Giving Your Blog Staying Power

Yesterday while taking some time for social networking on Twitter, I came across a very intriguing tweet that prompted some thinking about what gives a blog staying power. Here's how it started:

Original Tweet (@NaomiVGoodman):Many blogs come and go. Start off hot and die out. But @thisisglamorous I visit you daily because it's just that good!http://bit.ly/caDVj1

I wrote back with this question: @NaomiVGoodman What do you think gives a blog staying power?

The answer: @gatherinspriggs A unique voice even if you are the millionth whatever blogger in the world. Originality is key to any creative success.

 

So I put together this little go-to list of ideas I have gleaned from resources in my life that are helping me with my blogging. Is there anything you would add to this list? Anything you feel like you have learned from your own experience. Please do share!

(That's what we are here for right?) Living and learning from each other one day at a time. 

Thanks again Naomi V Goodman for sharing your thoughts and prompting this discussion. Visit her  Wedding Planning site!

image: paula mills and carrie can

Comments

[Julianne]

This is a great post! Thank you for sharing your list. Originality and fresh ideas are key for a blog. In order to achieve that you need to follow all the other steps on your list. Everything is tied together.

[Twiggs]

This is actually a great reminder dear Heather!!! I have been thinking about that so much, because asides from knowing that I am doing something that is far from new & original, I want to make sure... there is something on my blog that still feels unique to whomever visits & reads it! Thank you!!! Hugs, Twiggs

[[email protected]]

Great thoughts and ideas! I think it would be so great to meet with a group of local bloggers on a monthly basis to discuss these kinds of issues, don't you?

[Naomi]

Heather, had no idea my tweet would have prompted such a great topic. You hit the nail on the head! Social Media can be taxing on time but when done right, the rewards can mean just one more person visiting your site. I wholeheartedly believe #5. Great job!

[Melissa Allam]

I really need to think about these things. Thanks for sharing Heather. I want to add more of my own voice to my blog and more of me I think. I'm not sure sometimes if I want to continue or go in another direction. It's hard to be in this undecided place. I have noticed I like reading blogs lately where the bloggers share more of their own lives.

[Brigitte]

I wholeheartedly agree with this advice. In particular, points 1 & 5 are my holy grail. I've found that the more I share -- both of myself and with others -- the more rewarding blogging has become. I rarely struggle for content now, which was a constant issue when I started out.

[Down and Out Chic]

great post! i think a lot people have unreasonable expectations and want things (i.e. traffic, sponsorship, money) to come easy. i think it's important to simply keep posting regardless of the ups and downs of traffic and to really enjoy it. being sincere helps too :)

[jillian m. {coffee, light and sweet}]

thank you for this. i learn more about improving my blog everyday and though the advice can be a little overwhelming (there's so much you can do!), you've pretty much summed it up in just a few words. thanks again!

[Nuit]

so true... and what an amazing post. seriously. xoxox

[Heather]

kristie,
lets do it! i've been thinking about doing a nashville blogger meet up for sometime now. it needs to happen. and i love the idea of making it a regular event for support when we are having doubtful days.

[Heather]

naomi, you never know how your words can make such an impact. thanks for starting this ripple affect and getting our wheels turning. thanks for stopping by and leaving more of your thoughts. so glad we connected!

[Heather]

jillian,
thanks for stopping by and sharing with us! its good to have you as a friend. and glad that this post helped you in some small way. i think the main thing is having friends online so we can support each other when it feels too hard to keep it up, cause it can be overwhelming at times.

[Rachel Follett]

Great post! Definitely things to consider. Thank you for putting this together. Its wonderful!

[Kristi]

Wonderful tips...thanks so much for sharing these! I do believe we are here to learn from one another. ♥

[Taylor]

Great points, food for thought. Sometimes I feel like I should be putting up less of the daily life pics, but I probably don't put enough about who I actually am. The blogs I get most attached to are those who I feel like I've come to know the blogger, but then I have the revers "no one cares about who you are, just show the projects" thought. I need to get better at that.

Taylor
www.maryjanesandgaloshes.com

[Tali Schiffer]

Those points are definitely key to keeping your blog interesting, and maintain a crowed of 'listeners' :)

[Maria]

Hello Heather - I think a Blog gets its stamina from the Passion that fuels it. As creative souls, we all need to recharge every now and then yet not lose sight of our unique offerings to the world. I have enjoyed Gathering Springs and will add it to my blogroll. Keep up the good work!

[Naomi]

Heather I came back to read the other comments and we can always learn from one another. I think in sharing ideas, and opinions we find our voice...xo