So I was asked a lot lately how I got here. Over 50,000 views about 3900 followers and I always go back to this post that was originally posted January 5th of this year. So I wanted to update a little bit and reshare some of the things that have made by blog semi-successful.
What I have Learned Blogging
Its been over six months since The Bipolar Writer went live. I have learned so much and I wanted to impart some of my wisdom. I am by no means an expert in blogging, but I have done a lot six months. I have reached the end of the year goal of 2,000 followers towards the end of December, and its been climbing ever since. I am at a little over 3900 followers at the beginning of March. My blog is one that is a shared experience, how to guide, and things I think are relative to my blog’s theme of writing to end the stigma surrounding mental health and to end the idea that suicide is an answer.
It has also been a great place to share the stories of others. You can find my collection of interview features in the following page.
Interview Features – The Series
I have been asked a few times by email what has worked for my blog, and I usually just reply to the email. I thought it would be good to write about it in a blog post.
So I thought why not share my experience in blogging over the past few months. Maybe there is something that you will learn that will be helpful on your own blog.
1. I have learned first and foremost to be myself. I write each blog post about my experiences by letting the reader into my life. I write about my experiences surrounding my diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. I am sharing my triumphs and losses. Always be honest and people will keep coming back to your blog.
2. Getting an actual domain name is very helpful. I have gotten many followers because I have a domain name. If you are serious about blogging then you can find the $99 price tag for a domain name and the premium themes that come with it. It was the best thing I did.
3. Use free photo sites like unsplash.com to add color to your post. In my opinion, adding photos will help your post feel more like a home to the reader. Also, it’s important to note to always give credit for the photos you use. The website I talked about gives you all you need to do just that in your blog post.
4. You can add Grammarly to your web browser so that you edit your post on WordPress. It’s a great free tool to have because even when you think you have edited at your best, you can still miss things. You can go with their premium service but it’s not necessary.
5. In my experience, the Hemingway App is a great tool for writing blog posts. It’s not the greatest of proofreading tools but it tells you when you are using passive voice which is important to writing good quality posts. It also allows you to post straight from the app to WordPress. I paid the $19.99 price tag because it’s a useful tool. I never used the actual free version (if there is one I don’t remember.)
6. As a writer, I like to have as many tools at my disposal when writing. One app that has been amazing for me when I want to free write a blog post is Ulysses. For me when I just need to write its the best place. It also connects to your iCloud so what you have on this app is functional on your computer, your phone, and iPad. It’s my best functional app. I can write a post on my phone and it will automatically be on my computer. It’s great for taking notes when you are out and have an idea.
7. Try your best to answer all comments. Its the connection to your readers that will get them to come back to your blog. The stronger the connection the more they will feel at home on your blog.
8. This also goes the other way. You should take time to read the blogs of others. I admit I don’t do this as much I would like, but the better connections you make, the more people will come back to your blog. I admit lately I got sidetracked by how much I have going on in my life but it means the world to connect with other bloggers and make a real connection.
9. Make your blog post and blog reader friendly. My first two attempts at writing a blog my posts felt too much like WebMD. It was too technical and not really my goal. Share your experience your way. That is all that matters.
10. Set aside time to go to the Reader in WordPress and find blogs that you find interesting. Follow them. Leave a comment. Become a part of the what ever community you are blogging about. When you become a part of something your blog has purpose.
11. One thing that has helped my blog personally is to add contributor writers that way the content here on The Bipolar Writer stays fresh. It might be something to look at or you can have guest writers/
This is all I could come up with in my own experiences. Always be yourself and your fellow bloggers will come to love your blog. It takes time and dedication, but I know you can do it!
Photo Credit:
Fascinating stuff. I too have been blogging for a while and have seen many posts about how to effectively blog, but you seem to have it down better than the rest. My thanks to you for being so encouraging.
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I do what I can. We need more people blogging in this world. I learned some things from my other attempts at blogging and I actually had a class that really helped me with this so I figure share the wisdom.
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This is awesome. As a Professional Procrastinator, it took me six months just to get the blog together. LOL
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Well I hope my post is helpful is growing your blog.
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very inspiring, indeed. 🙂
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Very cool. Great advice. I admire how successfully you have gotten your page to grow so quickly. Way to go 👍
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Thanks Joseph. I didn’t imagine it would have. My last attempt wasn’t so great but I learned what works.
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Very well done.
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Awesome tips and advice! Thank you for this!
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You’re very welcome. It’s important to share what I have learned that way bloggers can grow into their own blog. It’s been amazing journey writing The Bipolar Writer blog.
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Thank you for this post! I’ve been looking into ways of increasing views, and I thought that slimming down my niche might help, but this has given me quite a bit to thank about. Very informative! And congrats on doing well with your blog! 🙂
Sharna
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Sharna, I am glad I could help. The main thing is always to be yourself. It will reflect in your writing.
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Thanks for sharing these insights, James. Grammarly and Hemingway are great, useful to know about the WP integration for the latter. My version of Ulysses is “Calmly Writer”, which is free & integrates with GoogleDrive.
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Also – I know you’re a regular posted, James. Do you have a schedule? Have you always posted to the same schedule, if so? Have you noticed any trends between followers/engagement and posting times/frequency?
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I do. I have contributor writers so I have to work them in as well during the week. I tend to have three slots though I have been using two. I find a 9:00am (Pacific time) 1pm and 4:30pm slots. It’s not always exact but it’s around those times that I post always.
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I have found the 1:30-2 posts are my best slots.
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Thanks James, that’s interesting to know. It’s early days for my current blog, but I’ve been shooting for early evening UK time, which works out as slightly earlier PT.
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Slightly earlier than 1-2 PT, that is.
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Thanks so much for writing this. And congratulations on your accomplishments; you’re an eloquent writer.
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Wow! Your blog is skyrocketing – that is so good for destigmatising mental health. There is so much mis/lack of understanding about it. To share your experiences and personal story is a powerful way to do it. And you have hit the nail on the head with how to blog successfully. I must admit, I am an IT neanderthal so don’t use apps – don’t know how. I bumble along best I can 🙂
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I will admit my last two blogs didn’t go anywhere. I learned. It took a class as part of my degree last year that really helped. I am a app guy, I love it when all my apps works together. It’s different for everyone.
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I hope I will still be blogging actively in 6 months, so I am definitely taking your advice to heart 🙂 Thank you!
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Just keep writing.
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Thank you very much for all this information, and believe me I need all the help I can get. As I am from the BC age (before computers) I don’t understand how do you go about having a new domain and what it really means? If you have some time to spare it would greatly appreciated. Peace Lawrence
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I Lawrence. Please email me at JamesEdgarSkye24@gmail.com and I can answer your questions.
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Thank you for sharing this information. I agree about reading the blogs of others. I am always so busy but I need to set aside a day for that
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I know what you mean. I have trouble with that one the most. But it does help to connect with other bloggers.
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I definitely agree!
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Very informative. Helps me alot, I’ve just finished my first month of blogging so this post is very useful! Thanyou
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You’re welcome Abby. I am glad I could help. I want to see bloggers sites grow.
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I really admire you for how dedicated you are. Congratulations on the growth of your blog. Well deserved!
And thank you for the advice.
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Thank you Pearl.
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Very helpful advice. Thank you so much for sharing!
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Inspiring! Thank you! I have started blogging in January 2018 and I keep reminding myself that writing regularly is key if you want to see your blog getting better. I work together with my husband and I proofread and edit all our stuff. I should say Hemingway app is really good for battling passive voice. We are both non-native English speakers/writers but I always try to do the best job I can and make our writing good. Congratulations on your constant growth! It’s great to see a blog dedicated to mental health gain such an ongoing attention.
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That’s my goal. To end the stigma surrounding mental illness by talking about it.
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This was super helpful and is really motivating- thank you!
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This was actually really helpful! That’s a huge following in such a short space of time…I’ve only just started, 3 posts in, and those numbers seem way too large for me to even think of. A depressed girl can dream haha. Well done!
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Just keep writing. This is my third blog and I took a class in creating a writers platform that really changed the game for me.
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