As I ramp up for a few speaking gigs coming up in the next month about blogging, I'm reminded of the basics. The true essence of a master blogger. Yes, focusing on a particular audience is important. Yes, being a good writer helps, too. But what I'm thinking of is the essentials. The DNA of a great blog.
Here are the three secrets to a killer blog:
1. PASSION: If you ain't got, we're not feeling it. You must desire to tell people your opinion or to solicit feedback or to dispel advice. Whatever you do on your blog, it can't be a chore. The topic needs to seep from your pores like sweat after 90 minutes on the soccer field. Do you get goosebumps just thinking about the next time you get to write on your blog? No? Hmmm. Wonder why your subscriber base is still so small.
2. SUSTAINABILITY: The next of kin to passion. The key to successful blogging is to keep doing it. If you stall, if you stumble, you will fail. Your passion should drive your sustainability, but go into blogging with your eyes wide open. It's a haul. It's a commitment. It can take over your life if you get really good at it. Sustain at all costs.
3. RELEVANCE: In my mind, the most important of the three. Love your topic, write about it all day long, but if it's not relevant to anyone, what do you have? I'll tell you. You have a diary. Make your content relevant to your audience. Don't just say you will be blogging for X audience. Know the audience, be the audience, be relevant.
So, what do you think? Is there a number 4?
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