If you want to create and own a successful blog, you must treat blogging as a business. That simply means you pay considerable attention to it and put in all that’s required for its success.
Blogging as a business isn’t just about setting up a blog online. It’s a challenging activity that faces constant changes. At the same time, blogging can be so rewarding. To feel these benefits, you have to be involved more than passively.
Therefore, we are going to be looking at several bullet points you should actively turn to for a successful blogging business.
Table of Contents
How To Create A Successful Business Blogging
You, Your Blog, and The Readers
Often, I tell my students blogging has three sides that must be invested in. These are:
- You
- Your blog
- The readers
You can’t have a successful blog without being a successful blogger. Whatever your blog is, is a direct reflection of what you have on your inside.
If you are facing tough times with your blog, you have to forget about the blog and face your worth. It’s absolutely impossible to create a blog that’s better than you. Take me at my word.
Most importantly, you will need to care for your readers. I don’t care about your value and how much you’ve invested in your blog. If your readers are not fed and catered for properly, forget about the blogging reward.
Invest In You
I don’t know if you agreed with what I said in the paragraph above or not but the simple truth is that your engagement is fully required for your blog to go anywhere near success. And you can only give what you have.
Do you want to create a successful blogging business this year? Start by recognizing the fact that you are fully needed. You cannot treat blogging passively and expect full-time earnings from it. Your blog needs you.
Read and Read
In my humble opinion, the best way to invest in yourself is to get the knowledge required to run your blog. Buy relevant materials. Read niche content. Signup for training courses.
And if you want faster results, to avoid some silly mistakes, get a coach. Donna Merrill shares in this post why you need to hire a coach for your online business.
Attend Offline Blogging Business Events and Connect
There are blogging events every day here and there and we cannot be indifferent. Trust me, even if you are the timid type, attending an offline blogging event gives you a different line of blogging experience.
Reading, educating yourself, and attending offline blogging events open up your mind to new ideas. It’s such an awesome experience to meet, chat, and connect with like-minded bloggers live.
If you know the awesomeness that comes with networking, you will make an effort to step up your network through offline meetings.
When you meet someone offline, the relationship becomes stronger and more real. Needless to say, this will positively impact your blogging.
Years ago, Lisa met up with Donna Merrill on her way back from vacation in Maine. You can watch their LIVE video below that they did for Facebook several years ago.
What Do You Blog About?
One of the toughest things to deal with when starting a blogging business is the niche. It’s often very difficult to decide what to blog about. Therefore, choosing a profitable niche goes with developing your value in you.
There are factors that should guide your choice. Generally, you hear people tell you to follow your passion. Others ask you to follow a topic based on your knowledge. These are all great pieces of advice.
I recommend you check out this post where I added a third factor to help you choose the most profitable niche.
People Don’t Connect With Blogs
One of the things I tell folks always is that bloggers don’t connect with blogs. They connect with bloggers. I personally have a relationship with Lisa Sicard, not her blog Inspiretothrive.com.
If you think this blog is awesome, it’s simply because of the blogger behind it.
If you want to be advertised on Inspiretothrive.com, you ain’t going to contact the blog. You try to deal with Lisa.
Over the years, she’s invested in herself and her value is reflected on this blog and many other blogs you find her guest-posting on.
Invest In Your Blog As A Blogging Business
Your success in blogging is more about you than your blog. That’s why you must take those points above seriously.
Your blog and all that surrounds it is just technology. If you properly educate yourself, you won’t make avoidable errors in putting the right elements together. You must be watchful of having your content stolen as well.
There are thousands of wonderfully designed blogs out there but with middle-of-the-road content. The theme or where these blogs are hosted may not be the problem.
The real issue is that the bloggers behind the “beautifully designed” blogs can only publish what they have inside of them.
Seth Godin has one of the most-read blogs out there. But his is far from anything supper beautiful or complicated in design. No fancy elements for distractions or mere entertainment.
I’m not in a way suggesting you should throw away eye candy designs. But this should only come to add comfort to the plate while your readers read and share your content.
Invest In Your Theme
It’s important to note that while beautiful designs may not be the reason you will succeed in blogging, poor-looking blogs can turn away your audience. The same for too many ads all over a blog. The ads can quickly take the eye away from your blog content.
I can’t remember the number of times I have clicked away from some blogs because of annoying themes. It’s either the fonts are boring or the overall presentation lacks some main sticky elements. The content may be good.
But if it’s some white-on-red text or some clumsy free template, sit and watch as your readers leave you for good.
The good news in all is that you don’t need your arm to get premium, awe-inspiring themes for your blog. Look around and you’ll find these themes for the price of a few cups of coffee.
Be careful not to steal others’ blogging ideas in their themes.
Where You Host Your Blog Matters For Successful Blogging Business
Does it really matter?
Yes, it does if you want a successful blogging business. I know it may be difficult to know where to find the best web hosting for your blog. Everyone seems to be promoting some hosting company and this may just be driving you nuts.
However, I recommend you check out this article comparing 7 different WordPress hosts by one of my blogging friends. This will point you in the right direction if you are blogging on WordPress.
Let me underline here that the price tag isn’t a good pointer to the best web hosting offer. Cheap isn’t necessarily what you need. Don’t trade quality for a low price.
In your place, I will pay attention to server configurations, support services, and overall customer reviews. If your blog is hosted on some sluggish, low-life servers, that may seriously compromise your business.
Other Necessary Tools for Your Blogging Business
You need a great, simple, and sticky theme. You also need premium web hosting. And you need many other tools.
Bloggers need traffic from different channels – AI tools, SEO, Social Media, Referral, Email List, etc, and all these need tools. I know there are free tools out there but think again before using them.
For Social Media and Internet mentions, Lisa has shared with us 3 reasons to love Agorapulse for Social Media Management.
For SEO, some great options include SEMrush, SerpStat and Ahrefs. And coming to list building, you may want to get going with MailChimp.com, MailerLite.com, ConvertKit.com‎, etc.
Take Care of Readers
Blogs are meant for human readers not search engine spiders and we have everything it takes to drive traffic. Once we are driving traffic and readers are pouring in, we must care about them.
Primarily, we are blogging away to provide solutions to their problems. Behind the desire to serve them is a hidden agenda to make money. That’s true for many of us.
Put your readers at the forefront. Care for them. Respond to their comments and questions. Answer them with the motivation to help. Once you get your readers satisfied, they will sing your praise.
Don’t be the sales blogger. Be the solution blogger. The sales blogger looks for buyers. But solution bloggers find solutions for their audience.
Less Ads On The Blog
Ever hear the expression, “Less Is More”?
Having fewer ads on your blog benefits your readers in several ways. When there are fewer distractions, readers can focus more on your content. This leads to a better reading experience overall. Instead of being bombarded with ads at every turn, your audience can engage more with your words and ideas.
Additionally, a cleaner layout with minimal ads creates a more visually appealing and user-friendly website. By prioritizing content over advertisements, you show your readers that their experience and time are valued. In essence, less ads mean more quality and satisfaction for your audience.
In Conclusion of Building A Successful Blog
Blogging is exciting. Connecting with folks all over the world is amazing.
But hard work, smartness, and financial engagements are a requirement. Treat blogging as a business and the results will come looking for you.
Let me know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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Hi Enstine, and Lisa,
Totally enjoyed reading the post!
I learned with time that how much important it is to invest in yourself to be able to grow online. When we treat blogging as a business, we see results.
I also like this point where you shared ‘people don’t connect with blogs’. I mean that’s important to know a blogger who is behind a blog. This is how relationships are made online and that is what help us grow and expand together.
Arfa
Hi Arfa, welcome to Inspire to Thrive! Yes, investing in yourself is very important. You can’t stay stagnant today in this fast paced changing environment. It took me a while to learn that point Arfa, as I started with an image and not my own photo. I caught on after that though 🙂 Thanks for coming by and have a wonderful day ahead.
Pretty good stuff Enstine, but me being me I feel the need to comment on one of the things you said, which I feel is quite important.
You mentioned people should try to find a profitable niche to write about. The problem with that is when people try to write about something they know nothing or little about, the words aren’t compelling and interesting and no one cares what they’re trying to say. Too many people follow this advice, then either write tripe or pretty much steal from someone else who’s doing it better.
I understand the wish to make one’s blog business profitable, but all the networking in the world isn’t going to help anyone is the content doesn’t grab the reader because the author is out of their element. It’s probably better for most people to write about what they know, find ways to monetize it, and engage a smaller audience they can entertain with the distinct possibility that they’ll become loyal consumers and bring others along with them.
At least that’s how I see it. 😉
Hello Enstine,
Hosting and theme are key factors in determining the fate of a blog. A fast hosting provider and a clean, light-weight theme will help you a lot to improve page visits and search engine rankings.
Relationship building is another important point you mentioned here. Blogging events, social media interactions, and guest posts are our usual ways to connect and improve relations. Proper use of all these methods will make our blog a profitable business.
Best,
Thanks for showing up with a comment bro.
Blogging isn’t easy but once you start connecting the right dots, you’ll enjoy the business 😉
Enstine,
I didn’t know you could become a certified cryptocurrency expert. Do you listen to the Bad Crypto podcast?
I am a certified networker (by the Referral Institute / Academy).
Btw: Your copyright notice says “2016”… 😉
I like your post and I agree with your points (bullets). I will share it to my webmaker, clients, friends, and business contacts.
All the Best,
Martin
Hi Martin,
There are many other certifications in the industry today 😉
And yes the industry is suffering from a big hit from media and institutions. Whales too manipulating the market.
Thanks for pointing out the copyright note 😉
How do you manage multiple blogs, I feel distraction when I think about other blogs I am unable to update due to less time. Do you hire VA or automated tasks? Please advise
Hey Enstine,
you’re so right about giving the “real” you; and that that’s the only thing you really can give.
Your blog is a representation of who you are and you better make it “show off your good side”
i.e., better yourself by learning, growing and connecting.
There’s no other way.
Plus, it’s fun to connect with passionate people who’re doing the thing you’re doing. Just ask Lisa and Donna, they seem to be having a great time, judging from that video:)
Hi Nikola, YES, that is so true. When I first started blogging I think I used a pen name and an image – not my own photo. Boy, did things change fast once I let out the real me. We certainly do have fun at it Nikola, it’s the only way to keep on blogging after 8 years 🙂 Have a great day!
Good to see you here and thanks for the comment and sharing on Twitter bro. How is your country doing this new week?
The part you said people don’t connect with blogs they connect with bloggers was very convicting lol. I have to do better with connecting with my readers. I’m slowly trying to get better at this.
– John
lol thank you John. Try that angle and you’ll see how much results you get.
Thanks for being part of this post
Hi John, welcome to Inspire to Thrive. Do you allow comments on your blog? It’s a great way to connect with your readers. Thanks for coming by and have a wonderful day.
Hi Enstine,
Congrats on being featured here on Lisa’s blog! You’ve shared some very valuable tips here – things I wish I had known when I first started blogging like where to host my site. I went in circles before finding WordPress, lol.
One of my goals this year is to attend blogging events. In fact, there is one in Texas in several months that I’m trying to clear my calendar for. 🙂
Thanks for these great tips!
Cori
Hi Cori,
We made stupid mistakes in those early days. This is simply because we were trying things ourselves without a coach 😉
Oh sweet! trust me you are going to have the opportunity to connect with many. Make good use of it 😉
Hi Cori, that’s an awesome thing to do. I started speaking at some local networking events and have generated new business from it 🙂 Thanks for coming on this great one by Enstine.
Hey again Enstine!
This post hit home pretty hard.
I don’t think I’ve spent the most time creating valuable content for my readers. Time to stop tweaking my theme and start posting more frequently. Thanks for the wake up call!
Hey Lily,
Thanks for stopping by to engage.
Yes your theme needs your attention but content definitely needs more of it 😉
I look forward to more of those killer posts 😉
Hi Lily, nice to see you here on Enstine’s piece. Thanks for coming by. What one thing will you be tweaking? Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Hi Lisa! Great to see you here, Enstine! This article is spot on and I appreciate Enstine sharing it with us. Some people are out there just to blog and share a story. Others are out there to share knowledge, grow a following, and build their business. I think some, even entrepreneurs, go into blogging without fully knowing how much work must go in it to make the blog and their business a success. Thank you again for sharing this. Passing it along!
Hi Bren,
Thanks for your input on this post. I’m excited to be here and I hope to stay around for a long time 😉
There is wrong info out there making people think blogging business is just about setting the WP site. Once people get in, they start facing realities 😉
Treat it passively, get passive results. Treat it actively, get full-time results 😉
Hope you are having a great week
Hi Brenda, You are right, not everyone is out there blogging to be in business. And you know how hard it is to keep it going and run like a business. It takes a lot of time. Thanks for coming by and congratulations on your comeback Brenda 🙂
Most of the people treat blogging as a side business and think that there is not much growth. I think there are ample of opportunities in blogging world. If a person gives full devotion to blogging and treat it as a business, he can achieve good heights in blogging world.
Really good article. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kaushal,
I think one of the reasons is the wrong information that’s out there. Some folks give the impression that making money blogging is a matter of few clicks.
Hard work and dedication are required.
Thanks for being part of this party
Hi Kaushal, you are right about that. I did that for years as a side business and more of a hobby. Once I started to invest in myself and the blog it became a business all on it’s own and has evolved over the years 🙂 Thanks for coming by and have a great rest of the week.
Hi Enstine,
Great to see you here on Lisa’s place!
Blogging is a commitment. More than a good content, we have to “be there” for others via comments and social media. Blogging doesn’t come easy. It does take a bit of time. But to make things move along faster I always recommend to hire a coach.
I find the very best thing about the blogging world is that we meet others all over the world. We share the commonality of blogging and marketing. Just check out the video where Lisa and I have met as she and her hubby drove passed my town from their trip. Lisa was kind enough to stop for a little while to get together as friends. We have been online friends for years, but it is so great to meet her in person.
Blogging is an every evolving business. From your blog, marketing products and/or services start to blossom. It is an exciting adventure.
-Donna
O yeah I watched that video on Facebook and feeling excited to have it on this post. You both are a real example of the real time, true story of blogging connecting people.
It feels really strong to meet one-one-one. I remember meeting Tanyi Melvis and exchanging some powerful ideas. We’ve even co-presented in some 2 blogging events here in Douala and it keeps getting more and more exciting.
Lisa next time, on your way to somewhere in Africa, stop at Douala 😉
That would be cool to stop by that part of the world Enstine, you never know ! 🙂
Hi Donna, thanks for coming by here 🙂 You got that right about it being a commitment. One can’t get lazy with their blog! I’m so glad we have met now a few times in person Donna. I’ve learned so much from you and your husband. I agree with you on it being an evolving business and an EXCITING adventure! Have a good night.
Hey Enstine, thanks for sharing this. I’ve learnt so much about blogging in the last year, my focus has moved away from making money and towards building relationships with people in my community 🙂
Thanks again,
Nick
Hi Nick,
Thank you for showing up and dropping a comment.
I give you a vote. Those relationships you build will attract the money. People need to know how money functions. Money is simply a result of something done well.
Keep it up man. There are more beautiful days ahead so let’s keep giving.
Hi Nick, welcome to Inspire To Thrive. Thanks for coming by on Enstine’s awesome piece here. I’ll have to check out your new blog. Glad you learned so much in just one year, it took me longer 🙂 Have a great day!