Unlike an ordinary blogger, a professional blogger’s motivation is to make money blogging. The path you take to reach your ultimate goal will differ from person to person.

What are Goals?

Before we continue, it’s important to define a goal and the types of goals. The Oxford Dictionary defines a goal as “Point marking end of race; object of effort or ambition; destination;”

I would define a goal as the objectives that you want to achieve or obtain in the future. One where you develop a plan to take you to where you want in the future. Essentially, it’s a statement of intent.

There are two types of goals:

• Short-term goals: A short-term goal considers the time period from the immediate future to 6 months ahead from the present.
• Long-term goals: A long-term goal considers the time frame of at least 6 months and beyond.

Bloggers should be more concerned with setting short-term goals.  While it’s good advice to set both a short-term and long-term goal, blogs/bloggers will often deviate in direction from the originally chosen path due to arising situations in our environment.

Why Should I Set Goals for my Blog?

Those of you who have studied psychology will be well aware that the human psyche is driven by goals. Bottom line: People with goals achieve more than those without goals.

Take the time to ponder about at least one successful business man or women, politician, or sports personality that has become successful as a result of setting a goal.

Actually, the professional blogging world is no different.  For example, take a look at Darren Rowse of ProBlogger.net.  His story is no different.  In fact, his published article discussing his blogging career clearly outlines the goals that he set to become a full-time professional blogger.

Holding on that previous thought, do you think that any of these individuals could have been as successful with out a clear plan of intent?  Doubtful.

1. As mentioned and for more emphasis, those with goals are more likely to achieve their goals than those without clear-cut goals.
2. It goes without saying that if you know exactly what it is that you want to achieve, it is far easier to achieve it than if you are vague.
3. Remember I defined a goal as “developing a plan”? Well, those with a clear action plan will find it easier to achieve their goals.
4. A few studies have shown that those with set goals have better health and relationships.

Setting Realistic Goals

At a convocation speech during Fresher’s “Welcome Week” at University (many years ago), I learned a great technique/methodology for setting my own goals.

The SMART model:

• Specific: Your goals should outline specifically what it is what you want to achieve.  Your goal’s outline should be in-depth and detailed.  If you told a friend or family member about your goals, would they understand your intent without asking any further questions?  A goal of “I would like to receive 1000 page views to my blog in 6 months” is more specific than, “I would like to rake in more visitors.”
• Measurable: Are your goals quantifiable?  Is there a metric by which you can measure them?  Will you be able to determine when it is that you have achieved your goal?
• Achievable: Determining if a goal is achievable can be quite difficult - it’s easy with hindsight. A blogger should ask, “What is the cost in attaining the goal?”  This cost could be in terms of money, effort, or time.  Then ask yourself, “Do I have the resources available to complete the goal?”
• Relevant: Is the goal relevant to you and what you are trying to achieve?  Can you see yourself finding the motivation to complete your goal?
• Timed: All goals need a start and end date.  Are these goals Achievable within the set time-span?

Review your Goals

Review your goals on a consistent basis; this could be every week, or every month.  Reviewing your goals will not only allow you to track your progress, but it will motivate you too.

Stick to your guns - keep to your goals even if you feel further on down the line that your goal cannot be achieved within the set time-span.  Some might recommend otherwise, yet I have found that I lose focus once I start performing alterations.

Setting your own goals

Regardless of whether you are new to the blogging world or are an established blogger.  I encourage you to take the time to set your own goals.

Some ideas for setting your own goals:

1. Achieving a certain number of page views.
2. Acquiring a higher ratio of pages/visit.
3. Earning a certain monetary amount per month.