Two weeks ago, I posted part one of this article to help give some thoughts to reflect on prior to sharing blogging tips from your blog space. There were some really great comments on how readers choose which advice to follow and how bloggers want their readers to take away from their blogging tip columns. I also got to chat with some bloggers face to face to get a range of how they felt about reading advice from other bloggers.
The biggest takeaway is that bloggers are often encouraged by the advice from other bloggers. It’s great that the blogging community is a place that you can learn and share what you’ve learned. There are so many opportunities to share your stories, especially when to share things that have helped or harmed your blog. So let’s talk about some more things to keep in mind when sharing blogging tips.
“Expert!”
Around the time I wrote the first install of this series, I heard a quote from  Carl Smith of nGenWorks is that he views an expert as a person who doesn’t need to learn anymore, which is why he never wants to be hold that title. I think there’s definitely something to be said about someone who is always willing to learn and implement new practices when it comes to blogging versus someone who has become self-appointed expert title. Your knowledge of blogging is probably apparent in your blog posts. Strive to be the anti-expert. Keep learning new things and share those things you learn.
Prepare for Constructive Criticism
When you share tips for blogging, you will definitely hear what other people think. Prepare for constructive criticism —whether it’s good or bad. Early in my blogging career, comments from experienced bloggers really helped me achieve an idea of the things I wanted to share. I would mostly share design-related tips but some of the best design decisions weren’t always applicable to the user experience. Receiving good and bad criticism is a great way to help develop your tip writing skills. Never be afraid of a little advice, especially since you’re giving it.
Know Your Readers
One of the best things to do when giving blogging tips is to know your readers. Sharing your tips is great but they aren’t as great if they aren’t helpful. Ask your readers what they would like to learn from you. Share advice that is relevant to your niche. The more your readers are impacted by the tips you’re sharing, the more likely they are to share with others. Â You’ve checked your facts, you know you’re liable, so why not reap the benefits to possible new readers because of the helpful advice you’re sharing? Knowing your readers really helps you share your tips in a format that is best fit for your audience.
Share!
I know there are tons of blogging tip columns but don’t be discouraged. Â Everyone has their own unique experience with their blog. There are ways your blog could help others that other blogs may not have. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your audience and ask them if they’re interested. Believe it or not, lots of bloggers turn to fellow bloggers for blogging advice. If you’re willing to be honest and open with what you’ve learned or even what you look for in other blogs, I’m sure you will build a great blogging tips column.
Do you have a blogging tips column or a favorite blogging tips column? Share the links below!
Another fantastic and valuable round of tips!
I’m in love with Carl Smith’s explanation on why he rather not be an “expert”. Inspiring and true.
Thank you Kelly!
I think the first point on the definition of expert is interesting – I don’t see ‘expert’ as meaning ‘the best of the best and totally infallible’. No matter what you do, there is still something new to learn, there is still something you can improve on – and this definitely applies to the ‘experts’.
Thanks Sarah for stopping by! I think it has a lot to do with the way the term is perceived in our industry and how it’s used very loosely. It’s definitely not my favorite word but I can see why others are drawn to it, especially when creating titles for themselves. It creates a type of authority and verifies knowledge in a certain area which is admirable. I just like to think of myself as more of a novice with and advanced knowledge in certain skillsets. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
If that’s the definition of expert, I hope to never be an expert. I LOVE learning and I don’t think I could ever stop haha
Learning is my favorite thing and I’m glad to always be able to learn something new everyday.