Important Practices for Blogging

Blogging is as important to a business or site as a website, a strong brand, and focusing on superior customer service. That means you have to know the most important practices for blogging to ensure the best results. It is easy to break down that list of the most important practices for blogging into a few key steps. For example:

• Focus on high quality and unique content.
• Choose an appropriate and professional "theme" for the blog.
• Understand the most important words (keywords) to get the best results.
• Keep to a consistent blogging schedule.
• Know about images and tags or ALT text.

Although these are some of the most important practices for blogging, it has to go a lot deeper than that. Let's start with that first point - quality content.

Content Is Always King

If you want to adhere to the most important practices for blogging, then focus on content. We know that content is king and what determines SEO success. Yet, how do we know just what content to offer? It helps to focus on the readers. What information is going to fully engage your readers? You can look at your competition to see what they are covering, but never just copy.

Instead, see what is engaging readers at other sites, on social media and more. Remember, too, that your good content can be reworked. You can use such materials as infographics, educational videos, and even workbooks. Whatever you do with content, be sure it has the "CTA" or call to action. Also be sure that everything is shareable with social links.

Because you are focusing on quality content, be sure that the blog is easy to navigate. If someone likes what they read, be sure all related pieces are easy to find. Be sure tags make it easy to find related content, as well. Link to other blogs within the old and new content, and also link to others in the field or industry.

If you are going to use the most important practices for blogging, also remember that there are many tools. For instance, consider using plugins like the WordPress SEO plugin at Yoast. It makes sure your content is SEO friendly. Use editing software for effective text. Even use topic generators if you are stumped.

What NOT to Do

Of course, if we are considering the best things to do, we need to look at the other side. What steps should you never do when blogging? A brief list would include:

• • Posting blogs without images (this hurts SEO)
  • Posting blogs without any sort of sharing buttons easily found on screen
  • Using a default permalink
  • Failing to fill in the "About Me" page at your blog
  • Never updating plugins
  • Failing to link to other content on your site or blog

It is not at all challenging to have a good blog. However, it means committing to the best practices and working hard to avoid rookie blunders that cost you readers.