44 Blogging Best Practices for Running a Successful Blog

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Picture this: you’ve finally launched your blog, but your posts are gathering dust instead of the thriving community you imagined. It's a common scenario, but the good news is that you can turn things around with the right strategies. Whether struggling with engagement or starting, understanding blogging best practices can be your blog growth engine, propelling you toward success. In this article, we’ll break down the essential tips to build a blog that survives and thrives.

Do you need a little extra help along the way? Tools like Feather’s notion to blog make it easier to implement these strategies, helping you focus on what you do best: creating unique content.

What Is a Blog?

In the late '90s, the term “blog” came to life. Coined initially as a “weblog” by Jorn Barger in 1997, it described a digital diary where people log their thoughts and daily activities online. Peter Merholz shortened it to “blog” in 1999; the rest is history. These early blogs were often personal and served as platforms for self-expression. They allowed individuals to share their perspectives with a broader audience, breaking the barriers of traditional publishing.

From Personal Diaries to Diverse Platforms

Times have changed, and so have blogs. Today, a blog is a dynamic and regularly updated website or section of a site. Blogs are typically run by individuals or small groups and are written in an informal or conversational style. They now cover various topics, from news and expert opinions to hobbies and business promotions. Modern blogs have frequent updates, relaxed language, and reader interaction through comments and discussions.

The Blogging Boom of the Early 2000s

The early 2000s witnessed a boom in the blogging world. Platforms like LiveJournal and Blogger.com launched in 1999, revolutionized blogging. They made it accessible to the masses by eliminating the need for technical skills. This led to millions of people starting their blogs, covering everything from politics to niche interests. The era marked a turning point as blogs diversified and expanded their reach, becoming a staple of the digital landscape.

Why You Should Start Blogging

Blogs are more than words on a screen—they're a way to connect. People share thoughts and experiences, and active comment sections let them interact and build community. It's not just about sharing; it's about engaging. Blogs are now a crucial part of online community building, like a social platform in their own right.

This is why they play a significant role in brand management. Blogs can effectively represent your brand, its values, and products through consistent content creation.

Blogging is a Money Machine

Blogging isn't just a hobby; it's a business. Many bloggers make money through advertisements like affiliate marketing. Readers trust bloggers as reliable sources and follow their advice, so it makes sense that travel attractions or products would pay for the exposure. Blogging became a profitable career choice, especially during the pandemic.

Over half of all blogs saw increased traffic, and about 35% of bloggers made more money. In addition to affiliate marketing, bloggers can earn through digital ads or sell their blogs to larger media companies.

Blogging Is a Breeze

Creating a blog is easier than ever, thanks to code-free website builders. And when you can blog about anything you want, it's no wonder more people are jumping on board. Whether you're writing about travel, tech, or the latest trends, blogging is a powerful tool for connecting with others and establishing your voice.

Ready to take your blog to the next level? Run your blog and newsletter with Feather today! Create a new account and send emails from Notion, or go from notion to blog in minutes!

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7 Blogging Best Practices On Design & User Experience

1. Choose a Responsive and Mobile-Friendly Design

With many people accessing blogs on mobile devices, a responsive and mobile-friendly design is necessary. Ensure your blog's theme adapts smoothly to different screen sizes by:

Testing how it looks on various devices

Optimizing images for faster loading

Choosing fonts that are easy to read on smaller screens

Implementing clear navigation menus also allows for a better mobile user experience

2. Use a Clutter-Free Layout

A clean, clutter-free layout makes your blog appealing and easier to navigate. Aim for minimalist designs that showcase your content without overwhelming visitors. To reduce distractions:

Limit widgets, plugins, ads, and pop-ups

Organize posts with clear headings, subheadings, and white space

Structure your content to guide readers smoothly through the page.

3. Ensure Fast Page Load Times

Site speed is crucial for user experience and SEO rankings. Slow-loading blogs can lead to higher bounce rates and lost readers. To improve load times:

Compress and resize images

Eliminate unnecessary plugins

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to diagnose speed issues

Consider a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Encourage readers to share your content by integrating social sharing buttons within your blog posts. These buttons should be easy to find and prominently placed to facilitate quick sharing on platforms like:

Facebook

Twitter

By simplifying the sharing process, you increase the potential reach of your blog post across social networks.

5. Include a Search Function

A search function enhances user navigation by helping readers find specific content quickly. This feature is handy for more prominent blogs with various posts, allowing visitors to locate the exact information they seek without scrolling through multiple pages. A well-placed search bar ensures a smooth user experience and keeps readers engaged.

6. Prioritize Readability and Typography

Readability is crucial for keeping readers engaged with your content. To enhance readability:

Choose easy-to-read fonts in both size and style

Ensure ample line spacing

Use bold headings and subheadings to break up content and guide readers through longer posts

Maintain a strong contrast between text and background for easy reading

7. Implement Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

A well-designed blog should guide readers toward specific actions, whether:

Subscribing to newsletter

Downloading a resource

Purchasing a product

Use clear, visually distinct CTAs that stand out without being intrusive. Place them strategically throughout your blog posts, such as at the end of an article or in sidebars, so they are easy for readers to follow.

9 Blogging Best Practices on Content Creation

1. Outline Like a Pro

Start with creating detailed outlines. Before you write, get organized. Identify reliable sources and take notes. Arrange your ideas logically and structure your outline with subheadings. This will help your content flow smoothly from start to finish. It's a small step that makes a big difference, setting the foundation for quality writing.

2. Headlines and Subheadings: Your First Impression

Craft attention-grabbing headlines and subheadings. Your headline is the first thing readers see, so it must generate interest, highlight your blog's main idea, and be SEO-friendly. Use CoSchedule Headline Analyzer and Sharethrough Headline Analyzer to refine your headlines. Subheadings are crucial, too, as most readers skim content. Make them clear, descriptive, and engaging to guide your readers through the post.

3. Engage with Your Writing Style

Use an engaging writing style to connect with your readers. Write in a conversational tone and provide examples to illustrate your points. For better readability, break up your text with shorter:

Paragraphs

Subheadings

Bullet points

This will make your blog more enjoyable and more digestible.

4. Structure for Easy Reading

Ensure your content is structured for readability. Use subheadings to break your content into sections. Keep paragraphs concise and focused on one idea. Use bullet points and lists for clarity. Visual elements like images or infographics can enhance understanding and keep readers interested.

5. Mix It Up with Multimedia

Incorporate multimedia elements to enrich your blog posts. Images, infographics, graphs, and videos can increase understanding and break up large chunks of text. They add variety and keep the reader engaged by providing a visual break from the text.

6. Stick to a Blogging Schedule

Create a blogging schedule to bring structure and consistency to your work. The general rule is the more you publish, the better. Still, be realistic about your current circumstances. Start with a schedule you can maintain, even if just one post a week, and build from there.

7. Consistency is Key

Consistency matters in blogging. Once you have a schedule, stick to it. Maintain the same tone throughout your blog posts to build trust with your audience. A consistent brand voice helps establish a connection and makes your blog more recognizable.

8. Proofread Like a Boss

Use proofreading tools to catch grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Hemingway Editor are all great options. Nevertheless, don’t rely solely on these tools. Review your content manually to ensure it makes sense and flows well.

9. Don't Forget the CTA

Include a call-to-action (CTA) to encourage your readers to take a specific action. Whether signing up for your email list or checking out a special offer, a CTA should be clear and action-oriented. Place it strategically in your post to guide readers toward the desired action.

10 Blogging Best Practices on SEO

1. Kick Off With Google Search Console and Analytics

Start your blogging journey by linking your site to Google Search Console (GSC) and Google Analytics (GA). GSC helps spot indexing problems, while GA gives insights into visitor behavior and traffic sources. This setup lets you track your SEO progress and make data-driven adjustments to your strategies.

2. Craft Search-Optimized Content

Go beyond basic pages like Home, About, and Contact. Search-optimized content, such as blog posts and service pages, helps you rank for relevant keywords. Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush for keyword research to find terms with good search volume and low competition. Integrate these keywords into your content, including:

Titles

Headings

Body text

3. Enhance SEO with Internal Links

Internal linking is key for SEO as it helps Google understand your site structure and prioritize pages for ranking. When creating content, strategically link to other relevant pages or posts on your site. This improves user navigation and boosts the SEO authority of linked pages.

4. Stay Ahead with Continuous SEO Learning

SEO is constantly changing, and staying updated is crucial for long-term success. While platforms like Wix offer initial SEO support, ongoing education is essential. Keep informed about:

Algorithm updates

New SEO techniques

Best practices through reputable resources, forums, and industry blogs

5. Prioritize Mobile Optimization

Mobile optimization is crucial as mobile traffic keeps growing. Ensure your site is responsive across all devices to provide a seamless user experience. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search rankings, making this optimization essential for SEO success.

6. Regular SEO Audits for Optimal Performance

Regularly audit your site’s SEO health using Ahrefs Webmaster Tools, SEMrush, or Google’s PageSpeed Insights. These tools identify issues like broken links, duplicate content, or missing metadata that could impact your site’s performance. Addressing these issues promptly maintains your site’s SEO integrity.

7. Master Keyword Research and Content Optimization

Effective keyword research is fundamental to SEO success. Use tools to find relevant keywords that align with your content strategy and audience intent. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your content, ensuring they fit contextually without keyword stuffing.

8. Boost Click-Through Rates with Unique Meta Titles and Descriptions

Meta titles and descriptions appear in search results and influence click-through rates. Craft compelling, keyword-rich meta titles and concise explanations that accurately summarize your content. This helps improve visibility in search engines and encourages clicks from potential visitors.

9. Optimize URLs with Exact-Match Slugs

Optimize URLs by using exact-match slugs that include relevant keywords. This practice helps search engines understand the content of your pages and can improve ranking for targeted queries. Keep slugs:

Concise

Descriptive

Readable for users and search engines

10. Enhance SEO and User Experience with Image Optimization

Images play a significant role in SEO and user experience. Optimize images by:

Choosing the correct format, such as WebP for performance

Compressing file sizes to improve load times

Using descriptive alt text

Tools like Optimole or Smush automate image optimization based on device and browser requirements, ensuring optimal performance across platforms.

7 Blogging Best Practices for Blog Promotion & Marketing

Promote your blog posts by sharing them on social media. Choose platforms that align with your target audience and share posts consistently. Engage by responding to comments and starting conversations. Build a community around your content to foster relationships and boost visibility.

2. Master the Art of Email Marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool for building relationships with your audience. Create an email list to inform subscribers about the following:

New blog posts

Exclusive content

Updates

Personalize your email campaigns to improve open rates and engagement. Encourage readers to visit your blog for fresh content.

3. Collaborate to Multiply Your Audience

Collaborate with other bloggers and influencers to expand your reach. Partner with bloggers and influencers relevant to your niche through guest posts, co-hosting webinars, or social media partnerships. These efforts enhance credibility and visibility by introducing your blog to new followers.

4. Use Data to Drive Decisions

Use analytics tools to track metrics like traffic, engagement, and conversions. Analyze what content resonates most with your audience and optimize future posts. Use data to improve promotion strategies and focus on what drives the most value.

5. Build a Loyal Community Through Engagement

Foster engagement through comments, discussions, and feedback to build a loyal community around your blog. Respond to comments and interact with readers to show you value their opinions. Use calls to action to prompt conversations or ask questions.

6. Repurpose Content to Maximize Reach

Maximize your blog’s reach by repurposing content across different platforms. Turn blog posts into:

Videos

Podcasts

Infographics to engage with various audiences

This multiplies your content’s visibility and helps you reach people who prefer different formats.

7. Optimize for Search Engines

Don’t overlook SEO in your strategy. Optimizing blog posts for search engines can bring organic traffic. Focus on:

Keyword research

Meta descriptions

Proper URL structuring

Implementing SEO practices helps ensure your content reaches a broader audience.

11 Blogging Best Practices and Tips on Monetization

1. Affiliate Marketing: Earning by Recommending

Promote products or services relevant to your blog's niche and earn a commission for every sale through your unique affiliate link. This method shines when you create content that naturally integrates product recommendations, such as:

Reviews

Comparison articles

Choose products you genuinely believe in to keep your audience's trust intact.

2. Sponsored Content: Partnering with Brands

Collaborate with brands to create sponsored posts where you promote their products or services. This can include:

Product reviews

Tutorials

General brand mentions

To maintain authenticity, ensure the sponsored content aligns with your audience's interests. Being transparent with your audience about sponsored content is vital to preserving trust.

3. Ad Space: Selling Prime Real Estate

Selling ad space on your blog is a straightforward way to earn money. You can use ad networks like Google AdSense, which automatically displays relevant ads on your site, or negotiate directly with brands to sell ad space. Be mindful to balance ad placements so they don’t overwhelm your content. A clutter-free website enhances user experience and keeps readers coming back.

Develop and sell your digital products, such as:

E-books

Online courses

Templates

This allows you to leverage your expertise and provide valuable resources to your audience. Digital products often have high-profit margins since they require minimal ongoing costs after creation. These products showcase your knowledge and provide real value to your audience.

5. Offer Services: Monetizing Your Skills

If you have expertise in a particular area, consider offering:

Consulting

Coaching

Freelance work services

This can be a lucrative way to monetize your blog, especially if you build a reputation as an expert in your niche. Promote your services on your blog and social media channels to reach a wider audience.

6. Build a Membership Site: Creating a Community

Create a membership area on your blog where subscribers can access:

Exclusive content

Resources

Community forums

Charging a monthly or yearly fee can provide a steady income stream while fostering a loyal community. This can also help you build stronger relationships with your audience and improve your content based on their feedback.

Organize paid webinars or workshops to share your knowledge on specific topics. This generates income and helps establish you as an authority in your field. Consider offering free webinars to attract a larger audience and promote your paid offerings.

8. Sell Merchandise: Boosting Your Brand

If your blog has a strong brand identity, consider selling branded merchandise like:

T-shirts

Mugs

Other products

This can enhance your brand presence while providing an additional revenue stream. Use your blog and social media channels to promote your merchandise and encourage your audience to share photos of themselves wearing or using your products.

9. Utilize Email Marketing: Engaging Your Audience

Build an email list to promote your:

Products

Affiliate links

Sponsored content

Email marketing can be a highly effective way to engage with your audience and drive sales. Consider offering a free resource or discount to encourage people to sign up for your email list.

10. Accept Donations: Supporting Your Efforts

If your audience appreciates your content, consider adding a donation button to your blog. Platforms like Patreon allow supporters to contribute financially in exchange for exclusive content or perks. Be transparent with your audience about how their donations will be used and offer value in return.

11. Avoid Compromising User Experience: Keeping Your Readers Happy

Cluttering your blog with too many ads can compromise user experience and how users view your blog. Limit the number of ads per page, consider user-friendly ad formats like native ads, and opt for relevant and non-intrusive ad formats. A clean, easy-to-navigate website will likely keep readers engaged and returning for more.

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11 Best Blogging Platforms & Tools

1. Feather: Notion-Powered Blogging

Feather is an SEO-friendly blog and email newsletter service that lets you publish content directly from Notion with no coding or design skills required. You can seamlessly transition from notion to blog while benefiting from features like:

Subfolder blogs

Custom CSS

Email collection

And more

Feather helps you manage your blog and CRM like HubSpot, all from Notion. Collaborate with your team during publishing and easily send newsletters to your subscribers.

Run your blog and newsletter with Feather today! Create a new account and send emails from Notion, or go from notion to blog in minutes!

2. Squarespace: Mobile Blogging Made Easy

The Squarespace phone app offers everything you need for hassle-free blogging on your mobile device. With an intuitive interface, you can:

Upload and edit blog posts

Manage comments

Create custom blog covers

Post updates and check traffic stats

The sleek, modern design ensures a smooth experience for all tasks.

3. Tumblr: On-the-Go Customization

With the Tumblr app, you can post content quickly, respond to comments, and stay updated on niche news. You can customize your blog easily from your phone with video, audio, and GIF creation features. Whether editing pictures or accessing analytics, the Tumblr app is a fantastic tool for mobile blogging.

4. Blogger: Google-Integrated Blogging

The Blogger app helps keep your blog updated on the go, allowing you to create posts and manage comments from your smartphone. Log in with Google credentials and manage multiple blogs easily. Features like Markdown formatting and Google Analytics integration make it a handy tool for mobile blogging.

5. WordPress: Real-Time Site Management

The WordPress app for iPhone and iPad offers:

Draft saving

Jetpack integration

Real-time site metrics

Quickly create posts with a WYSIWYG editor and built-in media uploader. Manage existing posts, schedule future ones, and moderate comments directly from your mobile device.

6. Wix: Professional Blogging Suite

Wix provides intuitive design features and powerful marketing tools for a unique blog. Choose from:

Over 900 customizable templates

SEO tools

Monetization options like ads and subscriptions

Schedule posts, collaborate with writers, and analyze audience insights, all with reliable hosting and 24/7 support.

7. Quora: Content Inspiration Hub

Quora leads you to real questions people are asking, helping you create in-depth blog posts. Search for keywords and follow topics related to your blog’s focus to generate new ideas and content angles.

Enter a topic or URL into BuzzSumo to find content that performs best for social media sharing. Use it to:

Refine your ideas

Explore successful content in your niche

Understand what resonates with your audience

9. Ahrefs: Comprehensive SEO Tool

Ahrefs offers powerful SEO features for bloggers, including:

Keyword research

Competitor analysis

Use Keyword Explorer to assess keyword potential and improve your blog's SEO rankings. Plan content around easier-to-rank keywords for increased visibility.

10. Surfer SEO: All-in-One Optimization

Surfer SEO integrates research, writing, and ranking analysis into one platform. Select keywords, compare with competitors, and structure your content effectively. Use the "Write With AI" feature and integrate with tools like WordPress for seamless optimization.

11. Quuu Promote Content Amplification

Quuu Promote shares your blog posts with real users in your niche across social media. Tap into a community of micro-influencers to boost content reach and visibility. With manual and automatic plans, it’s a cost-effective way to amplify your blog’s impact.

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Go From Notion to Blog With Ease Today With Feather

Feather transforms the way you manage a blog. Imagine writing your content in Notion and publishing it without worrying about SEO or coding. Feather makes setting up a blog seamlessly in a subfolder, which is better for SEO than a subdomain. This means your blog can live at domain.com/blog, not blog.domain.com. It’s the detail that can boost your search rankings without extra work.

Feather also eliminates the need for technical skills. You don’t need to know how to code or design. Feather handles it, letting you focus on creating great content.

HubSpot Experience, Minimal Effort

Managing your CRM and blog in one place is a game-changer, and Feather makes it possible. It offers a HubSpot-like experience but allows you to keep everything in Notion. You can customize the design with CSS and collect emails directly from your site.

Feather lets you collaborate with your team through the entire publishing process, streamlining content creation and making it easier to stay organized. It’s all about efficiency, allowing you to focus on growth without getting bogged down in details.

Manage Newsletters in Notion

Feather streamlines your blog and makes managing newsletters a breeze. You can set up and send newsletters to your subscribers directly from Notion without a separate tool. This makes it easier to keep your content consistent and your team on the same page. It’s an intelligent way to engage your audience and simplify your workflow simultaneously.

Get Started with Feather Today

Feather makes it easy to go from notion to blog in minutes, so you can focus on what matters: growing your audience. Feather has you covered whether you’re starting a new blog or want to revamp your existing one.

Create a new account today and experience how effortless it is to send emails or publish content from Notion.