Eddie G's Top 10 Blogging Tips

Posted 5/15/08

Written by Eddie Griffin, writer/publisher/editor for The Red Zone Report, a site dedicated to NCAA and NFL football.


Eddie G's Top 10 Blogging Tips

Blogging wasn't my first foray into sportswriting, but in the 10 months that I've been blogging full-time, it's been an unbelievably rewarding experience.

In January, I started The Red Zone Report, and in the four months the site has been up, I've learned a lot about what it takes to make a successful blog from my experiences, and from Darren Rowse at ProBlogger, Ahmed Bilal, the crew at Performancing, and this great blog.

I'm still learning, but I thought I'd pass along some important things that I've learned so far to help aspiring sports bloggers.

So, here are my top ten tips - they've helped me, and I hope they help you.

1. Be confident, but be level-headed: Be confident about your talent, opinions, goals, and the way your blog looks.

There are going to be nasty comments from angry readers, traffic dips, and times when you feel you have nothing to write about.

Confidence gets you through those downs, and level-headedness will make sure you don't get a big head through the ups.

2. State your opinions, but do so wisely: It's a given that people won't always agree, but some of your most-read articles are the most controversial ones.

Of course, this doesn't mean that you can write whatever you want to - if you've got an opinion, state it because you believe it and know you can back it up.

Do your research, and know what you're talking about. If you don't know your stuff, you'll be the jackass, not them.

3. Have high expectations, but be realistic: Some people are attracted to blogging because they think it's an easy way to make some money, You can't half-assedly write or promote and expect traffic to roll in. And that's not even taking aesthetics into consideration.

Even when writing for a network, you've got to keep regularly update and promote. However, if you're running your own ship, there's not only updating and promotion, but there's also upkeep, and for many, hiring writers and keeping them in line.

You're going to have to put your best feet forward - not one, but two - and don't think the results come immediately, because unless you're really good or really lucky, it will take a while.

4. Ads aren't bad: Some aspiring bloggers could be apprehensive about putting ads up because it could put readers off, but that's not the case, unless you've got a bunch of irrelevant ads, or if your site is 75% ads.

Go to ESPN.com or CBS Sportsline, and they all have plenty of ads. So, if they've got ads on theirs, then there certainly isn't anything wrong with putting ads on yours.

5. Don't be scared to reach out and build relationships, but be selfless: The blogosphere is a community, and while we all want to succeed, we also want to help others do so (we should, at least). So, if there's someone that you admire, don't be afraid to befriend them and learn from them, because you'll be in a position where you can teach someone like they taught you.

People will know your intent, so do things for the right reasons. If so, you'll get the link or interview, and better yet, you'll get that mutual respect. If not, they'll see right through you.

To add to this: Be friendly and respectful with your readers, and be accessible and approachable.

6. Don't get lazy: Sure, you're just finished that kick-ass article. Be proud! But if it's full of errors, it doesn't matter how interesting it may be. People can tolerate a mistake or two, but if you're too mistake-prone, hire an editor, or better yet, PAY ATTENTION! Check, double-check, and triple-check, because it saves you time and embarrassment.

The same goes for upkeep. Make it look like you've put some time into it, because if you look like you're half-heartedly running your blog, then people are half-heartedly reading it.

7. There's promotion, and there's spam: This can't be said enough. Early on, you might post a ton of articles to bookmarking sites and forums to get the word out, but there are limits. Save your best content and only post it if it's really worth everyone's time.

When you do post on Yardbarker, Ballhype, etc., or on message boards, be involved in the discussion.

8. Be you: Don't try to be the next so-and-so. Carve your own niche, and don't be a copy-cat. It's as easy to spot a try-hard as it is to spot an original.

Be inspired by the big guys, but just like there's only one them, there's only one you, so be the best you, possible. If you do, then you'll inspire someone just like you were inspired by someone else.

9. Without great content, you don't get traffic. Without traffic, you don't make money. Write stuff you know you'd read if someone else wrote it. If you do that, you're on the right track.

It doesn't have to be the most interesting topic, but if you're knowledgeable, articulate, and readable, you've got three big steps towards great content down.

10. Have fun: The average sports blogger or journalist is just a fanatic who loves being and talking about sports. I know that's the case for me!

Having extra spending money is great, and being able to make a living from writing is even better.

But first and foremost, have fun, and don't lose your passion, even if it means taking a break from writing to watch a game 'just because,' or watching highlight of or reminiscing about the moments that got you hooked. It'll positively affect both you and your writing.

There's nothing like looking at your work and knowing that you're making it, but to have that feeling of accomplishment and know you've had fun is unparalleled.

Also, here are some extras: Be search engine-friendly with your content and URL (tags are a blogger's best friend), create about me, advertising, and contact pages, and buy your own domain ASAP (oh the freedom!).

Good luck, and happy blogging!



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