Blogger Tips on How to build a successful Blog

(Promised this ages ago, if looking for Beccy's challenge, et al. please scroll down, not far!)
 
I started blogging by accident in November 2010 (01.11.10), for my first post see here, I did eight months of blogging before jumping in so had some idea already. 

 Decide which format or platform you want to use, most crafters use Blogger and so I chose that over Wordpress, the other popular platform.

1. First of all -Name of blog.
Make it uniquely yours! Easily identified, see mine above .. it is easily identified, not generic name.
Also if possible have same URL as blog it’s very helpful!
this is mine, for Google search ease.
https://calligraphycards-shazinoz.blogspot.com.au/
If you change your mind later on blog name, it won’t be same URL, hinders google analytic searches.

2.  Search engine accessible.
 Travelling around blogland these days, a lot of folk don't make the best use of how search engines work!! Using this knowledge in post titles they publish.  
Key to being picked up in search engine searches is a good post title.

Look at this post title!
Blogger Tips on How to Build a Successful Blog

***First of all I do have a title. 
Some folks dont even realise they need a post title.

No post title means every single post you write on your blog will have the same URL.

This will be come a problem if you want to join challenges, link over somewhere or send a link to someone for specific post. 
**Give your post a GOOD title.
It is best not to use simply one word. eg birthday, it simply wont come up in any search, too generic.
THINK, ASK:  What might a search engine look for?
Or what might be put in a Google search? 
Tips for blog post title:
A. Name of technique used or explored. 
eg Wet and Dry Embossing on Christmas cards.
B. Name of key product used.
 eg Lawn Fawn Gleeful Gardens stamp set - in 3D style 
I think about what question I would put into a search engine when writing a blog title.

3. Blogging Etiquette - As much as able return visits, and if someone joins your blog don’t ignore them, welcome them and join theirs... if you can find who they are.
 If you join someone’s let them know so they don’t have to hunt for you too.
Simple Blogging courtesy is the key.

4. Images: Use good clear images with simple, clear explanations ...avoid waffle. I’m going to talk in another post about images, photography tips, because image size is relevant. 
(Am writing a post on how to take good photos so watch out for that one)

5. Blogger Tools - Do Use Them.
Use labels on your sidebar and key labels as top tabs in pages on layout.
As you'll see I've several top tabs. Home, Calligraphy, Christian, Tips Techniques,  etc. Labels are handy for quick searches. 
Mine actually need a good spring clean.
Use blogger Gadgets and Widgets (in layout on Blogger) to add a Search bar, Follow by Email etc.

6. Open any link on post in NEW tab... please, please don’t take folk away from your blog by not doing this simple thing, ie a link opens in a new tab, not on page you’re currently viewing.
Blog Post explaining this - see here!
  These are just a few helpful tips. There is much more could share as now been blogging for over seven years, but won’t take up any more time.

Just adding quickly to this ready post my challenge entry for Beccy's great blog sketch challenge. . here! My take on it below using one of Beccy's gorgeous nativity digital images, a pre-coloured one! 
Not quite happy with it, but one more made! Yay!

 Beccy's pre-coloured shepherd image, ink dusted the background did mask iamge but imperfect masking -> so hand cut another to over lay image, in my easy 3D style (see here), ta-dah! my take on her sketch, no altogether happy but it will do.

Enjoying beautiful weather down under .. a favourite beach north of here!

Thanks to all my wonderful encouragers on my blog, I feel very unworthy of all you kind folk who’ve joined and keep coming back even when I can’t visit as much as I have in past.
Do pray this post is a help,  will blog photo post soon, God willing. Promised someone these ages ago. 
Prayer Hugs, 
Shaz in Oz.x

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory..".. Ephesians 4:19, 20a

I would like to link these up to the following challenges: 

1.http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com.au/
2. Beccy's great blog sketch challenge.

2. http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/chnc-challenge-360.html?m=1

3. http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/chnc-challenge-extra-for-november-2017.html

4. http://12monthsofchristmaslinkup.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/challenge-35-optional-themestar-struck.html
http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/?p=10925  stitching on main image panel