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Originally published by Darren Rowse, updated for 2024
Starting a blog is an adventure, a journey I’ve embarked on more times than I can count. And along the way, I’ve learned a thing or two about what to do to keep that momentum going. Today I want to share some updated information on how to maintain your blogging momentum, think about today’s digital landscape, and plan for success from the start. If you already have a blog, reading this article could help you refocus or find the solution to a problem that is hindering your success.
1. Choose your topic wisely
The scope of your topic can make or break your blog. Too wide and you’ll be overwhelmed. Too narrow and you risk running out of breath quickly. Here’s how to find that sweet spot:
- Modern search tools: Beyond Google News, tools like Ahrefs, BuzzSumo, Google Trends, and Answer the Public can offer a wealth of information on trends in your niche. Use them to take the pulse of your potential subject.
- Real-world success stories: Let’s learn from blogs that have found their place. For example, look at how “Minimalist Baker” thrives by focusing on simple, delicious recipes requiring 10 ingredients or fewer, one bowl, or 30 minutes or less of prep time.
A practical exercise I encourage you to do is simply to think about articles you could write on the topic. Simply write down on paper as long a list of article titles as possible and as quickly as possible. If after 10 minutes you only have a handful of potential story ideas, you may want to expand your topic or find another one. To stimulate your imagination, you can start with a mind map.
2. Fuel your passion
Are you passionate about the subject? Are you motivated enough to write for the long term?
The energy you bring to your blog is its heartbeat. Without true interest and passion, your blog might not stand the test of time.
Ask yourself what your passion and energy level is for the topic you plan to blog about. Be extremely honest about this, because as I have discovered, we can sometimes fool ourselves into thinking we are interested in a topic when that is not the case.
Here are some questions you might like to ask:
- Can you honestly imagine yourself writing on the subject in 2 years or more?
- Is the topic one you are proud to cover?
- Do you want to be recognized as an expert on this topic?
I’m not saying you can’t blog about topics you don’t want to be known for or aren’t interested in – but these questions will help you determine what your motivations are, which is important. step in the process of creating a sustainable blog.
If your topic doesn’t interest you, your potential readers will sense it and the chances of success will decrease.
Successful blogs are almost always the result of long-term efforts and most only really start to see significant “success” after 12 months or more. They require a significant investment of time and energy and I guess all I’m saying is that it’s worth considering whether the subject is something you want to invest your life in for such a long period of time.
Here’s what to consider:
- Align with your personal brand: Make sure your blog reflects what you’re passionate about and how you want to be perceived professionally. It’s not just a blog; it’s part of your identity.
- Community and engagement: Joining blogging communities and participating in online forums can reignite your passion and provide new perspectives. Platforms like Reddit or LinkedIn groups are gold mines for such interactions.
- Balancing Blogging and Life: Remember that your well-being is paramount. Adopt tools and practices that support a healthy balance, ensuring your blogging journey is sustainable and enjoyable.
I have written in more detail about “Finding Your Spark” on my own personal blog. In this article, I identify four places to look first for inspiration.
3. Realistic time management
How much time do you have? Do you have time for this blog?
Every blog takes time, but how much can you afford? Here’s how to make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew:
- Take advantage of time-saving tools: With Trello, Asana, or Notion, you can streamline your blogging process, from brainstorming ideas to planning posts.
- Automate when possible: Use tools like Buffer or SEMrush to automate social media publishing and SEO tasks, freeing up more time to write and engage with your audience.
- Quality rather than quantity: It’s tempting to run multiple blogs or post daily, but focusing on creating high-quality, impactful content will serve you (and your readers) more in the long run.
Conclusion
As you look ahead, remember that blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the journey, stay adaptable and never stop learning. Whether you’re refining an existing blog or starting a new one, these considerations will help you build a solid foundation for success.
Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll cover strategies for maintaining momentum once your blog takes off. Good blog!