I've heard from many bloggers who have the same lament: I just can't seem to find the time to update my blog. Well, without regular updates you're just writing for yourself primarily. It takes new content to keep a blog fresh and hot (you know, like a muffin!)

Seriously, my recommendation is set aside fifteen or twenty minutes each day to add a new post to your blog. You may not always be inspired to write something clever, but when the inspiration hits you'll be in the proper frame of mind.

Writing is tough work, and blogging is no different than penning a novel or a magazine article. In a previous post I discussed several ways to find inspiration for your blog posts. Now, the secret is finding a regular time each day to think things over, and if sufficiently inspired, write.

On the other hand, don't labor too long trying to create a new post. If you're just not motivated or inspired, than so be it. There's no harm in missing a day or three. But, to the extent possible, I would recommend at least one new post a week at a minimum. Now, start blogging!

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Posted By: Neal - Category: No Category

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Blog what you know

January 24th 2008 13:56

One of the most challenging issues facing bloggers is developing new, compelling content on a fairly regular basis. As I've noted here before, without regular postings it is unlikely that readers will return with any degree of certainty. And after all, isn't that a primary reason that you blog - to share your ideas, opinions, reactions, etc?

One of the best ways to develop content is to react to issues in the news, on a global scale. Here are some suggestions on how to do that. By employing these techniques you will, at a minimum, always have several starter ideas for posts that new and returning readers will find interesting.

1. Read, read read. By plugging yourself into current events you'll be able to pick from a variety of things that people are thinking and talking about. Read a newspaper, or read online. The point here is to familiarize yourself with the world around you.
2. Subscribe to RSS feeds. If you know how the do this, great. If not, find out. A feed reader is a tremendously powerful tool that allows you to parse the avalanche of Web-based information and have it sent to you on a schedule of your choosing. RSS is probably the least used, but most valuable tool available to novice bloggers.
3. Form opinions quickly. When you read about current events, see them on television or hear them being discussed at the local coffee shop, ask yourself "what opinion do I have about this?" If you have a strong feeling about an issue, then consider blogging about it. Be judicious when doing this - remember, once your post is out there, it's out there. However, clear opinions about current events are one of the best drivers of traffic to blogs.
4. Check the competition. Do you read other blogs, especially those that tend to deal with the same subjects that you write about? Great ideas can be spawned this way. Always guard against plagiarizing from another blogger, but you certainly can take a thought, opinion or idea and expand upon on your own terms.
5. Think globally. There really is more to life than our little corner of it. Introduce yourself to other cultures, ideas and events. You'll be surprised how much in common we have with our global friends.

There is no magic formula per se for creating a successful, well-read blog. But, these tips and other idea starters are a good way to get your brain in gear. Now start blogging!

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Posted By: Neal - Category: No Category

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Blogging hiatus

January 17th 2008 03:05

Hello alert readers! You've likely noted that it has been some time since I've added a post to Orble and my Blogger Coach blog. Well, let me plead guilty for not following my own advice!

One of the most important things that novice bloggers need to understand is that the sure-fire way to guarantee readership - and return visits to your blog - is by posting on a regular basis. That of course is exactly what I haven't been doing. And, guess what? I was right. Without regular postings it is difficult to develop a regular readership for your blog - any blog. Indeed, one of the comments I've received questioned why no new posts could be found, and if I was coming back.

Well, here I am - embarrassed by my failure to follow my own advice - but here nonetheless.

So, let this be a lesson for all, including me! You must be diligent about adding your rants, thoughts, opinions, ratings, impressions, dreams, curses - whatever it might be to your blog.

Now, start blogging!

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