It took me approximately 12 hours to overhaul my blog and transform it to this current version.

I chose to go with the Arthemia Premium WordPress Theme because I liked the layout structure.

I also installed a number of plugins, all were free plugins except one.

If you look on the top right, you’ll see a subscription form where you can enter your e-mail address. I’m using the free FeedBurner E-mail Subscription system (which is now owned by Google).

What the Feedburner system does is e-mail you at a specified time whenever the blog is updated.

You will not receive any e-mail if there are no updates.

And the good thing about this system is 1) it’s FREE and 2) my blog subscribers will not be e-mailed more than once a day as FeedBurner will consolidate all posts made within the last 24 hours.

If you have a blog, I highly recommend you headover to FeedBurner and get a free account (sign-in with yout Google ID) so you too can install this system on your blog.

It is a terrific way to update your blog readers and… hey you can’t beat FREE!

I’ve also added a Google Friend Connect widget on my blog. If you have a Google Account (who doesn’t have one nowadays?),  you can connect with me using Google Friend Connect.

Last but not least, you’ll notice I added links from my blog to my FaceBook and Twitter profiles using two attractive glossy icons that I found while searching the web. These icons are free to use and swipe… so be my guest :p

And speaking of Twitter, my good friend Alvin Phang recently launched an awesome system called Twitter Online System, which comprise step-by-step video tutorials and a viral Twitter system that literally puts your Twitter marketing on autopilot.

I’ve learnt quite a bit of very clever Twitter strategies from Alvin and I highly recommend you check out his Twitter Online System.

Do let me have your feedback regarding my new blog theme and layout!

Fabian

Blogging is IN!

And it’s here to stay!

Blogs are easy to set up and use.

And you can create a good blog by writing out the thoughts that roam in your mind and presto – and you’ll be blogging like a pro before you even know it!

Here are 7 essential habits you should develop if you want to be a highly effective blogger:

Blogging Habit #1 – Determine Your Purpose

Highly effective bloggers blog with a clear purpose in mind.

So decide on a purpose for your blog.

Blogs exist to filter information, organize business information, share news and profitable content, establish professional identities and bonds, discuss social issues, or muse about life in general.

Beginning in a focused manner is one of the best ways to start a blog.

And knowing your ‘mission’ will help you accomplish more with your blog.

Blogging Habit #2 – Define Your Audience

Highly effective bloggers understand their target audience.

Their wants, needs, likes and dislikes, and possible reactions and responses.

So always reflect on your anticipated audience.

You conduct yourself differently with friends than you will with professional associates, strangers, customers, or family members.

Knowing who you’re writing to beforehand, allows you to adopt acceptable and appropriate tones in your blog journals.

Blogging Habit #3 – Blog With Passion

Blog with passion!

And the best way to achieve this is to write on a topic you are most passionate about.

And the more you’re passionate about a topic, the more it’ll show in your writing.

Remember, a blog is the place for voicing opinions – Your Opinions!

So, engage your readers with a passion and make your writing interesting.

Blogging Habit #4 – Blog Frequently

Highly effective bloggers understand the importance of blogging frequently.

Your aim, as a blogger, is to get interested readers to return to your site to see the latest scoop, what’s new and what’s not, the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’.

To this end, aim to post several times a week.

If not, at least once a week.

Frequent posting creates dialogue that invites your readers to return to your blog.

It will increase the ‘stickiness’ of your blog i.e. the ability to attract returning visitors.

And they’ll keep coming back if they like what you write about.

Blogging Habit #5 – Blog Honestly

Credibility counts, so be honest.

Respect your audience and all bloggers.

Words can live forever on the net so be courteous too.

Manners never go out of style.

Ethics and integrity are necessary and keep your own standards high.

So stick to them!

Blogging Habit #6 – Encourage Interactivity

Blogs should not be a ‘one-way’ communication tool.

As far as possible, always encourage feedback by encouraging your readers to comment on your blog postings.

Allow your readers to air their own views.

Whether or not they agree with you.

Turn your blog into a virtual community and platform for exchanging of ideas, views and opinions.

Blogging Habit #7 – Link to Other Blogs

Highly effective bloggers understand the importance and value of linking.

Linking to other blogs allow your readers to expand their realm of knowledge and experience beyond what you can offer.

Because you want your readers to have more than a ‘single’ opinion of the topic in question.

And readers will appreciate your openness and reward you through return visits to your blog.

Bloggers actually amplify each other’s voices when they cross-link with each other, forming a grassroots network of information sharing that can form social alliances.

Most blog audiences start with small numbers, but with frequent and regularly scheduled updates, your audience should grow.

Put into practice these 7 blogging habits and transform yourself into a highly effective blogger starting today!

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Fabian Lim is CEO, Asia Internet Academy and Internet Marketing Singapore
Visit his website at Asia Internet Academy and Internet Marketing Singapore
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