We all know that blogging is one of the most popular forms of communication on the Internet. Anyone who has spent time on the Internet over the past few years has watched blogging evolve from the simple act of jotting down a few personal notes to share with friends, into a sophisticated marketing and information-sharing tool. So, now you’ve decided it’s time to jump into the blogging world with both feet. However, there are some important things to know before you get out there and blog.
First, consider your audience. What is the purpose of your blog and what type of reader do you want to attract to your blog? Reach out to your readers by writing in a conversational and natural voice. Avoid the use of long, complicated words that will force your readers to stop and look up definitions. Use the same language that you would use when you talk to friends or co-workers, but avoid being too casual or using slang words. Relax and let your personality and perspective on life shine through your words. This will help you when you write future blogs, because you won’t have to worry about having to force yourself into writing consistently with a style that isn’t your own. Your natural writing voice will be your natural writing style, so it will come easily each time you write.
Write clearly and concisely. Don’t add a lot of unnecessary fluff or drawn out descriptions. Cut the fat, but don’t omit the most important points that, if left out, will hopelessly confuse your reader. Stick to the story to keep it flowing smoothly. Write honestly and with authority. You will attract a loyal following of readers if they can depend on you for interesting information, written in a candid and inspirational manner.
Always use a spelling and grammar checker. Better yet, have someone else proof your work. When I worked as an editorial assistant, it was mandatory to check each other’s work, because we all knew how hard it is to spot your own mistakes.
Write a title for your blog that is short, but grabs your reader’s attention. Don’t write titles that ask questions, or use qualifiers, such as words like very and great. Compose a title that will make your reader want to read more.
Keep paragraphs short and use subheadings if your content allows it. Bulleted lists are also a way to organize information. When a person reads from the computer screen, they have a tendency to skim down the screen rather than read across it, word for word, as they do with the printed page.
We hear a lot about keywords these days. If you plan to blog in order to attract people to a particular site, for example, a business site, consider the use of keywords. They should be included in the title of the blog and added sparingly to the content. Avoid overusing them, because it will be obvious to both your readers and to search engines, which will spit them out for too much keyword density.
Another blog component that deserves some attention is the use of links. Be careful not to use too many links. Don’t send your reader to another web page with a link, so that they have to find their way back to finish your blog. Most readers simply won’t bother and you’ll lose them for good. Have the link open in a separate web page, so the reader can view it later.
Last, and most important, never plagiarize. Decide what you want to write and draw up an outline. Conduct enough research to you know your topic well enough to write authoritatively. Then write what you know. If you must use someone else’s information, give them credit for it in your blog. It is just not worth it. Besides, how can you take pride in your blog if you didn’t even write it? Be wise and use your own words.
Enjoy writing your blog. If you love writing it, people will love reading it. Don’t stop writing, because they’ll be back for more and before you know it, you’ll have a loyal audience of readers.