Keys to consistent blogging Dec14 '07

Most bloggers have their own way to stay inspired, and keep the blog posts actively coming. Whereas it's completely normal, and sometimes necessary, to have a temporary "lull" in blogging activity, it should be noted that it's how you work through these temporary "dry spells" that make you a good blogger.

If you cave in during the first sign of boredom or lack of inspiration, you'll only extend your period of inactivity. It's important to remember that it is only temporary. Blogging is more about momentum, than having an endless supply of ideas to blog about. One good post can usually get you rolling, and back on track.

Here are some tips to keep the blog posts fresh and your inspiration levels high:

• Don't set schedules on when you'll blog.
• Don't limit your blog posts to only a few topics.
• Keep a "sandbox" of ideas somewhere that's always accessible.
• Meet new people!
• Stay healthy.
• Be a good person.

Don't set schedules on when you'll blog

Blogging is more effective on impulse than it is structure. Don't set schedules that you won't live up to. You'll only let yourself down for no reason.

If you are completely unable to blog while at work or during some other activity, try to at least record your ideas somewhere, and begin blogging about them as soon as possible, so the ideas remain fresh in your head.

Don't limit your blog posts to only a few topics

Don't attempt to "categorize" your blog, ie: "This blog is about all tech things that interest me." By labeling your blog as only a "technical" site, you block out other inspirational ideas that could become blog posts, but do not, simply because they are not "tech" things. By limiting your posts to only "tech" things, you reduce the amount of content posted.

Keep your blog open-ended. If you must narrow down the subject matter for the sake of the audience you wish to attract, do so in a manner that doesn't get too specific. For example, rather than saying, "This blog is about Netflix." - choose to say, "This blog is about media rental services."

By keeping things open-ended, you leave room for growth, effectively creating more content and building of ideas.

Keep a sandbox of ideas

It's wise to keep a notepad of some sort, where you can jot down ideas as they strike you. For me, I use Google Docs. Choose something light-weight and accessible. You don't want to limit your notepad to only one computer. You should be able to access it from anywhere.

Meet new people!

This is very important. Without people, our ideas never become a reality. You should always be meeting new people, either by networking in person, or simply being involved in social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace - whatever floats your boat. The main source of your ideas will come from other's suggestions.

So never stop meeting people. It is your source of life.

Stay healthy

It goes without saying that any activity, even blogging, performs better when you're healthy. This means doing the little things that keep you healthy year-round, including getting plenty of rest, eating right, and exercise.

When your body is rested and in good shape, your brain will keep the ideas and inspiration flowing.

Be a good person

By being a genuinely good person, you enable more effective and lasting relationships, which translate into consistent ideas and growth. Give unto others before yourself. Always consider another person's point of view before proclaiming to the world that you are, in fact, right. Chances are you're wrong. It's good to be wrong, because it teaches you something. What could you possibly learn from always being right?

Categories: Blogging , Life , Tips

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