Essential Blogging Rules Every Solopreneur Needs to Know

Hey there, fellow blogger! Ready to make your blog the kind of place people can’t wait to visit?

Thought so. Blogging is an adventure—a mix of creativity, strategy, and maybe a little bit of caffeine-fueled chaos. It’s fun, but let’s be honest—it can also feel like shouting into the void if you don’t have a game plan.

That’s where these seven blogging rules come in. They’re not the kind that stifle creativity (no blog police here!), but they will help you write with purpose, connect with your audience, and actually get results. So grab your favorite beverage—coffee, tea, or something with bubbles—and let’s get into it.

1. Know Thy Audience (and Write Like You Actually Like Them)

Before you start tapping away at your keyboard, let’s get one thing straight: Your blog is for your audience. Not just for you, not for your cat (unless you run a cat blog, in which case—carry on), but for the real humans you want to reach.

When I first started blogging, I made the classic rookie mistake: writing whatever was on my mind, assuming people would just get it. Spoiler alert: They didn’t. Turns out, my deep reflections on the absurdity of office small talk weren’t exactly what my audience was craving. (Don’t worry, my journal gets an earful now.)

Once I shifted my focus to their needs—what they were struggling with, what questions kept them up at night—everything changed. More engagement. More readers. More of that “hey, this was exactly what I needed!” magic.

So how do you figure out what your audience actually wants?

• Create a reader persona. Think of it as designing a character for your blog’s story. What are their interests, struggles, and secret guilty pleasures?
• Hang out where they do. Read their comments, lurk (politely) in Facebook groups or Reddit, ask questions on social media.
• Listen more than you talk. Pay attention to the words they use and the topics they bring up—it’ll help you write in a way that feels like a real conversation, not a lecture.

Bottom line? When you write with your audience in mind, your blog stops feeling like a one-way street and starts feeling like a conversation. And that’s where the magic happens.

2. Research Like a Journalist (or a Really Nosy Friend)

Now that you know who you’re writing for, it’s time to dig into the what. Thorough research isn’t just about making your content sound smart—it builds trust, adds depth, and keeps your blog from being a glorified opinion piece (unless that’s your thing, in which case, carry on).

So, where do you start?

• Google is your BFF. Type in your topic and sift through reputable sources like industry blogs, news sites, and academic journals. (That means skipping Wikipedia as your only source—no shade, but we need more than crowd-sourced knowledge.)
• Facts are your foundation. Stats, studies, and expert opinions add weight to your words. Plus, citing sources isn’t just good etiquette—it keeps you out of legal hot water.
• Think beyond your bubble. Look for different perspectives, even ones you don’t agree with. A well-rounded post acknowledges multiple angles, making you look even more credible.

And please, for the love of good blogging, keep track of your sources. Dropping links to high-quality references not only gives credit where it’s due but also boosts your own search engine credibility.

Bottom line: Good research turns meh content into must-read content. Do the digging. Your readers (and your SEO rankings) will thank you.

3. Outline Like Your Blog Depends on It (Because It Does)

Writing without an outline is like grocery shopping without a list—you’ll wander aimlessly, throw in random things, and probably forget something important. An outline keeps you focused, ensures your post flows logically, and saves you from mid-draft panic.

Here’s how to build one:

1. Start with your main points. These become your subheadings (H2s or H3s).
2. Add supporting details. Under each point, jot down examples, data, or anecdotes.
3. Keep it flexible. Your outline is a guide, not a rulebook—you can tweak it as you write.

Let’s say you’re writing a post on “5 Tips for Better Sleep” (because we all need it):

• Intro: Why sleep matters, common struggles.
• Tip 1: Stick to a consistent schedule (circadian rhythms, benefits).
• Tip 2: Create a bedtime routine (reading, stretching, winding down).
• Tip 3: Optimize your sleep environment (lighting, temperature, comfy bedding).
• Tip 4: Limit screen time before bed (blue light, melatonin, phone alternatives).
• Tip 5: Be mindful of food & drinks (caffeine, alcohol, best nighttime snacks).
• Conclusion: Recap, encouragement to prioritize sleep.

Once your outline is ready, writing becomes a breeze—you’ll know what comes next, and your post will feel structured and polished (instead of a chaotic brain dump).

So before you start typing, take a few minutes to map it out. Your future self will thank you.

4. Write Content People Actually Want to Read

Now comes the fun part—writing! But how do you keep readers from zoning out or, worse, clicking away? The secret: storytelling.

We’re wired for stories. From ancient campfire tales to modern binge-worthy shows, stories hook us, teach us, and make things memorable. So, instead of just throwing out facts, weave them into something people feel.

• Start with a personal anecdote. Have you faced a challenge related to your topic? Learned a lesson the hard way? Share it! The more relatable, the better.
• Use a fictional example. Maybe “Sarah” struggles with setting boundaries at work and ends up overwhelmed. Readers will see themselves in her and be more invested in your advice.
• Paint a picture. Instead of saying “writing engaging content is important,” say, “Imagine clicking on a blog post, getting two lines in, and immediately closing the tab. That’s what we don’t want.”

But storytelling isn’t the only way to engage readers.

• Write like you talk. Drop the formal tone. Write like you’re chatting with a friend over coffee (or wine, no judgment).
• Use “you” and “I.” It makes your writing feel like a conversation, not a lecture.
• Don’t be afraid of humor. A little wit goes a long way in keeping readers hooked.

And remember Maya Angelou’s golden rule:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

So, make them feel something—whether it’s inspired, informed, or just entertained. That’s what makes your content stand out.

5. Make Google Love Your Blog (a.k.a. SEO Basics)

You can write the best blog post in the world, but if no one finds it, what’s the point? That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in.

Now, before you run screaming, SEO isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s just about helping search engines (and real people) find your content.

Here’s how to do it without losing your soul to the algorithm:

• Start with keyword research. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Moz Keyword Explorer to find what your audience is searching for.
• Sprinkle keywords naturally. Stuffing your post with healthy breakfast recipes, easy healthy breakfast ideas, nutritious breakfast options in every other sentence? That’s a hard pass. Instead, weave them in where they fit organically—like your title, subheadings, and throughout the post (1-2% density is plenty).
• Use SEO-friendly formatting. Break up long paragraphs, use bullet points, and add subheadings. This makes your post easier to read (which Google loves).
• Internal and external links matter. Link to other useful posts on your site and to credible sources. This helps search engines understand your content and boosts credibility.
• Optimize your images. Use descriptive file names and alt text (e.g., easy-healthy-breakfast-bowl.jpg instead of IMG001.jpg).

At the end of the day, SEO is about making your content discoverable. If you use it strategically, your blog will attract more of the right readers—without feeling like you sold your soul to an algorithm.

6. Edit Like a Pro (Because Typos Are Not Cute)

Nothing kills credibility faster than a blog post full of typos and clunky sentences. Even the best writers make mistakes, which is why proofreading and editing are non-negotiable.

Here’s how to polish your post before hitting publish:

• Step away from the draft. Give yourself some space before editing. Fresh eyes catch mistakes better.
• Read it out loud. Seriously, this trick works wonders. You’ll catch awkward phrasing, weird rhythm, and sentences that sound good in your head but not on paper.
• Use editing tools — but don’t rely on them. Tools like ProWritingAid or Grammarly can help with passive voice, wordiness, and grammar hiccups. But they won’t catch everything, so always do a manual review.
• Fact-check like a journalist. Double-check stats, names, and links. If you’re referencing a study from 2015, see if there’s a more recent update.
• Format for readability. Break up long paragraphs, add subheadings, and make your post easy on the eyes.

The goal? A clean, polished post that makes you look like the pro you are. Take your time—it’s worth it.

7. Get Your Post Seen (Because If No One Reads It, Did It Even Happen?)

You wrote an amazing post. Now let’s make sure people actually see it.

• Share it on social media (multiple times). Don’t just post it once and hope for the best. Use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule multiple shares with different angles. (Think: a quote from your post, a question to spark engagement, or a bold statement that makes people curious.)
• Use eye-catching visuals. Posts with great images and graphics get more clicks. Canva is your best friend here.
• Engage with other bloggers. Comment on their posts, share their content, and build relationships. Genuine networking can lead to guest post opportunities, backlinks, and new readers.
• Leverage your email list. Send a newsletter with a compelling reason to read your latest post. Bonus: Repurpose parts of your blog post into a mini email series to keep subscribers engaged.
• Ask for backlinks. Reach out to blogs in your niche and see if they’d be open to linking to your post—especially if it adds value to their existing content.

And remember, promotion doesn’t stop after day one. Keep sharing, repurposing, and finding new ways to get your content in front of the right people.

Because an unread blog post? That’s just wasted brilliance.

Your Blogging Journey Starts Now

Phew—that was a lot! But trust me, these blogging rules are game-changers. By creating engaging content, optimizing for SEO, and building genuine connections, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Remember, blogging is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and heart. But with these blogging rules as your guide, you’ll navigate the ups and downs with confidence and creativity.

So go forth and write the content of your dreams. Your audience is waiting, and I can’t wait to see what you create next!