In October of 2016, I started my blog on Medium. That was 88 months ago. I wanted to do a quick round up of some of my best blogging tips for you—let’s say the top 50—that I’ve learned since then. Let’s get started. You always suck at the beginning. Always.
I love that your best performing posts were written in 45 minutes. I suspect that’s because you had passion behind them. Good thing to remember. If I am passionate about something, write about it.
Those are definitely some lessons I learned after 1.5 years of writing already.
Especially the last one is the key why I'm still here:
helping myself by writing, and then publishing it to help others too.
I actually started writing in 2018 but quit after my studies needed my attention. I didn't have any goals or community back then (didn't know about Twitter) to keep me focused.
This is a great article. Thanks so much. I hope the whole "sowing/reaping thing" kicks in and you reap abundantly. May this year be your best year ever!
I really appreciate all these pointers. It’s amazing to me that you blogger for 88 months! That sounds like a lifetime but it shows and I know from this short time I’ve been writing it just keeps getting better. Thanks for taking the time to share your hard earned experience!
'Always make your writing about helping other people.'
Yeah, I'm making sure that my articles are in that sense actually relevant to readers and that they can get something out of it. Cause that's how they become interested in reading your articles and possibly subscribing.
This is great advice! I actually mostly use my photos that I’ve taken myself instead of stock photos. Maybe that works better from my niche (personal finance from a very personal angle) ? Or maybe stock images have more benefits?
I love that your best performing posts were written in 45 minutes. I suspect that’s because you had passion behind them. Good thing to remember. If I am passionate about something, write about it.
I've found the best reach on my other social media sites to come from the posts I didn't agonize over. One draft, a quick proofread and send it.
I just found at least five different things I'm going to start doing today. Thanks for sharing!
Number 49 really resonates. I don’t mind using myself as an example, but my goal is to give people something useful to apply to their own situation.
I started my first blog in 2007. I'm in agreement with the vast majority of these points. Take them in.
Those are definitely some lessons I learned after 1.5 years of writing already.
Especially the last one is the key why I'm still here:
helping myself by writing, and then publishing it to help others too.
I actually started writing in 2018 but quit after my studies needed my attention. I didn't have any goals or community back then (didn't know about Twitter) to keep me focused.
Thanks for the lessons Tom!
This is a great article. Thanks so much. I hope the whole "sowing/reaping thing" kicks in and you reap abundantly. May this year be your best year ever!
Thanks Tom 🙏
Great succinct list to follow.
Appreciate the honesty.
As a newbie - I am now going for 200 subscribers, but am still going to do your course - thank you 😊
Hey! Great, actionable article. Got any tips on writing great headlines? :)
I really appreciate all these pointers. It’s amazing to me that you blogger for 88 months! That sounds like a lifetime but it shows and I know from this short time I’ve been writing it just keeps getting better. Thanks for taking the time to share your hard earned experience!
Thank you for sharing this! I’m just getting started on Substack and I found it so helpful and encouraging.
'Always make your writing about helping other people.'
Yeah, I'm making sure that my articles are in that sense actually relevant to readers and that they can get something out of it. Cause that's how they become interested in reading your articles and possibly subscribing.
You raise a lot of good points, Tom.
Loved it, thanks
This is great advice! I actually mostly use my photos that I’ve taken myself instead of stock photos. Maybe that works better from my niche (personal finance from a very personal angle) ? Or maybe stock images have more benefits?
I want to know about 21 & 24!
These seem like key learnings I need right now.
Fear of #34, as an esl writer, is one I have to overcome every time.