Posted in Writing

10 Ways to Improve Your Blogging Experience

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

I’ve been blogging off and on for about 5 years.  During that time, I did not take advantage of the amazing community that WordPress has become to me until this past year.  Don’t make the same mistake.  I would like to share some of what I’ve learned with you.  If you would like to expand your readership or enhance your WordPress experience, these points might be helpful.  I do not claim to be any kind of expert.  I just want to share my experience and possibly spare you some of the mistakes I’ve made.

  1. SHARE–The biggest lesson I’ve learned here is to share your knowledge.  It will come back to you 10-fold.   The bloggers on WordPress are incredibly generous with their knowledge.  You should be just as generous.
  2. GIVE CREDIT–Be sure to give credit where credit is due.  If you are copying an idea or using a photo, give credit to that person.  They deserve it for their hard work!
  3. CONNECT–Step out and connect with other bloggers.  As you develop relationships with these people, you will learn from them.
  4. ASK QUESTIONS–If you have questions about blogging or writing, ASK!  If your recipe for bread dough is falling flat and you want help, ASK!  Your fellow bloggers are more than willing to help!
  5. DO THE WORK–Your blog will flourish, depending on the amount of work you are willing to put into it.  This is a mistake I made for a long time.  Not only do you need to write and post here, but get around to other blogs.  Read, comment, follow!
  6. SPREAD THE JOY–If you see a post that makes you laugh, or expands your knowledge, tell that person.  Leave a comment!  Reblog!  It’s important!
  7. USE WORDPRESS–Wordpress has a ton of tutorials.  There are also awesome WordPress blogs that will give you ongoing information if you follow them.  Take advantage of this free information.  WordPress wants to help you!
  8. BE ACTIVE–Be sure to respond to comments.  Visit other’s blogs.  Read, follow and comment.
  9. BE THANKFUL–Be gracious.  Thank those that help you.  Return the favor.  Spread the love!
  10. BE ACTIVE–This was probably the biggest mistake I made.  I do not post on a set-in-stone routine.  I try to post a few times a week.  If you do not post often enough, people will lose interest.

If you are not following the people on the list below, you should be.  This is a PARTIAL list, a sampling, of people that have been here for me, helped me, encouraged me, inspired me and have continued to show their kindness.  Have a look at their blogs and remember to share the love. ❤

Minnesota Prairie Roots

Trent’s World (The Blog)

Books and Bonsai – Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie

Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo

The Reluctant Poet

Hugh’s Views ans News

Walt’s Writings

Jessica Bakkers

*My original version of this post was done in 2017. I thought it was time to repeat it. I hope you enjoyed.

Copyright (C) 2019 Penny Wilson

Author:

Penny Wilson is an international writer who writes in several genres. She has written articles for WOW Women on Writing. Her poetry has been published in online journals, such as Ariel Chart, Spill Words Press and the Poppy Road Review. Penny is a member of the Austin Poetry Society. Her poetry has been featured in the publication America's Emerging Poets 2018 & 2019 by Z Publishing and Poets Quarterly and Dual Coast Magazine published by Prolific Press. Most recently, you can find her poetry in an anthology by WordCrafter Press called Poetry Treasures. Penny is an advocate for Mental Health Awareness and has the page "Mental Health Help" on her blog. She writes about the struggles of mental illnesses and Depression. She is passionate about spreading awareness for Suicide Prevention and Domestic Abuse. She expresses her passion through her writings of poetry and life experiences. You can find more of her writings on her blog at https://pennywilsonwrites.com/

28 thoughts on “10 Ways to Improve Your Blogging Experience”

  1. Oh how I agree, and thank you for putting that out there – it was so humble, grateful and true! I have over 200 followers of which I hear from about 5’ish? Who are these people, some even like my posts, but don’t say a word … some don’t do that much. Long ago I wrote a page “to my phantom followers” – a few giggled, but I was serious, I don’t like it. I enjoy engagement and would rather have a handful that I engage with, than over 200 that are phantoms and offer no engagement. Wonderful suggestions, wonderful that you put it out there, and I HOPE all who see it follow suit. xoxo It’s impossible not to love your heart and perceptions Penny. ((((hugs)))) 💖 Kimba

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      1. As are you love, very sweet soul. You are soooo welcome. xoxo YES, those phantom followers, it not only befuddles me, but it’s a bit creepy and without reason. Give me a “Penny” in my pocket over $100 in the street any day. 😉😘💗😊

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  3. Penny, thank you for placing my blog on your list. I am honored. All of your suggestions are great ones. I might add that using someone else’s photo is not as simple as copy and paste. Images are copyrighted. Don’t just take a photographer’s photo from their blog or website and use it without first securing permission.

    I agree about blogging consistently and also reading and commenting on others’ blog posts. That’s how we build a strong sense of community and grow relationships. I’ve been blessed to meet several bloggers in person and thus developed close friendships.

    In recent months, I have not been the best at following my own advice. But with many challenges currently happening in my life, I’ve had to prioritize. And blogging has slipped below being there for family and handling many difficult situations. Thankfully things are getting better and perhaps life will eventually return to “normal,” whatever that may be.

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  9. Thanks for the call out! I’m not in the same league of helpfulness as some of the others you bring out, so feel honored to be with them 🙂 To me the biggest shock of blogging is that it really is a social media and the more you put into that social aspect, the more that you gain, even if the “gain” is talking to other people 🙂

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  10. 🙂 Nicely stated, Penny!

    You are right about people losing interest if a blogger does not publish content consistently.

    In my case, I am a highly disciplined blogger. My blog posts are scheduled to be published weekly.

    I love spreading the joy by reading the blog posts of my fellow bloggers and leaving them valuable comments in the comments section of their blog.

    I am not into reblogging people’s work because I want the content on my blog to be my own (I am a stickler for original content).

    If I choose to share my fellow bloggers’ work, it would be done sharing the links to their posts via Pinterest.

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