8 Steps Towards a Better, More Popular Photoblog

Photoblogging is becoming immensely popular at the moment. Its easy, most of the time its free, and its a great way to show off your latest snap shots.

As a relatively experienced blogger, I feel have a useful knowledge of the way in which the blogging world works, and as you should know this blog is all about helping people. Therefore I decided to write this post, to give you some useful pointers. I hope that they will help to clean up your act, and get some serious traffic.

1. Update Regularly

What do you think the number one reason a returning visitor goes back to a blog for? Yep you got it. Its to check if there is any new posts or content. Keep your photoblog updated regularly. I would say that one post a week is a great target to aim for. Once or twice a week is perfect but don't break your back.

Don't get hung up on posting once a day or more. Its hard to maintain that kind of pace, and it can also annoy people that are following your blog via RSS or other networking sites. They don't want to be bombarded with updates.

2. Have a Clean Template

Spend some time looking for a nice user-friendly design for your blog. Whites are a good way to go as they are easy on the eye, and provide an excellent none-distracting backing for your colorful photos. Make sure that your reader can easily navigate around your blog, as complex sites will scare people away.

The default templates that come with Blogger and Wordpress blogs are great and can be tweaked to suit.

3. Welcome Criticism

One of the best functions of a photoblog is that it allows people to come and critique your work. Welcome it with open arms, because it will be one of the best ways to improve your photography.

There's no point running around in the dark convincing yourself that your pictures are awesome. Let others decide for you.

Adding a line at the end of a post such as 'please leave a comment' really helps.

4. Answer Comments

If you manage to succeed in getting comments then make sure that you reply. If readers see that you reply to comments they will be happy to leave one themselves because they know its going to get read.

5. Befriend Other Bloggers.

A great way to build your traffic and get a nice readership is to look around other photoblogs and leave comments. Ask to exchange links or send the writer a positive e-mail. They will be sure to check out your blog, and will probably leave a comment.

Make your presence felt across the photoblogging network, and people will start to pay attention.

Careful though, make sure you make yourself known for the right reasons!

6. Help Others: offer tips

If you offer a service along side your photoblog, you are bound to get more traffic. It will instantly make your blog a place where people want to go, because they can extract useful information. You only have to look here to see it in action!

Choose something that's related to photography so that you draw in the right kind of people.

7. Make it Unique

Draw attention to your blog by offering something unique. Do something that's bold and will stand out. Its bound to get you noticed.

8. Finally...have fun

Finally remember what photography is about. Its about having fun. Therefore sharing your work should be the same. Have fun and enjoy what you do. Stay open minded and really care about your work. That's one of the best ways to make a great photoblog.

Labels: Photoblogging, Tips, Traffic