How to operate a successful blog?

[Emroy]

Well, it seems with some free time over Christmas, I've decided to create a blog.

So I thought I might throw the question out there and see if anyone has some tips for making a successful blog?

I plan on using the blog to advertise my main website, no advertisements.

What are your thoughts?

[bradzo]

Jake

Go and read Darren Rowse over at www.ProBlogger.net
He lives in Melbourne and is very highly respected inn the blogging world.

Here's his About page:
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2...-a-problogger/

These might be useful articles for you:

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2...hen-i-started/

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2...s-of-comments/

I know you're going for a blog to drive traffic to your other website, but these tips might help you get started.

Cheers
Brad

[bradzo]

Hi Jake

Further to this, if you're thinking of using WordPress then please ensure you set your permalink structure properly *before* you begin posting.

I use "/%year%/%monthnum%/%postname%/" but that's because I like things nice and orderly (and a plugin I have tells me that's the best structure... ymmv) but the url is the thing that's going to get picked up by Google, so having it this way tells Google what the page is about, rather than having the default as "yourdomain/?p=123"

ie:
"yourdomain/?p=123"

as compared to:

"yourdomain/how-to-wash-your-dog-properly"

Here are some tips that might be useful:

http://yoast.com/articles/wordpress-seo/

Cheers
Brad

[Emroy]

Some great advice links there!

Thanks a lot for the information =)

[THE SALES WARLORD]

OK.

So you're going to laugh Jake.

But in my humble opinion, a blog is the one place you should NEVER sell.

You heard it here, no hijacking, no ulterior motives.

You might discuss things about your products but even then only contextually and conversationally.



Talk to a PERSON.

Never to a group.

The blog should speak to your subscribers like it's just you and them.

The kind of value this approach brings is massive for your followers.

And will multiply your business EXPONENTIALLY!

People buy from people and your blog is a great opportunity to be that person they need to hear from!

Go well.

[Emroy]

See, thats what I'm talking about!

Good advice mate.

I was just wondering if we can give this side of you another name? Just so I don't get mixed up?

[THE SALES WARLORD]

Mate is a good start.