Last week we talked about writing goals … this week is all about blogging. Maybe one or two or a few of these are thoughts you have had about goals for 2013. We believe in you! Make your blog work for you.
ONE: I will submit guest posts.
- Become a Guest Post Ninja in 5 Steps by ProBlogger
- Love these “do’s and don’ts” for guest posting from Daily Blog Tips.
TWO: I will monetize my blog.
- 7 Things I Know about Making Money from Blogging by ProBlogger
- Tentblogger also has a great series on monetizing.
THREE: I will move to self-hosted WordPress.
- Erin has written a very easy-to-understand article about understanding the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
- We love Blogging with Amy’s series on How to Start a Blog. In particular, her posts on setting up hosting & WordPress and tips for using WordPress are especially useful.
FOUR: I will work to improve the SEO on my blog.
- Tentblogger has a wealth of SEO-building information on his blog. And we love how easy-to-understand he is. For those who are ready to make an investment into building SEO, we suggest his book, Blogging SEO.
FIVE: I will work at planning posts and developing an editorial calendar.
- Here’s a great way to brainstorm post ideas from The Book Designer.
- Copyblogger has a great post on the benefits of an editorial calendar.
SIX: I will build my email list.
- Aweber offers 5 places to build your blog’s email list.
- Love these simple ideas on list building from Basic Blog Tips.
- Wondering why you should build your list? Jeff Goins gives some great reasons to work hard to build a great list.
SEVEN: I will take the plunge and leave Feedburner {or at least consider all my options!}.
- Again, Erin has written a post about what we are doing here at Design by Insight regarding Feedburner.
- Amy Andrews has also shared her thoughts on Feedburner and other options.
EIGHT: I will evaluate my plug-ins and delete the ones I do not use or need.
- Love these 6 questions to ask before installing (or keeping!) WordPress plug-ins from Six Revisions.
- Here’s a list from Jeff Bullas of plug-ins you might want to consider.
One important key is to remember to keep your plug-ins updated and go ahead and delete the ones you don’t use.
NINE: I will back up my blog regularly.
Trust us … do this!
- Here’s the information from the WordPress site on backing up both your site and your database.
- You may also want to read this page on the WordPress site where some common questions are answered.
Yes, everyone needs to do this … monthly!
TEN: I will develop a clear focus for my blog … for my sake and the sake of my readers.
- LOVE this post from The Write Practice about finding a unifying theme for your blog. Incredibly helpful suggestions. {Thanks to Kristin Schell for pointing it out to me!}
And a bonus post because it was so good …
4 Keys to Better Blogging by Jonathan Howe {Thanks to Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media for sharing this link on Facebook!}
What are your blogging goals for 2013?
Don’t forget about our Writing Buddy Sale and Giveaway of Self-Publish! We’d love to celebrate with you and your writing buddy as 2013 becomes the year you write your book! {Check out last week’s post for 10 writing goals.}
rock it out!
Thanks for visiting! Your posts are always an inspiration!