When you’re starting up a blog, there’s one thing you need to do – and far too many don’t.

Read them!

I’m not talking about being a fan of blogs – although if you’re NOT interested in them, then doing a blog yourself will put you at a serious disadvantage (somewhat like being a Wine Grower and member of Alcoholics Anonymous at the same time).

I’m talking about getting the lay of the land, and reading (and bookmarking) blogs that are similar to the ones you’re planning.

There are several good reasons for that:

• Blogs can inspire. Some of my posts have been set off by other’s blogging. If nothing else, reading a post may get you thinking about a topic (this post was prompted by reading others about commenting, believer it or not).
• Blogs can help target. If you’re in a specific field, reading similar blogs can let you now what others are writing about – and interested in. It’s cheap market research.
• Blogs can focus you. I often find myself reading a blog and wondering why that post got written – or if anyone really cares about it (or reads it). The result is I become more determined to stayed on topic and focused. Nothing like seeing a car wreck – and deciding to drive slower.

I recommend a short list of blogs to start, on the topic you’re planning. Read them, and ask yourself if they ‘grab’ you. Try to write like the good, and avoid the bad.

And keep reading – and blogging.