Having a blog Vs Having a blog which people actually read

"See, it ain't that hard!" Image: Darryl Bush

Setting up a blog is really easy - the hardest part is actually getting people to read what you're posting. So through the Online Journalism module I'm currently taking and much perseverence, this is what I've learned:

1. Have something a bit different. Would you really want to read someone's blog if they were just reiterating what's being said all over the blogosphere?

2. No blog is an Island... to get people to come to you, you have to go to them. Search for bloggers who write about similar subjects and leave comments (adding to the discussion, not spamming) with a link to your blog.

3. Try and post something everyday... this is what I find particularly hard. Especially at the weekends or on busy days when you just can't be bothered to research and write about something.

4. When you put labels/tags on your posts try and have a look at the sort of words people put into search engines.

5. Realise that for every 200 people who read your blog, you will probably only get one comment. It's unfortunate, isn't it? Most people only really comment if they feel very strongly about something. Think of how many times you read people's blogs and don't bother commenting.

But at the end of the day, blogging is a great way of publishing your thoughts, opinions and random bits of writing on the net. And if anyone reads your stuff, that's just the icing on the cake.