Take a look around the blogosphere; what do you see? Hundreds of blogs sprouting like wild mushrooms on the forest floor, on a daily basis.
Some are here to Crush it! Some do not make it or some just blend in with the rest. Those who do make it are persistent and hard working. They know how to be a purple cow.
There is no doubt that you have to be unique and creative in order to create a buzz in the ever crowded blogosphere. Besides that, there are some other key ingredients; so to speak, you need in order to maintain a successful blog.
So, here are the 7 crucial elements that are necessary for your blog’s success, which you can start implementing today to take your blog to the next level:
1. Valuable and scannable content:
Content and more content – Content is the fuel for your blog’s success. You have probably heard of content is king before; right? Well, let me rephrase that a little – Valuable content is the king and this is the absolute truth!
It doesn’t matter how flashy, colorful your blog is or how good you try to network with other bloggers. If there is no content in your blog, your visitors are not going to return back to it. Not just any content – you need relevant and valuable ones for your blog’s success.
Not only that, be passionate on what you blog about because your readers can tell how passionate you are by reading the post you write. Make it unique; use graphics, audio, video to compliment your thoughts. Add personality to it – make it stand out!
Make your content scannable as your audience is likely to scan your posts to see if it is interesting first; before reading it word for word. Using proper text formatting (like bold and italics), subtitles can really help to break down your content and make it more scannable.
Using clever graphics to break up large blocks of texts not only makes your post eye-catching but also helps to pull people in reading what you write.
2. Post frequency:
How frequently you post new and interesting content in your blog is directly related to your blog’s success. So, posting frequently is another crucial element for harvesting a successful blog.
Having said that, you don’t really need to post everyday (but this certainly doesn’t hurt). On an average, if you post 2 to 3 times a week, it is going to leave a positive impression on your readers. Your readers expect fresh articles in your blog every time they come visit – therefore, you need to be able to provide fresh content on a regular basis.
There are some bloggers that are doing great posting once a week or even once every fifteen days; especially if the post is really long and insightful.
Do what works for you but remember the key here is to attract audience. So, create a schedule – whatever it is and religiously stick to it.
3. Visually pleasing and attractive elements:
I did say great content is the king but no matter how powerful your content is; if your blog is not visually pleasing and is overloaded with information, many people do not even bother to read what you offer.
If your blog is distracting or hard to read, the readers are not going to stick around. Using small fonts, fancy backgrounds, ads and pictures scattered everywhere is a sure fire way to chase your audience away. Now, you don’t want to do that. Do you?
I mean playing around with fonts, colors and pictures is fun but distractions play a significant role in how popular your blog becomes. The best way to go about doing this is keeping it as simple as possible – Simplicity always works the best. Don’t you hate looking at the blogs with ads and fancy pictures plastered everywhere? This sure is a huge turnoff for me.
4. Structure and page layout:
Structurally sound and well-designed blog helps your brand to be unique and gives you an opportunity to stand out of the crowd but overdoing it can create confusion amongst your readers.
One awesome tactic that is simple but never fails is to use a lot of white space in your blog – in fact use it as much as you possibly can – this will really make your blog visually pleasing and attractive.
Color combination, header and logo also play a significant role in your blog’s success. Attractive logo and header is necessary but real fancy ones may have a negative impact on your readers. You know, it doesn’t have to look like a masterpiece by Picasso. Something simple can be real effective as long as it portrays your brand efficaciously.
5. Functionality of your blog:
Your blog’s success is directly related to how functional it is. Functionality of your blog makes your audience’s experience more enjoyable while they are in your site.
How is the navigation in your blog? Do all the links work? Can a random visitor find out exactly what he/she is looking for? These are some key elements that make your blog functional.
Besides that, your regular readers might want to subscribe to your blog feed so that they can read it in their feed readers. Do make sure that the subscription button is visible – use special text, image whatever; but make sure it stands out. Plus, if you want people to subscribe to your updates via email, make sure the opt-in box is readily visible – preferably in the upper fold of your site, where your audience can see it without having to scroll down.
Another important element to consider is the page load speed which seems to be often overlooked by bloggers. Adding tons of images, videos or music; especially in the sidebars significantly slows the page loading time. Have you ever had to wait for somebody’s site to load up? – Ain’t that shit irritating? Page load time may also vary depending on the internet browsers so it is best to check your site on various popular browsers as well.
6. Comments, About And Contact:
Well-structured comments are important in your blog as they are the part of the conversation you start in your blog posts. Comments show that there is engagement in your site so display comments related to the discussions in your posts – not the spam. Replying to your comments makes it interactive and hence creates a warm environment for your readers to add their insights.
Properly constructed about page adds a lot of personality in your blog. Your first time visitors are highly likely to check out your about page; just out of curiosity to see who is the person behind the blog. So, add your photo in it to show people that it is your blog. A picture is worth more than thousand words – you know what I mean?
There have been plenty of times when I wanted to contact the webmaster but had to hunt the contact link down. Make sure the contact link is easily visible and accessible. This portrays a positive impact in your online personality.
7. User Friendliness:
I did already talk about the navigation for your site above. But let me emphasize on it again as easy navigation is important. It helps your readers find content quickly and easily – showing breadcrumbs, archives, categories, tags,.., are some basic things you can do to make your blog more user friendly. Furthermore, using various plugins like Recent posts, Popular posts also makes a huge difference.
Bookmarking and social networking buttons are essential in order for your posts to go viral. Using plugins for Retweet button, Facebook like button, social bookmarking buttons and so on also play a significant role in your blog’s success.
Okay now, this by no means is an absolute list of elements you should consider for your blog’s success. However, these are certainly the top things you can use to start making a difference in your blogging endeavor.
What other KEY elements are necessary for a blog’s success?
Please leave comments down below to share your thoughts and insights. Plus, if you like this article please Tweet it and share it in Facebook or your favorite social media outlets.
Here’s to your blog’s success!
-Adam Paudyal.
 |
Before you go...
|
I created this blog to chronicle the success and failures of my various online endeavors and to share with you the knowledge I gain along the way... 
Hi Adam,
Nice post. I like your point about content. I feel that the most important aspects of blogging are content and marketing. Quality content acts like a magnet that attracts the readers to the blog.
Shivam Garg recently posted..Renew Life Coupon Code
Hey appreciate that Shivam.
Content is definitely the most important element. And not just any content but valuable and relevant ones. Other elements are only applicable when the content is worth reading (O:
Take care, my friend.
Hope to see ya around more often.
Hey Adam,
I like the first point where you mentioned valuable content. I’ve met a couple of people who have stumbled upon my blog and mentioned that they really like my content. The point here is, people will always return to your time and again if you are providing valuable content. If you are just coming up with content to attempt to get yourself ranked on the search engines. People are going to see it, and they will also ignore it.
It definitely doesn’t really matter how you site looks, as content is more crucial.
I also add widgets on my sidebar that links to my other social media networks, i.e my fanpage on facebook. I believe it is important so that people notice your presence on the other social networks and they also follow you there. This helps me to get a more loyal following me and establish myself as an expert online. Definitely helps with your blog success!
See you around soon Adam!
Regards,
Darren Spruyt
Darren Spruyt recently posted..An OnlyWire Plugin Review
Darren,
People do return if they find the content interesting and valuable. So, what you write and how you portray your thoughts is the primary element. I look at it as a necessity for blogs to stand out of the crowd.
The fact of the matter is if your visitors love the content you produce, the search engines will follow. That is the beauty of blogs (O:
Well, I do believe that the secondary elements like design, layout, comments do matter but like I said they are secondary. Great content, without any doubt, should be the top priority.
I appreciate your insights brother. Hope to see you around!
Everyone wants to have their blogs being a successful one… So this blog too can help achieve that goal… I agree that marketing is important in blogging…You did a great job Adam!!
Evan Griffin recently posted..Skipping Breakfast- Good or Bad for Weight Loss
Hi there Adam,
Great post! Content is sure king. No content, no blog. Your content must be interesting. What I mean is it’s got to be insightful. Whether selling something or not it’s got to be insightful.
The whole purpose of your post is to have people get something out of it. If they do, they will return.
I totally agree that your blog must be attractive in a simple way. Too much action to the eye is a big turn off.
It’s got to be easy for people to get around. Too busy makes the whole blog complicated.
A good header and layout is essential, it creates the whole feel of your blog.
I’d like to add, your offers must be offers you have used yourself and that are worth promoting so as the saying goes know your product, be it your own or an affiliate product, know your product.
You must stress that the products you recommend on your blog are quality and not just any products.
Another thing is don’t write posts that sell all the time, this is also a big turn off. If you are going to sell something on your post give good quality information first and then recommend a related product that you think is worth your while.
Just don’t outright sell on your blog post. Provide value by giving good information about something and then recommend. Give and you shall receive.
Blog hopping is essential, commenting on other blogs not only helps your blog from the link you leave to your blog but the blog owner can come to your blog and leave a comment if he or she chooses. It’s also good for the search engines as well. Building relationships is key.
Let me end by saying, you’ve got to put some time aside and work your blog if you want it to be successful.
Thanks for sharing this post and letting me comment Adam,
Terry Conti
Terry Conti recently posted..Action- The Master Gear that makes Everything Happen
Now that is some awesome value added to the conversation Terry.
I wholeheartedly agree with you. The value carried by the content is what really get people to return to your site. Spray in a good dose of personality with that and you have a winning combo (O:
It is my pleasure brother.
Later!
Hi Adam,
This post is authoritative
!!!
. Everyone wants to be friends to a humble and polite person.
You have put some of the great points here. I would add a few
a) Check the load speed of the site to make sure that it loads fast
b) Guest post once in a while
c) Research the content well.
d) Make a lot of friends on the web and be nice to them
These are my points and you have covered the rest, my awesome friend
).
Great post.
Have a nice day.
Ashvini
Ashvini recently posted..How does Greed- Fear and Herd Mentality affect humans
Hey Ash, I really appreciate the positive comment brother.
Talking about site speed, I sure do need to check it again now. Thanks for the reminder.
And about being friends, I try to be nice to everyone but you know how that goes – you can’t possibly please everyone (O:
Later..
Hi Adam,
It looks like you have all the bases covered here. I totally agree that content needs to be valuable to the reader or they won’t be back (unless the reader is your mom).
I’d like to add that playing around with fonts, colors and pictures is not only distracting for the reader, but it’s a big time waster for the blogger. When I start messing around like that, I try to stop and remind myself that the post is ready “as is”, and I should be moving on to my next productive task.
Thanks,
Peggy
Peggy Baron recently posted..How To Write an Ebook PLR Package – My Results
Peggy,
As bloggers we should all focus on what is more important right this instant. Constantly talking action on carrying out productive tasks is crucial for blogging success. There is no doubt about this. But the secondary things like fonts, color and picture also plays some role, not as significant as the content though.
I certainly agree with you here as there are bloggers who spend too much of their available time on things that do not give them the results. I am glad you mentioned about hitting publish button on posts that are ready to be published. Oftentimes, I find myself being a little too much of a perfectionist.
Appreciate your thoughts Peggy.
See you around!
Hey Adam,
I don’t believe you left anything uncovered my friend.
I also know that people just getting started, this all may sound rather overwhelming but as long as you put everything into play over time, it will all come together. You’ll find when you start engaging with others, they don’t necessarily care how your site looks. So learn while you are here and start implementing what will benefit you along the way.
Great post Adam, really great post…
Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..The Coolest Ad Network I’ve Ever Seen
Adreinne,
Thank you so much for those motivating and kind words.
Networking and engagement with others helps regardless of the key elements – so very true. Although they do make a great difference in the long run.
And just like you said, doing all this certainly requires time so, these are the things that have to be achieved along the way (O:
Talk to you soon!
Hi Adam, Great post! Your post is so thorough, well-written and all encompassing, I am sending a link to a friend who is starting a blog. Anyone who follows these steps should surely have a successful blog.
As far as content is concerned, my goal is for my readers to learn and have fun. I write about tech, which some people regard as the equivalent of watching paint dry. But I try to liven it up with fun videos and fun comments. I also try to let others know how what I’m writing about will help them in their everyday lives.
Thanks so much for your great post!
Carolyn recently posted..Tech-Knowledgy:Where’s RunPee? Kindle Books on iPad, Unlimited Data on Verizon
Thank you Carolyn. You know, personally referring one of your friends to my blog is the greatest compliment I could ever get (O:
I really appreciate it.
As always, great post Adam. I always enjoy reading your informative posts.
I have just started blogging as you may know. So the post is really helpful. I am bound and determined to make my blog a success. The road is paved with adversities. But I’ll make it, for sure.
Mouh
: o)
Mouh recently posted..How to Grow Your List of Subscribers and Get Repeated Traffic by Showing Your Upcoming Posts
Thanks for the kind words Mouh.
I appreciate all you do and I know that there is lots more to come from you brother. I love the way you put it out! That’s the attitude we bloggers need to have in order to succeed (O:
I am glad you found this post really helpful.
Talk soon!
Hi Adam:
Wonderful post you have here. All subheadings pretty much describe the post so well, it is good post to read and remember, so it can be used as needed.
Fran A
Fran the article writer recently posted..Blog Writing Tips to Take Your Blog To a Higher Level
Appreciate that Fran.
You so Rock!
Hey Adam! I just made a checklist based on your ideas. Quick and cool eh? LOL!
But really. It’s cool to come across simply laid-out pointers; proves much more helpful.
Keep posting cuz I sure will keep comin’ back.
Ruzanne recently posted..I’m A Winner!
Hi Adam,
Awesome compilation with lots of knowledge…Great tips and advice….Thanks a lot…Hope to hear more from you…
charlotte recently posted..Chamonix Mont Blanc
Hi Adam,
Some great points there mate. I totally agree that content is one of the key elements required for a successful blog.
It needs to be educational or entertaining – but ideally it needs to be both.
Personally, as far as design goes, I like something simple and uncluttered. Not too many flashing banners and scrolling ticker tapes if you know what I mean. That’s just a matter of personal taste of course – but I find too much flashing and flickering distract from the content.
A good comments section is a big bonus for any blog. I’m always amazed at bloggers who say that they would like to get more comments on their blogs, and who then hardly ever bother to reply to those comments that they do get. The comments section should be for a bit of interaction – it can make such a huge difference to the whole feel, and the energy level, of any blog.
And, of course, once you’ve got all your ducks in a row on your blog, you do need to take the time to promote it externally. There are so many different ways to do this, and everybody will have their own favourite – but you need to do something.
Of course, all of that effort will be worth when you’ve got yourself a rockin’ blog!
[...] The 7 crucial elements for a blog’s success [...]