When you think of “great” bloggers, who do you think of? Dooce? Kottke? John Chow? What makes these bloggers “great”? And, more importantly, what is your Blogging Image and how can you improve it?
A lot goes into the reputation of a Blogger. The amount of time they spend on the content of their blog, what that content is, how active they are within their niche in the blogging community, how many links they have—it all figures into a Blogger’s reputation. There are plenty of ways to ensure that you earn a stellar blogging image and there are plenty of ways that you can improve the blogging image you already have.
1. Don’t be a link… [insert unsavoury word here]. If you run around the blogosphere begging for links or leaving comments without actually contributing to the conversation, stop it right now. It doesn’t take long to get labelled a spammer and that label is a hard one to get rid of.
2. If you sell ads on your site, make sure there is actual content to back them up. Nothing damages your blogging image faster than creating a “blog” which is really just an “affiliate link factory.” Not only does it hurt your blog image, you won’t see a high return on your affiliate links because people won’t have a reason to click on them or to make a purchase.
3. When you leave a comment on another site, make sure the comment you leave is relevant to the post. Nothing is more irritating than having someone leave a comment that says “Nice post!” or “Nice blog!” This is only acceptable after you have formed a reputation on that blog as being a regular commenter.
The best way to improve your blogging image is to think of the bloggers you admire and do your best to emulate them. This doesn’t mean that you should copy them or their content, but try to model your behaviour in the blogosphere after theirs.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
1 & 3 are kind of similar. But, still good post. It is important to have a good image on the web.
What I find funny is how many of the same bloggers I run into where ever I go on the web. It’s a small world wide web.
Stefan,
In my opinion, this is one of the best posts you have written so far on this blog. It is succinct and you say only the most important points.
In your last paragraph you mention that one should try to emulate other bloggers success, but not copy them. This is something that I think is very valuable. By looking at other success stories one can learn what works, and what does not, and then apply this to their own plans.
Keep up the good work,
Hafiz Dhanani
Added to #1…..don’t keyword spam the *name* field when leaving comments. This may or may not have been acceptable at one point, and some (very few) blog owners still don’t mind.
The majority tho, are getting more and more ticked about it every day.
I like #2 the best. You proved that one to a *T* in one of your good blog/bad blog serials.
Great post! Contests help your image as well
That’s something i’ve never had luck with.
My hands down bet for a great blogger is the somewhat anonymous foodie behind the phenomenal blog Marketmanila dot com. He blogs about food, experiments with ingredients, rants about poor service, and fires up the comments section of his posts with jolly and witty interaction. His comments section is filled with the presence of regular commenters, or “mini-bloggers” who all add spice with their unique takes on Marketmanila posts.
How much does Marketmanila earn as a blogger? Zero! Totally ad free blogging since 2004 with an average of 40 posts per month.
I aim to have the readership, the wit, and the determination of Marketmanila if I wish to push through with my very own blog.(soon) But I will have ads of course
stefan,
BLOGGING IMAGE or BLOGGING REPUTATION??
is that the same??
Good question, I’d say one leads to the other. If you’re looked upon as a spammer (image), it will destroy your reputation and/or credibility.
So true! I never comment when I don’t have anything to say. I also hate those people who leave nonsensical comments.
very good tips.
Great article. A informative read that will help me in my daily tasks.
Great tips. Thanks a lot
I always try not to leave ” Nice post” or “Nice article” as my comment…But, sometimes I cannot let myself do that when I Found that the article is interesting and useful for me. Like now…Nice post !
…
Usedful stuff. When you leave a comment it’s all too easy to go ‘Nice Stuff!’ as you put it. It doesn’t take long to read a post and add something usefull to it. would also add that it’s good idea to link to blogs that are on a similiar subject, they will notice that you have done this and if they like your blog, will contact you and even write about it.
Hafiz, I am new visitor here…That’s why I am a bit averse saying it. Anyway, thanks for your kind response.
Not only is it not ok, it’s even worse in that situation…in my opinion anyway.
Whether you’re a new commenter or my brother, “great post!” is a waste of everyones time. And, even if you are a regular commenter, newbies will not know this and think it’s OK to leave that kind of comment.
Post on my blog 151 times…if the 151st is “great post!” and it’s more then likely deleted depending on my mood.
I hanks for the post. I have enjoyed it.
I don’t mind people asking for links as long as they submit contents possibly worth for my readers
I’ll add on finding bloggers we admire and emulating them. It is also important to learn from a blogger fits your blogging style. Wayne Liew and John Chow has a different style of writing. And I feel more comfortable leaving comments on Wayne’s and learn from his writing styles. Just my 2 cents
@Dennis:
.
There is one that I found: “JohnCow.com”. Not bad for a copycat
OK, that’s 1. Personally, I pay very little mind to either. Besides, the cow is selling.
If you want to improve your blogging image than you should write quality posts on hot topics regularly (one post per day).
Good work, nice post.
I think they blogging image is the same as blogging reputation.
This is so true, Mr. Chow has spun off hundreds of copycats who earn nothing…..then they blame everything/one else for their failure.
The worst of these copycats is probably Not John Chow. Can you get more lame?
It’s alright to leave a comment like “great post!” if you already have a relationship with the blogger, and have established yourself as a frequent and usually thoughtful commentor.
I’m not surprised. Active bloggers are building reknowns everywhere
I agree with you. If you want to have a good blogging image than you shouldn’t write cheap comments.
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