Frank Viola is a best-selling author, blogger, speaker, and consultant to authors and writers. His mission is to help serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact. To learn more about Frank and his work, go to 15+ Years of Projects. To invite Frank to speak at your event, go to his Speaking Page. Frank’s assistant moderates comments.
Although I am about two years late to read this article, its truths are still foundational. I am currently building a platform so I can approach publishers and agents for my book without looking like a fool. And this information will definitely help.
Thanks for the tips. I appreciate it. I’ve been blogging for a few years now, primarily on the theme of “Rethinking Faith and Church.” Let me also say how much I enjoyed reading “Pagan Christianity.” I’ve also recently begun following you on Twitter. Thanks for the nuggets.
I’ve only been blogging for a little over 6 months now so I’m still learning the ropes so to speak. The quickest way that I have learned about how to create a blog people want to read is to read other people’s blogs. I have “borrowed” 🙂 so many ideas from reading other blogs and seeing how the page is set up and how they handle comments. It is also how I found other people who share my passions which makes cross linking very easy.
I agree 100% that you need to focus on your passions. Digital communication is extremely limited since 93% of communication is based on visual or audible cues. If you can funnel your passion through your writing, readers are far more likely to connect with you and keep coming back for more.
Mr. Viola – my husband forwarded me these suggestions last week and it was the push I needed to get serious about my blogging. I joined twitter immed. (will you follow me?) and have been scouring the internet for blogs I wish to read regularly and comment appropriately. Here’s the thing though, this takes time. More than I thought. To research who I want to follow and who I want to read and how to make Google reader work….it’s a lot, but nonetheless I am officially in! Thanks for the push! http://www.stephaniesikorski.blogspot.com
Re: Twitter, I love it. In fact, it’s just about the only way I read blogs. If the title interests me in someone’s tweet, I’ll go to it; otherwise, I keep moving. 🙂
Randy: good to have you here. I’d really encourage you to subscribe because if you rely on Twitter, you will miss a lot of posts. I don’t always tweet my posts either.
yup, thank you for the tips they’re very sound. i’ve found that blogging is a lot more satisfying, too, if one keeps to one’s passion. And yes, shorter is better. I truly admire the ability to say much with few words.
Alright Frank, I only missed yesterday’s post because I was down with the flu. Back up and not-quite-running today… I’m an RSS subscriber. Don’t know how others keep up with blogs without some kind of feed.
I love point 3 – find your passions and write about them. It’s so much more satisfying to read something when you can just tell that the writer loves what they’re writing about. I certainly can’t explain how to spot passionate writing but I bet we can all spot it!
Here’s my comment. Click on my name and you will be taken to my blog: “Free Gas For Your Think Tank — A Blog From Nashville.” Thanks for the great pointers, Frank!
i had stopped blogging for a while and got back to it. because of a fuller diary I wasn’t sure i’d be able to follow through… i got back to blogging by first committing myself to at least 3 tweets a day that had nothing to do with what i was having for breakfast etc.. and built it up from there… at the moment the target i’ve set for blogging is at least one blog post a week and will build it up to to…
the bottom line is, start with what you can manage and slowly build on that… thanks for sharing frank!
I plan to start a blog in the very near future and it is nice to have some advice from an experienced blogger before I begin to travel on the blogging road. Thank you very much.
Joshua Shaw
Thanks for the great advice, Frank.
Although I am about two years late to read this article, its truths are still foundational. I am currently building a platform so I can approach publishers and agents for my book without looking like a fool. And this information will definitely help.
Thanks!
Pam Enderby
As a beginner “blogger” I find this very helpful and stretching! I’m encouraged to begin tweeting now. Thanks for sharing!
Kate Hurley
Thank you for this advice Frank! I was really needing some help in these areas so I am thankful. 5-7 times a week? That sounds so hard!
Frank Viola
That’s only if you want optimal traffic. Go at your own pace and do what feels comfortable.
Will Rochow
Frank,
Thanks for the tips. I appreciate it. I’ve been blogging for a few years now, primarily on the theme of “Rethinking Faith and Church.” Let me also say how much I enjoyed reading “Pagan Christianity.” I’ve also recently begun following you on Twitter. Thanks for the nuggets.
Blessings,
Will
craig
I’ve only been blogging for a little over 6 months now so I’m still learning the ropes so to speak. The quickest way that I have learned about how to create a blog people want to read is to read other people’s blogs. I have “borrowed” 🙂 so many ideas from reading other blogs and seeing how the page is set up and how they handle comments. It is also how I found other people who share my passions which makes cross linking very easy.
I agree 100% that you need to focus on your passions. Digital communication is extremely limited since 93% of communication is based on visual or audible cues. If you can funnel your passion through your writing, readers are far more likely to connect with you and keep coming back for more.
Melissa K Norris
Great site, Frank. You’ve been a great help.
Increase your faith and find God in everyday life.
http://www.faithchats.blogspot.com
Gary
Thanks for the tips. As one who just started to blog last month, I need lots of help.
Manny
As always I leave knowing much more after reading your blog.
Stephanie
Mr. Viola – my husband forwarded me these suggestions last week and it was the push I needed to get serious about my blogging. I joined twitter immed. (will you follow me?) and have been scouring the internet for blogs I wish to read regularly and comment appropriately. Here’s the thing though, this takes time. More than I thought. To research who I want to follow and who I want to read and how to make Google reader work….it’s a lot, but nonetheless I am officially in! Thanks for the push!
http://www.stephaniesikorski.blogspot.com
Ben
Thanks for the tips, Frank.
Randy
Good advice.
Re: Twitter, I love it. In fact, it’s just about the only way I read blogs. If the title interests me in someone’s tweet, I’ll go to it; otherwise, I keep moving. 🙂
frankaviola
Randy: good to have you here. I’d really encourage you to subscribe because if you rely on Twitter, you will miss a lot of posts. I don’t always tweet my posts either.
Beth McKamy
Great points! I love to blog and I love to read others.
I love all your blogs, and I do try to read them all, whether it’s through the subscription, facebook, twitter, or just going to your website.
joanne
yup, thank you for the tips they’re very sound. i’ve found that blogging is a lot more satisfying, too, if one keeps to one’s passion. And yes, shorter is better. I truly admire the ability to say much with few words.
Shane Anderson
Alright Frank, I only missed yesterday’s post because I was down with the flu. Back up and not-quite-running today… I’m an RSS subscriber. Don’t know how others keep up with blogs without some kind of feed.
Kevin
I love point 3 – find your passions and write about them. It’s so much more satisfying to read something when you can just tell that the writer loves what they’re writing about. I certainly can’t explain how to spot passionate writing but I bet we can all spot it!
John
Also, don’t worry about traffic. Make content matter.
Thanks. Good post. Stay blessed…john
Steve Simms
Here’s my comment. Click on my name and you will be taken to my blog: “Free Gas For Your Think Tank — A Blog From Nashville.” Thanks for the great pointers, Frank!
Blessing Mpofu
i had stopped blogging for a while and got back to it. because of a fuller diary I wasn’t sure i’d be able to follow through… i got back to blogging by first committing myself to at least 3 tweets a day that had nothing to do with what i was having for breakfast etc.. and built it up from there… at the moment the target i’ve set for blogging is at least one blog post a week and will build it up to to…
the bottom line is, start with what you can manage and slowly build on that… thanks for sharing frank!
Kat
I plan to start a blog in the very near future and it is nice to have some advice from an experienced blogger before I begin to travel on the blogging road. Thank you very much.
Jeremy Myers
Fantastic advice! I wouldn’t be able to survive the blogging world without Google Reader.
I’m not sure how people remember which blogs they like to read, and which ones they have ongoing comment conversations in without subscribing.