Blogging Basics from Ann Handley @ Entrepreneur

When an article is titled "Ten Ways to Turn Your Blog Into a Lead Generation Machine," of course we read it.  This is so on-point that it is well worth sharing, though don't get terribly depressed if you are just not there yet.  There is a maturation process to blogging that Ann does not bring out in her article. If your business lends itself to blogging, and you aren't blogging, just start blogging.  Pay 100% attention to tips 2,3,4, and 8 when you start. 

• #2 - Solve or Share, Don't Shill - Offer meaningful and valuable information.  The fact that you know meaningful and valuable stuff will sell you without your ever saying "buy me" or "buy my product."
• #3 - Show Up - This is the true test.  If you can't show up over the long haul, your blog will break.  Trust me on this one as I have done it myself.  I am the owner of three abandoned blogs, and when I look back at those blogs, I wish I hadn't spent so much time and energy on branding and bling.  That's why I've picked out these four tips as the most critical places to start.
• #4 - Avoid War and Peace Posts - Short works, and it's easier to show up (Tip #3) if you only commit to write a paragraph or two each time.
• #8 - Offer Subscription Services - These are so easy to set up on most blog services that it is worth the time.  Add the gadget and call it a day.

Then start writing. 

Once you have established a rhythm, and determined that you can stick with it, take the next step, whether it be socializing, branding, or monetizing, or whatever is right for you.

Read Ann's article.  It's good.  Don't you think?