Recently, I had a young man ask me some questions in his pursuit of writing an outdoor blog. While answering his questions and offering a few tips, I realized that they might be helpful to other aspiring outdoor bloggers. Plus, I had added to this list since our email exchange. If you have any suggestions or tips to add, please leave a comment. I am no writing/blogging expert, but I will offer any help I can and I encourage you to add your points as well.
The SoCal Bowhunter blog has grown over time. I started it as a means to share my hunting knowledge, adventures and news worthy articles. That blossomed into gear reviews, a great network of outdoor bloggers, giving seminars and Pro Staff positions with reputable companies. All in all, I still do it because I enjoy writing. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it.
Tips on starting your own outdoor blog:
- Be sure the blog format is easily readable to the end user. Don’t make it all glitzy and fancy just to do it. Have a purpose behind the design of it. Take a look at some of the template that the free blog sites have to offer and test some out and see what works for you.
- Add relevant navigation topics such as an About me section, the gear you use, links to other sites, etc. Share as much as you’d like, but be honest in your About Me section. Share who you are and what you believe in. Share where you are from and what you like to hunt and fish.
- Go read other outdoor blogs and start leaving comments. Don’t just lurk. If something catches your eye and you want to comment, do it! If someone writes something you agree with, comment and let them know. One of the best ways to meet people while blogging is to comment on posts and even the ones you do NOT agree with. Start a good debate by commenting, but do it tastefully. By commenting you will have more people coming to check out your blog. Your opinion matters to someone, but if you don’t share it no one will ever know but you.
- Photos!! You must incorporate photos to catch the readers eye. Copy just won’t do it these days. We like visual stimulation and adding photos will do that. Take your time and capture some great photos. The more you take the better you’ll become.
- Do you like doing gear reviews? Do some gear reviews on your own. Share some thoughts on gear you like and why. Do you like to keep it simple? Be sure to share that!
- Add a header to your page with a photo or graphic with the name in it. Don’t just leave it as text. It’s way too cookie-cutter and boring. Make it pop!
- Add a photo of you on the blog someplace. On the homepage or in the About me is a good place to start. People want to visualize who they are reading about.
- Write often or at least consistently. Writing once a month or twice a month will not get you anywhere. You have to engage people over and over to keep them coming back. Engage them with interesting articles, reports on your adventures, or just something in the news related to you blog.Mix it up, too. Don’t just write about the same old thing.
- You must engage people on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter! Get an account set up on both. I know a few bloggers who were dead set against it and now they are thanking me for recommending the interaction. Social Media is THE way to get in touch with people these days. Plus, you can have it work for you and you don’t have to spend a penny.
Like I mentioned, I am no blogging expert nor am I a professional writer. This is by no means a complete list and I am sure I will continue to add to it. I just write my blog the way I always wanted it to be written and I share my thoughts, stories and ideas. I stay true to myself and stick to my ideals. You can agree with me, disagree with me or no have an opinion. I welcome it all. I wish you all the best of luck in your writing and I hope this helps to some degree! Cheers.
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