How to develop blogging skills smartly

How to develop blogging skills?  There are numerous ways however, it’s best to choose a smarter approach.  Read my article to see the different crucial skills you benefit from.

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My blogging skills developed over the years.  More precisely, I’ve been at it for 7 years so far.  My learning consists of both formal and more informal means.

Develop blogging skills 

Blogging is often seen as a rather informal activity.  It can start as a hobby, and turn into a side hustle.  Bloggers can even go further and take it up full-time.

Types of skills that support you:

• Language
• Digital Marketing 
• Coding 
• Writing
• Vlogging
• Graphic Designing
• Technical
• Administrative

This list includes all types of learning needs.  Some can be educational, rather gained from university academic studies.  On the other hand, others are more through experience.  Either way, only by applying them, will your blogging gain.

Even when monetization exists, the activity can be considered more informal.  On the other hand, corporate jobs are given more formal recognition.  Bloggers tend to be self-employed, although with taxation obligations.

Do you generally need education or experience in life, or both? When it comes to blogging skills, you don’t need any formal education to join it.  Some learning can be formal, while much of it, is informal.  

Academic side

There are numerous course topics that can count as part of academic studies.  These can support bloggers with better skills.  My business degree did provide an edge, as far as digital marketing and finance skills are concerned.

General examples are:

• Language
• Digital Marketing 
• Coding 

Although formal qualifications in such subjects aren’t necessary to start blogging, they help.  Alternatively, you can always choose to develop them informally.  A combination of both can be advantageous.

Language 

Language skills can be honed, without a degree.  Use grammar and spell check as well.  Always proofread your work.

Digital Marketing 

If you monetize your site, you’re into digital marketing.  Be it running ads, affiliate marketing, or selling your products.  You can learn what works along the way.  However, having a relevant qualification can put you steps ahead right from the start.

Coding 

I wish to highlight that coding isn’t a must with user-friendly platforms around.  Many if not most bloggers perhaps aren’t skilled in coding.  However, some choose to go a few steps further and learn it.

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Experience side

The practical side of skill building is the informal ways.  You learn continuously, sometimes even without realizing it.  It’s part of life, and happens with blogging too.

I watch YouTube videos, see Instagram posts, and even read other blogs.  I followed industry leaders on social media, subscribed to their newsletters, and attended webinars.  These are all examples of day-to-day informal learning.

Writing 

The art of writing can be learned through courses.  You can also hone it through experience.  Feedback from your ideal readers helps to improve.

I rather learn through practice and feedback.  I also keep my writing style natural, original, and genuine.  EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) is crucial for bloggers.

Vlogging

While blogging, prefer to diversify your formats, as far as possible.  It’s important to spread your risks, as you never know when 1 traffic source will let you down.

Although blogging is my primary activity, I make Instagram reels.  It’s interesting and fun.  I also get to reach a larger audience.  You may wish to read my other post on books vs videos (which is also about text versus video formats).

Graphic Designing 

Images enhance your articles.  They illustrate information or embellish, showing your branding.  Readers are more likely to find blogs with relevant graphics interesting.

I mostly use an easy graphic design tool.  I used to add stock photos as a newbie, but find that images with text and graphics work better on my blog.  It’s different for everyone, so experiment.  Having your original photos is often the best, especially if you’re an advanced-level photographer.

Technical

The technical side can be a challenge if you’re not into it.  However, with user-friendly platforms, bloggers need not worry.  Even self-hosted sites use plugins to make your life easier.

My current blogging platform is managed, making it simple to use.  However, I’ve had experience with self-hosting as well, and it was relatively easy.  It’s worth noting that going for the latter is a better choice, as you have more control over your website.

Administrative 

Security, compliance, and financial reporting are part of administrative tasks.  The first 2 have plugins to support bloggers.  You can also buy legal templates from professional lawyers.

As far as your accounting and revenue declaration is concerned, it depends on the country you’re in.  You can be required to have an accountant or instead have the option to handle it on your own if you prefer.

Another administrative task that I have is analyzing my blog stats. Based on the insights, I prepare monthly reports. This helps me make better decisions to meet my set goals.

Learning strategy for goals

Self-improvement and learning are part of progress toward success.  You may choose to take paid courses or learn through free resources.  Paid options normally bring faster results.  However, free resources may take more time, but also support you.

When it comes to formal or informal skill-building, both are handy.  If you want a certificate, then paid courses are best.  I have a combination of both types.  You may read more about Skills for goal achievement in my other post.

Conclusion 

Develop blogging skills smartly, working smarter.  Do so at your pace, either through formal, informal methods, or both.  Online courses are a handy means and at your convenience.

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Editor’s Note: This blog article has been updated on 15 October 2025 better accuracy and comprehensiveness.