I’ve learned a lot from the glimpses that some of my favorite, big bloggers occasionally give of what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ of a large, successful blog. I’ve noticed a few things that show up repeatedly in how these professional bloggers handle their online presence, and it’s not what you think.

What defines a great blogger is not how often they blog, who designed their website, or how many social media platforms they’re active on. If it was excelling in those areas that guaranteed greatness, I’d be sunk. I can’t blog every day, can’t afford to hire a designer, and am nearly helpless on Twitter. Thankfully, the stuff that every great blogger does is actually small stuff that you and I can start doing today, even with our limited time, money, and experience.

1. Manage Your Inbox

With all the ways to communicate anymore on social media, we forget that email is the most personal. It’s vital that we maximize this aspect of our online presence and manage it well.

• Like a pro…Be prompt and concise when answering emails. If you can answer that email in 2 min., do it immediately. Give yourself a 3 sentence limit if you tend to get verbose (like me)!
• Act Big…Take the time to make yourself a nice email signature. Create a fancy one here, or keep it simple–just be sure to include all your social media links so your recipient can find you easily. Here’s mine:
  Trina Holden
  Blog…trinaholden.com
  Twitter…@TrinaHolden
  Facebook…TrinaRenaeHolden
  Author of Real {Fast} Food…Plan better. Cook Faster. Eat Healthier.
• Be intentional about developing healthy inbox habits. Here are some great tips if you’ve got an overflowing inbox.

2. Manage Your Time

Whether your blog is a ministry or a business, it’s essential that you manage the time you spend on it.

• Like a pro…When you’re blogging, blog. Keep a list of actions you need to take (“write that post”, “research this”, “contact so-and-so”) and check off that list before you lo-gin to Pinterest or chat with friends on Facebook. Don’t mix work or ministry with recreation—stay focused.
• Act Big…Take scheduled blogging breaks. Missionaries get furloughs, executives take vacations—bloggers, too, need to step back occasionally to recharge and get perspective. A daily week off, or week-long break every few months is great. Give yourself permission–you and your vision are worthy of rest.
• Get instant help in the time-management department with Amy Lynn Andrews’ quick book, Tell Your Time.

3. Manage Your Input

You can’t expect to grow or excel unless you are feeding yourself great input.

• Like a pro…subscribe to a few great blogs in your niche or attend a blog conference geared toward your passions.  Be intentional about continuing to learn and don’t undervalue the importance of investing in yourself.
• Act Big…Interact with the bloggers you respect. This blogging thing is all about connecting and relationship. Deepen that relationship by thanking and encouraging those who’ve inspired you. Your voice is not so small that they won’t hear-– everyone needs to be encouraged.
• Go where they are…I’ve found Twitter to be a great place both to see what great bloggers are being inspired by and to leave them a short note of encouragement. If Twitter confuses you as much as it does me, check out Gretchen’s  Twitter 101 series.

Developing your online presence is a process that takes a lot of time and energy. But these are small ideas you can start implementing today to provide a strong foundation and prepare you for future growth.

What would you add to my short list of small habits for successful bloggers? What is YOUR secret, sister?

More from this series by Trina Holden:

This post originally appeared on the Allume blog in 2012.
Read the original comments on the archived version.