Don't overdo any element on your website, such as advertising or keywords. If you do this, you'll wind up getting flagged by search engines, which can prevent all your hard work from paying off. Let your prose flow smoothly and naturally.
A great way to increase traffic to your own blog is to leave comments on other blogs. Google Reader allows you to organize your blogs by folder. Make a folder for the blogs you most want to follow so that you can find them when you want them. Comment on these regularly, when there is something you want to divulge.
Don't copy anything at all. You will absolutely ruin your reputation if you steal anything from anyone else, including your design elements, copy or graphics. Successful blogging is more about displaying your passion for your subject than writing like a professional.
Blog about things people care about. Everybody does chores like cleaning the house and washing the laundry. Most readers aren't going to be interested in reading about these chores. Of course, if you can present a unique spin on doing chores, go for it. Choose topics that will make visitors feel involved, intrigued, or intent on reading further. Your goal is to have a unique idea that will cause people to come to your blog and stay.
If you are dedicated to content creation and optimizing your blog, you will see success. Now that you have an understanding of what it takes to start a blog, go ahead and get started on your journey. Your final destination is your decision.
