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7 Things Top Bloggers Never Stop Doing

This post was most recently updated on August 1st, 2016

7 Things Top Bloggers Never Stop DoingI have found that there are “7 Things Top Bloggers Never Stop Doing.”

This is a brief checklist of those things.

This is a very simple list, and I doubt that any of these are new to most experienced bloggers.

Here’s the thing, though.

While the 7 point checklist is pretty simple, knowing these things will not make you a top blogger.

Doing them will.

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In fact, if you are tireless, and relentless in doing these 7 things, you’re a top blogger right now.

I’m not talking about how many page views you get, how many visitors you have, or how much revenue you  attribute to your blog.

The truth is that very, very few bloggers actually do these things consistently and well.

Those that do are an elite corps of top bloggers in this industry.

Whatever results you’re looking for from your blog, if you stick tightly to this checklist, you are a top blogger.

Congratulations… the results you’re looking for will come.

If you’re like most bloggers, and are deficient in implementing any one or number of these things, then let this serve as your guide for improving your game, and rising in the ranks among your peer bloggers.

Deliver A Clear Message

This is a good example of something that’s so easy to say, and nobody would disagree with it, yet so very few bloggers really do this.

A clear message is something that brands you as having a purpose to blogging.

It addresses the people and readers in your niche in such a way as to let them know that you’re thoroughly familiar with their needs and challenges.

When you deliver a clear message, you are defining your unique angle or approach to the concerns and interests of your readers.

It’s not sufficient to just write random information, tips and tactics that have a broad relevance to your niche.

You need to deliver the message that you are unique.

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You are unlike any other blogger, expert or authority in your niche.

While you may or may not know anything more than your peers, your style, compassion and unique way of reaching out to your audience is what will define your message.

Those who resonate with that message will follow you.

They’ll become your subscribers, customers and clients.

Those that don’t … won’t.

Your job is not to appeal to everyone in the world, but to present everyone your unique and clear message so that they can decide whether or not it’s one they want to hear more of.

Develop Great Content

As with messaging, delivering content is not a matter of just giving people information.

It’s a matter of interjecting yourself into their lives and into their business in such as way as make their business strong, and their lives better.

Your audience has problems.

The need to find solutions.

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When you are constantly in touch with your niche and with your particular audience, you should have your finger on the pulse of what is important to them… and more than that, of what is critical to them.

I may know that bloggers would like to have more traffic.

But I also know that it’s not a casual interest of theirs.

If they can’t figure out how to get people to come to their blogs, their entire business will collapse.

So, it’s really important that I know how to help them meet this challenge, and that I understand it’s not a casual “interest” of theirs… it’s an essential requirement.

The better I am at developing content to help them solve key problems like this, the more successful my blog will be.

Build Relationships

Bloggers can’t get stuck in “information” mode.

People who come to your blog are actually… people!

They don’t just want answers to their problems.

They also want to interact with someone who understands them and who is passionate about helping them to succeed.

A top blogger is always looking for ways to open the doors to deepening relationship building with their readers and visitors.

If that’s you, then you won’t only work to get “traffic” to your blog, you’ll strive to understand that the traffic consists of real people with real problems.

You’ll work tirelessly to demonstrate your empathy and compassion with the struggles they have, as well as presenting truly valuable information, tactics and strategies .

Demonstrate that by writing to their needs.

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Foster Engagement

Don’t just be an information machine.

Don’t lecture people and then walk away.

When people visit your blog, invite their comments and conversation.

Reply to them promptly, thoroughly and personally.

Go the extra mile by visiting them where they are… their blogs, social profiles or whatever.

Get involved in the conversations they’re having there.

Keep in mind…

You are not the “support desk” or “customer service.”

You are a blogger, and a top blogger at that.

You take your responsibility seriously, to build meaningful relationships and ever deepening engagement with your readers.

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Take The Conversation Offsite

This is particularly important in growing your blog into a professional enterprise.

Once you’ve built relationships and opened the door to engagement on your blog, you need to find ways to connect with your visitors off your blog.

This is where the casual relationship forged on your blog, can flower into a working relationship, a partnership, a client-consultant bond, or whatever pertains to your particular business model.

Invite folks to subscribe to your email list.

Offer them a trial phone consultation.

Ask them to join your Facebook or Skype group.

Maybe you can joint venture with some people, or maybe you can join something they’re doing, like a webinar or blogging challenge or something where they’re recruiting their own followers.

This is how you grow your blog into a community instead of just a website.

Top bloggers do this as a routine part of operating their business.

You should, too.

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Blog Often

There’s not a lot to say about these last two points, but they are extremely important.

You cannot build a successful blog if you’re only blogging once every 3 months.

Everyone has a different opinion of the right frequency of blogging.

Some people think you should blog every day, others think once a month is fine.

This really depends a lot on what type of blog you have.

If it’s a news blog, for instance, you may need to blog daily or even more.

News is happening all the time and can’t be left for days.

The same is true of something time-sensitive like stocks and bonds.

For most bloggers, I think once a week is a sufficient interval, and it’s the one I use.

Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic

Blog Consistently

Just as important as how often you blog, is being consistent.

If you’ve decided to blog once a week… do everything you can to stick to that.

It’s very difficult to build a loyal audience or regular business if they never know when you’ll be posting.

Can you imagine going to a certain gas station that has no posted hours of operation, and open or closed sporadically and unpredictably?

You’d probably just find another gas station.

If you treat your blog in that manner, you’ll have a difficult time building a loyal following, or any following for that matter.

And don’t forget, too, that Google will not rank your site very high if you don’t blog often or consistently enough.

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If you’re not doing all these things, please consider how you can take steps to improve your blog.

If you are, congratulations… you are in some very distinguished company.

In my opinion, these are 7 things top bloggers never stop doing.

How about you?

Have I left something out that you think should be on this checklist?

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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74 Responses to 7 Things Top Bloggers Never Stop Doing

  1. Marilyn
    Twitter:
    April 27, 2016 at 8:04 am #

    I always focus completely on my user experience. Not only should they love the content they came for, but also answer their queries in comments or mails. I am also paying utmost attention to site design and load speed.

    Having a good user experience will make the user come back even if the article MAY not be exactly what he or she was searching for. 🙂

    Thank you for the list!
    Marilyn recently posted..How to Stay Healthy While on VacationMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 27, 2016 at 10:16 pm #

      Hi Marilyn,

      Fantastic. We have to focus on the user experience and also pay attention to the download speed.

      Indeed they may or may not read exactly what they are looking for, but they will come back if we give them good content and customer service.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Anatomy of a JV Giveaway EventMy Profile

  2. Dr. Elise Cohen Ho
    Twitter:
    April 24, 2016 at 12:56 pm #

    Wonderful tips and reminders. There are a few that are very, very timely for me. I have ideas in mind for how to make sure to honor what needs to be done. Your post certainly helps.
    Dr. Elise Cohen Ho recently posted..Be A More Successful Writer With These FREE Kindle ebooksMy Profile

  3. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    April 21, 2016 at 11:43 am #

    Hi Robin,

    Indeed, relationships with others is the best thing we can ever do as bloggers.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Getting To Know Your Target AudienceMy Profile

  4. Robin Khokhar
    Twitter:
    April 20, 2016 at 6:11 am #

    Hi Donna,
    Vey nice Post. And I must say that blogger becomes great when they start making relationships with other bloggers and their visitors to some extent.
    Thanks for the share.
    Robin Khokhar recently posted..How I grew My Blog in Six Months (One of the blog visitors asked me)My Profile

  5. Sonal Talwar
    Twitter:
    April 17, 2016 at 6:27 am #

    Hi Donna

    You are absolutely right. a top blogger must do all these things.

    I am doing a few of them, will try and do the ones am not doing.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Sonal Talwar recently posted..Benefits of Essential Oils: Cure Health ProblemsMy Profile

  6. Joan M Harrington
    Twitter:
    April 16, 2016 at 3:24 pm #

    Hey Donna 🙂

    These are the MOST important things that bloggers NEED to be doing if they want their blogs to resonate with readers. I am now in the process of making sure that my blog has a very strong and clear message as well as developing great content that my readers can learn and implement for their own business.

    All of your tips totally resonated with me because that is what I am striving for to be that one person that my readers will want to keep coming to for solutions to their problems 😉

    Thanks for reminding me of how important each and every step is to ensure you are a blogging pro and that expert that people need 🙂

    Great post!
    Joan M Harrington recently posted..6 Powerful Social Media Persuasion TechniquesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 18, 2016 at 11:44 am #

      Hi Joan,

      Each step is important and sometimes we slip up lol. I like to write things down like this until it becomes a habit and second nature.

      I love your blog and as a reader of it there is a clear and great message in each and every post. There is ALWAYS a take-away that I can learn and/or apply. So keep on doing what you are doing girl.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Getting To Know Your Target AudienceMy Profile

  7. Ben
    Twitter:
    April 16, 2016 at 3:03 pm #

    Hi Donna. I agree with your list. Like James said in his comment, there is so much in your list that we didn’t know when we all started out blogging. When I started blogging I only did it for SEO purposes to drive up the rank of my product pages. Blogging is different now. I also like his 8th point about always improving.

    The way I see blogging, and I think your list makes this point too, is that blogging is a means to an end. When we start out it might be for SEO or blogging for the sake of blogging. Now, as we mature in our businesses, blogging becomes a means to build a relationship. All of the points about the act of blogging – message, content, consistency – are all there to get people in the door. It’s a lot of work to get the first view. Then the engagement is about getting people to come back again so that you can build the relationship over time. The real goal is the relationship. Once the relationship is there then anything can happen.
    Ben recently posted..Lactoferrin: What Is It? What Does It Do? Where Do You Get It?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 18, 2016 at 11:41 am #

      Hi Ben,

      Indeed, the real goal of it all is building relationships. To do so we have to be consistent, give good content, and a good call to action sometimes.

      When we build relationships with others there is that trust factor that comes in and this is how we can purchase from each other or even recommend a blogging buddy’s product or service to others.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Getting To Know Your Target AudienceMy Profile

  8. Joy Healey
    Twitter:
    April 16, 2016 at 3:03 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Time and again we come back to those 7 key issues, and I am reminded (but in a nice way) that I still have progress to make!

    Sometimes I stray off the path towards achieving all these key issues, because when my offline life gets in the way of my online life, the offline life usually wins! That’s one of the perils of having a part-time business. But it’s also one of the privileges – because one can complement the other.

    I suppose the issue that needs most work from me is having a clear focus.

    And I must confess – after a really full-on week this week – I was tempted to let my forth-coming weekly post slip….. will I or won’t I? As I write this comment I’m not even sure of the answer myself LOL

    Thanks for a great list, and for keeping us on our toes as ever 🙂

    Joy – Blogging After Dark

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 18, 2016 at 11:28 am #

      Hi Joy,

      It must be difficult to work part time online. I see those who do it and can’t believe all they get done in such a short time. For me, I need a strict plan for myself because I have my hands in many places….oh that doesn’t sound so good lol.

      But without focus and a schedule, working online full time I would let things slip by and fall flat on my face.

      I think we all are a work in progress. We have to keep things in our own pace and keep going forward.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Getting To Know Your Target AudienceMy Profile

  9. Erika Mohssen-Beyk
    Twitter:
    April 16, 2016 at 2:03 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    you give like always valuable advice for bloggers.
    The 7 is like your and Mandy’s my number and it
    accompany’s me my whole life .As I see in the comments
    all agree or learn from you here.
    Let’s keep doing the seven steps which are important
    to every blogger.
    Thank you
    Erika
    Erika Mohssen-Beyk recently posted..The ONE secret to enjoy hard workMy Profile

  10. Swadhin Agrawal
    Twitter:
    April 16, 2016 at 9:19 am #

    Hello Donna ma’am,
    How was the week so far? 🙂 I hope it was good!

    Completely agree with you!
    These seven points are truly the inbuilt characteristics of professional or top bloggers. I mean look at those authorities like Adrienne smith, Neil Patel, Adam Connell and even others.

    They have all reached a point when they don’t depend on anything like consistent blogging, they have their own thriving businesses but they blog, each week in a routine, consistently.

    Having a clear message is also a must-have in the posts.

    What I have learnt over these years, from the top bloggers like yourself, is to build meaningful relationships. Blogging is the best form of social media, where we use each other’s knowledge to raise each other up.

    Thanks for these inspiring posts ma’am 🙂
    -Swadhin
    Swadhin Agrawal recently posted..How to promote your business on Facebook: 39 tips on Facebook marketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 16, 2016 at 12:48 pm #

      Hi Swadhin,

      My week was wonderful…thank you!

      Being consistent no mater how busy you are, is so important. Our blogs not only can be monetized, but also it is a part of a whole when it comes to our business plan. I can be out there in a place marketing one of my products where no one has ever heard of me. Then they Google me and find my blog. It shows not only content, but engagement. They get impressed and it is the like the best business card one can ever have!

      As bloggers we do need to build meaningful relationships with others. They can be friends, potential clients or even business partners.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  11. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    April 15, 2016 at 9:19 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Great post. I totally agree with you 100% about consistency and of course all of your other tips are priceless information.

    Due to family issues, I haven’t been able to be consistent as I like with my blog and I can sure tell the difference.

    As always, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so freely.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 16, 2016 at 12:38 pm #

      Hi Monna,

      I know your situation lately and it is a time where you cannot be consistent with your blog. These things do happen with all of us. If it is not one thing it’s another. And family does come first.

      Although you cannot be writing posts consistently lately, I do see you around the social sites and your presence is there.

      Wishing you all the best,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  12. Matthew K. Loomis
    Twitter:
    April 15, 2016 at 4:54 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    How are you doing? Great seeing you yesterday on my recent post about Adrienne.

    Your list is spot on. The three things that really stick out to me right now is the middle of your list–Relationships, Foster Engagement and Take the Conversation Offsite. These are possibly the most important of them all. That’s debatable of course. As you know, this has been on my mind lately. Adrienne is really good at these. She has inspired me to put more into these and then your post is another sign of this being a part of my path going forward.

    I’ve always been able to connect with people online. I can look back though and see how I could have done more as far as investing long term into building deeper, stronger bonds with fellow bloggers. I’ve taken the conversation offline some, but I want to this more.

    The publishing consistency is crucial too. I’m glad that made the list, because I see a lot of new blogs that barely post once a month and then the blogger loses interest…being consistent is just as important to the blogger as it is to the reader. Look at a guy like Seth Godin–he still writes every day.

    This is a fantastic post, Donna and I’ll be sure to share it. You have a fabulous weekend.

    Matthew

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 16, 2016 at 12:35 pm #

      Hi Matthew,

      Taking relationships offline is a wonderful thing to do. From a telephone call, to a skype one, it is actually seeing and chatting with another person one at a time that makes a huge difference. I often will do this with people who sign into my lists.

      I do have a few lists for different products. So sometimes it comes with a “free call” or sometimes I just meet someone out there on social media and want to connect. I always say social media is a party in slow motion lol. Connecting with others is not only fun to do, but can often bloom a partnership in business.

      When it comes to consistency, it is so important because we can easily be forgotten. We have to make a plan and stick to it no matter what. Ahhh….you mention Seth Godin…he is one of my heroes from way back and to the present.. Hey..that’s where I got the tag name donnamerrilltribe lol.

      Good to see you,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  13. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    April 15, 2016 at 11:47 am #

    Hello Donna,
    I just loved all your tips, especially when you talked about consistency!!

    I agree with you when you said, if you say you are going to do something,
    for instance, blog once a week!

    DO IT!!

    Great Share, Have A Fantastic Friday right on into the weekend my friend..
    Thanks
    Chery :))
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..The Shocking Truth About Facebook MarketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 15, 2016 at 2:42 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      Indeed….two words DO IT! It may seem to look easy at the surface, but once we get a system going in our daily routines, it can be a breeze. We have to be consistent and not let anything stand in our way.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  14. Rachel
    Twitter:
    April 15, 2016 at 4:12 am #

    Hey Donna,

    Of course I read this with my eyes wide open. I want to be doing what all the top bloggers are doing. It takes time to build traffic, that I realise now. But I have never been deterred. If anything I love the grind and the challenge. I could actually say that’s what gets me out of bed each morning.

    Delivering a clear message is so important I agree. It is my number one fear before I hit publish. I am so attached to the post and have read it over and over. While it makes sense to me, I question will it make sense to someone who has not read it a zillion times.

    I find one of the best parts of blogging is developing relationships. Finding out new bits about people. I enjoy the surprise of it all. And some of those behind the scenes chats are the delights.

    It’s a great post, with points that are clear in my mind. Thank you.

    Rachel.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 15, 2016 at 2:35 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      I love your blog and you do deliver a very clear message to us. Sometimes we over-analyze ourselves and that I’ve learned to be a huge time waster. Don’t worry about what other’s think that much. You are unique and bring your unique value to the table when you blog.

      I too find it amazing how well we can build relationships with others via blogs. It is the best part of it all for me too. I love it when we can get a peek at the “behind the scenes” because it just brings us all closer.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  15. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2016 at 11:46 pm #

    I don’t do the conversation offsite part well because I don’t collect email addresses. I do talk to people on Twitter though, and every once in a while I’m able to get a stilted conversation on the other social media platforms. Otherwise that’s probably the one I fail at the most… with probably a little clear message thing thrown in there because sometimes I think folks aren’t quite sure where I’m coming from with certain posts.

    And I’m good with that. 😉
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Determine Who And What You Are Regardless Of OthersMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 15, 2016 at 2:31 pm #

      Hi Mitch,

      I’m the opposite, no matter how many times I try to converse on Twitter, I am never consistent. Facebook always drags me in. That’s where most of the people I know are so I’m there more than any other social site.

      Don’t get me wrong…I don’t play games over there, but do socialize with different interests and get to know people quite well.

      I love the way you communicate…purely honest and quite funny too!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  16. Sherman Smith April 14, 2016 at 7:21 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    You made some valid points here. I think the most important one is the message.

    It took me a while to really get this. It wasn’t until I came across Don Purdum where I realize how important putting out a clear message will be to attract the right people and not leave your visitors bewildered.

    And I did become a professional at leaving people bewildered LOL

    Now it’s more concise of who I’m targeting and what I blog about, steming from my About Me page.

    Also, as far as frequency, as you remember I was putting out content once a week. I had stopped towards the end of last year because of timing and also I wanted to make some changes.

    I wanted to not only create better quality posts, but also try to be in more places than I was previously. Now I’m creating a better online presence leveraging social media, blogging communities, and using Quora. Although I don’t have a lot of time, I make sure I check these places at least once a week, checking a different one per day.

    Thanks for sharing Donna! Have a great upcoming weekend!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..Diversify Your Shares With The Social Warfare WordPress PluginMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 15, 2016 at 1:43 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      I do see a difference lately in your blog posts. They are more lear and smooth. Your message does ring loud and clear. But I always “got” your message anyway lol.

      I noticed that the frequency had gone array for a while there. It usually happens to most of us when we are changing….or morphing into something new.

      Your posts were and still are great quality. Now you just have to find the time to leverage in social media. I know very well the time crunch we all have, but once we get organized and have a plan where we check in at least once a week, we seem to be OK.

      Thanks for sharing,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  17. Muhammad Ahmad
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2016 at 4:19 am #

    Awesome write-up, Donna Ma’am 🙂
    Good observation LOL!
    All the points you mentioned are valid 😉
    P.S. Shared it on twitter.
    ~ Ahmad
    Muhammad Ahmad recently posted..GetSiteControl: An awesome Tool for Every BloggerMy Profile

  18. Nataly Auger
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2016 at 3:39 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I never thought I could say that I’m a top blogger, but according to this checklist, I am. Yay for me!

    The only thing I need to work on is consistency. But I’m trying very hard to post on the same day, even if it’s once every two weeks.

    Over the years, I learned to comment more and more often. And I built an amazing community of blogger friends. That’s a wonderful feeling to be part of this awesome group.

    I also like to have people sending me infographics my email or getting in touch with interesting people on social media. I really like it!

    Thanks for this very informative post! Have a great Thursday! 🙂

    ~Nataly
    Nataly Auger recently posted..The Ultimate 2016 Social Media Image Sizes Guide (INFOGRAPHIC)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2016 at 12:48 pm #

      Hi Nataly,

      Horray for you!!! You are a top blogger because you have a schedule ( one that fits you) and you are a great commenter. You always are out there on social media and you get great responses via your email.

      Most of all you have built a community of blogging friends. It is a wonderful feeling when we have that.

      Your inforgraphics are so amazing and I get so much information from you!

      Keep on going Girl.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  19. Ravi Roshan Kumar
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2016 at 2:09 am #

    Hello Donna Ma,am.
    Glad to meet you.. 🙂

    Hope you are well and happy in your life.. 🙂 Awesome post yet..Really great informative and
    suggestive knowledge for bloggers. I am very happy to read this 7 things because this really great useful for me and reading this was beneficial for me, you know.

    The tip which I like most from the above 7 things is building a good relationships which is really very effective for bloggers. You have written very well and therefore I enjoyed lot reading these
    all informative tip and hope it will help me to achieve my goals on blogging. Each and every tip
    are more suggestive and useful.

    I appreciate you for your wonderful work to present this knowledge in front of we all, ma,am. Thanks a lot.. 🙂

    Have a good day ahead..
    – Ravi.
    Ravi Roshan Kumar recently posted..Top 10 free Magazine Style WordPress ThemesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2016 at 12:43 pm #

      Hi Ravi,

      I am so happy you enjoyed this post.

      Indeed, building relationships is the most important thing we can do as bloggers. It doesn’t happen overnight, but does grow eventually.

      There is a saying to illustrate this: “when you go on a first date, you don’t ask the person to marry you” lol. It is just like real life…we meet, we start learning about each other and make no commitments. That does grow if we want someone to do business with us.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  20. Abdullah
    Twitter:
    April 13, 2016 at 1:48 pm #

    Great post! I’m getting better at a lot of these points. I’m especially working on blogging more consistently, choosing a day of the week I wan too post and getting a post out there no matter what.

    I’d love to hear about more methods of taking engagement off-site. I already have a mailing list and invite readers to subscribe to it at the bottom of every post. But it’s something to think about, to see if there are more ways.
    Abdullah recently posted..How Surrendering to God Can Make the Law of Attraction Work for YouMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2016 at 12:40 pm #

      Hi Abdullah,

      Once you choose a day of the week that works for you and do it consistently, you will see how memorable you will be to others. I can tell you after years of blogging, I just know who will be putting out a blog on what day!

      Off site engagement is necessary. Join groups on Faebook..get pro-active and just chat. Eventually things will grow.

      As for your blog, if you want to get involved with your mailing list, give them a reason. “Subscribe and I will give you a free report or 10 minutes on skype” Anything like that will be fine. Once people have a reason, they are more inclined to opt into your list.

      Then set up a calendar for your list. Whatever you have written in your latest blog post…give them more information because they took action.

      Hope that helps,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  21. Richa Sharma
    Twitter:
    April 13, 2016 at 12:59 pm #

    Hello Donna,

    Hope you are doing great!

    I really like and appreciate your post as i love to learn a lot about blogging and things which are really important for blogging. I am a newbie blogger, it is good to learn from professional bloggers. Its good to know how professional blogger behave and what they do and don`t do.

    Things are quite interesting. I believe I can learn more from bloggers like you.

    Keep helping me with more helpful topics.

    Cheers
    Richa
    Richa Sharma recently posted..Find Out Reasons For Getting Slow Internet SpeedMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2016 at 12:24 pm #

      Hi Richa,

      If you are new to blogging, these little bits of information will help. There is a lot to do when we are bloggers. I know you are in the tech niche because I just read your blog post. Thank you By the Way because you explained internet speed so well.

      Your content is great..now you just have to schedule your time for blogging. Writing, commenting, visiting other bloggers, friending them on social sites …Phew….

      One thing at a time and it does become easier.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  22. Manidipa Bhaumik
    Twitter:
    April 13, 2016 at 10:38 am #

    Hey Donna,

    There’s actually a whole list of task to do on day in day out basis. However, Blogging consistently while engaging with others is the key to get some significant outcome. And for me the most important engagement is with my blog commentors who take their time to read through our content and share their feedback on the same.

    Loved all the points in the checklist – some vital steps towards excellence. Thanks for sharing. Take care and have a great day ahead 🙂
    Manidipa Bhaumik recently posted..WPForms – New WordPress Contact Form Plugin for BeginnersMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2016 at 12:17 pm #

      Hi Manidpa,

      Blogging is a huge task! Besides putting up an article, we do have to engage with others on our blogs and off them too.

      As long as we are consistent and responsive, our blogs will grow.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  23. ikechi
    Twitter:
    April 13, 2016 at 12:02 am #

    Hi Donna

    What awesome tips you have share.

    I do believe if every blogger gets the first point right then other points then make a difference.

    Great content without a clear message is so strange. I think I see bloggers these days who to be everything and write everything.

    Consistency is important and if one does not stick to his posting frequency, it can be an issue. I also agree with building relationships; the blogosphere would not exist without relationships.

    Thanks for sharing. Take Care

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2016 at 12:12 pm #

      Hi Ikechi,

      I see that too when bloggers want to be everything and write it all. One needs to be focused with one clear message to give to their readers.

      Relationships are so important and indeed, there would be no point to blogging without them.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  24. Mark
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2016 at 5:33 pm #

    Thanks for sharing an extremely solid and practical blueprint Donna!

    And whether someone is attempting to be considered an elite blogger or not,
    what an incredibly practical list, of seven proven strategies and tips
    to consistently follow!

    And like you pointed out, by consistently doing so, will definitely
    place you in some elite company.

    And I really like your analogy about the gas station! LOL!

    Because for sure, if a local vendor approached their business that way,
    they would be hard pressed to establish any type of reliable and loyal
    customer base!

    Great points as usual! And thanks so much for sharing them Coach!
    Mark recently posted..What Source Extremely Savvy Entrepreneurs Turn To When New Business Is Nowhere To Be Found!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2016 at 12:10 pm #

      Hi Mark,

      Glad you liked my analogy!

      Weather someone is thinking of setting up a blog ( I know many marketers out there that are successful and are just starting to blog lol) Or if we are blogging for a while now, these 7 steps won’t let you down.

      Consistency IS the key!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  25. Mohit
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2016 at 1:03 pm #

    These things are been done by most bloggers. Maintaining consistency is not easy when one is little bit dis-connected from blogging for a month or so.

    Previously, I used to think that blogging is very easy.

    Am getting back to blogging after a month and more because of studies and other stuff.

    I have started writing and I want to write more as I have to drive the traffic again.

    Now I am proud to be a blogger as I understand that how much efforts we all need to put in for maintaining our blogs.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 14, 2016 at 12:00 pm #

      Hi Mohit,

      Blogging does take a lot of time and energy. One must schedule time for it because it is more than just writing an article.

      Maintaining consistency is so important. Even if you don’t have much time…once every two weeks would even be OK. Anything…as long as it is consistent.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  26. Donald Purdum
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2016 at 8:47 am #

    Hi Donna,

    As always, your points are spot on.

    About messaging and great content – they go hand-in-hand and my opinion can be one-in-the-same.

    The reason messaging is so hard is that people start with the wrong the premise. They start with their audience first.

    But the truth is they are likely missing out on the audience who is looking for them and is able, willing and ready to buy.

    I start with a completely different premise with each client:

    1. What are the “specific” problems you are passionate about solving?
    2. What are the tangible values your customers experience and how do they feel about the experience?
    3. What are the “specific” problems you solve for each tangible value?
    4. Who are you “specifically” solve each problem for (in detail)?
    5. How are your products or services “a” part of “a” solution?

    This creates the conditions for a consistent and relevant blog that enables us to create content for one person, with one problem/need/desire, and offer them one solution.

    I’m working with a very, very well know, respected and established blogger right now (I’ll share who another time, but she is already sending referrals, lol) and like Adrienne Smith understood that the impression of success and real success are two different things.

    Great post Donna, I hope that my two cents is valuable and helpful to you and your readers.

    As always, I love your work and I appreciate you immensely!

    Have a great week.

    ~ Don Purdum
    Donald Purdum recently posted..How to Build a Brand that People Passionately Want to Buy FromMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 13, 2016 at 1:47 pm #

      Hi Don,

      Of course, when working with a client it is a more detailed point of view. We have to dig down and ask those specific questions you have mentioned. Sometimes digging so deep, they realize so many different things…they do get more clear on what they want to do.

      Each person is different when we work with them. They have something they want to monetize and have to work backward to start writing about it on their blog, set up campaigns and so forth. It is so interesting to be able to help others to refine their plan.

      Always love your two cents.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  27. Mandy Allen
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2016 at 8:40 am #

    I love this list, Donna, and you know 7 is the magic number! I believe very firmly in consistent blogging. I had been a very consistent blogger in the past but then let my blog fall behind other priorities, so it was rather stagnant for a long time. The result of that is I have lost a lot of followers, people who I spent time building relationships with. Shame, but here I am again and hope to be more consistent!

    Enjoy the journey!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 13, 2016 at 12:49 pm #

      Hi Mandy,

      I do know that 7 is a magic number. So much so, it has been my favorite since I was a child. But that’s another story lol.

      I do remember you from when I first started blogging years back and you were consistent. Then I couldn’t find you. Thankfully you are back in action and are consistent.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  28. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2016 at 5:05 am #

    Simply a great post, Donna.

    You said it right that a top blogger must do the things mentioned in the post. As you grow and become an authority, your responsibilities increase to guide your readers in every possible way whether by posting informative content or listening to their views in comments.

    Very happy to read this article. Great work. Keep it up.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..Are You Bored From Blogging? What Should You Do?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 13, 2016 at 12:34 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      Glad you liked this post. As we grow so do our responsibilities, but that’s just the name of the game I think.

      We, as bloggers need to realize that it is not only writing and sharing, but taking it seriously.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  29. Gaurav Kumar
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2016 at 4:56 am #

    Hi Donna,

    How are you?

    i like what you love to share on your blog!

    I believe that building strong social relationships are as important as writing quality content and sharing it. A good blogger outreach not only help to build strong relationships but also help to learn new things as every blogger write in his/her own way.

    It is an art where a blogger deliver his content in such a way that it do no bore the reader and also become talkative. Make the user feel that he is not only on a blog for answer of his query, but he can learn much more from blog daily.

    Your posts is very helpful and descriptive. Keep sharing more helpful content.
    Gaurav Kumar recently posted..Why You Should Curate Content in 2016My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 13, 2016 at 12:29 pm #

      Hi Gaurav,

      I too believe building relationships is the strongest thing we can ever do on our blogs. We have to encourage people with a good call to action at the end of each and every post to comment. Then the fun begins. People share their views, and also share it on social sites.

      We all learn from doing and keep on blogging as much as we have time to is essential.

      Thank you for visiting,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  30. Kim Willis
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2016 at 1:04 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Another easy to read and understand post from you. Perfect for newbies and experienced bloggers alike.

    Your opening point – Deliver a Clear Message – is perhaps the most difficult to execute. People need to know what we stand for. So it is imperative to nail our flag to the mast and hold firm. As you say it’s not just about how much we know, it’s also about our style and passion, and let’s not forget our inate and unique ‘voice.’

    Other than fostering engagement – something you are very good it, btw – taking the conversation offsite is vital. My fav way to do that is via a Skype/phone call. People need to move beyond their blog and get some serious dialogue happening because that’s where the money is.

    Finally, blogging often and consistently is vital. Personally, I get very annoyed when I visit a blog that shows the last post two months ago. Their lack of commitment is telling, and people will not do business with those who are uncommitted.

    Lovely post, as usual, Donna

    Kim
    Kim Willis recently posted..Business Posture: How to Play the Posture Game and Crush Your CompetitorsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 13, 2016 at 12:20 pm #

      Hi Kim,

      Well you know by now I try to keep things as simple as possible for people. I do find that the more complicated posts we write, people just cannot retain them. If one person can get one thing from one article I write…I have done my job..well..as long as they acted upon it lol.

      Delivering a clear message IS easier said than done. We have to let loose and be ourselves, write in our own voice and know we are unique.

      Fostering engagement is something that is a must. We cannot always just stay on our blogs because it is like locking ourselves up in a room. We have to get out there on the social networks.

      Consistency is most important. As life happens, and we cannot be there for one reason or another, all we have to do is announce it on a post. “I won’t be blogging for x amount of time because……” and introduce some folks that will be doing guests posts for you.

      When I did this last Summer, I received more readership to my blog. I had two people taking care of it for me and their followers came to my blog. Some have been here ever since.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  31. Stella Chiu
    Twitter:
    April 11, 2016 at 9:25 pm #

    Hi, Donna

    This list consisted simple but important information to be successful.

    i know how important to be clear in message so that each post has one major
    objective.

    I take commenting seriously. I will not just comment on any post without my thought on it. Visiting other blogs is the best way to build relation.

    i am still scheduling to post about one article per 2 weeks. In so doing, I will not overwhelmed by it. When everything settles down, in near future i will go back to one post per week.

    Thanks!
    Stella Chiu recently posted..My Journey to Increase the Numbers of Facebook LikesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 12, 2016 at 8:16 pm #

      Hi Stella,

      No matter how many times we post, as long as we are consistent, it’s a good thing. Posting every two weeks for now is fine. Once a week is better when things settle down.

      Commenting is the backbone of our blogs and you always leave great comments. One can tell that you have read the blog and put thoughtful input in. You Rock!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  32. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    April 11, 2016 at 3:14 pm #

    Excellent points Donna. I think your comment about engagement is particularly relevant in light of an interesting interview I came across last week with a couple of the top “A List” bloggers that had to do with comments. Both of these individuals shut off their comments last year, and both have since turned them back on. I think that says a lot about the value of comments and engagement.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 12, 2016 at 8:08 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      Ahhh Comments..my favorite part of blogging! Thank you so much for this because it only goest to show, if you turn comments off, it won’t work. If one wants to be a blogger, that includes comments and reciprocation. Otherwise it is a stagnant website.

      Thanks again!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  33. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    April 11, 2016 at 11:56 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I think it’s safe for me to say I’m doing all of these. I have made some connections wtih a couple of non-bloggers. It’s a great feeling to get an email thanking you for a post. It’s validation we’re doing something right.

    The one thing I need to work on is being consistent. Lately, it has been a challenge. I have stuff going on at home and it’s taken me away from my blog. So every free time I get I jump online and try to catch up but I can feel it taking a toll on me because I’m feeling drained. I thought about taking a vacation but with the new blog being so new, I can’t risk losing the momentum it’s slowly gaining…talk about a pickle, huh. 😉

    I know once all this stuff a home is settled, I can get back to my normal schedule.

    Thanks for sharing this. Have a great week!

    Cori
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Why Your Visitors Aren’t Sticking AroundMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 12, 2016 at 8:06 pm #

      Hi Cori,

      I love that feeling when getting an email like that. It sure does validate that what we do is helping others!

      Being consistent can take time especially after a vacation. You can take a vacation even with your wonderful new blog. Just explain “I’m on vacation and x is my guest and will be answering all your comments” I’ve done it myself and didn’t miss a beat. We do have to live. he he

      I know you will do great!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  34. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    April 11, 2016 at 11:29 am #

    Simple and powerful stuff Donna.

    Man this blog bit works well if you get clear on your intent. Each step/thing falls domino style if you get clear as heck on why you do what you do. All confusion and worry and chaos stems from not getting clear. All wheel spinning stuff.

    If you get clear, you won’t stop. I just get after it, it meaning having fun, regularly. Create and connect and laugh and make jokes about me talking spirituality with a man wearing a cape and nothing else. Whoops! Gave up today’s post 😉 Run of the mill stuff I know.

    Excellent advice Donna. Do you ever walk the walk in this regard.

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..How to Find Your Blogging VoiceMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 12, 2016 at 8:03 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      Oh that man with the cape….I read your blog before I came here to answer you. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. You wrote it in such a way that it’s etched in my mind lol.

      But that’s the point. Once we are clear on what we are doing, we can have a heck of a lot of fun with our blogs. And there is no better example than you.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  35. James McAllister
    Twitter:
    April 11, 2016 at 11:18 am #

    Hi Donna!

    Thinking back to when I was a beginner a lot of these weren’t obvious to me at the time. I had the content thing jammed into me but other things like being clear with your messaging or engaging in conversations away from your website weren’t something I really thought about. Truth is, I didn’t know any better.

    Sure, a lot of us do all these things now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t improve upon them. I’m going to go through each of these and think about how I can do these more effectively. If I had to add one thing to this list it would be that top bloggers never stop improving, so I’m going to go through and try that now. You’ve given me a lot to work with.

    Thanks Donna!
    James McAllister recently posted..7 Ways To Stand Out And Become A Memorable BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 12, 2016 at 8:01 pm #

      Hi James,

      When someone starts blogging these “obvious” things we know now were in the dark back then weren’t they?

      Even if we still do these basic things, there sure is improvement to be made.

      So I have given you more work Ehh? That’s a good thing!

      Enjoy your week,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  36. Dana
    Twitter:
    April 11, 2016 at 9:57 am #

    Hi Donna,

    After reading your checklist, I think it’s safe to say I do all of these things.

    Yay! – LOL

    I find that blogging once per week is fine for me. It allows me enough time to do everything else without getting overwhelmed. Between replying to comments (which I don’t take lightly – and they involve a lot of thought), visiting others and engaging in a genuine and authentic way, I find this works best.

    Each week I discuss a specific topic and stick with it.

    I’ll admit though that blogging isn’t for everyone. It’s a LOT of work, and there’s a lot involved in it.

    So much to learn from every aspect possible – I don’t think it does anyone any good to half ass it.

    And you certainly can’t expect quick “results” either.

    I’ve always been open to taking the communication “off blog.” It’s the best way to build those relationships, and I’ve connected with some wonderful people this way.

    Thanks for the post and enjoy your week 🙂
    Dana recently posted..Make a Kick-Ass Salad (That Won’t Bore the Shit Out of You)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 12, 2016 at 7:59 pm #

      Hi Dana,

      Yay! It’s pretty basic, but if we don’t do all these things we are just stagnant. I too blog once a week because that’s all I can keep up with myself. With visiting other bloggers and commenting, sharing, etc. It does take a lot of time.

      Plus, blogging is a part of the whole marketing realm. There is so much more from emails, and my membership site, time for once a week is pushing it sometimes lol.

      Communicating with blogs sure is the best way to connect with some great people!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

  37. Enstine Muki
    Twitter:
    April 11, 2016 at 6:05 am #

    You are very correct Donna. And the first point you mentioned is what makes the big difference.

    If we focus on other things without a clear message, we end up loosing everything we’ve capture.

    Messaging is one of the topics I have read a lot from great people like Adrienne Smith, Kim Willis, Don Purdum, etc and there is no way we can avoid it. When you read their blogs, you see they deliver just what they preach.

    I recently understood that great content is not just about the value of what people get from reading your text. It has to also do with design and visuals. Though one may have a powerfully beautiful theme, other visual elements withing blog posts are important. That’s why I stepped up and bought a visual composer for my blog and I’m loving the new visual assets on my blog 😉

    Happy new week Donna and thanks for coming up with yet another great content
    Enstine Muki recently posted..Why I Bought Thrive Content Builder ~ Why you too should buy now!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 12, 2016 at 7:53 pm #

      Hi Enstine,

      Indeed, without focus we just go round in circles. Adrienne, Kim and Don sure deliver what they preach. I’m an avid reader of their blogs.

      I checked out that visual composer you have purchased and it looks amazing. No only is content good, but we also need good visuals these days on our blogs.

      Enjoy your week,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..SEO Basics | And BeyondMy Profile

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