How to have a successful blog?

I think you already answered your own question. It is the content. The other tools are to help you get the content in front of people.

But if you have a decent looking blog with quality content people will read it and come back to it.

Ignore software and plugins - keep it simple.

It's all about communication and ease of use. With many people browsing blogs on smartphones and tablets, the last thing they want is any incompatible plugin, or software that takes the entire bus journey to load.

Content really is king, I know it is an over-used phrase but it's true. Therefore, make that the focal point of your blog.

Best of luck!

Content is king! most peoples will agree to that.

but don't worry if you can't create a good content.

Solution? outsource it! $ 5 on fiverr is a great start.

Content - content - content.

But I would also add that being interactive with your readers also helps make a blog great. Encourage your readers to leave comments and reply to their comments. Having interactive discussions on your blog will keep readers coming back.

I know what you exactly want to know! You want to know that apart from content, what 'MAKES' a blog successful?

Apart from content, the only other thing that would ever matter is LINKS! Sorry, but thats the hard fact. I have seen literally hundreds of amazing blogs (my clients actually) with awesome content, but struggle to get decent traffic, hence need help.

So NO, content alone does not maketh a successful blog successful; to cut a long story short, here's a chronological list of things that should happen for a blog/business to be successful:

1) Of course, starting with great content in a popular niche! If you are writing about socks for mice, I don't think you're gonna get much popularity!
2) Next would be media popularity/press release if you have a product.
3) Backlinking strategy (starting with press releases, bookmarking, web 2.0's)
4) Automation of backlinking
5) Spreading your seed! (don't get raunchy, i mean spreading/establishing your blog/brand to platforms such as facebook, or wherever people will go next!)
6) More content and subsequent steps!
7) Monetizing!
8) Rinse and repeat.

I think that about summarizes what anyone can start doing today, WITHOUT purchasing any WSO's or magic button products.

But the most important thing needed ---> TIME. You cannot, just cannot build a blogging-->monetizing business overnight.

Content is definitely king. Quality content on a consistent basis is what makes your blog successful. Once you have a follower, that person will look forward to your next post. That's why it's important to keep feeding people with quality content on a consistent basis. 3-5x a week is already good. If you have a lot of spare time, then go for posting daily.

I have witnessed first hand how great content will help develop a good blog and followers. I am just starting to see results after about 9 months of dabbling here and there! Granted, its only a few dollars everyday, my efforts are just now starting to pay off!

I'd say it depends on what you're attempting to do with the blog exactly.

If you're looking to drive traffic to merchants and make aff commissions, then removing as many distractions as you can from your pages will help improve CTR - that means using less plugins.

If you're looking to build a readership, then planting your subscription option in the right areas is key.

Adsense again a totally different layout is needed to maximize CTR.

Apart from that I agree with everyone else...content is God!

I've been blogging since 2000, and own many blogs.

Here's what I know:

* Choose a topic area you're passionate about, and about which you want to learn;

* Check for other blogs in the niche. How are they monetizing? That's a big clue to how you'll be able to monetize;

* Forget software and plugins. Use WordPress, and start with just ONE plugin -- All in One SEO. That's ALL;

* If you choose WordPress, use the default theme. It's a great theme, and you'll save yourself endless time if you stick to it for at least three months;

* For the first THREE MONTHS, focus on CONTENT. Not plugins, themes, or links or anything else. Just CONTENT. Create the best content you can;

* Monetize using AdSense for the first three months. It's easy, and won't distract you before you have the content you need to generate return visits;

* Within your first month, set up a list with a subscriber enticement. Pay attention to your list -- tell them who you are, and send out at least a couple of messages to them a month. This gets them used to hearing from you.

Big tip: give your blog three months of content creation. You'll need those months to learn about your audience and yourself.

Here's the thing: even if your blog turns out to be a total dud, you'll learn so much from it that in years to come, you'll bless your dud blog.

Good luck with it. :-)

Angela

I've found that my blogs, over time, evolve with respect to blog topics, design, and even purpose.

Some people advise to have a nicely laid out plan when you start a blog. If you can do this, it's sound advice. However, in my experience, I've learned that my blogs sometimes take different directions; more often they expand in scope.

My point is get started and try not to get too concerned about 3 years down the road. You don't want to radically change topics, but be flexible about all important aspects of your blog such as content, topics, design, monetization, navigation, list-building techniques etc.

For example, many blogs start out with an information focus and as the blogger establishes authority in the niche, the blog becomes a platform for consulting gigs, speaking engagements, product launches, etc.

Frankly, I love the fact a blog can and often does evolve over time. In the beginning I struggled trying to plan out everything, which turned out to be futile. Just keep building it, listen to your readers, and provide the best info/products/content you can.

I think it is quite obvious. Lots of high quality and original content. The kind that makes people finish reading the whole article because it is very useful.

There are various SEO (All-in-One SEO Pack) and social media plugins that you can add to your blog to help you get ranked and make your blog more interactive, but quality content and providing value is most important. The only way you are going to be able to do this is if you know the people in your niche. Everything else kind of stems from that. You should also build a list.

Good luck,
Joey

We have always done well by :-

1) entering a popular niche.

2) finding suceessful competitors.

3) Reverse engineer and steal their traffic. (well ok not steal but you get the picture)

4) Watch PROFITS come in.

No one ever got rich by reinventing the wheel the last 100 years...and I do not see this trend change the next 100 years.

Good content is vital, of course, but there's a risk of getting too wrapped up in posting to your blog and not promoting enough. Brilliant content won't earn you a penny if no one sees it.

Once you have 10 to 20 posts up, you can post once or twice a week, then use the rest of your time for promotion, whether that's working on getting backlinks, commenting on related blogs, social bookmarking, article marketing (eg. guest posting), or whatever it is you do.

Thanks for the outline Angela but I do feel it is over simplified.
Building a blog that gains traction in 2000 - 2006 was achieved easier than a blog in 2011 in a noisy market.
I suggest a person invests the time over at copyblogger and joins a tool like alistbloggers to learn what it takes to have a successful blog

When you attract interesting visitors such as other bloggers and you have an awesome content they will make an article with your link in it. All natural. That is called success.

In my opinion every blog needs:

1) Good quality content.
2) Social Proof- Facebook fanbox etc.
3) Optin box- To build list.
4) A great design....

Kind regards

Chris