Have you ever thought about what it actually takes to become a successful blogger? Well, there are certainly a lot of successes out there and we can all learn from the best of the best. So I got to thinking about what it actually takes to run a successful blog and here is a list that I came up with.
1. Loves to write
You must admit that in order to blog successfully then loving to write must be #1. You really shouldn’t be blogging if writing to you is a chore. Your own writing style is what endears you to your readers.
2. Knows his grammar
Maybe you didn’t expect to see this one on the list but it is very difficult for me to read anyone’s blog who isn’t very particular about proper grammar. A case in point is Daniel Scocco, the owner of this extremely successful blog. If you didn’t know, he also runs a blog called DailyWritingTips. It is my guess that Daniel also feels that writing properly is very important to a successful blogger.
3. Hard Worker
If you’ve run a blog for a while, as I have, you certainly know that you must work hard. If you don’t, then it will show in your writing and your blog will not be well read. You can’t fool people and put your blog on auto-pilot. If you do then you will lose readership.
4. Entrepreneurial
After a while you will want to make some money from the online presence and brand that you have established with your blog. A lot of people get into blogging for this sole reason. Whatever your situation entails, chances are you want to supplement your income. I plead guilty to this as well. It’s hard to be in the blogging world and hear about how others are making money online and not want to have a piece of the pie.
5. Creative
You can make a blog anything you want it to be. You have the choice of a myriad of themes and plugins that you can tweak to make your blog site unique. This is what makes the world of blogging great. No blog is the same and it’s simply up to the creativity of the blogger to make it that way.
6. Life Lover
This is one of the most positive aspects of the blogging world. Have you run across a blogger who doesn’t love life? This is why I added this attribute to my list. And since I started my blog I have come across the most engaging, pleasant, and helpful people I have ever met.
7. Personal Developer
Personal Development is a huge niche when it comes to the blogging world. Well, I’m here to say that all bloggers want to develop personally. We all have this in common. Without this trait would we really be doing what we are doing? I don’t think so. I try to learn and grow as a person every day but I don’t think I’m unique.
8. Communicator
This one is no big surprise is it? A blog is basically a means by which we can communicate with our readers. Communication is not only good for the blogger but also hopefully for the reader. A successful blogger wants to connect the audience. Replying to comments is very important and that is why I respond to every comment on my blog.
9. Helps Others
This was one attribute that blew me away. When I started blogging I emailed some fairly high profile blog owners and they actually responded to my email. I wanted an opinion on the design of my blog and I also asked to interview them for my blog. They helped me out and it got me off on a very positive note when it came to blogging. It showed me how compassionate and helpful even high profile bloggers can be.
10. Efficient
We all have a certain amount of time in our lives. And unless you are blogging full-time, you are trying to squeeze in the time to create new blog posts or to guest post on other blogs. Successful bloggers are very efficient with their time because they know that their time is limited. A successful blogger will work in high quality guest posts at certain times which allow them to maintain content but not at the expense of publishing subpar posts.
I think that this is a pretty comprehensive list of the top attributes of a successful blogger. Please feel free to share any more traits or characteristics that you think I left out.
About Donny
I’m Donny. I can sum myself up with four simple ways. Online Entrepreneur. Author. Investor. World Traveler
Hi Bob
I really enjoyed this list. I can definitely relate to these 10 attributes. I even possess a few of them, so I’ve got to be happy about that. In my case, efficiency is the one where there is still ample room for improvement.
Cheers
Thea
Efficiency is one thing that just kills me. I spend far to long watching tv or youtube or looking at my web stats or whatever and not enough time working! I am really trying to improve my efficiency and hopefully see far more work done in a shorter period of time! 😀
Hi emforce,
I think we all have to work at being efficient. I struggle with it every day! Good luck with that.
Best,
Bob
I agree with many of these, efficient is one that all bloggers probably strive to be more of which I have a hard time with.
Hi Justin,
I think we all struggle with being efficient with our time. Blogging and having many more responsibilities, is tough and we have to be more efficient. Thanks for your comment.
Best,
Bob
I agree with your list, but might humbly add bloggers need to be technologically adept. Regardless of how excellent your writing, you need to be on top of your computer skills in order to get your blog noticed in the blogosphere.
I have learned a lot about blogging in the past three months, but know I still have a long way to go. Would you kindly have a look at my blog and offer advice?
Hi Deanna,
You make an excellent point. These days there are so many consultants out there when it comes to a WordPress blog that you can always outsource to get the help that you might need. I do it all the time. I will make it a point to get over to your blog and offer any advice I can.
Best,
Bob
Engaging post. I would also add temperament. If you are publishing a private diary in the most part and only want positive and life affirming comments, I would say keep it to private subscribers. Otherwise, if you are putting yourself and your opinions ‘out there’ you must also be prepared to hear the good, the bad and the ugly comment in return.
Hi HerMelness,
I hear what you are saying and I think everyone in the blogging world expects and actually looks forward to constructive criticism when it comes to their posts and their blogs. Temperament is a great trait to have for anyone. Thanks for your contribution.
Best,
Bob
This is wonderful list of tips. I am not sure if I have followed all these but one this is for sure. You have to choose your niche which you love to read and write yourself.
Yes Umesh,
Picking the right niche makes it much easier. Writing about your passion is not only easier but a lot more fun!
Best,
Bob
Really good post. I’d certainly agree, not having been blogging for that long your point about being efficient with your time, especially if like me you also have a day job really hit a cord. I’d go as far to say that I’ll take your 10 headers to focus on. Thanks
Hi Toby,
Working a full-time job on top of blogging is tough but there are so many of us doing just that. Good luck in the New Year!
Best,
Bob
Yes, you must satisfy your readers.
Best,
Bob
So what happens if you only have 8 out of 10? Are you like a B grade blogger? I guess that wouldn’t be so bad for most people. I think there are many successful bloggers who lack some of these attributes but are able to compensate with being the best at the remaining attributes.
Hi Jordan,
But it certainly can’t hurt to work at all of them! I agree that there are always exceptions.
Best,
Bob
Very good post. “Hard worker” and “creative” is very important.
Being a hard worker certainly is a must in any endeavor and creativity in blogging is very important. We all want to visit creative sites.
Best,
Bob
I agree, when I started blogging only a few months ago I was amazed by the amount of free content available and the number of people willing to help bloggers get started and become more successful. A testament to the blogging community!
Hi Louise,
It’s nice that you are networking with others in the blogging community. It is heartening when others lend a hand.
Best,
Bob
If I am being honest I think I have six, maybe seven, of the attributes you have listed. Efficient is one I really need to work on. 🙂
Being efficient is very important because we only have so much time in the day. I also need to work at this one better.
Best,
Bob
Bob, Your tips go beyond bloggers. 1,2,3 & 4 are most important attribute of a successful blogger.
I love writing but because English is my secondary language, I’m working on my grammar.
@wasim Yes! blogger working from home feels lonely. try networking with local bloggers.
Thanks!
Kai
Above all is hard worker/disciplined, it’s demoralizing working hard for a long period of time, seeing little to no results.
Yes it is. I guess the point is that we should focus on working on the right things to be successful. Learning from other successful bloggers should help.
Best,
Bob
Love the points of Life Lover and Personal Developer.
Also Id like to add is Self Motivated, As being a blogger working form home can be quite lonely at times, but you need to ensure that you have goog motivation, devoted and focused on your goals.
Thanks
Self-motivated is a good one Wasim. Being focused is also very important!
Best,
Bob
These tips go beyond just bloggers. I’d say they apply to anyone that runs their own business.
I could not have said it better Robert.
Hi Robert,
I do agree and it is probably true for any successful person as well.
Best,
Bob