A quick rummage through a few Tumblr and Blogger sites confirms the initial suspicion; ANYONE can start a blog. And while many use blogging as a cut and dry, self-indulgent picture post diary, there are those who seek to monetize their contributions through an intriguing, relevant and engaging visitor experience. From page design to individual posts and the silly matter in between, the process involved in making a successful blog takes time, vision and unabashed honesty. In the entry below, we will offer up some insight regarding how to write a blog that people (other than your “crew”) actually want to read.
Features and Elements
Above all else, the most important aspect of your blog is what you say and how you go about saying it. Visitors will continue visiting, and even subscribe, if they have an interest in the subject matter and enjoy your writing style. As such, writers should take care to write posts with a tone that reflects the topic at hand AND the audience your blog intends to reach. Personality is key to ensuring interaction, repeat visits and referrals to your blog from other bloggers who enjoy what you have to say.
Writing Content
Simply put, nobody wants to weed through a text entry that reminds them of an Earth Science syllabus. Making a point to write honestly and openly about the subject at hand will speak to readers on a more personal level than fact listing and rambles. People who are visiting your blog for the first time and do not find a voice to identify with, or are even against, are not likely to return. Therefore, the content you post must be interesting, dynamic, original and provoking.
Best Practices
Though blogging is certainly an area for rule breaking, there are a variety of best practices worth following to ensure optimal traffic and reception. Use as you see fit:
• Graphics – Blogs without pictures are pretzels without salt; no good. While you want to avoid turning your blog into a cluttered picture album, a couple choice images will work to break up the read while holding your visitor’s interest. Choose something tasteful, relevant and grabbing.
• Headline – This is your wakeup call. Use your headline as both a description and attention grabber to hook your audience for the kill. Short and sweet wins the race.
• Intro – This is where you stake your claim. A well-written introduction will make the reader ache for more. Think of it like a movie trailer, leaving hints and potential highlights to linger on.
• Body – Where you make your case. Whether your entry is personal, professional or just goofy, the body serves as the area to make your opinion known. Lay down the facts and tell your story in a smooth and charismatic fashion. And as with all other area… BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR!
• Conclusion – Your final point and invitation.
Sharing Is Caring
Of course, it wouldn’t be good blogging practice without a healthy dose of social media. Make sure to post links to your content on social media pages and invite others to do the same! With a little time, practice and creativity, you just might have yourself a big old piece of that sweet blog success pie.
This is some great information! Thank you so much for posting this! I wish this post was around when i was a newbie 🙂
this is a great little “crash course” for someone just getting started on blogging, especially if you want your blog to gain any organic traction with the search engines without a marketing budget (paid SEO or link building).