Originally Posted by beks001

Is there a specific method/steps and/or tools used to or taken when trying to develop a successful blog? I am doing okay with things but I feel I could be doing much better if I took a different approach. Should I be doing keyword research for every post? What tools should be used and how many words per post make the most sense for SEO? Any advice would be appreciated. Here is what I am doing now:

Choose niche. Find a good domain. Find good sponsors. Write what makes sense. Submit to directories.

I'm missing a big SEO research factor I am assuming. Anyone have a method they are willing to share?