Bloggers: Are You Using These Power Hacks?

Does your blog resemble a distant planet in a faraway solar system? If few people have heard of it or know how to find it, then your precious creation is probably languishing in the outer reaches of cyberspace like so many uninhabited asteroids. Luckily, there are some powerful hacks and tricks that can propel any blog from the depths of deep space to the high-traffic center of the universe. One need not be a programming or SEO guru to get the job done.

All it takes is a little time, a healthy dose of patience, and the right knowledge to bring readers and visitors to a well-written blog. What are the tools that can deliver results? Aside from establishing your credibility with a solid educational background, make a commitment to post frequently, hold contests for readers, give away an occasional freebie or award, create a sense of mystery within occasional posts, stay informed on trending topics, and don’t be afraid to court controversy from time to time. Explore the potential of the following hacks, tips, and tricks for your own blog. Experiment with a few of the techniques to see which ones work best.

Get a Degree No Matter What

The top earners in the blogosphere hold college degrees. It’s a simple fact, and it makes sense for a number of reasons. First, those who spend four years or more earning degrees acquire a wealth of knowledge about their specialties. Getting a degree and financing it are two life changing challenges that make you a better blogger in the long run. If you need help paying tuition and other school expenses, apply for a student loan. That way, it’s much easier to focus on studying and not have to worry about money. Taking out an education loan is the simplest and fastest way to deal with the financial challenge of earning a diploma. Degreed bloggers have more credibility and can build larger readerships than their non-degreed competitors.

Post Frequently

Readers want fresh content. That one fact can work to your advantage if you are willing to post several times per week. Which you will need to do if you want to make money as a freelance writer or blogger. Ideally, make two to three mini-posts per week and several longer ones, the goal being to add at least some new writing every day. Include photos when possible, and invite reader comments at the end of each article.

Use Contests and Mystery Photos

Hold fun contests and award unusual prizes. If you blog about beauty and health, ask readers to submit their top ten low-cost beauty hacks. Mystery photos are also a big draw, so scour royalty-free websites to find pictures that fit a “what is this photo” or “write a caption for this picture” contest. Prizes can be whatever you want, but try to keep the attitude light, fun, and playful.

Leverage T&C Power

Use trending topics and controversial subjects sparingly, perhaps once per week. One well-written, short piece about a music or film celebrity can garner massive traffic. Always try to tie in the content to your product or service without appearing self-promotional. You can find trending topics on major search engines. Scan news and entertainment websites for controversial material resources.