Last week we talked about writing goals … this week is all about blogging.  Maybe one or two or a few of these are thoughts you have had about goals for 2013.  We believe in you!  Make your blog work for you.

ONE:  I will submit guest posts.

• Become a Guest Post Ninja in 5 Steps by ProBlogger
• Love these “do’s and don’ts” for guest posting from Daily Blog Tips.

TWO:  I will monetize my blog.

• 7 Things I Know about Making Money from Blogging by ProBlogger
• Tentblogger also has a great series on monetizing.

THREE:  I will move to self-hosted WordPress.

• Erin has written a very easy-to-understand article about understanding the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
• We love Blogging with Amy’s series on How to Start a Blog. In particular, her posts on setting up hosting & WordPress and tips for using WordPress are especially useful.

FOUR:  I will work to improve the SEO on my blog.

• Tentblogger has a wealth of SEO-building information on his blog.  And we love how easy-to-understand he is.  For those who are ready to make an investment into building SEO, we suggest his book, Blogging SEO.

FIVE:  I will work at planning posts and developing an editorial calendar.

• Here’s a great way to brainstorm post ideas from The Book Designer.
• Copyblogger has a great post on the benefits of an editorial calendar.

SIX:  I will build my email list.

•  Aweber offers 5 places to build your blog’s email list.
• Love these simple ideas on list building from Basic Blog Tips.
• Wondering why you should build your list?  Jeff Goins gives some great reasons to work hard to build a great list.

SEVEN:  I will take the plunge and leave Feedburner {or at least consider all my options!}.

•  Again, Erin has written a post about what we are doing here at Design by Insight regarding Feedburner.
• Amy Andrews has also shared her thoughts on Feedburner and other options.

EIGHT:  I will evaluate my plug-ins and delete the ones I do not use or need.

• Love these 6 questions to ask before installing (or keeping!) WordPress plug-ins from Six Revisions.
• Here’s a list from Jeff Bullas of plug-ins you might want to consider.

One important key is to remember to keep your plug-ins updated and go ahead and delete the ones you don’t use. 

 NINE:  I will back up my blog regularly.

Trust us … do this!

• Here’s the information from the WordPress site on backing up both your site and your database.
• You may also want to read this page on the WordPress site where some common questions are answered.

Yes, everyone needs to do this … monthly!

TEN: I will develop a clear focus for my blog … for my sake and the sake of my readers.

• LOVE this post from The Write Practice about finding a unifying theme for your blog.  Incredibly helpful suggestions.  {Thanks to Kristin Schell for pointing it out to me!}

And a bonus post because it was so good …

4 Keys to Better Blogging by Jonathan Howe {Thanks to Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media for sharing this link on Facebook!}

What are your blogging goals for 2013?

Don’t forget about our Writing Buddy Sale and Giveaway of Self-Publish!  We’d love to celebrate with you and your writing buddy as 2013 becomes the year you write your book!  {Check out last week’s post for 10 writing goals.}