10 Tips to Transform Yourself into a Pro Blogger

9 years ago I was a disgustingly miserable, broke, laid-off security guard.

A few months later I was a lost, struggling, newbie amateur blogger, with a “deer in the headlights” look in my confused eyes.

Today I am an island-hopping, Amazon best-selling, pro blogger.

If you are starting to go from amateur to pro I can help you by sharing how I went from unknown blogging bozo to pro blogging dynamo.

Follow these 10 tips to transform yourself into a pro blogger.

1. Know Why

Tie your reason why you blog to something fun and free.

This is tip 1 and step 1 because if you follow your fun and blog your passion you will free yourself – largely – from those stubborn money and traffic outcomes that trip up 8 out of 10 bloggers.

80% of bloggers never make more than $100 online because they blog mainly to get money. When the money doesn’t arrive – and it never does for newbies – the motivator vanishes, so they quit.

The small percentage of bloggers who become pros simply persist through ups and downs, because you will never be shaken out on a dip when your passion, your love of freedom, and your fun carry you through blogging obstacles.

2. Own Your Online Real Estate

Buy your domain and hosting.

Rented blogs are failed blogs. Owned blogs are pro blogs. Or, at least, pro blogs in the making.

Owning a domain on a WordPress.org blog gives you unlimited branding potential which positions you to be a pro blogger.

Amateurs rent. Pros own.

3. Follow 1-3 Pro Blogging Mentors

Darren Rowse. Zac Johnson. Ryan Biddulph (I had to add that).

Follow established pro bloggers. Learn from folks who have been through the wars to cut your learning curve.

4. Create Problem-Solving Blog Posts

Solve problems with each and every blog post.

Create solutions to your ideal reader’s most pressing problems.

Example, since I am a blogging tips blogger I help my readers drive traffic and grow their lists through some of my posts and guest posts. Every single post on Blogging From Paradise is designed to solve your pressing blogging problems.

For practice, write 1000 words daily in a Word document then trash the document. This gives you confidence in your writing and cultivates the habit of detaching from your writing, a critical skill for any blogger to develop.

5. Guest Post

Guest post on top blogs from your niche.

Build bonds with top bloggers by commenting on their blogs and by promoting them through social media and through your blog.

Some big dawg blogging buddies will invite you to guest post even before you reach out to them.

Guest posting leverages your presence stupid fast and also helps you establish a well-known reputation among your target audience.

6. Blog Comment

Comment effectively on top blogs from your niche.

Write a 4 to 6 paragraph, in-depth, thoughtful comment at least once weekly on top blogs in your niche. Doing so expands your presence, builds brand awareness and drives readers to subscribe to your email list.

Blog commenting is the #1 networking activity for newbie bloggers. No barriers to entry. Just share your thoughts for free over a 5 to 10 minute stretch and build a pro rep.

7. Buy a Premium Theme

Buy a premium theme for your blog. Doing so emits a professional, branded vibe.

Spend a few bucks prettying up your brand and blog. Impress readers. Position yourself to be a pro.

8. Hang in Targeted Social Spots

Hang on Facebook Groups and G Plus Communities related to your niche. Help people. Answer questions.

Generous, knowledgeable bloggers are perceived as pros. Even before you become a pro.

Well before I had like zero clout online a small, growing legion of fans flocked to my old blog through social channels. No need to prove you’re making $30 million a year through blogging. Just prove that you care by answering people’s questions.

9. Hang in Niche Specific Forums

Hang on niche specific forums like the Warrior Forum to establish your authority.

Amateurs wait shyly in the background. Aspiring pros ask questions, answer questions and engage other forum members.

Be social. Help forum members. Improve your online visibility. Position yourself to be a pro.

10. Monetize….or Make No Money

It’s funny; amateur bloggers often expect to become pros without monetizing their blogs.

The very definition of being a pro blogger includes earning income through your exploits.

Monetize! From day 1.

Add one income stream every 3-6 months. Learn those streams inside-out. Profit through those streams. Increase your blogging cash flow. Like a pro.

Your Turn

What tips can you add to this list?