Dec 31, 2013 / Beginner

Get Ready for Zero to Hero: 30 Days to a Better Blog

Tomorrow’s January 1st, and for a lot of us that means it’s resolution time. Whether you’ve resolved to start that blog you’ve been thinking about, plan to return to a tumbleweed-strewn site you started long ago, or are committed to giving your current blog a a little more love, we want to help you get there.

Get ready: starting January 2nd, it’s time for the Zero to Hero 30-Day Challenge.

Created by a team of top blogging experts (i.e., us) based on years of highly scientific-like research (i.e., writing blogs), we’ve created 30 days of digestible blogging assignments that will get you from “What’s this blog thing?” to a blog that you’re excited to publish — and, hopefully, that others are excited to read. If you’re a new blogger it’ll give you a serious jump-start, but we’ve built it to give seasoned bloggers a boost, too.

WordPress HeroAt the end of the month, you’ll have:

  • A half-dozen (or more) published posts.
  • A handful of draft posts and post ideas to help get you through your next 30 days.
  • A customized theme, with widgets to draw new readers in and highlight your favorite reads.
  • A Reader full of great (and inspiring!) blogs to follow.
  • A (small but growing) audience.
  • An understanding of the blogging community, blog etiquette, and how to build a readership of your own.

One bite-sized task a day for 30 days; that’s it. From there it’s up to you, but you’ll have a solid foundation and a blog you’re proud of. We can’t promise you hundreds of readers (if only!), but we can promise that you’ll be doing everything you can to set yourself up for success.

To participate, simply bookmark this page, and check in each day for an assignment (they’ll also be at the top of The Daily Post’s sidebar for easy reference). All past assignments will be listed there too, so you can jump in at any point and catch up — if you’re not reading this until January 10th, no big deal.

Each day’s task will also offer our tips and recommended resources, as well as links to discussions in the WordPress.com Support Forums where you can chat with other Zero to Hero participants. If you want to do more or re-interpret something, feel free! Our only caveat is that you try to complete the tasks in order, since they’re designed to build on one another.

If you’re planning on participating, we’d appreciate it if you could let us know by filling out this short form. We’d love to follow your blogs, and will get in touch at the end of January for your feedback:

Ready? Set? Blog! Assignment #1 will be published here at 12PM EST tomorrow.

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    2. If anyone has helpful suggestions I’d love an outside perspective. I’ll check out your blog, and gladly collaborate to build a bridge.

      Just started an “Interesting Science and History Facts” blog: http://toknowistochange.wordpress.com/

      Everyone reading this comment is probably looking for a leg up like TANICR # and myself. Let’s start posting our blogs below, and share the love by following each other, and re-blogging each others best posts.

      I think this communal approach for a group of rookies could give a huge boost to all of us, but only if we all participate.

      Anyone who is serious about building readership should post their blogs below, and I PROMISE at least I will help lift your content. Let’s start the year strong shall we?

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      2. Following you and your interesting facts… mine is brand spanking new and just started on the new year- onebrickelladdress.wordpress.com -will just be whatever rolls out… random musings, I guess. Looking forward to this.

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  11. I’ve tried using WPs “How to write a blog”. But, after 8 – 9 months I’m still not sure enough of myself to “go for lift-off (publish). I’m really looking forward to making this training work!

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    1. I can SO relate. I started blogging last year and was so self-conscious that I kept it private. My husband told me that’s a diary. : ). Good luck to you!

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  12. I started my blog back in august and I was able to write some great stuff. Then school started in September so my posts were less frequent and my stats dropped, thus discouraging me. I hope to accomplish getting a bigger audience and having more comments on my posts. My blog helps me to get ideas for writing stories so I’m hoping to get lots of feedback as well

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    1. Welcome aboard!

      To submit your email address/blog, please use the form that’s in the post itself so that the information isn’t all public in the comments. Thanks!

      Like

  13. This is exactly what I needed. I’ve been struggling with writer’s block for several months now, and this looks like the thing to help me get out of my slum. Awesome idea.

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  14. I’m Nathan and I started a graphic design blog natchurally.wordpress.com this year. It’s about my education as a designer to show people who are interested in studying graphic design and what they can expect.
    I can really help a little motivation to make more and I’m looking forward to follow your tips!

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  16. I’ve had my blog since summer 2011, and have posted about 300 times. It only has 150 followers. My life may not always be exciting from day to day, but I think it’s entertaining enough to get some more readers. 🙂

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  17. I am looking forward to this challenge also, and hopefully meeting new people who share the same views, let get blogging!

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    1. Welcome! To submit your email address/blog, please use the form that’s in the post itself so that the information isn’t all public in the comments. Thanks!

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      1. Okay, but how do I get on to this form? I wanted to try but I didn’t know how to fill any form out because I only saw the questions we needed to answer, please can you tell me how to get this form? Thank you

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  20. This is perfect! We just created a blog today aiming to convey 2 sides of a relationship (KrisandRyan) and was hoping to start the new year off with a new outlet of expression. Thanks WP and good luck to all participating!

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    1. Happy to have you on board!

      To submit your email address/blog, please use the form that’s in the post itself so that the information isn’t all public in the comments. Thanks!

      Like

  29. I started my blog as a class assignment in school. I’ve decided to continue blogging and make it public (starting Jan. 1). Need all the help I can get. I’m in!

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