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Born to Blog: Building Your Blog for Personal and Business Success One Post at a Time
Born to Blog is filled with practical, street-smart techniques and ideas to help you create and manage a winning business blog. Learn how to attract a loyal following, promote your blog, and write powerful content that generates new business. "If your dream is to launch a business or publish a book, then read Born to Blog! You'll realize the blogger way is your fastest path to success." -- MICHAEL STELZNER, founder of Social Media Examiner and author of Launch " Born to Blog makes blogging accessible and fun for anyone. Read it, use it, and watch your business grow." -- JAY BAER, founder of Convince and Convert and coauthor of The Now Revolution "Read this book, then go blog like you were born to do so." -- JASON FALLS, founder of Social Media Explorer and coauthor of No Bullshit Social Media and The Rebel's Guide to Email Marketing "Blogging beginners and seasoned pros alike will find valuable advice they can put to use immediately." -- LEO WIDRICH, cofounder, Buffer
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
114 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 12, 2015
If you're a novice, beginner, starting a blog in a new market, this might be the book for you.
As it is, though, I've been blogging for half a decade. Much of the advice in Born to Blog feels like rehashed advice, stuff I already know.
That said, if someone asks me how to start, I'll hand them this book, recommend they read it, and then suggest we get together to discuss how to apply it to their situation. There's no way to beat experience, but this can help provide a lay of the land for getting started.
As it is, though, I've been blogging for half a decade. Much of the advice in Born to Blog feels like rehashed advice, stuff I already know.
That said, if someone asks me how to start, I'll hand them this book, recommend they read it, and then suggest we get together to discuss how to apply it to their situation. There's no way to beat experience, but this can help provide a lay of the land for getting started.
July 1, 2013
"Born to Blog" is a straightforward, concise guide to starting and maintaining a blog that's geared more towards the beginner than the intermediate/advanced user (though it's still helpful to keep their tips in mind for the latter). It has tips on how blogging can be useful for one's business as well as illustrates examples of how businesses and personal blogs have gained readers over writing about subjects they were passionate about. It also covers the basic pros and cons of what services to use for blogging and how to engage and maintain readerships with blogging over time. I did like the organization and format for this book - it was easy to understand and gain perspective from the contributors and their tips to keep plugging away at the measure. I did disagree with one assertion saying that bloggers aren't "writers." Considering a large part of what you do as a blogger is write, you HAVE to be able to love writing and keep yourself on your toes with generating content and things you're passionate enough to write about in your blog. I would agree on the level of that you don't have to be the *best* writer to jump into blogging, you'll get better at the measure the more you do it and the more you try different things. I picked this book up to see if there were things I could do to help my blogging habits (I maintain a blog with variant content, mostly about books, but also blogging about various media, health/wellness, and writing.) It was definitely an interesting resource to peruse and I thought it was quite helpful. I think people who are just starting with the measure will likely get more out of this.
Overall score: 3/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher McGraw-Hill.
Overall score: 3/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher McGraw-Hill.
March 1, 2013
My opinion: As an MBA level marketing/business development executive for over a decade, I have been aware of the importance of blogging in an organization's Marketing/PR toolbox. The days of simply throwing up a website, maybe a couple of ads on television or in the print world or developing some brochures are gone. Consumers are getting much more savvy and demanding more from the companies they buy from. Because of this, I have chosen to write this review from the perspective of the business world. Blogs are becoming more and more common. I am seeing them pop up everywhere from Fortune 500 companies to health (hospital) systems to mom and pop businesses.
In a world where business is getting more and more competitive, companies must be looking for new ways to draw consumers to their organizations. Blogs are a perfect tool for doing so without the formality or cost of a website, print/television advertisement or printed brochures. I like to call blogs "fireside" chats. Through education, organization happenings and/or success stories business a chance to get human with their customer base. Furthermore, blogging offers the business one more chance to be visible to consumers. The authors beautifully lay out the tools, tips and tidbits for doing this.
I must say that I truly enjoyed the conciseness that the authors had written with. The book was laid out in very simple terms and got to the point very quickly. My favorite part of the book? The take actions, of course! The authors put verbs in their words to make the blogger successful in their endeavors. As businesses look to this, that conciseness in how to get it done becomes very important.
Now, did I agree with everything in the book. No, I didn't. I do think there is a difference in objectives between personal blogging, blogging for business and what the audiences expect. I feel that the audiences the bloggers are trying to connect with need to be as respected as the blog itself. I felt the authors tried to combine the two worlds. Enough to tell you not to buy the book? Nah, I think a prudent business person will be able to take what they need and leave the rest. I must admit that I feel that these books could and should have been separated into two different books. Why I personally choose to blog is totally different than why as a business owner I blog. The needs, expectations and expected outcomes are totally different. One other point that I felt was either totally missed or glossed over is identifying best practices in blogs that are being produced in the area of business or interest and looking at what makes these blogs successful.
One must not take lightly that, although blogging is an important tool, it is a timely and creative tool that can't be taken on by the faint of heart. Blogs that are dry, boring and lack that human touch can be just as detrimental to a business as those that don't blog at all!
In a world where business is getting more and more competitive, companies must be looking for new ways to draw consumers to their organizations. Blogs are a perfect tool for doing so without the formality or cost of a website, print/television advertisement or printed brochures. I like to call blogs "fireside" chats. Through education, organization happenings and/or success stories business a chance to get human with their customer base. Furthermore, blogging offers the business one more chance to be visible to consumers. The authors beautifully lay out the tools, tips and tidbits for doing this.
I must say that I truly enjoyed the conciseness that the authors had written with. The book was laid out in very simple terms and got to the point very quickly. My favorite part of the book? The take actions, of course! The authors put verbs in their words to make the blogger successful in their endeavors. As businesses look to this, that conciseness in how to get it done becomes very important.
Now, did I agree with everything in the book. No, I didn't. I do think there is a difference in objectives between personal blogging, blogging for business and what the audiences expect. I feel that the audiences the bloggers are trying to connect with need to be as respected as the blog itself. I felt the authors tried to combine the two worlds. Enough to tell you not to buy the book? Nah, I think a prudent business person will be able to take what they need and leave the rest. I must admit that I feel that these books could and should have been separated into two different books. Why I personally choose to blog is totally different than why as a business owner I blog. The needs, expectations and expected outcomes are totally different. One other point that I felt was either totally missed or glossed over is identifying best practices in blogs that are being produced in the area of business or interest and looking at what makes these blogs successful.
One must not take lightly that, although blogging is an important tool, it is a timely and creative tool that can't be taken on by the faint of heart. Blogs that are dry, boring and lack that human touch can be just as detrimental to a business as those that don't blog at all!
June 7, 2019
These authors share their extensive blogging experience in an accessible, relatable manner. My favorite parts were the quotes:
"Passion is the 'secret sauce' for powerful blogging."
"Influence has been democratized. We are all born to blog." [everyone has a story to tell]
"You may never really know when your words are making an impact."
"Tenacity, commitment, patience, and the courage to keep going make the difference in blogging success" This is my favorite quote because everybody can dig up these qualities from within. It doesn't say beauty, money, popularity, or talent."
"Now what are you waiting for? Write." Best last words in a blogging book!
"Passion is the 'secret sauce' for powerful blogging."
"Influence has been democratized. We are all born to blog." [everyone has a story to tell]
"You may never really know when your words are making an impact."
"Tenacity, commitment, patience, and the courage to keep going make the difference in blogging success" This is my favorite quote because everybody can dig up these qualities from within. It doesn't say beauty, money, popularity, or talent."
"Now what are you waiting for? Write." Best last words in a blogging book!
June 6, 2013
I have been blogging on Rebecca Reads for more than four years now, but I still feel like a newbie when it comes to my new blog, Line Upon Line, which focuses on my homeschooling and education journey and promotes products, both free and paid, in the blogosphere. I found Born to Blog by Mark Schaefer and Stanford Smith (McGraw Hill Professional, 2013) to be helpful in recognizing that a blog cannot do everything. Rather, blog writers must find their style within their niche category. By using their own strengths, they can write stellar and interesting blogs.
Most of the information in Born to Blog is self-evident, and yet I found myself actually taking notes as I read of things that I want to improve about my new blog. First, I must find my purpose. As I read the book, I found myself rethinking what I wanted that blog to be. My problem with it at the moment was I have not focused. Was it to be a compilation of resources? Or a educational site for how to information? I feel I have a better idea what I want my main focus to be, and I look forward to better developing ideas, writing regularly.
As you approach blogging you must determine what your strengths are. When I look at Rebecca Reads and consider where I’ve been in the past and where I want to go, I’ve decided I really like the book reflection posts the best of all: I love revisiting what I’ve read in the past by rereading the posts on here. Although I’ve tried other types of posts, those are the ones I like the most, and that’s where I’ll keep writing. My purpose on Rebecca Reads has shifted too. Since I am transitioning to the role of homeschooling parent as well as a part-time job by creating educational products for teachers, I do not have as much time to devote to reading other books blogs. But that’s okay, because I’ve determined my purpose is different from what it was four five years ago, when I really needed that community as a new stay-at-home mom half-way across the world in Australia, far from family and friends.
Now I’ve got my hands full. And working on a new, profitable blog is quite fun. If you are interested in homeschooling and educational resources, come check it out!
Note: I received a digital review copy from the publisher for review consideration.
Most of the information in Born to Blog is self-evident, and yet I found myself actually taking notes as I read of things that I want to improve about my new blog. First, I must find my purpose. As I read the book, I found myself rethinking what I wanted that blog to be. My problem with it at the moment was I have not focused. Was it to be a compilation of resources? Or a educational site for how to information? I feel I have a better idea what I want my main focus to be, and I look forward to better developing ideas, writing regularly.
As you approach blogging you must determine what your strengths are. When I look at Rebecca Reads and consider where I’ve been in the past and where I want to go, I’ve decided I really like the book reflection posts the best of all: I love revisiting what I’ve read in the past by rereading the posts on here. Although I’ve tried other types of posts, those are the ones I like the most, and that’s where I’ll keep writing. My purpose on Rebecca Reads has shifted too. Since I am transitioning to the role of homeschooling parent as well as a part-time job by creating educational products for teachers, I do not have as much time to devote to reading other books blogs. But that’s okay, because I’ve determined my purpose is different from what it was four five years ago, when I really needed that community as a new stay-at-home mom half-way across the world in Australia, far from family and friends.
Now I’ve got my hands full. And working on a new, profitable blog is quite fun. If you are interested in homeschooling and educational resources, come check it out!
Note: I received a digital review copy from the publisher for review consideration.
June 15, 2013
Simple, direct, and persuasive. This may just be the book that finally kicks my butt into a serious commitment to write -- a commitment that I've been scared to make for many years. Mark and Stanford make a strong case for putting yourself (or your company) out there, and I found reassurance that *everyone* finds it lonely and scary. They do it anyhow. They give solid guidance on the big picture of how to proceed, but the complete novice will need additional help on some of the finer technical points of establishing and maintaining the online presence. This book will motivate you to get started.
July 18, 2015
This book had some helpful tips for bloggers. Although I did enjoy this book and made a few notes for the future, it was not quite what I was expecting it to be. It was geared more towards business blogging and I was hoping for more about personal blogging. If you are looking for a book to help you build your business's blog then this is the book for you. I plan on re-reading this book in the future and make some more notes.
May 17, 2018
There are some timeless tips in this book, as well as a discussion on the types of skills often found in bloggers, which include: storytelling, dreaming, persuading, teaching, and curation. This took up a good portion of the book. For those who might be corporate bloggers, there is a section in here that deals with some of the good and bad of that. However, much of the book was applicable to any type of blogger, whether personal or professional, monetized or not. Even though the book was published in 2013, there was still a lot of information that is applicable today. I gave it four stars because it did have some information I have not read in previous sources. I didn't give it five because I skimmed several areas of the book and found nothing new for me. It wasn't a complete beginners guide, but it wasn't for those who had tried blogging, either. It was more inspirational than informative. I will give it credit for trying to be a guide for personal AND business instead of just one or the other. I would read from these authors again. Schaefer also wrote The Tao of Twitter.
February 9, 2018
Blogging 101 in your hands
This was a very easy and informative read about blogging in all aspects of the word. From the how's to the why's. Even if you have done your own research and you think you know what blogging is all about the book presents several points that make you dig deeper. I liked how it was tailored towards business blogging to have companies understand the importance of open communication but also made it clear that even when one had a personal blog it should be treated like ones business.
This was a very easy and informative read about blogging in all aspects of the word. From the how's to the why's. Even if you have done your own research and you think you know what blogging is all about the book presents several points that make you dig deeper. I liked how it was tailored towards business blogging to have companies understand the importance of open communication but also made it clear that even when one had a personal blog it should be treated like ones business.
September 14, 2020
It's an easy read. The writing style is honest with an acceptable number references to the authors' own blogs and some other useful references.
I liked the breakdown of the different types of content: Evergreen, Identity, People and Bread and Butter and the further sub-categories of B&B (Instructional, Diagnostic and Proof).
There are enough ideas here to move you from inertia to picking up your pen. If that is what you need, then this book does the job.
I liked the breakdown of the different types of content: Evergreen, Identity, People and Bread and Butter and the further sub-categories of B&B (Instructional, Diagnostic and Proof).
There are enough ideas here to move you from inertia to picking up your pen. If that is what you need, then this book does the job.
June 4, 2024
Informative
I love how succinct this book is about having a well written blog, it makes it easy to understand that it doesn't take special talent just willing to think about what you want and then do it. It covers blogging on the business end to doing personal blogging and how to monetize your blog without turning off readers. This covered everything I needed to know to revamp my dead blog, I highly recommend this book
I love how succinct this book is about having a well written blog, it makes it easy to understand that it doesn't take special talent just willing to think about what you want and then do it. It covers blogging on the business end to doing personal blogging and how to monetize your blog without turning off readers. This covered everything I needed to know to revamp my dead blog, I highly recommend this book
January 5, 2020
So excited about all of the helpful perspectives and useful tips to be a more successful blogger in my business and personally as a writer. While some areas dated the book, largely it was packed cover-to-cover with extremely relevant dos and donts of blogging. Cannot wait to go back through all of my underlines, highlights, and post-it notes and creating a plan for blogging success.
May 3, 2020
I read this for a digital writing undergraduate course. I would suggest it for someone getting into blogging or someone who blogs for a business. It serves its purpose and is short and sweet. It's definitely a quick read with a good amount of personal narrative from the authors.
November 15, 2020
Hay que puro bloguear
Tan joven y tan viejo, el blog sigue siendo una herramienta fundamental de cualquier estrategia de comunicación digital. Feliz y motivado luego de leer Born yo blog
Tan joven y tan viejo, el blog sigue siendo una herramienta fundamental de cualquier estrategia de comunicación digital. Feliz y motivado luego de leer Born yo blog
February 3, 2021
The author guides the reader through a very well structured summary of blogging from start to finish. In addition to hard facts, many personal anecdotes and successful bloggers weigh in on the topics presented.
January 4, 2018
Solid information. Published in 2013, but info still seems relevant. Not much on the technical side, but a lot of good angles to consider when writing.
February 10, 2018
Good explanation of the ins and outs of blogging. How to get started and keep going.
August 12, 2018
Great tips
I now have a clear path to starting my blog, ideas to use to keep it alive, and it has helped set my expectations for growth.
I now have a clear path to starting my blog, ideas to use to keep it alive, and it has helped set my expectations for growth.
September 27, 2018
Great book! Jammed packed with useful info in such short pages.
October 10, 2018
Great read
I learned a lot from the books. It had very actionable steps. I don’t yet have a blog but I plan on starting one soon.
I learned a lot from the books. It had very actionable steps. I don’t yet have a blog but I plan on starting one soon.
July 12, 2019
Basic info but was a good review to get started. Lots of practical tips. The author included lots of advice and examples from different types of blogs and businesses.
July 30, 2019
Great basic tutorial, including the basic concepts of: why blog for your business?
November 2, 2019
Great book for the beginner blogger. Covers a lot of different ways to find your voice and write about what's meaningful to you, attract an audience and build momentum. Worth the read, for sure.
November 30, 2019
Pretty straightforward guide on how to make a blog, what type of content to write given your style, how to track readers and promote
May 5, 2020
I liked how they characterised different blogging styles, and encouraged you to do what fits you best.
May 23, 2022
As I’m looking into starting a new blog I picked this up on a whim. The blog part of it I already knew. But the marketing part was the most useful to me.
June 21, 2022
Found the book elementary enough for new bloggers and filled with ideas for the more experienced ones. A great start to starting a blog.
October 4, 2025
Though this book was written some years ago, a lot of the advice is still relevant. It did labour the point at times but was mostly easy to read and digest the information.
March 19, 2017
Super basic >200 page book that helps newbies at business blogging understand how to interact, produce interesting content unique to their personality and business as well as managing YOUR expectations on your own blog success. A great base to start with.
August 2, 2024
Title: Born to Blog: Building Your Blog for Personal and Business Success One Post at a Time
Author: Mark Schaefer, Smith Standford
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
ISBN: 978-0-07-181117-0
Total pages: 176
Published: 2013
Read and review: 2024
"Born to Blog" by Mark Schaefer and Stanford Smith is kind of a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in blogging, whether for personal fulfillment or business growth. The book begins by addressing the foundational traits of successful bloggers, emphasizing the importance of patience, authenticity, and the willingness to engage with readers. It reassures beginners that with consistent effort, anyone can find their unique blogging voice. The early chapters provide valuable insights into the common characteristics shared by top bloggers, such as being dreamers, storytellers, and teachers.
In the middle sections, Schaefer and Smith go into practical advice on the mechanics of blogging. They cover essential topics like content creation, storytelling, and the importance of maintaining a regular posting schedule. The book also highlights the benefits of blogging, including SEO advantages and building a personal or business brand. One notable aspect is the discussion on creating a minimum viable blog (The idea borrowed by Minimum Viable Product, used in Business and Startup scenes), which allows beginners to start with a basic setup and gradually build upon it as they gain more experience.
The latter chapters focus on advanced strategies to grow and monetize a blog. This includes attracting and nurturing a readership, managing negative comments, and measuring the blog's impact through various metrics. The authors also stress the importance of building a support network with fellow bloggers and utilizing social media platforms to amplify the blog’s reach.
The book is both, an inspirational and also a practical manual. At some places though it’s kind of a dull book if you have any knowledge in blogging, but I’d still recommend it to anyone interested in blogging since it provides kind of a clear roadmap for anyone looking to harness the power of blogging for personal or professional success.
Author: Mark Schaefer, Smith Standford
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
ISBN: 978-0-07-181117-0
Total pages: 176
Published: 2013
Read and review: 2024
"Born to Blog" by Mark Schaefer and Stanford Smith is kind of a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in blogging, whether for personal fulfillment or business growth. The book begins by addressing the foundational traits of successful bloggers, emphasizing the importance of patience, authenticity, and the willingness to engage with readers. It reassures beginners that with consistent effort, anyone can find their unique blogging voice. The early chapters provide valuable insights into the common characteristics shared by top bloggers, such as being dreamers, storytellers, and teachers.
In the middle sections, Schaefer and Smith go into practical advice on the mechanics of blogging. They cover essential topics like content creation, storytelling, and the importance of maintaining a regular posting schedule. The book also highlights the benefits of blogging, including SEO advantages and building a personal or business brand. One notable aspect is the discussion on creating a minimum viable blog (The idea borrowed by Minimum Viable Product, used in Business and Startup scenes), which allows beginners to start with a basic setup and gradually build upon it as they gain more experience.
The latter chapters focus on advanced strategies to grow and monetize a blog. This includes attracting and nurturing a readership, managing negative comments, and measuring the blog's impact through various metrics. The authors also stress the importance of building a support network with fellow bloggers and utilizing social media platforms to amplify the blog’s reach.
The book is both, an inspirational and also a practical manual. At some places though it’s kind of a dull book if you have any knowledge in blogging, but I’d still recommend it to anyone interested in blogging since it provides kind of a clear roadmap for anyone looking to harness the power of blogging for personal or professional success.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews