Blogging Best Practices

I started my first blog titled "Confessions Of A Traffic Lawyer" in November 2008. In this first month I had a mere 52 views. Gradually, my average monthly views have increased and I currently average between 3,500 to 4,000. While I still have room to grow, I am reasonably satisfied with my progress to date. Further, there are a few best practices that have emerged, which are worth sharing.

Be consistent

Unless you regularly update your blog, readers will lose interest. You need to post two to three times per week.

Promote

While you'll get views by simply posting, you need to promote your new posts in other places. I use ping.fm to post updates on various social media sites with the title of my new post and a link. I also used NetworkedBlogs, a Facebook application which automatically posts a blurb from my blog and a photo. Finally, I also include titles and links to five or six posts in "Behind The Wheel", my company's month newsletter. When my newsletter is blasted, I always see a spike in views.

Write well

The title of your post is critical. Write something catchy, provocative or interesting to encourage readership. Also, make sure your post is helpful or interesting. Avoid blatant self-promotion. Finally, check carefully to avoid typos and grammatical errors.

Be personal  

While my blog is focused on the niche area of vehicle and traffic laws, how to fight a traffic ticket, and other stories relating to driving, I also include other topics about my personal life, entrepreneurship and social media and, when I write about such things I try to be genuine and transparent.

Include a picture

Photos and illustrations encourage readership and often can enhance a post.  For instance, I wrote a post called "Speed Too Much And Lose Your Car" and included an image of Mater, the beloved tow truck from Pixar's Toy Story. The use of this image made the post more intriguing.

Respond to comments

Whenever anyone posts a comment on your blog, you should respond. Engage your readers and add helpful content. I have a few posts that have resulted in multiple comments. These and my responses have gotten this particular post organically on the first page of certain Google searches.

Blogging is a great way to promote yourself and your business. Follow these best practices and watch your views surge.