Let’s talk about 21 ways that you can grow your blog this year, shall we? These things WILL help you grow your blog, I can vouch for them myself! So here they are in no particular order … (p.s. I’ve got a checklist for you to download and print off if you’d like the satisfaction of crossing things off! Just click the image below)
1. Make sure your brand is strong, clear and consistent.
There’s no better time than now to make sure that your brand is ON POINT, baby! Make sure your blog stands out and is true to who you are by doing a brand audit (I swear it’s not as scary as it sounds!) Check out this Free email course on how to define your brand. Did I mention it’s FREE?
2. Check to make sure that the purpose of your blog is super clear.
Up until March of last year, my blog severely lacked focus because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and I was trying to do it all. Because it lacked focus, I wasn’t getting very many readers and my blog posts were all over the place! BUT ever since I re-branded my blog and got very specific on its focus, it has grown tremendously! Take a look at this post on how to launch a blog with purpose!
3. Start creating an editorial calendar.
Time to get strategic with your blog posts! Creating an editorial calendar will ensure that what you’re posting about is in line with your goals AND the interests of your readers! (Which is integral for growth and keeping people coming back for more!) PLUS you’ll never be left with that dreaded oh crap I need to post something today but I have no clue what to write! Read this post on how to create the quintessential editorial calendar. (which includes a free checklist!)
4. Join a Facebook group mastermind!
You know what’s better than one creative mind? LOTS OF FOCUSED, CREATIVE MINDS PUT TOGETHER! Bwuahhh hahaha! (I don’t know why I did that evil laugh- I swear I’m not evil!!!!) But seriously. Joining forces with other like-minded individuals is great for support, brainstorming, feedback and growth! (Pssst, if you want to be a Creative Superhero you can join my Success Revolution Facebook group right here!)
5. Up Your Pinterest Game.
Yes you’ve probably heard this one already. BUT TOO BAD IT’S TIME TO HEAR IT AGAIN! Why? Because this one can result in huuuuge amounts of growth. Check out this enormous checklist explaining how to use Pinterest to massively grow my blog’s traffic!
6. Craft Your Killer Business Plan.
Me? Sound like a broken record? Don’t be ridiculous! But seriously, how could I NOT include this one? Creating a business plan has been a gigantic factor in my blog and business’s growth- especially this past year! You can check out this step-by-step guide on how to create your business plan (along with a free, editable template!)
7. Use a planner.
Even if you’re not a total to-do list-goal-setting-planner-freak like I am, scheduling things and staying organized is really important for growth and staying on track! Check out my Boss Blog Planner where you can plan your blog, for success! OR use a digital one inside your phone, like Evernote. OR a different planner all together. Whatever floats your boat!
8. Set Goals you can actually achieve.
It’s much harder to grow your blog when you’re not setting tangible goals for yourself to actually reach! It’s like hopping into your vehicle blind and then being surprised when you end up NOT at your destination, but on the side of the road. No Bueno. Take a look at this post on how to set and achieve your blogging goals (which includes a printable!) so YOU don’t end up crashed on the side of the road!
9. Boost Your Brand.
If you’ve already define your bran and you know it’s already good’n’strong, then it’s time to kick it up a notch! Take a peek at these 5 Ways to Brand your Blog Successfully!
10. Update your old blog posts!
Do you have blog posts that you wrote a million years ago that not many people saw? Are they still relevant to your goals and purpose today? If so then it’s time to breathe some new life into them, baby! Repurposing your old content and making it MORE awesome with updated photos can be a great way to get more traffic and growth.
11. Make it a habit to comment on other people’s blogs.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again; spread the comment love by commenting on the blog posts of others! This is a great way to get more engagement because people will see your comments (and sometimes click on over to your blog!) and take notice of you. So just doooo it. Speaking of engagement …
12. Be engaging.
Being engaging is really important for acquiring new readers and keeping people around! So do me a solid and take a look at this post on How to Engage Your Blog’s Audience, mmmkay?(Where the heck did the phrase “do me a solid” come from anyway? It really doesn’t make much sense!!!)
13. Create a stellar media kit for your blog.
Making a media kit should make you feel quite professional (I mean who doesn’t like to feel professional?) AND is totally necessary if you plan on working with other brands and bloggers!
14. Add an opt-in to your site.
You’ve probably heard this one over and over again and if so, then you’re probably totally sick of hearing it! So why don’t you just bite the bullet and doooo it already? You’ll feel better after you do, I promise!
15. Boost your SEO.
Take a little time to make sure everything on your website is optimized to be in favor of those cute little SEO bots! The more your content shows up on search engines like Google and Pinterest, the better! Check out these 7 Easy Ways To Improve Your SEO!
16. Make sure you know who your ideal reader is.
This one ties into being ultra FOCUSED in everything that you’re doing. And focus is SUPER HUGE for seeing growth!
17. Pencil in a new marketing idea to try each week!
You might be creating the best, most awesome content and products ever but what good are they if no one is finding them? This year, make it a point to try a new marketing idea every single week!
18. Speed up your Blog’s workflow.
