Ritu’s 9 Unconventional Blogging Rules 2017

What are the rules for blogging?

There are so many posts out there, detailing all these things you are supposed to do, to create a perfect blog that will make money/attract followers/sell your book…

But really, are these rules for everyone?

If you are blogging for a purpose, as a career, then maybe.

But for those of us out there who started to blog for our own entertainment, as a pass-time, are these rules appropriate?

Here’s my take on what you should do to operate a successful, happy blog!

1) Post regularity

Whether you post once an hour, once a day, once a week or even once a month, if that is what is good for you, then that is perfect!

I know some out there hate to be flooded with notifications of posts from one blogger every day, but then, if they enjoy your posts, surely they would be happy to see an influx! (although, I must add a point, mentioned in the comments by Erika, make sure your regular ramblings have some sort of content, not just minute snippets of nothingness… That’s where you link your blog to Twitter or Instagram and we can follow you there too!) Similarly, if you post sparsely then your loyal followers will be on the look out for your next post.

If they don’t like it, they can always unfollow.

2) Unfollow?

OMG Ritu! What are you saying???

I worked so hard to get my followers… I don’t want them to switch off!

Really?

But seriously, look at your numbers… I remember reading somewhere that if you get at least 10 % of your followers liking or reading your posts, you’re doing great!

I have over 3500 WP followers. Most of my posts get less than 100 likes. That is a pitiful amount if I have these apparent followers!

3) Stop Number Crunching

Yes. I find that the more you fixate on the numbers, the more your content suffers.

When you start out, it is so easy to get sucked into the whole stats thing. I remember in my first year I found myself checking my app countless times a day for notifications, and to see what my daily stats were saying. It started to rule my day.

I started to resent blogging. I was getting agitated that the numbers I thought I should see were not appearing on that stats page. Tuning into my blog was beginning to be a chore.

The moment I realised that, for me, the stats really meant nothing, was when I started to accept my Blogily.

4) Blogily and the Blogosphere

Your blog is part of a much larger picture.

In order for your blog to flourish, you need to connect with others, create your blogily, your own community.

And how do you do that?

Don’t expect others to come to your blog space if you are not prepared to go and visit others.

5) Commenting is key

It’s all well and good, whizzing through the reader, liking all and sundry, but if you really want to connect, you need to reach out and comment on posts that mean something to you, that touch you, make you laugh, cry, cringe.

Posts you can relate to.

Commenting means you can build up a relationship with others, start a conversation, a rapport, which can lead to a deeper relationship than just a follower.

And it works both ways.

6) Keep up to date with your notifications

If another blogger is reaching out to you, by commenting on one of your posts, don’t ignore them! You don’t want the reputation of that blogger who thinks they are too good for their followers, not deeming them worthy of a reply.

Thank them for a reblog or a pingback.

Respond to their comments.

7) Write from the heart

Nothing will allow your posts to be more human than if you write with genuine emotion. We are all human. It is likely that whatever you write about, will be being experienced by someone out there. And even if they feel unable to express their own feelings, they will appreciate what you are going through, and relate to you.

8) If you don’t know, ask

This one is so important! Once you get going, you are bombarded with so many technical blogging terms, that for someone that may not be tech-savvy, it can be daunting.

But fear not.

Your blogily will have a few members who are seasoned professionals and they are usually always happy to help.

In the early days,  I had fellow bloggers posting screenshots of how to do things for me, so I could work out simple things, like creating hyperlinks, and pingbacks.

Since I have become more experienced, I have managed to post ‘how-to’ posts to help out my fellow bloggers, and they are always much appreciated!

9) You don’t need a niche!

I know some experts tell you that you should have a theme for your blog, posting only on that topic, but if you are like me, you are almost a Jack of all trades, Master of none!

Check my blog out:

  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Recipes
  • Reviews
  • Tips
  • Thoughts
  • Motivation
  • General silliness
  • Insights into my life

No particular niche there, see! And yet it still gets hits. It still gets follows!

There you are Peeps, my random ramblings for a Tuesday morning!

Have a wonderful day, and enjoy your blog for what it is, your space to express yourself freely!

Images as always by Bitmoji!

 

 

254 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Transit Address's avatar Transit Address
    Jun 14, 2017 @ 07:54:07

    Thanks Ritu.
    It’s good to have this set of advice from someone like you who is one of the experienced bloggers here 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  2. robbiesinspiration's avatar robbiesinspiration
    Jun 14, 2017 @ 05:22:07

    Such a great post, Ritu. Well done! I try and do these things but only have limited time for my blog. I try to pop in and visit my favourites at least once a day.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  3. Don Massenzio's avatar Don Massenzio
    Jun 14, 2017 @ 00:53:59

    Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  4. Fourth Generation Farmgirl's avatar Fourth Generation Farmgirl
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 23:49:11

    Fantastic post, Ritu–Such wonderful advice!! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  5. 80smetalman's avatar 80smetalman
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 21:12:24

    Good points all, what is especially true is that many will not visit your posts until you visit theirs.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  6. mitchteemley's avatar mitchteemley
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 20:32:05

    Good advice, Ritu!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  7. Judy E Martin's avatar Judy E Martin
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 19:40:52

    I agree with all of those, Sis, especially writing from the heart and engaging with your blogily! xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. Julie's avatar Julie
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 18:13:07

    I really liked this Ritu, good job!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. nicia cruz's avatar #themaskwriter
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 16:41:31

    ritu, you are as amazing as your tips. you know that, right? 😉 ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  10. aimerboyz's avatar Aimer Boyz
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 16:35:05

    “You’re space to express yourself freely.” Excellent description… and inspiration 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  11. Diana Frajman's avatar Diana Frajman
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 16:22:06

    Great advice Ritu. I think folks get bogged down with wanting to be followed and liked so much that the reason that they started to blog in the first place gets lost.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. poornimamanco's avatar poornimamanco
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 15:19:25

    Taking your advice Ritu, and saying, thanks for the tips!😊

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  13. Chuck's avatar Chuck
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 15:16:23

    Hi Ritu,
    I’ve had my blog page less than a year. I have my regular followers that “like” “comment”. Each week I get new people that come over after I find and follow them. Yet, most of them never come back. I understand that I should be consistent with my new blogs. I try to put out something at least twice a month. Most of my writing time is spent on my manuscript.
    So what if anything am I doing wrong, when I go to other individual blogs, at a minimum hit the “like” button. Anything that I am interested in, I leave a comment. These individuals, other than my regulars, do not reciprocate. Is it me or them?
    BTW great hints with this post. Other than being consistent with timely post, I do everything you list.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Ritu's avatar Ritu
      Jun 13, 2017 @ 16:57:16

      I don’t think you are doing anything wrong at all! It can take time to build that rapport with certain bloggers . Once you establish a certain group you will find you share each other’s work too and it creates a renewed interest in your blog. Keep going. Posting twice a month is fine too. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  14. MarinaSofia's avatar MarinaSofia
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 15:04:12

    I’m so glad you say about the niche thing – because mine too is a hodgepodge of book reviews, random musings, poetry and what not, and I don’t want to drop any of that! Also, very sane advice about not worrying if you lose followers, but focusing instead on really engaging with the ones who regularly read your blog.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  15. TanGental's avatar TanGental
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 14:28:16

    You are a wonder though what about bloggers who post by the minute- you know you do! And yes from the heart. They resonate most

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  16. syl65's avatar syl65
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 14:10:12

    Thank you for your Tuesday ramblings and blogging tips Sister!! It is easy to lose sight of why we started blogging when we focus on the numbers. When we keep it genuine and true to who we are it is fun and attracts like minded peeps!!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  17. Tikeetha TM's avatar Tikeetha T
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 13:49:32

    Great tips. I’ve shared them.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  18. Julie Holmes, author's avatar Julie Holmes, author
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 13:38:23

    Great tips here, Ritu! Thanks for the reminders; I’m going to save your list for future reference 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  19. olganm's avatar olganm
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 13:05:29

    Great advice, Ritu.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  20. Lisa A.'s avatar Lisa A.
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 12:42:22

    Great tips, Ritu! I’m with you! I agree with you on the whole niche thing…you don’t need one! I need to start commenting more. Lol.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  21. Trackback: No More Excuses! – Rambles of a Raving Writer
  22. Allie P.'s avatar Allie P.
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 11:49:52

    I know what you mean about getting sucked into the numbers game. It took me close to a year to wean myself off obsessing over them, but have been much happier since.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  23. J. Reese Bradley's avatar keen peach
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 11:01:54

    These are great Ritu! Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  24. melanierousselfiction's avatar melanierousselblog
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 10:40:05

    I love this post, it has some brilliant advice. I’m still so new to blogging and its so wonderful to get in the inside scoop from an expert (and award winner!). I’m so glad you talked about getting obsessed over stats and niches, that’s been a real concern of mine. I’ll be returning to this post frequently in the coming months – really inspiring for us newbies! X

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  25. Lynn Thaler's avatar Lynn Thaler
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 10:26:05

    I enjoyed the post and the advice.

    I don’t obsess about numbers. I like to check them from time to time, because it helps me to see which post are the most popular and what my followers enjoy reading.

    Also, I have noticed only a small percentage of my followers actually visit my site. I always wondered about that and it’s good to know that this is common.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  26. Meher Gandhi's avatar Meher Gandhi
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 10:08:29

    These are so awesome! Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  27. Gloria's avatar Gloria
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 09:22:06

    Thanks Ritu! Happy to have found you. I panic sometimes when I don’t post regularly on my blog. I only post 3-4 weeks but now I have 2 blogs! What am I doing to myself? Ha ha! But I’m happy to say that my new blog is non-niche and just for fun!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  28. alibaliwalker's avatar Ali Isaac
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 09:18:30

    We’ll have you on the experts panel at the BB next year, Ritu! I think you hit many nails on their heads in this post. And I agree with them all. 😊😙💕

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  29. floridaborne's avatar floridaborne
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 09:01:18

    You probably had a similar experience when you were a new blogger. It’s like trying to walk through a dark forest at first, until another blogger helps you through and the light dawns. Your compilation of insights and experiences will help others looking for their reasons for blogging.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  30. tesscol's avatar tesscol
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 08:50:45

    Some useful advice Ritu…I am amazed that in your busy life you find time to blog. I taught Primary children for23 years and rarely had time for myself!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  31. Gay Stepdad's avatar Gay Stepdad
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 08:37:19

    Great advice, I’m bookmarking this one!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  32. bitaboutbritain's avatar bitaboutbritain
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 08:25:46

    Excellent advice! Though, to be fair, it is hard to react to every comment. This used to bother me and did my blood pressure no good at all. My compromise is to always react to people who are new to the site, try to answer direct questions and visit folk as often as I can.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  33. Rajiv's avatar Rajiv
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 08:06:38

    Och!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  34. April Munday's avatar April Munday
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 08:05:18

    That’s a good list of rules, although I disagree with the one about blogging more than once a day. Sometimes it’s good to know when to stop, present company excepted.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  35. shelleywilson72's avatar shelleywilson72
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 07:40:14

    This is a great post, Ritu. Not worrying about stats, followers, and the frequency you post is enough to allow any blogger to have fun and blog from the heart. Love it 😍

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  36. Jessica Bakkers's avatar Jessica Bakkers
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 07:36:14

    Reblogged this on Jessica Bakkers and commented:

    Some very valuable blogging “rules” by Ritu… check em out!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  37. Jessica Bakkers's avatar Jessica Bakkers
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 07:35:35

    Some of the best, open and honest blogging advice i’ve read to date.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  38. Erika's avatar Erika Kind
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 07:34:42

    That are good tips for those who only want to blog for fun and socializing. The most important thing is to share the joy and excitement ablut blogging and then it doesn’t matter how often you post. Although I would say, too many posts on one day can be challenging for the reader. And there should be some “content”…. in other words: know the difference between Twitter, Facebook, …. and blogging.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  39. Steve Tanham's avatar stevetanham
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 07:19:16

    And congratulations once again, Ritu, on your Best Blog award.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  40. foodzesty's avatar foodzesty
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 06:52:32

    Thank you 😊 for the advice.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  41. Sue Vincent's avatar Sue Vincent
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 06:51:47

    Yes, I agree with everything you say here, Ritu. Write for the love of it… blogs or books, that makes more sense that forcing yourself into a corner.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  42. LostinLove's avatar LostinLove
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 06:08:50

    I am really new to blogging and yes not here for making money, but a little appreciation/feedback/comments are needed to keep writing. I think this is quiet human, but no one paid a heed to my blogs on this site where so many bloggers are already there 😦 while i am regularly reading and posting my comments to which blogs i could relate to. No one can improve or get motivated if they are not been read.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    • Ritu's avatar Ritu
      Jun 13, 2017 @ 07:01:49

      Have you tried WP’s Blogging 101 course?
      I used that when I first started, and it helped me connect with many bloggers, which helped my following, and allowed me to forge some great relationships with others too!
      It’s free, and usually runs for a month where they teach you how to blog, and you post something every day.
      Good luck though! You will get there, slowly but surely! I was you once! 😀

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    • Ritu's avatar Ritu
      Jun 13, 2017 @ 07:03:54

      Also, I checked out your blog. First thing… do you have an easily accessible follow button??? I couldn’t see it. Try and get a widget set up as soon as you can. If someone wants to follow, but can’t find where to subscribe easily, they may give up. At least WP bloggers will be able to subscribe with ease then!

      Like

      Reply

  43. Nandini Bharadwaj's avatar Nandini Bharadwaj
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:50:01

    This post was definitely needed and I agree completely. I started my blog for fun too and I mostly just ramble on it. When people ask me what I write about, I just shrug and say, “A little bit of everything”. It is important that people realise it is perfectly okay to do that and not confine themselves to one topic, which might only have limited scope.
    I also find that writing from your heart is a very overlooked rule. I’d rather write something deeply personal than a “professional” post. When some people encouraged me to start content writing, I refused because I’m sure it wouldn’t always be what I want to write about and the quality would therefore suffer.
    I recently started a blog series for this month for beginners navigating WordPress. I’ll be sure to share this post on there because you’ve made some excellent points! 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  44. davidprosser's avatar davidprosser
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:49:51

    Your ramblings make a lot of sense Ritu Thank you.
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  45. NJ's avatar NJ
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:48:59

    Very well said 🙂 there is difference between professional bloggers and bloggers like us who write to satisfy their hunger to write something 🙂 I agree the stats mean nothing , in initial days it may interest you but as time increases you understand that it doesn’t matter 🙂 Even if you have few loyal readers who awaits for your post 🙂 you have made niche for yourself 🙂 and that’s the satisfaction 🙂 that somewhere someone wants to read, what you have written 🙂
    I liked your points 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  46. Ananya Jha's avatar miss_ananya
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:46:29

    I love all these unconventional rules , also your bitmojis make your blogs a lot more fun and interesting .😇❤

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  47. vintage_bhavya's avatar dhawal_bhavya
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:37:35

    I would really appreciate the way you have described, actually its a good way to learn important things in blogging and it will be really helpful to the bloggers who are new to the blogosphere like us.. Thanks! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  48. Miriam's avatar Miriam
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:23:23

    Totally agree with everything here Ritu and love your graphics too! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  49. Health Delights's avatar Delight Times
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:21:22

    It is really helpful piece of Advice. I always enjoys reading your blog.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  50. HIT's avatar TiTaNiUm
    Jun 13, 2017 @ 05:16:40

    Really nice to know

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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