How to create and run a successful Blog

How would you go about creating a blog that would attract many people and establish a community around it? How would you monetize your blog then? This article provides steps to achieve it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Before you create a blog, thing carefully about its name. It should not only describe what the blog is about, but also (ideally) contain the major key words you want your blog to be searched by. For instance, if you are going to write a blog about a game, make sure the game's name is present in the blog name.

2. Choose a blog engine provider (Blogspot, Wordpress etc.) and a template for your blog. I would recommend either Blogspot or Wordpress, as those are the main blogger communities out there and having your blog on one of them will make it easier for people to comment and for search engines to find your blog. As for the template, don't get too carried away with it. Choose a simple, "non-offensive" template. Try to avoid black or dark background, light or white background will make it easier for people to read.

3. Post often and post passionately. Speak your mind. It is very important.
   How often? Once a day would be ideal. Up to you, really, but post at least 2-3 times a week, no less. You don't have to write long posts, even a few sentences will suffice, but make sure these sentences are meaningful. Don't post junk.

4. When publishing a post, think about a title. Again you would like to have key words in the post title, so people would find it via search engines. Ideally, include key phrases into the title, not just words.

5. Go and look for other blogs and sites on the same topic. Comment there and if you like the author, try to befriend him/her. Link their blogs/sites from your blog and you may get a favor returned. DON'T bluntly advertise your blog in other blogs - it would only aggravate people against you. Be patient and kind.

6. When you get comments on your posts, respond.

7. Use Google Analytics (which is free) to monitor your blog. You can see how people get into your blog using the Analytics. When you see some new site linking to your blog, go there and look around. Maybe you can befriend them.

8. You might find a few affiliation programs in the area of your blog subject. It's OK to sign in and use them to make some money. Usually, people who run these programs will look for you by themselves, when your blog gets high in Google ranks.

9. To make even more money, use Google ads, but try not to be intrusive. Don't clutter your blog posts with ads. Keep it easy for people to read your posts.

10. Keep writing and enjoy what you are doing!