There’s so much more to creating a great blog post than simply tapping out a few paragraphs and pressing the “publish” button. As someone who’s been blogging pretty much everyday since 2006, I’ve learned a thing or two over the years (sometimes the hard way) about what to do to ensure a blog post is as effective as possible. Here are a few basic tips on getting the most from your post!
Readable?
Obviously, you need to be able to string words together in such a way that others will want to take the time to read your work … and that what they’re going read makes coherent sense.
Proofread and preview everything you intend to publish. If you can save a draft of your post and come back to it later to review with fresh eyes and a cleared mind, that’s even better.
Compelling?
Just because you’re a decent writer doesn’t necessarily mean you have anything compelling to say. You’ve got to go out and actually experience something interesting enough to write about or come up with an idea that’s worth sharing with others. As much as the stereotype of a blogger might be somebody hiding behind an online identity and buffered by the digital interface between blogger and audience, the reality is that successful bloggers are active folks willing to new things and engaged with their communities.
Spend as much time or more doing the non-writing “blog stuff” as you spend writing your content.
Visual?
Do you have a strong and relevant image to accompany your text? In my opinion, an eye catching photo or graphic can be just as important as (and sometimes even more important than) your words. Just be certain you have the legal right to use your chosen image!
Make creating or sourcing quality imagery an essential part of every blog post. No picture? No post!
Social?
So you did something cool and took a moment to write something thoughtful about it. You even backed up what you said with a nifty photograph. Congratulations! You’re halfway there.
Sharing is caring, and if you care about your online work being viewed by others you’re realise that merely publishing a post is only the beginning. Did you tweet it? Would all your Facebook friends appreciate a link to what you’re latest blog post?
Comfortable?
I tend to blog from the sofa in the corner of my flat’s living room with my feet propped up on my coffee table and my MacBook Pro placed on a cushion on my lap. As relaxed as it sounds, that my work mode. I’m most productive in the early morning with a cup of coffee as my sidekick. However, I’ve blogged from innumerable cafes and other WiFi hotspots across the planet and from all sorts of devices such as my phone, my iPad or my Acer Iconia A1.
Indeed, I’m publishing this piece via my A1 (read some Acer tablet reviews for yourself).
More and more as opportunities to travel come my way, I find myself blogging from the road at various times of the day. The key to constancy and keeping my voice seems to centre round me getting comfortable and “in my zone” no matter the setting.
All the other tips listed in this post are about your content, this one’s about you. Be aware of any habits or rituals that coincide with your blogging activity, identify which ones are beneficial and replicate them the best you can each time you start on a new post.
Engaging?
There’s so much more I could share. Anything in particular you’re hankering to know or willing to share in the pursuit of better blogging?
I’d love to hear what you have to think about this post. Please leave a comment or get in touch. Thanks!
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