Give Your Readers What They Want

Studies suggest that there's up to a quarter of the internet reads blogs –
that's a lot of eyeballs. And on top of that, another study suggests that
there's two blogs founded every minute. Two blogs a minute is 120 blogs
an hour – and nearly 3000 a day. Take that to its logical conclusions and
that's a lot of blogs competing for a less rapidly increasing source of
traffic.
More than that though, blogs are competing for a specific NICHE of
readers – though its true that some blogs will pull in readers from search
engines, blogs still don't have the impact of static sites – and the average
internet user may not know HOW to search blogs – let alone that
http://blogsearch.google.com even exists, so you can't rely on them finding you
UNLESS you are not only good – but one of the best in your niche.
Once you've got the absolute best information in your niche, you can be
sure that you'll attract the right kinds of traffic, and that they'll attract
MORE traffic by referencing you on their sites – bookmarking you, and
more.
Blogging is all about the reader – ultimately, its not about how well you
position yourself, or how strongly you optimise your site – though you can
bookmark yourself, and generate a certain amount of traffic that way – the
best sites have faithful readers that bookmark and discuss the site
independently of ANY input from the site owner (you).
The best blogs are one or a mix of tips and advice, hobby or interest
discussion, technique and connection. When blogging, if you can make a
connection with your reader, then you've won most of the battle.
'Connecting' with your readers is as simple as being personable, and
approachable, and giving people a chance to empathise with you.
Who is your reader?
Thinking about what your reader wants to see lets you work out WHO
your reader is. Which you'll need later too, to advertise your blog
effectively.

So who IS your ideal reader?
Do they have a specific interest, within your niche?
ULTIMATELY, when you know who your reader is, you can plan the
creation of a blog that will fully appeal to any readers you attract. If
you've planned on whom you're targeting, you'll find it far easier to write
content that will continue to satisfy your readers, whilst giving you room
to evolve and plan more content as you grow.
Got all of that sorted out?
Now you can move onto the technical stuff!