Take Your Blog to the Next Level: Tips for Semi-Newbie Bloggers

I have been blogging for about a year and a half now (I’ll make 2 years this December…yeah!) and I have learned so much and achieved so much in this short time.  But I got to a point where I wanted to kickstart my blog to the next level and really start engaging more readers and really making an impact in blogiverse.

So I followed some key ideas to get this done, and I would love to share them with you!

1. Take linking up to a new level.

Blog hops and link-ups are definitely a great way to make some great connections and increase your following.  I currently host 4 link-ups on my blog — Turn It Up Tuesday, Social Media Mixer, Meandering Mondays, and Wake Up Wednesday — and I have made so many new friends along the way! It has been one of the best ways for people to find my blog and for me to meet new bloggers.

Consider the following ideas:

• Become a guest host on an existing link-up.  If you haven’t tried link-ups in the past, then this is a good opportunity to learn the ropes and get a better understanding of what’s involved.  There are many veteran link-up hosts, and they are always filled with ideas and advice for you.
• Start your own link-up. If you have learned the ropes and feel that you’re ready, try starting your own link-up.  Come up with something fun and engaging, and make sure to make it all-inclusive.  For your first link-up, it will allow all of your readers to feel included, and you won’t be leaving anyone out.

2. Connect to marketing networks…and increase your connections.  

As a semi-newbie blogger, you may have already experienced your first (and possibly, a second and third) dose of writer’s block.  You may find yourself with a lack of topics to write about or if you’re like me, you’ll have a million things to write about but watch your blank screen stuck on where to start.

Begin researching different marketing networks and influencer networks.  These networks will allow you to grow your following, enjoy some activities and events, and most importantly – give your blog a content boost.

Consider the following ideas:

• Take advantage of some sponsored posts. I would recommend signing up with some networks such as Sverve, Mom Central (if you’re a mom or dad blogger), Clever Girls, and Tomoson.  These networks offer some great brand opportunities, allowing you to enjoy great products while providing your honest review.
• Sign up for free blog directories. Add your blog to free blog directories – such as Top Mommy Blogs, Mommy Hotspot, and Technorati – allowing your blog to be listed with some other great blogs.  You can add the button to your sidebar, allowing others to find your blog and vote for your blog.

3. Start looking at your numbers.

Now that you have been blogging for some time, you should start to focus on your stats.  You need to have an idea of what’s working for your blog and what changes are needed.  This will be very helpful in continuing to make your blog a success. Plus, you’ll be able to clearly define your niche, obtain a better understanding of your audience, and gain some balance between what you enjoy writing and what your readers love.

Consider the following ideas:

• Sign up for Google Analytics. Google Analytics is a web statistics tool that allows you to view your website’s traffic and traffic sources, activity, and measures your website success.
• Determine your Alexa ranking. Alexa provides your website’s ranking among other websites determined by the frequency of visits to your website.
• Determine your Google PageRank. Google has devised this interesting tool to be able to determine where your website fits within the Internet world. The tool will determine your rank based on a complex equation, including your place in search engine results.

4. Add some pizzazz to your blog.

As a semi-blogger, it is important to start really determining the look for your blog.  Readers are immediately attracted to your look, then they zoom into your content.  If you are still using a basic template and you want to add some pizzazz to your site and create your blog’s identity, then you may want to consider hiring a graphic designer to help bring that look to life.

Consider the following:

• Do your research. Check out your favorite bloggers…do you love their blog design? Find out who they used and how they liked them. Do a Google search and find some amazing graphic designers.
• Define your budget.  It is easy to get lost in the world of graphic design.  There are so many amazing designer that can give you exactly what you’re looking for.  It is very easy to get a great new look for your blog for about $100-$200.
• Don’t be shy, ask around. Go beyond your favorite bloggers…ask some of your fellow bloggers for help in finding a great graphic designer.  They may have some great recommendations that will help you in making your decision.

5. Organize your blog.

Creating some organization for your blog will benefit you, your readers, and your blog overall.  Readers will come to expect what you will do and you will be able to stop poking in the dark when trying to find content for your blog.

Consider the following:

• Prepare a blog calendar.  This can be a daunting task to even the most seasoned blogger, but it’s a good idea to lay out your plan for the year by working on a blog calendar.  Do you engage in a lot of activities in the summer? Then, think about writing  some summer-inspired posts or giveaways. Christmas is your favorite holiday? Think about some posts you could write for this upcoming Christmas. Think of some great things you could share and get to writing!
• Come up with a weekly theme. I see a lot of seasoned bloggers doing this, and it has made me consider doing it as well.  Each day, you come up with a different theme for your blog – Wacky Wednesday, Music Mondays, Silent Sunday – anything you want, as long as the theme is the same but the content could be a little different.  This may really work to allow your readers to know when they should come to your blog for a particular theme that they’ll enjoy.