How to Run a Successful Auto Blog
If you’ve been considering starting an auto blog, you may be wondering where to begin. It helps to know some basic steps to get your blog up and running.
Auto blogs are great sources of information for enthusiasts, dealers, collectors, and many others. Starting your own blog gives you a voice in this diverse community.
Here are some helpful guidelines for setting up a successful automotive blog that you and your readers will enjoy.
Explore, Research, and Decide
Starting an automotive blog is an exciting endeavor. There are so many topics that can be covered. But which ones should you tackle?
There are many automotive blogs out there. Spend time exploring these blogs. Pay attention to what they’re writing about and how they present information. You’ll get great ideas just from observing what other successful bloggers have done.
By checking out other automotive blogs, you’ll also get an idea of where you can fit in this arena. Is there a topic you’re not seeing that you feel like you can expand on? In your research, have you noticed any areas of automotive expertise that are lacking that you can use as your blog’s foundation?
Often, blog success is all about picking the right niche. Narrowing your blog’s theme and topics helps you stand out. There are many blogs covering general subjects and you don’t want to be lost in those piles.
Keep it Specific
After you’ve researched automotive blogs and have an idea of what you would like to write about, it’s time to establish the focus and theme of your blog.
Your focus is your foundation. You’ll be working within a niche, which helps you:
- Stand out among blogs that are more general
- Go more in-depth on a few topics instead of touching on many topics
- Appear as an expert rather than a novice
- Establish a loyal following of those interested in your topic
The idea is to specialize. If you find a topic interesting and important enough to build a blog around, it’s likely there are others who feel the same way. These potential visitors are looking for something different and specific, and they’ll find it on your blog.
Some great examples of blogs that cover a narrow range of topics very well are:
- BMW Blog for BMW-specific topics
- Hemmings Daily for classic, collector cars
- Green Car Reports for information on “green,” energy efficient cars
- BangShift for hot rod and muscle car enthusiasts
- Other blogs that offer more info on specific brands and dealers
The variety of topics to choose from is enormous in the automotive industry. Pick the one you know you can develop and maintain well.
There are some big names in blogging that cover a large array of subjects. You don’t want to be in their shadow, so you’ll be better off keeping your auto blog specific.
Develop a Unique Voice
Content may be king, but yours won’t get noticed if you don’t differentiate yourself from other bloggers by finding your voice.
Information isn’t scarce on the Internet. But engaging, interesting, and unique presentations that make the information appealing are.
Your blog needs to have personality. Find what works for you and be consistent. Visitors will appreciate your individual style and your blog will be more memorable.
What kind of blogger do you want to be? Are you interested in writing about specifics and facts or will your blog be based on your opinions? Will your blog be humorous and witty, or straightforward and professional?
Different approaches will appeal to different people. Don’t try to please everyone with a neutral, unremarkable voice. Find your way of presenting material and stick with it.
Build Your Reader Base
Now that you know what you want to write about and how you want to write it, you need to target and build an audience. But how can you promote yourself as an industry expert and get people to notice?
You’ve got to get out and get writing. Visit other automotive blogs. If there’s a comment section, use it to your advantage. Others will read comments to gather information.
Leave thoughtful comments that demonstrate your expertise and writing style. Make sure your comments are helpful, interesting, and knowledgeable and include an invitation to read your blog.
Use Forums
Forums can be used in the same manner. Forums are a great opportunity to introduce yourself and gain more exposure for your blog.
You can start your own in-depth discussions that relate to your blog posts or add to existing threads to establish credibility.
Contribute Articles to Established Blogs
You can also ask to be a guest blogger on more well-known sites. These sites already have large audiences.
Writing for these sites will get your name on the map so reader interest in your blog will be piqued. These are readers who may never have found you otherwise.
Use Social Media
Social media can also be helpful when you’re trying to build an audience. Like blogs and forums, commentary on relevant topics on social platforms is a great way to be seen by many people.
Publish Great Content Regularly
Blogs should never go stale. Once you’ve got readers, keep them interested by consistently publishing quality content.
If you’re not regularly posting, your readers will stop coming.
Stay informed about all the latest news and developments relating to your niche. Pay attention to trends, reader interests, and frequently discussed topics. This will give you plenty of ideas on what you should be posting.
Your blog content should always be relevant to your chosen niche. It should be helpful, well-written, and up-to-date. It’s also a great idea to include links within your post so readers can find additional information on specific things you mention.
Keeping your content fresh will also keep your rankings higher with search engines. This means your auto blog will be closer to the top of search results and easier to find.
Start Your Own Auto Blog
You’ve got the knowledge and the passion. Now share it with others by posting great content on your own blog.
It will take time for your blog to grow in size and popularity, but in time you’ll have a wealth of information for those who follow you and you’ll be recognized as an expert.
Explore our articles for more information on blogging sites and platforms so you can get your blog going right away.