Books to Help you be a Better Blogger

Sometimes all it takes is a book to teach you something you need or want to learn. You don’t have to pay for an expensive class or a coach. Just pick up a book. That’s true of blogging, too, and, in today’s post, freelance writer Beth Bauer (@JourneyofBethB) provides a shortlist of books that will help you become a better blogger. Happy reading!

It’s a rare writer that enters the blogging world with the intent of the blog becoming a business and livelihood. Most start half-heartedly, thinking it will be an easy and fun hobby.

Maybe you can relate.

Fast forward a few months or years later, and these hobby bloggers become painfully aware of what they don’t know. And blogging requires that you learn so much—from technology to marketing to writing style. Plus, blogging is a continually changing business that requires bloggers stay up to date on trends and continuously improve their skill level.

While you can take courses, hire an expert, or enlist a coach, you can also continually improve as a blogger simply by reading books. Here are a few books to help you be a better blogger.

Be a Better Blogger by Steven Wartenberg

This book provides 22 useful tips on how to write better blog posts. Wartenberg is an award-winning journalist, freelance writer, blogger, and podcaster who has blogged for many different organizations. It’s an easy uncomplicated read that will give you some handy pointers for becoming a better blogger.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Yes, I know this book isn’t about writing specifically, but anyone striving to up their game professionally or personally should read this book. My boss gave me a copy of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People on my first day as a new manager. It resonated with me then and is my go-to book for finding balance and focus. It puts the complexities of life into context and will help you be a happier human.

Stephen Covey is an internationally renowned leadership authority and bestselling author. The 7 Habits has sold more than an astounding 10 million copies and is the benchmark for individuals, families, and businesses around the world wanting to improve their lives.

WordPress To Go by Sarah McHarry

If you’re using or planning on using WordPress for your blog and want to get better at it, this is the book for you. Sometimes learning WordPress can feel overwhelming, but this guide for newbies is a complete manual for starting a WordPress blog, installing themes, plugins, and much more. I always recommend this book to anyone new to blogging and WordPress.

Likable Social Media by Dave Kerpen

There are plenty of books about using social media to grow your blog, but only a few truly stand out from the rest, and this book is one of them. It teaches you how to engage your audience to create an irresistible brand.

How To Write Great Blog Posts That Engage Readers by Steve Scott

This booklet is a quick read and contains helpful suggestions on how to better engage your readers. If you’re looking for effective tips on writing great content that will encourage your audience to share and comment, this is it!

How to Blog a Book by Nina Amir

Of course, if you want to turn your blog into a book—as you blog or after you’ve been blogging for a while, you’ll want to pick up a copy of How to Blog a Book, which was written by the founder of this blog. While the focus is on going from blog got book, it’s been called one of the best books about blogging on the market.

Blogging isn’t a one-and-done type of career. It requires constant work and dedication. As Covey tells us, we have to “sharpen our saw.” That means continually working to improve your blogging skills. These books will help you on your journey to being a better blogger. Take your time reading them, and be sure to implement what you learn. You’ll find doing so well worth your effort.

What books do you recommend for improving your blogging skill? Tell me in a comment below. And if you enjoyed this post, please share it on social media or with other writers or bloggers.

About the Author

Beth Bauer is a freelance writer, travel blogger, yoga instructor, and entrepreneur currently working on her third novel. She has traveled to over 20 countries in just the last two years and enjoys life as a digital nomad. She is originally from the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.A., and when she’s home lives on the Long Beach Peninsula with her dog, Ozzie.

Photo courtesy of Kzenon