Blogging for Fame and Fortune

Since I’m relatively new in the world of blogging, I try to read any materials I can find on the subject; anything that might help me avoid falling flat on my face (having slipped on a banana peel, of course). After all, falling flat on my face in front of so many people from all over the world isn’t quite the same thing as falling flat on my face in front of the neighbours’ balcony while they are busy watching the Victoria Day fireworks. What was I talking about? Oh right – blogging.

I have come across a book with a rather promising title – Blogging for Fame and Fortune by Jason R. Rich.

Yes, yes! Now I know exactly what I want. Although some people still insist that all we need is love. I’d like to ask them a question – and then what? What is the next step? Fame and fortune – that’s what. All to be achieved through blogging.

So, what must I do, then?

“For your blog to ultimately achieve success, you'll want to carefully and thoroughly define your target audience and then cater to that audience's wants, needs , desires, interests and personality.”

Oh my! Already, it`s not easy. So many different kinds of people get in touch with me. They have different interests, lifestyles, and experiences. What does the book have to say on the subject?

“You can more narrowly define this audience by focusing on just male or female golfers, golfers who earn a specific income, golfers who live or play golf in a specific geographic region, people who are members of a private golf club, golfers who are retired, or golfers who are left-handed, for example.”

I wonder if there are any left-handed golfers among my readers. But what does this have to do with anything? Oh, right – fame and fortune.

“Doing your market research. Approach your research from different angles. First, focus on the blog idea or subject matter itself and to whom it will appeal. Next, research your competition: what approach are other bloggers taking?”

Seriously, what market is there for my story about my grandmother’s cat? I need to find out. I feel like fame and fortune are getting closer with every breath I take.

Next point – my competition. The question is – who do I consider as such? Everybody who owns a camera, or everybody who writes about art? Or maybe I should even include everybody who shares their thoughts and memories. I have to get this done – find and identify my competitors. Would anybody like to volunteer?

“Giving your blog a catchy name or title.”

I must admit, I really like my title. Although I’m not so sure as to how catchy it is. I didn’t think strategically, and now it’s too late. It seems that my shot at fame and fortune might be in serious jeopardy. Do you find my blog title catchy? Please tell me you do.

“Finding your blogging voice and attitude.”

Attitude? Right. Of course, if somebody gives me attitude, I can give mine back. Although it seems that my attitude reserves are depleting, as the years go passing by. If I were still a teenager, things would be different.

"Your blog's voice should also give your audience a firm indication of what they can expect from your blog in terms of its content."

I don’t even know what to say. I might be risking my reputation here, but my voice and attitude will probably change depending on the subject and circumstances. I can just see the ship with the name FAME AND FORTUNE painted on the side sailing away in an unknown direction.

“Keeping your blog new and fresh.”

The ship just changed its course and is now headed back to the port. I can GUARANTEE you that this point will be fulfilled. Taking my own (admittedly short-term) experience as an example, I can tell you that consistency and novelty are two of the most important traits in blogging, or almost any project for that matter. If you’re tired and have no ideas, you should let your readers know that you’re tired and have no ideas. Lest they think that you have fallen into a sewer or accidently drunk your grandfather’s ear medicine. Just remember not to put something like “I’m off to Hawaii for four weeks; the keys are under the doormat.”

As should be expected, this book also contains some important warnings.

“Building a positive reputation as a blogger or as an internet celebrity, for example, could take month or years. However, one simple mistake or misunderstanding could destroy your reputation overnight.”

I hope that this post will help you blog long and happily. I also hope that it won’t serve as that ominous mistake that the author talks about. Because my intentions have been nothing but positive. And even the sudden, mysterious wish to achieve fame and fortune through blogging is going to dissipate in gratitude to every single person who reads my blog.

I wish everybody a great weekend! In Toronto, it's same old, same old - quite rainy. However, we're planning some interesting events.