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Writing a Great Blog
Home » Blogs » Where Can I Start a Blog? » Writing a Great BlogPosted by Your Guide on July 7, 2006 5:22 PM
Just as in every other type of media, there are lots of great blogs out there, and lots of terrible ones as well. If you are creating your blog primarily for friends and family, you may not be concerned with pleasing the public, but if you want your blog to reach a wider audience, there are a few simple steps you can take to make your blog stand out from the crowd.
Clearly define your blog's focus
Only your best friends and closest family members will want to read your blog if it is a random sampling of thoughts on a variety of subjects. If you want to attract a bigger readership, it is best to clearly define just what your blog will be about. Readers will know what to expect, and they are more likely to bookmark your blog and check back regularly, knowing the content will be of interest to them.
Post short and post often
Reading someone's blog is a modern day coffee break. People take a moment away from what they are doing to browse the Internet for a moment or two and catch up on their favorite blog writers. No one wants to read a discourse or a thesis; they want a short snippet to prod their own thoughts, provide some information, or simply provide a chuckle. Don't make your posts too long.
To truly generate a regular readership, you need to post often. If a reader does happen to find your blog, bookmark it, and check in on it regularly, you don't want to lose them by not having any new content to offer. Most readers will only check in a few times before moving on to other, more frequently updated blogs.
Write like you speak
Blogs are not English term papers. People don't read a blog like they read a book or even a newspaper article. People read a blog as if it is a conversation between them and the writer. And with the "comment" feature on most blogs, it truly can be. Before you post an entry, read it aloud and ask yourself if it sounds like you. If it doesn't, chance your wording. The best blogs are personal, real, and keenly reflective of the writer's personality.
Consider your audience
Use the comment tool to discover who your readers are and what interests them most. Tweak your blog to match what your readers are interested in and make sure you are giving them what they are looking for. If you are writing a cooking blog, make sure you include recipes and photos of your creations. A political blog should have up-to-date commentary on current events. You have worked hard to gather your readers; make sure you keep them.
Spread the word
It is usually wise to take some time to build your blog before you actively begin to advertise outside of your circle of friends. You don't want someone to visit your blog and see only a small amount of content. They will likely move on. But once you have worked on your blog for a while, be bold about advertising it to others. Include a link in all your email correspondence. Ask other bloggers to add your link on their blogroll (and make sure you return the favor). You can even purchase advertising when you are truly reading to launch your site to the rest of the world.
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