4 Ways to Inspire Others with Your Blog

by Kiesha Easley on February 1, 2011 · 35 comments

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In today’s guest post, Kiesha Easley asks the question, “Does your blog inspire or irritate others?” Most of us hope our blog inspires people, but are there design items on our sites that irritate our readers instead? Going beyond blog design, what can we do, as bloggers, to ensure that our blogs are inspiring? Keep reading as Kiesha gives us four great suggestions to do just that.

I love spending an afternoon traveling the blogosphere from blog to blog. There’s so much to choose from and whenever I run across a blog post that causes me to pause and consider trying something new, it leaves me feeling renewed and rejuvenated. It sparks something within me and soon, I’m full of fresh writing ideas that just pour onto the page.

That’s the very essence of inspiration, which means ‘to breathe life into’ – it’s no wonder an inspiring blog post is priceless.

One the other hand, there are blogs that immediately creep me out when I click on to their site. I’m paralyzed by the pop-ups and blinded by flashing ads – there’s fear that something ugly is lurking behind the peeling page. On top of that, there’s no “About Me” page to be found. It leaves me wondering if anyone lives there at all – a haunted house is more welcoming.

Perhaps, that’s not the owner’s intention, but that’s the result, nonetheless. I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt, so perhaps, it’s pure ignorance on their part. But there are better ways to blog. There are ways to create a blog that inspires rather than repels.

Here are some tips to ensure your blog is inspiring:
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#1 – Be a Positive Example

Avoid using your blog as a venting outlet. Angry rants and complaints might be entertaining to some, but for the most part, all it does is spread negative emotions. Negativity is contagious – rather than contribute to some poor innocent reader’s bad mood, why not pose questions and spark a discussion about the topic instead? You’ll end up with positive solutions that could help everyone.

#2 – Strive to Produce Quality Content

People are searching for information that will help them solve a problem. They see Google as a way to find answers, not make you money. Give them what they are searching for – writing blog posts that demonstrate how you solved the same problems or overcame the same obstacles is a great way to do that.

#3 – Challenge People to Action

An inspiring blog is one that encourages people and ensures them that their goals can be met with some planning and focus. Give them a little guidance and real tips that work. Motivate your readers with blog posts that challenge them to take action. Even small steps towards a goal will lead them closer to success.

#4 – Treat them Well

Everybody wants to feel special and cared about, so greet your readers who take the time to leave comments with enthusiasm – as if they were an old friend. Provide genuine responses to comments. Go the extra mile and visit their blogs. While you’re there, take the time to leave a comment and share their content on Twitter and Facebook as well.

When you take the time to plant these seeds of inspiration on your blog, you’ll begin to see new sprouts of reader interaction. As your blog grows, you’ll begin to see the fruit of those you have helped.

There’s nothing more inspiring to me than receiving a personal testimony from someone my blog has helped. It lets me know that blogs have the power to influence others and make a huge difference in their lives.

Are you taking this aspect of blogging for granted? What could you do to create a more inspiring blog?

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/vernonwiley

Tagged as: Guest Post

This article written by Kiesha Easley

Kiesha is the author of WeBlogBetter and Christian Blog: Highly Favored. She’s a technical writer, former writing instructor, & internet marketing consultant for small businesses. If you’d like to know more, read her extended bio. Connect with her on Twitter.

Kiesha has written 1 awesome post(s) for this site.

{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }

Brad Harmon February 1, 2011 at 6:11 am Twitter: @Brad_Harmon

Hey, Kiesha. Thanks for this great guest post. Your first suggestion of being a positive example is one that I take to heart. It’s not just in what we write, but also in how we conduct ourselves online. We leave our digital footprints everywhere we travel on the internet, but I think sometimes we forget about that. Be a positive example when commenting, tweeting, or updating your status on Facebook too.
My latest post … My Crazy Insane 90 Day Blog Promotion Challenge