DO have an opinion and express it succinctly and in a straight-forward manner. Readers judge a post before they even read a word. If it looks like a novel, many won’t read it. If you head off on a tangent, many will stop reading. You have a point stick to it. Short and sweet.
DO write passionately. Your readers like that you care about what you’re writing about. If you’re posting just to post, they’ll know. Write when you care.
DO give sources credit. Linking back to an original article is a great way to do this. Not every post needs a source, but if you’re quoting or writing a review/response to someone else its key to name your source.
DO edit, edit, edit. Nothing stops a reader likean error. See? Told you. This process can be boring, but it will pay dividends as your readers come to trust you, your intelligence and ultimately your opinion. Many posts take a few sessions of writing and editing before they’re ready to be posted.
DO pose questions to your readers to generate conversation. Your readers feel more involved when they get to respond to your posts. Keep an open mind to responses, many people will surprise you with their opinions. And remember, just because it may differ from yours doesn’t make it wrong.
DO find your voice, readers come back because they like how you write, so keep it real. This can be tricky sometimes, especially if you’re happy about a topic in one post and ticked about a topic in another.
DO post consistently, 2-3 posts per week will help you gain a solid readership. Blog surfers tend to read blogs they enjoy on a consistent basis. If they come back to your page and you haven’t posted in two week they might not come back. This can be tricky because as I said before you don’t want to just post to post. Be thinking about your blog often, if an idea for a post hits you write it down. I keep a notebook with me and jot down ideas all the time.
DO post a link to your blog on your current active sites like Facebook and Twitter. Your friends are a great place to find readers.
DO stick to the topic of the Portland Trail Blazers on a site dedicated to a specific topic should be about that topic. Feel free to write about your family reunion and what you had for lunch, just take it to your personal blog.
DO comment on other blogs and message boards. The fastest way to build readership is by being active in the community. If someone writes a great post, tell them its awesome. If their post generates a question in your mind, ask it. Other readers who see and like your comments will click on your name to see what you have to say.