How does running a blog work?

[Mog123]

I was thinking of trying my hand at blogging sometime. Now, I know that it's not just about writing the content, but also running the blog itself (what's this I hear about ads and traffic and whatnot?). This being said, I have a few things to ask

1) what dictates a blogs popularity? (anything else other than the writing?)

1) how does one promote their blog, or make it more popular?

3) how does one maximize the efficiency of their blog?

4) what are the most common problems encountered by new bloggers?

Thanks so much!

[Oscar]

My best advice would be, to remember that it's a marathon not a sprint.

[Mimosatree]

1. How many subscribers and comments you have.

2. People promote their blog different ways such as: using social media, participating in forums (many forums allow you to have a signature and people put their blog url there. Keeping your blog flowing with good content. Networking with fellow bloggers by visiting their blogs and leaving quality comments. Adding their blogs to blogging directories and participating in blogging communities.

3. Keep your blog updated and maintained.

4. Getting traffic to their blogs.