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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  17. I just recently started my blog and this post answers almost all the questions I still have about it. Although I didn’t go into it to get views necessarily, I’d still like to see that what I write about actually interests a few people. I haven’t shared my blog on my Facebook or other social media sites because I wanted to be able to say what I want without having my friends and family question me about it later. That being said, I’m not hiding anything from them, or “talking behind their back” so to speak. So I really like that you talked about “How can I make sure my blog doesn’t get me into trouble in my real life?” I want to make sure that, should my friends and family find my blog somehow, they won’t be offended or hurt in some way by it.

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