Jan 6, 2016 / Beginner

“How Do I…?” Your FABQ (Frequently Asked Blogging Questions), Answered

It’s a new year, but some perennial questions are always worth addressing.

We share a lot of advice and information here at The Daily Post — we want to help you accomplish whatever blogging goals you’ve set for yourself and make those resolutions (if any) become reality.

In that spirit, here are eight posts from the past year that you might find helpful in these early days of 2016. Each tackles one major question that we see bloggers raise time and again, especially as they start out in the blogging world. Let’s jump right in…

How should I choose my blog name?

Glad you asked — coming up with a catchy name that channels what your site is about is key to attracting the right readers. Cheri’s post on the topic offers many great pointers, from using quotes to injecting playfulness into the name-selection process.

How can I encourage my readers to comment on my posts?

Seeing your post out there in the world feels great. Not receiving a single comment in response to it? Less so. If you’ve ever felt frustrated about the lack of activity in your comments section, check out Michelle’s tips on making your blog a welcoming space for discussion and interaction.

How can I make sure my blog doesn’t get me into trouble in real life?

Many bloggers share extremely personal stories on their sites, whether they discuss relationships, family, past trauma, health issues, or other sensitive matters. Elizabeth’s post on keeping your blog from complicating your real life is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the limits of sharing.

How do I get my blog’s main topics to appear on my site’s navigation?

Letting readers find the posts they’re after is crucial, which is why so many of you want to add your main categories to your site’s primary menu — this comes up time and again in our Community Pool. The solution? Category Pages! Krista’s how-to covers all you need to know about them.

What’s the best way to tag my posts?

Adding tags to your posts takes seconds, but it ensures that people can find you in the WordPress.com Reader. To maximize your reach — and your time in the spotlight — head over to this post on tagging strategy.

Does my blog have to focus on one niche only?

We contain multitudes — why shouldn’t our blogs reflect our diverse interests? Bloggers often ask us how they might expand the range of topics they address without sacrificing coherence, and Michelle’s wise words on this issue are a must-read if this is something you’ve wondered about.

How can I experiment with my layout without annoying my readers?

Whether you’re a brand-new blogger or a veteran, you know that your blog’s appearance is always a work in progress. But it doesn’t mean you have to confuse your visitors with constant changes — heed Andrea’s advice and start a test blog, and you’ll be able to implement only those changes you’re sure about.

Where can I find cool blogs to read and follow?

From Discover to tag searches, the WordPress.com Reader is your one-stop destination for finding great blogs and specific posts on topics that interest you. Cheri’s Reader pro tips will help you zoom in on stuff you’re likely to enjoy and keep your past favorites within easy reach.

For more posts like the ones mentioned here, check out our General Advice & Pro Tips category. What was the most helpful blogging tip you’ve received recently?

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      2. Excuse me, Sir. I have another question, though. I was able to change my profile photo for my WordPress, as the author, but not for my primary blog which is entitled “Into The Abyss”. When my primary blog appears on my feed, it has no profile photo; just the default photo which is somehow like a picture of the earth (the blue and white one). How can I change it just like your blog “The Daily Post” that has a profile photo on it?

        Liked by 1 person

      3. That image is called a Blavatar — you guessed it, a blog avatar — and you can get to the settings page where you can add it by pasting the following snippet at the end of your blog’s URL:
        /wp-admin/options-general.php

        In your case, the full URL to reach that setting is : https://awwwnuugh.wordpress.com/wp-admin/options-general.php

        Once there, look at the top-right corner: you’ll see the Blog Picture/Icon setting, and you can upload an image there.

        Liked by 2 people

  3. As always, you are a beacon of resources WP. I have read many of these articles – some not, but plan to try to go through them all in 2016. May take me all year! And how will I ever keep up with the new ones? (I’ll be thinking about that one…).

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Sorry to hear that Rosema! I wonder — were you in the Customizer when this issue came up? What changes were you trying to make? Do you get a similar error message when you try to change something else in the Customizer (if that’s where you are)?

      Let me know if this persists and we’ll see what the best way to address it would be.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I also just thought that I may should have looked around for some help when I started my blog. Although with the help of fellow bloggers I managed to develop my blog in a away I really like. It’s like another part of me now. I am really happy about that.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Is your blog public? I would like to take a look at it if you don’t mind. (I am rather curious – sorry for that 🙂 )

      Liked by 1 person

  16. for a long time, I just searching the how-to-knowledge about increasing the comments in our post.

    second, many times i ask my self whether I should become myself or an expert in certain niche in my blog.

    and finally i found this FABQ answer my two questions above.

    many thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Having read this post I now feel I want to change the name of my blog, my fear is losing the few followers I have managed to attract. How best can do this? Advice will be greatly appreciated.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good news: changing the name of your blog does not have any effect on your existing followers. They’ll keep seeing your posts in the Reader or in email (depending on their delivery preferences). Still, it might be a good idea to announce and explain the name change in a post to keep everyone on the same page.

      Liked by 3 people

      2. Hi Ben,
        As I tried to change to change my blog name I encountered difficulties. I went to My profile page and followed the instructions of changing but I kept getting messages that said only letters in lower case are allowed yet that is what I was doing I just gave up in the end as I was getting frustrated. I wonder if you are able to advice me as to what I can do change the blog name.

        Liked by 1 person