on how to get my wife to do at least 4 of these tasks above so I can get back to writing?

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      lol…damn…nope, sorry. I aint touching that one. :-)

  • http://courtcan.com Courtney Cantrell

    Dino, I’m always glad to see other bloggers talking about how dumb it is not to link out to others’ blogs. I believe very strongly in the “pay-it-forward” concept. When I run into a blog that has no outbound links, I assume that this blogger doesn’t care much about other people. So why should I care about this blogger?

    Maybe that’s a jaded, unfair reaction on my part. But it is an honest one. ; )

    • http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

      I think its worth doing for -at the very least- a self enlightened interest.

      You will attract attention of other bloggers. Thats good.

      And good Karma. This Interweb is one big giant Karmic Engine. I link to other blogs from the Triberr blog more often than from DIYB blog. And guess what. My Triberr blog gets more traffic and has higher Alexa rating. If that means anything..and it does to a lot of people. And Triberr blog is way younger than DIYB.

      Just sayin :-)

      So, links away!

      • http://courtcan.com Courtney Cantrell

        Links away, indeed! Last week, I had a great experience with this that I just have to share. It’s like linking-out on acid: 

        I posted a video (*ahem* of my first royalties check *ahem*) on my blog — and a couple of days later, thepassivevoice.com not only linked to my blog but re-posted the entire video. !!!!! I was floored in a most ecstatic manner — if you can picture that! ; ) 

        The linking-out/re-post led to three new readers who commented on my blog, and who knows how many new visitors. Now, I’m following @PassiveVoiceBlg on Twitter and looking for an opportunity to return the favor!

  • http://twitter.com/girlygrizzly Amber-Lee

    Thanks Dino.
    You made my day! #5 Just put you into hero status (cause if you say so….oh-kay)and brought tears to my eyes! (GOD, I HAVE to get back on medication!) You are absolutely dead on right! (Like you need to hear me say it!-but it helps me learn it if I remember I was wrong and learned better!) Stress and it takes the joy (new found for me) right out of it.
    The founding thought of our blog was to let people get to know us #1, and #2, sadly there ARE many people who will never be able to experience what we do, those that may really want to – I want to share with them, as much as I can. Because seriously, that right there is the best part of my life. Sharing it with other people. Yeah, yeah- it is a business, and it supports us, but that isn’t the point. If it was I would have gotten a job with Toyota or some such shit.
    So, have a day, dude and Thanks.
    ~Amber-Lee

  • http://twitter.com/livefamilylife Daca

    Hello,
    Great advices here (as usually).
    I like this number 5. most because it’s refreshing and quite different than tips people can usually read from others. Well done!

  • justin holt

    Great tips you have shared here. One must follow these tips for the betterment of his blog. Thank you.

    Watch Movies Online

  • http://twitter.com/BetsyKCross Betsy Cross

    My blog is about dead people. Sometimes I just get burned out from their drama and need a break. You know?

  • http://www.theuniuni.com/ Payton_vege

    Amazing write-up! This could aid plenty of people find out more about this particular issue. Are you keen to integrate video clips coupled with these? It would absolutely help out. Your conclusion was spot on and thanks to you; I probably won’t have to describe everything to my pals. I can simply direct them here!

  • http://dadinprayer.com/ RJ Silva

    I particularly loved tip Nº 5: “Create a blogging schedule and don’t stick to it”. Loved it. Finally something I’m really good at and can do with ease!

  • http://twitter.com/slantedk David M Karder

    I simply agree completely. I write in many directions, it crushes writer block and board-em.

  • http://twitter.com/slantedk David M Karder

    I simply agree completely. I write in many directions, it crushes writer block and board-em.

  • Orlando_Plumber

    Thanks for the information. I learned a lot for my own blogging efforts.

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    I completely agree with all your tips to increase the blogs popularity.

  • John

    Don’t forget: Use videos!  Blog readers love video and it helps you turn up better in the search engines. One of the most innovative things bloggers are doing now is video Q and A.  Readers can upload videos of them saying their comments and the blogger responds in text.  This gives the readers a face and the blog something fresh.  This service helps you do it easily: http://www.getbravo.com

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    Wonderful information you share. Thanks to share such wonderful information.

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    Clean up your Design

    Reassess your Blog

    Personalize Your Blog

    Increase Page Views Per Visit

    Update Your About Page

    Make Your Content Scrollable

    Social Media
     

  • malharbarai

    Great points Dino!!

    One more that I would like to add is – “Have relevant images”. There are multiple free & premium images available that can be leveraged to make a post look good.

  • http://twitter.com/innerideas Vygintas Varnas

    These are good tips for a beginner blogger like myself :)

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