In the course of writing a blog, you’ve likely discovered that it helps to have a nice list of fellow bloggers in your niche to read.  You read them to keep up to date on what they are up to (spying) and also as a way to participate in the community (sucking up).  My reading list is a lot longer than 7 blogs, but these seven are an essential 7.  If you aren’t reading them already, you should be.  In no apparent order:

• 45n5.com – Mark has really risen through the ranks to become one of the better online entrepreneur bloggers around.  He works hard to produce great content, and even though I don’t watch video, he still has plenty of stuff for me to read.  He also seems to be in a very similar place as I am and so it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who isn’t carrying around a 6 figure check.
• Blogging Experiment – This blog was up in the air not too long ago when it’s founder, Ben Cook, decided to sell it.  The new owner, Max, has exceeded expectations and really has added a whole new dimension to the blog.  Well worth the time to read.
• CopyBlogger – If you’re going to be successful as a blogger, you’ll most likely have to know how to write good copy.  That’s where Brian comes in.  He’s quickly become a go-to expert on copywriting.  Read CopyBlogger, you’ll learn something.
• Graywolf’s SEO Blog – Michael Gray might not be a name you’re too familiar with.  He’s a top tier SEO blogger with a great eye for ways to improve your SEO practices.  He doesn’t hold any punches and likes to tell it like it is.  I like that.
• Problogger – If you aren’t reading Darren, there may not be any hope for you.  Problogger is the resource for anyone who wants to become the best blogger they can be.  You’ll find lots of imitators, but there is no one that I’ve found that comes close to the expertise that Darren has.
• ShoeMoney – Jeremy is one of the premier affiliate bloggers.  He’s earned his chops as an affiliate webmaster and is kind enough to share with us on his blog.  He’s another blogger that isn’t going to hold any punches.  At the same time, he comes across as a pretty decent guy.
• The Net Fool – Jim is new to the scene, but already is making big waves.  He’s got a great writing style and is another blogger to keep an eye one.  He’s also another that I see as being close to the same tier as I am, so I read for that purpose as well.

That’s the list.  I’m sure that someone will find a few that they think should be on the list.  I’m always open to suggestions.  As you can see, some of the bloggers are experts and others are getting there.  I read each for a little bit different reason.

Subscribe to their feeds.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.