- Exercise vigorously on a daily basis
- Spend less than twenty minutes per day browsing the Internet
- Throw away your TV
- Read books proven by age
- Use your smartphone sparingly
- Talk to people in your physical presence
- Upon occasion, go where there is no Internet and write something worth reading
by 70 Comments
You forgot “Quit your day job.” and “Consume only enough content to be comfortable writing about it.”
Good tips though. Particularly #1 and #3. #5 is probably necessary, but it’s really gotten to the point where you have to pry the thing out of my hands (more proof that it’s necessary?).
Naw, don’t quit your day job – keep it and enjoy it. There are too many bloggers who quit prematurely.
Well said.
Small but effective list of how to become better blogger! Awesome!
But I think number 1 is too broad. Exercise for writing, exercise in editing, exercise in blog design, or exercise for your body so your mind think clearer.
And I can’t throw away my TV… It’s too heavy…
I was eluding to physical exercise, but you’re right, it’s ambiguous.
The fact that your TV is heavy means you definitely need to throw it away.
I think you mean “alluding”, Martyn.
(I had to do that only, because called out a typo on my blog – love your work, bro!)
@Royur – it could also mean that you have a very OLD TV.
Oh man you’re right Jeff! Thanks for pointing that out. I’m bad about that sort of thing.
Seriously, whenever you see me making a grammer slip-up, tell me. I want to improve.
Become a better blogger is really amazing but I was confused also with the part of throwing away my TV…
You don’t HAVE to throw away your TV Andrew, but it helps clear your life so you can focus on more important things.
Like writing.
Wow…time to get to work
I liked the list! Interesting!
Sometimes we bloggers have a way of complicating the obvious. Time to get back to the basics.
Wow! Real quick! Thank you. I couldn’t agree with you more but I strongly agree!
I have yet to accomplish #2 and #5.
The reason I have deep problems with #2 is because when I start reading something I get obcessed. I usually find myself reading for an hour when I was supposed to just read the evening news. You get the point. I seriously need to work on that.
#5 is easier. I’ll probably do with it what I did with television which is exactly #3.
I like how you change your posts length several times but still conveying your message in the more effective way possible.
Don’t worry, #2 and #5 are difficult; and if you are a fulltime copywriter/marketer/blogger, they’re impossible. It applies mostly to people with fulltime secular jobs who need to spend more time with their families. Yes, Apple makes it very difficult.
I’m a student and I have a need to know a bit of everything, I find that I really learn a lot by browsing the web.
I usually don’t spend a lot of time on sites like facebook or social media websites I much rather prefer reading blogs like yours (no fawning) or Stephen’s blog so I really get something when browsing the web.
And by “Stephen’s blog” which Stephen are you referring to? I’m afraid I missed a piece of the conversation.
Oh right, stupid of me to think there is only one Stephen in the blogosphere. Stephen Guise.
Oh yes! Good old Stephen Guise. We’ve stayed up past one in the morning the past two nights, talking over Skype. He’s a good guy.
Please go on. I’m listening.
LOL
You have just written these points without any proof or logical arguments. In fact I disagree with some of them. Books can be read on net. If one surfs through good sites he’ll surely gain knowledge for blogging. Channels like discovery, history and national geographic are pretty good.
I subscribed to your blog because I loved the design and colour scheme. Will you tell your secret? Did you design the blog on your own? Did you just used a theme or used HTML coding?
If you are incapable of recognizing this blog is growing, I feel no need to offer additional proof or logical arguments. The simple fact is that it works.
I started the design with a premium framework and then edited the graphics, HTML, and CSS until it looked like a unique sandbox.
Did you mean “capable” instead of “incapable”? Couldn’t get you.
No, I said what I meant. Social proof is more powerful than verbal assertion.
So basically what you are saying is that since these tricks worked with one (yours) website therefore they are general. You generalized these ideas only because they worked with one website?
And will you want your readers to stay on your site for only 20 minutes?
Thanks for the info about design. You are a great designer.
They’re not tricks. They’re lifestyle changes that forever change your performance. The worst thing a writer can do is sit in a basement and stare at a white screen.
Good writing requires inspiration, which requiers getting out more. Unfortunately, society has trained us to fit a mold that discourages this – we tend to watch too much TV, spend too much time playing around with our iPad, and neglect getting real work done.
If you were to follow these seven steps, you would be astonished how much better you are at blogging.
Here’s my list:
1. Exercise to write daily.
2. Get so busy that you don’t have time to waste browsing the internet.
3. Throw your TV off a bridge.
4. Read books that are recommended by people that you trust, especially if more than one of them recommend the same book.
5. Turn your smart phone off for long periods of time, particularly when taking your wife on a date.
6. Talk to people in your physical presence, check text messages, calls, and voicemails later.
7. Set up a computer with no internet connection and do your best writing there.
8. Get outside as much as possible such as during lunch breaks and on the weekends. Getting exercise while doing this is even better.
Man I’m envious. This list is cooler than mine. It helps to clarify things. Great job!
Well, it used your list as a starting point, so you get most of the credit.
“7. Set up a computer with no internet connection and do your best writing there.”
This is what allows me to succeed as a blogger. I have an old junker laptop that I take to the library, and I’ve deleted all the games and other timewasters from it. When I sit down in front of it, it’s writing time!
That’s awesome. The shiniest MacBook Air in the world doesn’t hold a candle to that. Nice Dave!
That’s a great idea to delete ALL of the time wasters on a computer.
I learned the trick of having a computer that connect to the internet from an awesome book titled Switch (based on #4 you are now obligated to read this book).
Okay, okay, I’ll read the book. I’ve seen someone else talk about it since our last Skype session. It’s a really good book, evidently.
I’m having second thoughts about Chrome OS. That’s a device of natural distraction. Not a good thing, I don’t think.
Ya, it’s built to keep you connected to the internet, i.e. always easily distracted. I like the battery life, how portable it is, and how quick it boots. I don’t like that it can only be used on the internet. If they build in a feature where you can use Google docs offline, that will make it awesome.
I doubt that’s going to happen. Google’s in the business of distraction. Their business model is ad impressions – the more you click around, the happier their clients.
Dave’s got a good thing going for him. That’s all.
Joseph, I’m thinking your version of #5 could greatly reduce the number of squabbles in my marriage.
Well played.
Ya, it helps a lot. It’s fun to be disconnected for periods of time anyway. That just happens to be one of the best times to do it.
8. Make list posts – seriously, I need to make more than one a year because people love them. Sorry to pretend like I can add to your list without permission. I’m making my own list on the side.
I love #7 – writing with no internet and distractions. The problem I have is that I like to research in tandem with my writing. The answer might be to do a bunch of research beforehand and copy the info down that I need. What do you think?
Yes, you’re exactly right. Figure out what needs research first, go online and take care of it, then go offline to write.
Easy to talk about. Hard to do.
I totally agree with your new number. I only recently started doing list posts, but it’s amazing the difference I’ve seen in traffic, visit length, and visit depth. Now, we’re talking small cookies here, but they’re still bigger cookies than I was used to.
Well, you cannot write 49-word articles every time. Sometimes you have to go a little bit deeper. But as a general rule, list posts do well. The title doesn’t always have to reveal it’s a list post, either.
Sorry, looks like I misinterpreted “list post.” I was in fact referring to more of a “6 Ways Toast Can Save Your Life Today” kind of post. You’re right, the brief list posts are best as a sort of palate cleanser/discussion starter, and should be used sparingly.
I’m pretty amazed how much ground has been covered as a result of this particular 49-word post though.
Having a comment section rich with feedback helps. Without it, short blog posts are dangerously vague.
Thanks Martyn, wonderful tips!
Have a great day,
Aldy.
Amazing how a 7-liner post can be highly relevant. I got to get some of your brain juice Martyn. Don’t you think you got to add an “8.” for “Find the right girl and get inspired?”
Haha nice. That would make a great piece of advice for those older than I.
I wouldnt throw away my TV at any case. In fact, I’d love to have another one around.
I watch TV while exercising (2 in 1), and while I get bored.
We cant blog all day al week all month and all year. We need a break. TV gives me that break. If you love watching TV, watch it as a reward after doing something so well
You mean to say you get bored?!
As long as you watch TV while you’re exercising, that’s okay I guess.
I love how you thought out your list well, and then stood by it, Martyn. So implied in there must be “have the courage of your convictions.”
Along the lines of your #2, I would say that it really helps to try try try not to compare yourself to other bloggers in your niche. There appears to be a direct relationship between the engagement level of my readers & my own autonomy.
Nicole
Good point Nicole. We do our best work when we don’t compare with others. That’s something I need to work on! Congratulations.
Great post, Martyn.I usually do # – exercise, after blogging for a half-hour. Light exercises, no push-ups or abs, then it’s back to work.
Wait a second. If you aren’t doing push-ups or abs, what ARE you doing?
I’ve been running about a mile a day here. It’s working wonders.
#2 and #5 are definitely the tough ones for me on this list. The rest, not so much.
My personal #8. Go where kids won’t bug me:)
Well said.
Just between you and me, I’m *really* bad at #2 and #5. There’s no doubt about it, it’s difficult. But when we find ourselves distracted, an electronic device is usually to blame.
I love how a simple post like this attracts so many comments! Great job
By the way, why do I get all dizzy when I highlight your text? I just now realize that’s how I usually read large chunks of text on my laptop (I’m crazy, I know :p), and somehow I get all confused here.
What are you trying to highlight – the main blog text or the comments?
I can’t believe this got 55 comments.
Haha there’s something to learn here, that’s for sure. Generic title + short post = viral. Weird, isn’t it?
There’s definitely something to learn here. It’s refreshing to read a post that doesn’t try to overdo it, yet still conveys good information. It was also fun to read something short and not need to read a mini-novel.
Congrats on the post.
I’ve been averaging like 800-900 words per post on here. That gets old after a while.
Shorter is almost always nicer.
Hey, I just found your site a few minutes ago, it’s changing me already.
I’m curious, though, did you break the First Rule when writing this post?
Good question! There’s a two-edged answer. It’s true that I wrote these words in less than two hours, but I couldn’t have written it without years of crystalized knowledge. At least, that’s my excuse.
Just found this site. I think this post is terrific! I agree – as a professional in the marketing/social media realm, I find that I’m more creative and usually better at strategy when I step away from my computer screen and try to do so in different ways during the day. Sometimes its as simple as printing out a piece you’re editing rather than qc’ing it in word. Here’s to turning our screens off and our creativity on!
Great comments from others as well!
I hadn’t thought of printing a physical version of a copy project, but that would definitely aid the writing process. The backlit screen isn’t helping things, I’m afraid. Thanks for the insight Kira.
“Throw away your TV.” — Best advise ever.
As far a #3 goes, my TV is at the back of my wardrobe and has been for months but my family watch TV and sadly there’s a huge, ugly looking thing in the living room. #5? Well, the only time I use it is when my mum texts me. I’d love to throw the thing away, actually.
And as a social loser I often have no people in my presence, read many books and would love to go somewhere with no contact to the outside world, be it through internet or phone boxes.
I can ace #1 though. Exercise for the mind, body, penmanship… I have nothing better to do with my day.
Nice list, though. It definately caught my attention with #3.
Heh, it’s always nice to run into people who don’t fit the norm.
At the same time, I was writing this to correct the overly social, not the cave folks. So don’t take anything here too far …
I think I’m going to post this somewhere in my house!
I like that.