All writers need to take every opportunity to build a following and reputation as a word master. Show folks that you have interesting things to say, give them a reason to seek out your work to read. Online blogging is one of the easiest and most versatile ways of building your reputation as a writer.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind towards successful blogging:
If you are planning to create your own blog, keep it themed and on a regular schedule. You want your readers to come back because they know what to expect and want what you are producing. Blog frequently, a minimum of once a week, preferably at least three times weekly.
No one blog will please everyone – especially if it is done properly, simply because no one blog can, or should, attempt to cover every topic of interest or every point of view. So decide who your target audience is and go after them.
Use a straightforward headline that actually gives an idea of the subject. Subtitles are okay but they should not be as prominent as the main title. Most people tend to scan before reading so make sure that salient points are clear, easy to pick out and close to the beginning as appropriate. It is okay to use different font sizes, bold and even colors so long as you don’t make the post to busy and distracting.
The length of your post should be readable – this means it can be read in one comfortable sitting and doesn’t “drone” on. A comfortable length is usually between 350 to 500 words.
If you are writing a post as a guest, keep the word count as close as possible to what the blog owner requests. A blog owner tends to have a format and may want pictures or other illustrations, again adhere to the guidelines as much as possible.
Keep sentences and paragraphs brief. It is very easy for an online reader to lose his place in a huge block of text. Also the shorter sentences and paragraphs will aid the illusion of a “quick read”.
Many new writers get confused over the difference between a blog and a website; both are vital tools. A blog is updated (hopefully) frequently and provides interesting content for readers. Blogs can be informative, entertaining, thought-provoking. Preferably blogs are interactive and invite reader feedback. A website can be static, c hanging only when product information needs to be updated. An author blog should have pages that would feature the author’s bio, a list of available work and buy links, services and prices offered, a media room (that will be another blog topic) and any other relevant links.
Writing exercise: Write a brief commentary about something in today’s news headlines – it can be local or world news. Be sure to make your feelings about the subject known.
Writing prompt: List the five most controversial topics you can think of – then list five words for each topic that you believe strongly relate to the topic.
