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Beginning To Blog

This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014

Beginning To BlogI’ve been reading articles from many new bloggers lately.  Some are fantastic and really “wow” me!  Some need a little work. 

 

So I decided to write to all those who are beginning to blog.  Now, I know I have a lot of seasoned professional blog followers, but maybe this can come in handy for you to pass along to those newbies that you are meeting, too.   

If you are a person that wants to blog, or if you are just beginning to blog, here are a few suggestions I want to share with you.

– Naming Your Blog.  Before you name your blog, think about the changes you will go through on your journey.  I find the best way to name your blog is using your own name in it.   Now, I do have friends that don’t do this and that’s fine.  When I need to find them, though, I have to go on a long search to remember their blog’s name.

– Have A Plan.  You are a beginner, and as anything we do, know that blogging is a journey.  It will take you to many places.  You may be into Network Marketing and then come to find out, you are so darn good at it, you want to become a coach.

Think about where you are now, and where you want to be as a general goal.  But don’t be afraid to let yourself wander into other areas, too.  You just may end up redefining your original goals, and that’s okay.  Just make sure that whatever path you follow, you create a plan and stick to it.

-Be Yourself.  I don’t care if you lack confidence, you will get it as you go along.  Just be yourself and people will resonate with you.  Never try to be anyone else because you carry your own special qualities weather you know it or not.

–  If you heard the term “Fake it until you make it,” please do not do that.  It just doesn’t work because people will catch on quick.

–  You don’t have to be a professional writer.  Don’t be intimidated because more and more people are coming into blogging than ever.  Just write from your knowledge and heart.  Then proof read for spelling and grammar, and put it out there.  

–  Never push anything.  There is something called the Pareto Principle which is the 80/20 rule.  Combine 80% good content with 20% offers to your valuable products or services.  It is a great rule to follow if you want people to come and read your blog.

–  Write what you are passionate about.   If you are in Network Marketing, and are involved with a health shake company, for example, write about exercise, foods to eat, feeling great when you are healthy.  Any benefit that is congruent to what you are marketing.

–  Be Ethical!  Now that’s something that will always enhance your content.  Be fair and honest with people, and they’ll always come back to your blog.

– Be Considerate.  Keep in mind that you are writing to the entire world which consists of many different cultures.  If you are writing something crass, for instance, many people will be turned off to it. 

You’re not writing just to yourself and a few buddies.  This is not high school.  It’s the “world wide” web.

– Be Realistic With Your Time.  We are all very busy people.  Think how much time you have to write your article, post it, answer your comments, go to the person that comments on your blog and reciprocate.  This takes time. 

We all have different situations, so give it some thought.  One blog a week, twice, even more?  It’s all up to you, but consistency will help you to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

–  Have your social share buttons on your blog.  Now this is important because if someone reads your blog and likes it, they will share it on social sites like Twitter, Facebook, and others.  If you are hiring someone to help you, like a virtual assistant, or even if you are building your blog yourself, Social Share buttons are a must have!

–  Go beyond your blog and get social!  On social media sites, you will find many bloggers hanging around.  Make friends with them.  Visit their blogs and comment, connect with them and share their content on your social sites.  

–  Join groups.  You are out here, blogging and putting a lot of effort into your content.  Who the heck is going to know you are there, though?  Find groups in your niche and join them. 

There are Facebook Groups, Google+ circles, and Blogging Cooperatives or Blogging Tribes.  Join them.  Get involved with others you meet there.  Follow the rules of the groups, be unselfish and consistently present, and you will be fine.

These are just a few of many suggestions I’d offer to blogging newbies.  More seasoned bloggers refer to you as “newbies,”  not because you don’t know what you’re doing or what you’re writing about.  But because you’ve chosen a format of delivery for your content that is new to you.  

When I was a new blogger, I was lost and did not have any clue as to what to write, or do.  I’m sure many of you feel the same way.  So I have written this short article to give some ideas and guidelines to anyone just beginning to blog.  

We can all be intimidated at first, but let yourself get out of your box and just do it.  Eventually, like anything else, you will catch on and maybe become an authority blogger.

I wish you all well,

-Donna

Stock Image – image ID: 10061820

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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71 Responses to Beginning To Blog

  1. Anirudh Singh October 31, 2016 at 9:38 am #

    These are some really good tips, especially for newbies. New Bloggers can learn a lot by following these tips. Thanks for Posting!

  2. Julieanne van Zyl December 13, 2013 at 9:29 pm #

    Hi Donna, these are great tips for people new to blogging. I remember when I first started writing for my business, it was soooo different from what I was used to. I had spent about 6 years prior to coming online writing scientific articles, so they’d get published at conferences and in books.

    So, as you can imagine, my style of writing was very boring for people to read, and often much too complicated.

    As you say, we need to “BE ourselves” in our writing, that’s most important!
    Scientific articles don’t encourage any emotion at all.
    Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..How to brand yourself as an expertMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      December 22, 2013 at 10:13 pm #

      Hi Julieanne,

      Yes, throwing in that little “twist” of our own personalities get people coming back to your blog over and over again!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Keeping it Positive My Profile

  3. Emmanuel
    Twitter:
    November 19, 2013 at 3:35 pm #

    Naming your blog and being yourself are the fundamentals. But the problem when it comes to blogging has to do with the fact that many newbie bloggers find it hard being theirselves.
    Emmanuel recently posted..No Blogger can make you RicherMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      November 24, 2013 at 11:08 pm #

      Hi Emmanuel,

      Newbie bloggers do find it hard being themselves. I have a lot of newbies I work with and this is why I blog about such things.

      I try to encourage them the best I can to take information they know and put their voice to it.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer BloggersMy Profile

  4. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    November 3, 2013 at 6:05 pm #

    I just had to read this one, Donna, because it doesn’t matter how long we’ve been blogging, there’s always more to learn! I’ve been thinking for some time now that I should change the name of my blog, because it doesn’t truly reflect what I deliver. It reflects the larger plan, and what I had originally planned to do when I started the blog, but I haven’t gotten that far in practice. Using my name is a good idea. It is currently in the tagline, but it should really be in the title itself.

    Willena
    Willena Flewelling recently posted..It’s NaNoWriMo Time!My Profile

  5. Michael Belk November 3, 2013 at 1:51 pm #

    Donna, that is well written and good advice. I agree with many of them, but being yourself is really important to me because I have tried to write in someone else’s voice however, my character will not allow it.

    I write much better as myself. It is a lot easier because you do not have to do so much research when you know what you are talking about.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      November 24, 2013 at 11:05 pm #

      Agreed Michael!

      I think we all write so much better being ourselves. Our voice has to shine through no matter what we are writing about.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer BloggersMy Profile

  6. Yorinda October 29, 2013 at 3:07 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    yes, it can be very intimidating when we start blogging.

    Having articles like yours can make a big difference for new bloggers to gain more clarity as in how to go about it.
    Your tip ‘Write what you are passionate about’ is priceless.

    When I started I was bombarded with information about ‘key words’ and ‘find your niche’. Since I am passionate about Well Being in a wholistic sense including spiritual, emotional, mental and physical I could not narrow this down to a niche. So I just started to write.

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
    Cheers,
    Yorinda
    Yorinda recently posted..20 and more Reasons to Choose iPage WebhostingMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      November 24, 2013 at 11:04 pm #

      Yorinda,

      You do a wonderful job on your blog! I know it is intimidating when we first start. We are told so many things, it can make our head spin, but when it comes down to it all, our passion is the key to our success.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer BloggersMy Profile

  7. Mary Stephenson
    Twitter:
    October 27, 2013 at 10:03 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Lot of great tips for newbies and anyone that isn’t so new but not getting the results they want.

    I didn’t use my name and although I realize it might be hard as you say to remember what site someone has, the decision to name it what I did was a choice that fit my life at the time. It is a name that does allow for changes no matter how far I go with it. But I suppose there is a few directions I could never take it in. May be then I shall have to use my own name. You have given me something to think about for sure.

    Mary
    Mary Stephenson recently posted..Brain Fog and How to Grab it by The TailMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 27, 2013 at 10:47 pm #

      Hi Mary,

      You do have a catchy title: Necessity To Change! That can encompass so many different things.

      As long as you are writing in that niche, I think you are just doing fine. One can just tell by all the comments on your post that you have successfully branded yourself.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blog Like A SuperstarMy Profile

  8. Olili Bob
    Twitter:
    October 27, 2013 at 6:10 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    A very wonderful post i must say even those who are not newbies would learn from this. I think i also learned some tips here and To anyone i would say there is never a way you can think of quitting if you blog about what you have passion for and also if you are also realistic with your time but above all nothing pays like been yourself because been real is the best thing that ever happens to anyone.

    Thanks for sharing and have a great week ahead.
    ~Bob
    Olili Bob recently posted..How To Change your Blogger Blog Title Tag for Better SEOMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 27, 2013 at 10:45 pm #

      I’m glad you like it Olili,

      I have had so much inspiration from many newbies asking me questions lately, I decided to take a step back and think of how I felt when I first started.

      Inspiration for this post!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blog Like A SuperstarMy Profile

  9. Lisa Magoulas
    Twitter:
    October 25, 2013 at 7:02 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    This post really resonates with me. I’ve really been struggling over to what to write about. People keep telling me they want health tips, fitness tips and recipes. Most of my interaction is with the recipes. I also have been confused over social networking with people inside or outside my niche. I feel like if the people are outside my niche, they may not be interested in what I’m saying. And for the folks that are in my niche, we potentially could have a similar target market. I also know, I like to ramble. I’m not much of a writer I guess. I just like to say what I feel, but I know I should be offering my audience valuable information so they want to come back and read more. There’s a real talent to this – and commitment. I know one thing I don’t do is offer my product, it’s on my web site, but I don’t ever offer it in a blog. I guess I have to work on that. And you mentioned naming the blog – sometimes I start writing then I start searching google to see a variety of ways I can come up with a title that is getting really big hits. I don’t have a lot of interaction, but I am getting a lot of hits. I think blogging is a whole art and science – along with personal development and commitment. Thanks for sharing such valuable key points. Lisa
    Lisa Magoulas recently posted..Grilled Butternut Squash SoupMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 26, 2013 at 4:22 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Well girl, I just love your recipes! And you are in the Health Business that can include mind/body/spirit because it all works together. So anything like that can be a blog post.

      Also, you can curate a post by doing some research and explaining it on a blog post.

      There are so many ways you can ideas. I like coming to your blog because I’m into health and nutrition.

      When it comes to offering your product just remember that 80/20 rule. Write 80 percent content and 20 percent sales. And there you go!
      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  10. Kumar Gauraw
    Twitter:
    October 25, 2013 at 3:34 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is an excellent advise, not just for new bloggers, but even professionals (like us) can also pik up a few things from you! For example:

    1. Being Realistic With Your Time
    2. Going beyond your blog and get social

    These are so important and yet easy to miss. Thank you for sharing.
    Regards,
    Kumar
    Kumar Gauraw recently posted..Responding To The Face Of AdversityMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 26, 2013 at 4:13 pm #

      Hi Kumar,

      I still have to remind myself of my time factor. Yes, I have it all set up and usually am good with it. But then there is life….an illness, a visitor, anything that may happen during the day.

      I’m relaxed with it now because I accept that life does get in the way and I’m not a machine, but human.

      And of course, we need to get out there and be social if we ever want to have people coming over to our blogs.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  11. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    October 25, 2013 at 12:57 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Joining groups is such a biggie. Meet as many people as possible. Promote them. Comment on their blogs. Build your network.

    I had zero confidence as a newbie blogger so I avoided groups like the plague. Nobody would want to share my content or read my posts, I wrongly assumed. Then when I did join up oh did I have fun and my page views jumped quickly too.

    The power of leveraging. Join. Learn. Prosper. Learn all you need to know from your friends, allow them to promote you, make magic happen.

    Thanks Donna.

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Are You Terrified to Be Yourself?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 26, 2013 at 4:03 pm #

      Absolutely Ryan!

      Many people feel lost and lonely when starting to blog. They might think that they are not good enough, cannot write well. But all of us have a gift to give.

      All we have to do is start joining some groups. Hey, that’s where I met you a long time ago!

      I always look forward to your adventures as you travel the world.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  12. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    October 25, 2013 at 12:12 pm #

    Hey you added everything which is needed to be on the blog when you begin. Simple but very nice post.

    Social sharing button is the most important thing to multiply traffic to your blog.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..Why Blogging is Not for Everyone?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      November 24, 2013 at 11:22 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      Sorry for getting to you so late! Yes I try to make things simple because I have many newbies coming into my fold.

      Ahh…Yes Social sharing buttons are a MUST. Thanks for mentioning that.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer BloggersMy Profile

  13. Lisa Buben
    Twitter:
    October 24, 2013 at 6:46 pm #

    Donna, where were you when I first started? I strike out here from the beginning 🙂 I learned the hard way that you can’t post daily. At best weekly and maybe bi-weekly. Especially as you write more lengthy posts as you get going. Funny I feel I get more intimated as time goes on. In the beginning hardly anyone read my stuff so it didn’t matter. Now I do analyze a bit more. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. Great advice Donna, something to surely pass on to newbies and others who have been blogging along…Thank you!
    Lisa Buben recently posted..Add Social Media Share Buttons Anywhere Without a PluginMy Profile

  14. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    October 24, 2013 at 5:04 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    All of the things you mentioned are definitely noteworthy for all new bloggers and good advice for experienced ones too. LOL! There are so many things I could touch on here, but the one I like the most is being ethical and scheduling your time.

    Scheduling your time so they won’t become overwhelmed by what needs to be done and being ethical because there are just too many people out there with unsavory practices. Thank you for mentioning these items.

    Great post!
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..You Know You Are A Blogger When …My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 26, 2013 at 3:52 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      From all the folks coming into my fold lately, I just had to write about the basics.

      I run with seasoned bloggers like you, but those that have been contacting me just reminds me of the time I started, and I just HAD to back track.

      Yes, Scheduling is so important so we don’t loose our mind! And of course we must remain ethical at all times.

      Blessings to you,

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  15. Disha Sharma October 24, 2013 at 5:39 am #

    Hi Donna,
    Great thanks to you for sharing such a beautiful & valuable post about Beginning To Blog! I was just looking for tips to start a Blog & finally I found this unique post Donna, for helping.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 26, 2013 at 3:41 pm #

      Hi Disha,

      I am so glad you found this helpful! I will be rolling out with a series soon to help new bloggers.

      I find it important to lend a helping hand to those who are starting to blog and try to make it simple for them.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  16. Vijesh October 24, 2013 at 5:03 am #

    Hi Donna,

    A simple guide for newbies on how to Blog or in simple I can call it as FAQ of blogging. It had been long since I visited your blog but I just read your article at Aha-now on letting go which made me land here and read this simple yet sweet article on blogging. Hope I’ll be visiting more often…
    Vijesh recently posted..Factors which influence Adsense CPC and inturn affect your earningsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 26, 2013 at 3:39 pm #

      Hi Vijesh,

      So glad you came by. Because of so many newcomers to blogging, I’m trying to break down blogging and show them the how-to’s.

      Sometimes we get so caught up in all we learned and forget that we were there once, totally confused!

      I appreciate your visit,

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  17. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    October 23, 2013 at 3:05 pm #

    Every one of your points is spot on Donna, but the one that pops out for me is “have a plan.” So many people jump online to “give it a try” and end up getting discouraged because they have trouble getting visitors or comments. A goal and focused plan is the foundation that everything else springs from. Great advice!

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 25, 2013 at 11:53 am #

      Thanks!

      Many people do come in to the marketplace and have a vague idea or no plan at all.

      Plus, if a plan doesn’t work, they may give up. I always say have a plan and a back up one too.

      Be flexible because once you start to blog, you start to learn. That can shift some plans to bigger and better things.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  18. Leslie Denning
    Twitter:
    October 22, 2013 at 9:48 pm #

    Hi Donna. Even though I’ve been blogging for a long time, I read through everything to see if there was something that I can be doing better.
    I’ve recently changed my blog header, and I am going to make a little adjustment by adding my name. Thanks for that tip.

    You have written such a kind and encouraging post. I hope lots of beginning bloggers find their way to it.

    All the best,
    Leslie

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 23, 2013 at 12:21 pm #

      Thanks Leslie!

      I a fan of going with the name instead of a product name. It is personal, people remember it, but most of all – we change as we grow. So If we go from Network Marketing to something else, we can still keep our blog and grow with it!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  19. Hiten October 22, 2013 at 3:23 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This was a great post on how one can get starting with blogging.

    I could really appreciate what you wrote about going beyond our blogs and getting social. When I first got into blogging I didn’t understand this key principle. I would write a blog post and expect everyone to come rushing to read it. Of course, this didn’t happen. We need to make effort to visit other blogs, read content and leave meaningful comments. This then encourages others to do the same at our blogs.

    Thank you.
    Hiten recently posted..Empowering Attitudes to Help You Deal with Life ProblemsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 23, 2013 at 12:15 pm #

      Thank you Hiten,

      Yes, it is so important to have those social share buttons on our blogs so people can reciprocate with us.

      Then getting out there and being social. As long as we create a daily method of operation and don’t hang out on the social sites all day long, it can be a very successful method.

      We get to know others and friendships, partnerships and even business can be born from that. Just as long as we are not pushy lol.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  20. Silviu October 22, 2013 at 8:33 am #

    Hi Donna,

    When you are new to blogging you feel lost, indeed. You have no clue as to what to do. Even worse, wherever you go you find all kind of advice.

    Two times worse: blogosphere is full of generic content and little practical advice. This means that in just a few weeks or months you will be stuck with no content, no ideas and no techniques to apply. The generic content was exhausted and you are lost again.

    It is intimidating. Terrible. To write short articles or long articles, practical articles or general tips, stories or how tos. And where are you heading? What is your niche? What are you goals? A lot of things it is so difficult to answer.

    This is the reason why blogging takes a lot of time and it is not so easy to make money in the first few months.

    Well, the only thing you can to is to keep going. It is the best strategy that exist.

    Have a wonderful day
    Silviu recently posted..Macro Marketing or Mini-Marketing Training Methods?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 23, 2013 at 12:12 pm #

      Hi Silviu,

      True. One can get lost, frustrated and even worse, quit blogging with no direction. Let’s face it, we do blog to make money. But our blog is our home base where we can share information to others.

      I see from reading your latest post that you have some great mentors helping you out and it looks to me like a wonderful system.

      I wish you all the best,

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  21. Pritam Nagrale
    Twitter:
    October 22, 2013 at 6:17 am #

    Excellent article for new blogger. I had the same problem when I was new. I was very eager to make money from my blog but not getting what to write & how to earn from this. I made several mistakes in my blogging career but after reading blogposts of top bloggers like you, I got the direction.
    Pritam Nagrale recently posted..How to Know if the Company is Registered and Not Fake?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 23, 2013 at 1:03 pm #

      Hi Pritam

      It has been a long journey for you too! When we start to blog and want to market, there is the right way and the wrong way.

      It is difficult because as a beginner, we don’t know what direction to take.

      So happy to know that you have learned!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  22. Nate Leung
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 11:46 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I’ll admit when I first started to blog, I thought it was darn cool. What got me was the designs that some bloggers had and I was inspired to create a blog like them. Blogging can be great fun all the same and it’s an ideal learning experience for you if you’re a budding writer, or someone who has a lot to share on a topic or hobby, or you’re just keen to encourage people to see things your way! You have a lot of useful tips here. I wish I had this list before I started. Thank you for the tips! 🙂
    Nate Leung recently posted..Why You Need to Stop Procrastination and How it Will Kill Your BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 22, 2013 at 10:02 pm #

      Hi Nate,

      When I first started, I had a vague idea of where I was going. Now it is crystal clear. But that took a lot of doing.

      I love blogging and meeting awesome people ….like YOU!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  23. Gladys
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 10:04 pm #

    Hello Ms.Donna

    Thank you for this post.

    I still consider myself as a newbie, all the tips are exceptional.

    I am very grateful for one of the groups that I am a part of .
    There is so much to learn still, but every time I go into their blogs, I am inspired to keep moving forward.

    Thank you again

    Gladys
    Gladys recently posted..Four Fool Proof Indicators of ProcrastinationMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 22, 2013 at 10:00 pm #

      Hi Gladys,

      For a so called Newbie, you are doing such a great job with your blog and your social media.

      I just know you are on the right track. There is never too much to learn. That’s what I love about blogging, it is a constant learning curve as we visit on e another.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  24. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 8:06 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Those are great tips.

    Naming your blog is a very important one. When I first named my writing blog I named it Persuasive Article Marketing which I thought was a good name, but then I wanted to brand my own name, because on top of it all it’s so unique, so that’s when I purchased my domain name which was available LOL, and I renamed the blog. I’m really glad I did.

    I did keep my other URL though, because I may use it somehow in the future.

    Going beyond you blog is vital for your own blog to stand the mark of time.
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..What I’ve Learned From My Recent Blog Technical IssuesMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 22, 2013 at 9:58 pm #

      Hi Sylviane,

      I am so glad you kept your own name. First of all it is a beautiful one. Plus, it is great for branding! If someone wants to hire you for your services, they remember it so quickly.

      Plus it is a good thing you kept the other blog because you just never know when you want to use it!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  25. Jeevan Jacob John October 21, 2013 at 6:21 pm #

    Great Tips, Donna 😀

    I just needed this quick reminder, especially since I am working on a new blog (I got the domain + web hosting today..setting up WP was a pain, as the site didn’t seem to work properly. But, it went well, once I cleared my cache and flushed by DNS – whatever that means :D).

    I think the most important tips are the ones concerning planning and being realistic. New bloggers tend to underestimate the time it takes to do something (And that causes further damage – disappointment of not being able to get things done fast, not getting the “expected” results). Keep our expectations low – at least in the beginning 😀

    Anyways, thank you for sharing the tips, Donna 🙂

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 7:01 pm #

      Woo Hoo

      I cannot wait to see your new blog Jeevan!

      Yes, new bloggers do tend to underestimate all the time it takes to do something. That can be discouraging. I try my best to get them to understand being realistic about time.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  26. William Butler
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 5:28 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I’m glad to share your post so others new to blogging may benefit.
    You’ve presented great information, and I like that you have written
    in such a way as to help make a new blogger feel more comfortable.

    Have a great week ahead!
    Bill
    William Butler recently posted..Mirrors, Miracles and Other ReflectionsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 6:14 pm #

      Thanks Bill,

      I try my best to be user friendly lol. I know this is lots of stuff that is status quo with seasoned bloggers, but like I mentioned, there are lots of newbies coming in and I wanted to give them some advice.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  27. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 4:53 pm #

    I’m SO glad I’m not a newbie blogger anymore Donna but if I were I would be so impressed with all the fabulous information that is out there today helping us learn. There just didn’t seem to be this much useful content when I started which is why I was so lost most of the time.

    This is really great advice and using my name so that if I changed directions was the best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten. Now if you’re a tech blogger or something to that nature and as Carolyn pointed out may wish to sell your blog down the road then going that direction is probably your best bet. For the majority of us though I’m sure that’s not even in the cards. If you can believe this though, I have been approached by people wanting to buy my blog. Like that would ever happen.

    I will be more than happy to pass this information along to my other friends so that they can learn from this as well. There are so many beginners out there and I’m sure they’ll love hearing this from you Donna.

    Have a great week and I’m sure you are.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..Why Effective Consistency in Blogging Is CrucialMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 5:35 pm #

      Thanks so much Adrienne!

      I wish I had this information too when I first started. Although I had hired a “mentor” I still couldn’t get it.

      Just those little things that we know work I wanted to share with so many of the newbies.

      Sometimes we just have to step back and think of how we felt when we first started and share that information to others.

      Thanks so much,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  28. Corina Ramos October 21, 2013 at 4:48 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is truly a great guide for newbie bloggers! I remember reading this tips when I first started out and once I implemented them I saw great changes. So thanks to you and other great ladies, you’ve taught me so so much.

    I’m glad you mentioned joining groups and emphasized on the concept of sharing and supporting. I still see some haven’t grasped that yet. Perhaps because it can be a daunting task but it’s been very effective in making new connections.

    Thanks for sharing your first time blogging experience with us.It just takes one successful blogger who we can relate to and I know where you’re coming from.

    And your closing advice is priceless! I’m still intimidated in some areas but I’m working on that! 🙂

    Wonderful post lady! Have a great week!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Monday Work from Home Job Lead MadnessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 5:32 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      Anytime you would like to join a blogging syndication group, just PM me. I belong to one that is awesome. The other is a Facebook one that has reciprocity that you cannot find anywhere else.

      I’m glad you enjoyed the post, even though you are a professional blogger.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  29. Arleen
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 10:03 am #

    Donna these are great points whether you are a newbie or seasoned blogger. I learn something everyday about social media. If it hadn’t been for your article on Facebook, I would be doing nothing on Facebook. Your tips are helpful. I know writing is NOT my forte but I am getting responses to my blog and I always reciprocate. A lot of the people I recognize but many I don’t. So I guess my blog is getting out there.
    Arleen recently posted..KFC Attracts Customers on the Go with Promotional CupsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 5:26 pm #

      Your blog is sure is getting out there Arleen.

      It takes persistence and patience, but after a while….BOOM! I just came off your blog and seen so many comments. I would say you made it girl.

      BTW I just loved that post!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  30. Amiti
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 8:55 am #

    Donna, great pointers and hot just for newbies. What I might add is for newbies to find a “mentor”-using an experienced blog to use as an example-not content wise-rather by looking at its makeup and how it is able to succeed, and then using that as a blue-print.
    Amiti recently posted..Audience Engagement: What is it?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 2:08 pm #

      Hi Amiti,

      I do agree with you. That’s how I started…with a mentor. Now I mentor others.

      But some people come on and play “follow the leader” which is they read a book or follow a generic “guru” with no special attention.

      That’s fine, but that’s the long way. The quickest way to get up and running is to hire a “mentor”

      Thanks for stopping by,

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  31. Shalu Sharma
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 2:35 am #

    Here’s all the tips you need to be a good blogger. Yes its true that more and more people are blogging but if you are genuine and just yourself, then there is no reason why your blog should not do well. Absolutely, let yourself out of the box and just do, could not agree with you more.
    Shalu Sharma recently posted..Maha Kumbha Mela 2013 – Where Chaos Meets Peace Part 2My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 1:55 pm #

      Hi Shalu,

      Thanks so much for stopping by. Yes, as along as we are ourselves, we will do well.

      People do know when we are not being ourselves and just will run away from our blog.

      Great to meet you and I just LOVED your last post!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  32. Nile October 21, 2013 at 2:16 am #

    This is a good start. This is one of the programs I’m working on to educate people on using WordPress and beginning to blog. I’m also using it for my design clients who need a course in using their website.
    Nile recently posted..Interview With An Influential Blogger: Sadie LankfordMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 1:53 pm #

      Hi Nile,

      That is great and if anyone knows about WordPress it’s YOU! I’m working on my product geared at begging to blog. It has so many modules I just have to connect the dots.

      I did it because more and more people are coming into my fold asking me to teach them how to blog. What to say, what not to say, building their confidence levels, etc. Also Social sites whereby some will use it incorrectly and spam.

      Long story short, I’ve been working on this one, so I can group people together and work with them as a team. There are not enough hours in a day for me.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

      • Nile November 3, 2013 at 2:02 pm #

        Definitely putting it into a program does well. I’ve found for my clients, it saves me a lot of time so I can work on the next website. I also have less hand holding to do as well…lol

        We definitely need people to learn how to begin a blog… so kudos for taking on the task. You can set up shop, but its what you do with it afterwards that makes the magic happen. 🙂
        Nile recently posted..Blondish.net Podcast – 2013 Mini Episode 6My Profile

  33. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    October 21, 2013 at 1:07 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I loved the tips for the new bloggers mentioned here, and like Carolyn and you mentioned, I wish I had them when I started blogging. 🙂

    I guess being a writer and coming from that background, I really had NO idea of what a blog was, how to comment, how to hyperlink, nor any idea about the social media, so much so, I didn’t have any FB, Twitter of G+ accounts because I never needed them! So, to start everything from scratch WAS a great experience, and I’m so glad now to have such wonderful blogging friend’s. Not to mention the amount I learn from each one of their blogs.

    Honestly speaking, even the name of your blog, being a newbie – it doesn’t strik you would be a better option because that becomes your brand with time, and people get to know you through it. But because one is a nobody when new, it really doesn’t strike! I do have one with my name lying there, but still not sure if I want or should shift Aha!NOW to that one because this one is known now to most people I think.

    Thanks for sharing these tips with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..Letting Go: How It Helps YouMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 1:50 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      Oh I wouldn’t change the name of your blog because you are branded with AhaNOW. I’m sure you are an authority site and changing the name would cause havoc!

      Your blogs’ name sticks in my mind because you are EVERYWHERE! By now, people know who you are.

      It is when people fist start and no one knows them, it is easier to remember their name. Sometimes I go crazy trying to connect with someone new on the social sites so I can connect with them.

      Enjoy your week ahead also!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

  34. Carolyn
    Twitter:
    October 20, 2013 at 11:03 pm #

    Great advice, Donna! You definitely hit all of the major decisions a new blogger faces. In fact, I wish I had read this when I started blogging.

    If you’re looking to sell your blog at some point then it’s probably best not to name your blog after yourself. But you can always grab the URL for your name and point it to your blog. I also suggest that new bloggers make sure the URL of their blog name is available, preferably with the .com suffix.

    Confession: I still don’t have a plan…

    But I definitely write about my passion!
    Carolyn recently posted..30 Top iOS 7 Tips and Tricks!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 21, 2013 at 1:46 pm #

      Hi Carolyn!

      That’s why I just had to write this blog! Because of many newbies coming to me, I wish I had this information myself when I started blogging.

      I never thought of selling my blog. That’s a great point Carolyn…thanks!

      As for your “confession,” I would suggest you give some kind of plan a thought. You are a great blogger and teach people so well.

      I just came off your recent blog and now I know how to use my phone!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Beginning To BlogMy Profile

      • Debasmita October 30, 2013 at 2:15 am #

        Hey Donna,

        I am one such newbie who found this post really helpful. Thanks a lot for clearly stating the the points to be followed by a fresh blogger.

        All tips you gave are too relevant and will surely keep them in mind!

        Debasmita
        Debasmita recently posted..Java Tutorial: Arithmetic OperatorsMy Profile

        • Donna.Merrill
          Twitter:
          December 1, 2013 at 3:39 pm #

          Whoops Didn’t catch you there Debasmita until now.

          Sorry for the late reply.

          I am so glad this post was helpful for you!

          -Donna
          Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer BloggersMy Profile

    • Barb Brady November 27, 2013 at 10:26 am #

      Hi Carolyn and Donna,
      I, like you Carolyn, named my blog after my mission. You and I both do techy fun blogs.I started about 6 months ago and just dipped my toes in to the blogging world. I didn’t know I would love it and want to start writing so much about my journey.

      I have gone back and forth on this … did I do the right thing? Finally, I decided: even though I am new and I could redo everything and change the name, I’m going to leave it as is.

      I don’t have a large following yet, unlike Harleena and Adrienne and you two, but I have many posts and am finally recognized by Google. It would be a huge undertaking to start over using my name as the website name. So, I decided to stay put. It’s a difficult decision. I am continuously writing about this blogging journey and the bumps in the road and things I have learned, BUT I think this branding point is the one that really stumped me more than anything.
      Barb Brady recently posted..#10.06 Twitter background – Stand out from the crowd!My Profile

      • Donna.Merrill
        Twitter:
        December 1, 2013 at 3:44 pm #

        Hi Barb,

        One thing I can tell you is that it does take a while to be recognized by Google. As long as you are putting out good content, and engaging with other bloggers, you will have no problem at all.

        I’m glad you stuck to your decision. Branding stumps us all in the beginning. Don’t feel alone, because we all went through it!

        -Donna
        Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer BloggersMy Profile

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