It’s easy to get sucked into social media, writing and email checking when it comes to your blog. Blogging on a regular basis takes work, as anyone will tell you after blogging consistently for any amount of time. But blogging also takes reading. If you aren’t reading and continually educating yourself, then you will probably end up finding yourself in a rut, and your writing will become bland.
Personally, I find that I become more productive and inspired the more I read. This is why I make it a priority to read at least one educational/business book every month.
Read to inspire yourself and your readership, and you can do so in the following ways:
1. If you haven’t already, set yourself up an account with Google Reader. Create a folder for websites and blogs that personally inspire you in life and in your writing. Then set up another folder for blogs that will help educate you. Examples would be sites like Savvy Blogging, Copy Blogger, ProBlogger, etc… Then schedule a time to check your reader daily or weekly.
2. Make yourself a goal of reading one blogging/social media/business book every month. If you’re a reading addict like I am, you can increase this number. Currently I am reading Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust
3. Subscribe to local newspapers and magazines that relate to your business. Currently I subscribe to magazines like Fast Company, Inc, Natural Health, Whole Living and Shape. The first two magazines are for the business aspect of my blog, while the others are for inspiration on natural and organic living topics (which is the niche for my Thrifty Mama blog).
4. Read current hot topics on sites like Reddit, Linkedin and Technorati. To stay current with your readers, it’s important for you to know what is going on in the world. Find out what people are talking about, and you can also contribute to the conversation on these sites. Technorati allows you to subscribe via Google Reader to certain topics and keywords.
5. If you aren’t an avid reader, watch videos and listen to Podcasts or radio programs from some of your favorite companies and bloggers. I find that I get inspiration for my writing by listening to NPR radio. They cover some fabulous topics, one of which inspired my recent post; Is Organic, Fair-Trade Coffee Worth the Extra Cost?
Reading and continuing your education is not only an investment in your online business, but also an investment in yourself. Take this time each week to nurture and grow your mind, and soon you will find your writing improving.
What are some of the ways you continue to educate yourself?
Savvy Blogging is affiliated with Amazon.com.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
[Reply]
Crystal Collins Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
[Reply]
Ashley Pichea Reply:
March 17th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
[Reply]
Lately I’ve taken a fancy to home decor and humor blogs. Sometimes I’ll also explore parenting blogs or foodie blogs, too. I’ve actually learned a few things that I’ve incorporated into my own blog in the process.
I totally agree that to improve your own writing and content you need to be involved with the bigger picutre. I’m also passionate about understanding blogging/social media trends and impacts. In addition to reading blogs such as Mashable or Pro Blogger, I have recently found Twitter a very helpful resource in finding great posts on this topic. (Such as the fabulous #savvyblogging stream!)
Thanks for your thoughts. Some of them were new to me (such as the Technorati feeds) and I’ll be looking into that later!!
[Reply]
[Reply]
[Reply]
[Reply]