Want to blog better in 2011? We’re here to help.

For those of you who want to take your blog to the next level in 2011 (perhaps you’ve stepped up to the Post a Day or Post a Week challenge), we’ve got your back.

From now on, we’ll be offering tips on blogging best practices to help you produce high-quality content, boost your readership, and make the most of all the fabulous WordPress.com features.

Here’s a handful of resources to get you started:

Need an idea?

Check out The Daily Post for a daily dose of writing tips and encouragement, or browse the Freshly Pressed posts or tag pages for inspiration. You can also combat writer’s block by tackling a thought-provoking Plinky prompt.

Keep in mind that the some of the best blogs are focused on one main subject and often target a specific audience. If you feel like you’re losing your focus, think about the reason why you started blogging in the first place, and how you define blogging success. Still feeling lost? Give these brainstorming exercises a shot.

Think you don’t have time to post?

Sure you do — WordPress.com users publish about half a million new posts every day. If so many others can find time, you can, too!

If you’re in a pinch, keep it simple with QuickPress. If you’re on the go, use WordPress.com on your mobile phone or create a post by email. You can even phone in an audio post! Writing posts in advance and setting them to automatically publish in the future is also a great idea for times when you’re going to be busy.

Want more visitors?

As long as you’re enjoying your blog, you’re successful. But if you want to draw a larger audience and interact more with other bloggers, there are plenty of ways to do so. Here’s one suggestion to get you started.

Consider this: You probably search the web for information frequently, and you’re able to find what you need pretty quickly (most of the time), right? That’s because you don’t carefully peruse all the information on a given topic, you rapidly scan page titles and headlines for specific keywords and phrases. Even when you’re leisurely browsing the web with no specific destination in mind, you use page titles to quickly determine whether or not a link is worth clicking.

Your blog post titles show up in a variety of places on the web and in the WordPress.com community. So if you want to boost traffic to your site, take the time to write descriptive, captivating headlines for your posts. For example, a post titled “Summer Vacation 2010” might be descriptive enough for you and your friends, but “Beaches, Bungee Jumping, and Backpacking: My Adventures in Costa Rica” has a much better chance of attracting new visitors.

Check out Are You Writing Rockin’ Blog Post Titles? for tips on how to write better headlines.

Make 2011 your best blogging year ever!

Remember that you’re a part of a huge community of people who are passionate about blogging. We hope you’ll utilize comments and likes to offer feedback, support, and encouragement to one another as you work toward your blogging goals for 2011.


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230 Comments

Comments are closed.

  1. nrestivo

    Very nice. I try and post daily–helps to keep an audience

    Like

  2. danpatlee

    So WordPress bloggers post half a million posts a day — and people have a hard time finding MY blog? I wonder why?

    You’re challenging people to post something every day. That’s well and good for those who actually have something useful to say once per day. I’m afraid you may be contributing to the syndrome of “more content, less meaningful stuff.”

    Just my two cents’ worth.

    Like

  3. nhdien

    I very like your idea

    Like

  4. James Liddell

    Great info, EJ. Just changed some titles and will keep these tips in mind.

    Like

  5. Biraciality

    This post was so inspiring. I have made countless goals to post at least twice a week. Since 2011, I have been blogging more. It feels great to have a blogging community to vent to. Enjoy your evening WordPress.

    Like

  6. marmaladeangel

    Yes, thank you for the ideas…LOVE the effort…Keep me posted 🙂

    Like

  7. tbwhs

    I am going to try the post a week challenge too. Kind of new to blogging so it should be fun!

    Like

  8. sumatras

    This is great¡ Thank you so much. I have done my brainstorming and it really works¡¡
    I definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking forward to blog but not quite sure what to blog about yet.

    Like

  9. zrbe

    I did not know that you could have posts set to be automatically published at a set time. That’s pretty awesome. I learn something new about this place every day. Thanks for the ideas!

    Like

  10. Intelligent Challenge

    Awesome Erica, thank you

    Like

  11. Kelly Whitman

    Great article!

    Like

  12. kamadhisuny

    thanks

    Like

  13. নিশাচর

    Thanks for all the tips.

    Like

  14. crashwilliams

    Good point re the jazzing up of blog titles – now wheres that thesarus (or News of the World headline generator….!)

    Like

  15. fedosovbogdan

    Thank you 😉

    Like

  16. powerofstrangers

    Nice, informative post.

    Like

  17. ElenaSC

    Thank you!!!!

    Like

  18. imatchadvocate

    Great post!!! Inspirational Post. Motivating hints.

    Thanks.

    Like

  19. Oh Cheers

    Thanks very much for this. We’re tabling this at our project meeting on Wednesday for discussion of 2011 goals.

    Like

  20. Benjamin

    Thanks.

    Like

  21. yakanadi

    Thanks, Nice motivations

    Like

  22. muchammadidris

    good advice for us. Thank you

    Like

  23. linecirclesphere

    definitely doing the post a week challenge this year!

    Like

  24. Simon Design Engineering, LLC

    Very helpful as usual. It is like riding a bike I guess… takes time to get up to speed. WordPress advice is greatly appreciated.

    Like

  25. osimagain

    Nice!

    Like

  26. Someday: Down

    I’m loving my blog so much, I just started out in September and it has literally kept me sane through the past 4 months. The community here has been so great, l would never dream of another blogsite. Keeping us sharp with articles like these is a really good reason why. Thanks!

    Like

  27. vanihegde

    Thanks for your valuable Tips.Keep going

    Like

  28. Joseph

    I found the best way to generate reads, is to look at it the other way around… The more people’s blogs I read and comment on, the more people do the same back! ^_^

    Like

  29. dhenztm

    Great tips! Thanks! 😀

    Like

  30. brulionman

    I thought I’m the smartest guy in the world :> but you gave me simple good advice about titles, thnx Erica!

    Like

  31. Patrick

    Thank you very much!

    Like

  32. Inside Xhisoka's Mind

    The tips are very useful. Thanks!!!

    Like

  33. meryemh

    Thats very interesting and helpful. Thank you

    Like

  34. ThePerson

    I’m having my go at the Post-A-day challenge. So far, it’s been working. Doubled at times. Then again, I’ve only just begun. 😀

    Like

  35. Alief

    Nice tips. I’m a newbie here. Nice to know you all 🙂

    Like

  36. Ginger

    It’s quite embarassing to say I’ve signed on for plenty of blogs and never actually stuck to one apart from the one I had in Xanga agessss ago…so even though I’m not sure if I’m up to participating for PostADay or PostAWeek yet, I feel that my current blog is finally substance and something I’m passionate about. Great article!

    Like

  37. blog Mosaico Prosaico

    Thanks for your help…I´ll try to improve myself ; )

    Like

  38. randywornhole

    didn’t know you could write and have them published at later dates automatically…..brilliant, thanks for the tips

    Like

  39. everythingtile

    A blog a day…… well you know the rest 🙂

    Like

  40. wholelifeliving

    Appreciate all of the tips….have so many wonderful human interest stories to share from the fabulous world where our active aging are truly LIVING the WHOLE LIFE with passion, zest and purpose!

    Like

  41. Florida Used Cars Online

    Hey great post Erica..
    I specially liked the “Title” tips you gave..

    Their all awsome tips that if applied well you will soon see your blog rock n’ rolling…
    “I’ll stick with the post a week mood..”

    Like

  42. district818

    I’m new to this blogging and it’s a bit strange at first but I think I’m getting the hang of it.

    Like

  43. allurecollections

    Thanks for the article! Definitely helpful!

    Like

  44. E.J

    Thank you so much for The tips.

    Like

  45. forenseeks

    Simple & direct! thanks lots I do have problem squeezing in time to blog as much as I love to. 🙂

    Like

  46. Marlon Oceña

    thanks for the tips.. it really help… a lot.,..

    Like

  47. Dodik Setiawan Nur Heriyanto

    amazing words… thank you…

    Like

  48. amylouises0

    thanks!

    Like

  49. mariu123

    saludos desde venezuela apenas comienzo a realizar mi primer blogs se que seran utiles estos consejos gracias

    Like

  50. moshihannah

    very good ideas! =)

    Like

  51. shiftingandinspired

    I totally made a better blog title for my blogs today. Thank you!

    Like

  52. MC2love

    Thanks!!!

    Like

  53. bingo22

    great to blog…. thanks

    Like

  54. safetyandsecuritytips

    Good tips. Keep up the good work , I am a newbie will be trying the post day trick in the near future. I have allready scheduled numerous posts.

    Like

  55. smokemare

    Interesting article – many thanks!

    Like

  56. gianramos

    This year, I do plan to be a better blogger.. Thank you for sharing such useful tips Miss Erica! 🙂

    Like

  57. hatsikonja

    This is really helpful, mostly for new comers on WordPress like me. Thanks

    Like

  58. amaderbook

    Thanks for the tips!

    Like

  59. rockhound03

    I am an novice at blogging and the entire internet process, but I am trying to learn. I found your article interesting and will try some of the ideas.

    Like

  60. SoulGamer

    this will be very helpful in hoping to gain more awareness and support for my gaming review blog.

    I’m hoping to attract other blog gamers, communicate as well as improve my blog all the time

    Like

  61. jyj2011

    thank you so much for your help….

    Like

  62. Dili Newsline

    great

    Like

  63. yoanfrigunawan

    Your stuff is so helpful to me.thks so much.

    Like

  64. Mr.battery

    thanks.

    Like

  65. godzoned (Debbie)

    thank you. I am getting good stats especially last year. nearly reaching from 100 – 200 readers a day….. in my 3rd year as well. Its getting exciting. I am also stepping up my game with catchy titles.

    Also following a blog schedule I have made up for myself. Being a hobbyist I am a hobby blogger and really enjoying it a lot.

    Like

  66. misspinkles

    thanks for the tips!
    they’re great!

    Like

  67. personality510

    thanks for your information. it’s such useful for me

    Like

  68. Rania 'aciL' Fardyani

    yap, i’m trying to post everyday in this 2011 🙂

    Like

  69. vancouverislandpsychosis

    Thanks for the info, really helps, especially about how to get more traffic on a blog. Awesome work thanks.

    Like

  70. Kaho

    I agree with you about the title. The title is very important! I do go for the titles that appeal to me and it’s usually more descriptive. If the title is a bit ambiguous, it does not draw my attention. I enjoy blogging and I always try to tell myself that that’s the most important thing, but it’s hard not to want more traffic because I work so hard for the blog!

    Like

  71. Indri

    good one…!

    Like

  72. Michelle Cameau- Makeup Artist

    This is great advice! I’m def going to improve my blog for 2011!

    Like

  73. Arcalot

    Thank you 😉 .
    I completely agree with you, especially about creating a blog focused on a main theme, targeting a specific audience. If not, it´s more difficult to blog. Also I´d like to ad: never forget to put tags on your posts. When people use search engines to find a certain topic, it works with tags; if you take the time to put the right tags, it´ll be easier to get your blog more accessible.
    Thanks for the helpful post!

    Like

  74. richrdr

    Nice tips! Thanks for sharing… 🙂

    Like

  75. linobambino

    great advice.thank you

    Like

  76. mjecclestone

    Thanks Erica! I’m about to write a post aimed at new librarians about how to establish a professional web presence, and I’m going to include a link to this blog post! I struggle with writer’s block a lot, but since my blog is on my C.V., it’s important that I stick with it.
    Much appreciated. 🙂

    Like

  77. recoveringanorexic

    Thanks

    Like

  78. bloggersch

    I just started blogging and feel a bit lost in the technology, thank you for the tips i appreciate the time it takes to put this together.

    Like

  79. securedjobs

    im very much excited this year, am glad i came back here in wordpress to start a new beginning to online success…
    thank you so much for the great tips.

    Like

  80. myhandsacrosstime

    Thanks for these reminders!

    Like

  81. salliessocialmedia

    Thanks ! Great advice and enthusiasim!!!

    Like

  82. Soham

    lovely post …has motivated me a lot 😀 …thanx for sharing your experience …!!!

    Like

  83. theresemsmith

    Thanks much. 🙂

    Like

  84. Andy

    Great article! Should result in a lot of great entries!

    Like

  85. dadallas

    Thanks. Especially thankful for the ways to attract more traffic. My blog kind of hides in the shadows. I think of it as Batman to ease my true feelings of aggravation. :):)

    Like

  86. nurhidayanto09

    thanks for your help

    Like

  87. cptsoaplady

    Awesome challenge, I just started my blog again, and what a way to get in the habit of sharing your thoughts. I am so going to accept the challenge. Good job on continuing the great content.

    Like

  88. mjecclestone

    Thanks so much for this Erica! I’m writing a post for new librarians about how to create a professional presence online, and I have linked to you great article — bravo!

    Like

  89. Abu Yahya Albamalanjy

    Nice tips

    Like

  90. the gift is yours

    Thanks for the helpful information!

    Like

  91. caretourism

    I really love your advice, thanks Erica.

    Like

  92. carissayufita

    very helpful tips. i decided to work on my blog more serious in this 2011, and i read your article and i find it very useful.

    Like

  93. WAHYU GANDHUNG

    Matur nuwun sanget ( Thanks )

    Like

  94. Yasir Imran

    wp team rocks for all fresh and great ideas they invent and discover for bloggers.

    Like

  95. cupcake2eater

    I wonder how many I words I can post this year? Well I’m not a blogging maniac quite yet but I have a feeling I soon will be.

    Like

  96. eppofahmi

    thanks for this adivice

    Like

  97. coretan9

    Nice tips.. thanks…

    Like

  98. davidji

    Yup keep up the great work.

    Like

  99. Stonehead

    You know, I actually can’t remember why I started blogging in the first place. What I do remember is that when I started the term blog hadn’t even been coined. The web’s graphic interface had come along, I’d been writing on Usenet, various BBSes and email lists for years, and I think I just moved across without thinking too much about it. So I lost my focus a long way back, which means my blog, on its various platforms, has changed, changed and changed again. I suppose that’s why it’s still going—I never got bored with it. As for keeping it going, well, it would be nice to write a 20th anniversary post in August 2014. And that’s not too far off.

    Like

  100. tumakay

    nice idea.. i like it.

    Like

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