A BLOG?

Yes. Once quaintly called a "web log" and used like a personal diary... your blog is a different creature now: a web newsreel and think tank; a brand bullhorn at times and a clever, native marketing device.

It's where you create content. Lots of good content.

GOOD CONTENT?

Yes. You don't want no poor writing (or double negatives) anywhere near your blog-- that's an important first point-- but it's more about interest and originality...

Speak to your audience about things that are on their minds, or should be... solve a problem they may have, or entertain them in a unique way or keep them up to date on developments in your area of expertise.

Include pictures and quotes. And mix it up: infographics and short videos do well, review a product or book, write a long authority piece on a subject you know better than the back of your hand. Do original research.

Just write consistently, whether it's a few times a month or every other day... just keep creating good content.

NOPE. WRONG! 

Maybe you're a superstar, and there are throngs of adoring fans waiting for your latest blog post...

But for the rest of us, we need to promote our blogs on the internet! I really can't stress this enough.

You need to drop links where your audience might be hanging out: the various social media are an easy and effective choice, but look further too if you have the energy... guest posting and helpful comments on other blogs, participation in forums like Quora, Facebook groups, community blogging platforms like Medium and so on.

And try to create a handful of unique and intriguing teasers-- to adapt to the different platforms and audiences-- that will make people want to click. These little pieces of copywriting are arguably just as important as the blog posts themselves.