Wanna Be a Great Blogger?
February 16th, 2010
Seven or eight years ago, no one had ever heard the word “blog” or even “weblog”, to turn a phrase from the past. Now, everyone’s a blogger. I blog, TKG has several blogs going, I am sure you blog, or know at least a few people who blog. Some people start blogs as a way to market or enhance their business. Others want to dialogue about politics, religion, parenting, sports, Jeeps cars, or whatever is important to them. All of these are valid reasons to start a blog. Anyone can do it, but not everyone create a great blog.
Starting a blog can be tricky, and gaining followers is not an easy task, especially if you don’t happen to be particularly funny or have great writing skills, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. I’m sure you’ve read a blog or two where the writing was not always top notch, but you were interested in what was being said, so you overlook the horrible spelling or grammar little flaws. Knowing your audience, or at least who you think your audience is likely to be, will help you create blog worthy content.
Here are a few pointers to get you started, or moving in the right direction:
1. Know your audience- write for them, not for the whole world.
2. Be honest, if you aren’t, people will call you on it, and then never return to your blog.
3. Be a good tribe member, visit other blogs with related material, follow the ones you really like and join the conversations.
4. Realize that a blog is not going to just be you writing, hopefully you will begin conversations with your readers, so be sure to moderate your comments regularly, or they’ll get bored and leave.
5. Try to be concise, don’t waste your words. Use bullets when it makes sense.
6. Images help, and good photographers tend to really gain followers, as photos bring a blog to life.
7. Create interesting headlines and subheads to attract readers’ attention. I know when I am reading comments on a blog I will quite often click an interesting headline in one of the comments.
8. Practice and refine your writing skills.
9. Post often, readers will check back for more info, more story, whatever, if you have captured their interest. You’ll lose them if you don’t have…wait for it! Oh yes – FRESH CONTENT!
10. Be yourself.
Put these simple rules into practice and you will be an active blogger, which is good for your business, and hopefully, your bottom line. If You’d like more information, there is a great article over at WebProNews. Check it out…
