Popularity sucks. When other people are popular. When YOU'RE popular, though, it's like you're king o' the world. And no, we're not talking about who's surrounded by a cloud of admirers in the hall at school. We're talking about blogs. Obviously.
Here's how to get your blog noticed by other RED readers and get a ton of extra attention -- and comments. 'Cause everyone loves comments.
1. Blogging Basics
Would your blog be interesting to other people? Tell your readers what's happening in your life, at school, with friends or family. Talk about your hobbies or interests -- Panic! at the Disco? 'Lost'? Snowboarding? Harry Potter? Sound off on what's in the news or get talking about an issue/cause about which you feel passionate -- Iraq? Pro-life/pro-choice? The upcoming presidential election? Or something happening in your community?
If your blog only has one or two entries, or if your entries are old, your blog won't be a likely magnet for repeat visitors at first. However, keep on writing, and when your blog gets a little fuller, it has a much better chance of getting major attention.
Update your blog frequently so readers will know they should come back often. If readers see you only update, say, once a month, they're less likely to bookmark your page, "friend" you or even return.
Also, we know this isn't school, but spelling and grammar DO count. You don't need to have every word perfect, but you want your readers to understand you, right? Right.
2. What NOT to Put on Your Blog
Copyrighted material (articles, images, etc.) are off-limits. Even though you might love Johnny Depp, you'll have to leave the pics off your fan blog 'cause, sadly, you don't OWN those pics.
Inappropriate material (about dangerous/destructive behavior, substance abuse, violence, threats, or content of a sexual nature) is also a no-go. Remember, your blog represents you to the world. You don't want the world to think bad things about you? Nope.
Don't make disparaging comments about people, or use words that would be insulting to certain groups. It's not very nice, and it means your blog is a negative place.
Leave off personal info like your full name, your hometown, your school's name, or personal info about anyone else (including screennames). Because that's just sketchy, and we want you to stay safe.
3. Design Elements
Is your journal easy on the eyes? Some stuff may look cool, but if it's too hard to read your blog, most people will ditch your blog and go looking for one that IS easy to read.
Here are some reasons your blog might be tough to read: wildly contrasting colors (like bright red text on a neon background), colors that barely differ from the background (like navy blue text on a black background), or really unusual fonts. Stick to Arial, Comic Sans, Times New Roman, etc. And please DON'T capitalize the first letter of every word. Why do people DO that?
4. Advertising Your Blog
If you're an AOL member, you can post your blog on the RED Blog Board! It's a great way to get other members to discover your blog. (That doesn't mean you should post about your blog multiple times in one day, though!) Make sure you include the link for your blog. It's an excellent start to building a readership.
