Blogging

Some basics on blogging to aid you.  Just the basics - don’t let it hinder your creativity.

1. Decide what you want your blog to be. Who are your target readers? It’s important to decide from the beginning .  Think hard about who your potential readers are and what sort of image you want to portray. Announce your full vision for your blog in your first post.

2. Post one time a week at the absolute minimum. This is important, because once you develop a regular readership, you don’t want to lose it.

3. If you write on your blog that you’re going to do something—do it. A lot of this has to do with building a solid level of trust with your readers. If you write that you’re going to post every day, or that you’re going to post something specific, be sure you can and will deliver.

4. You don’t have to be perfect, but still try. Grammar and spelling expectations are somewhat more relaxed with a blog, but don’t get lazy with your posts. Respect your reader: at least run a quick grammar/spelling check before your post.

5. Be a good neighbor. One of the very best ways to establish a readership is to reach out to other bloggers, by visiting their blogs and leaving comments. Link to specific posts you find on their blogs and comment in a positive way. Also include blogs you like and recommend on your blogroll.

6. Try to be positive. Don’t use your blog to lash out. You probably won’t develop much of a readership that way as it gets tiresome very quickly.

7. Keep your posts short. Keep your posts concise. 300 words a post is a good target. You can occasionally go longer if you’ve got really good stuff.

8. Realize that blogging is an endurance sport. Anyone can start a blog, but very few people can keep a good blog up, week after week, month after month, year after year.

9. Encourage your readers to comment. Create clear, well thought out opinion pieces. Don’t be afraid to pose provocative questions to capture your reader’s attention. Engage them emotionally/mentally in your blog. If you want to develop a rapport with your readers, encourage their comments, and don’t deride them when their point of view is different from yours.

10. Remember that readers want information. It’s certainly not difficult to find information on the Web. But it is difficult to find it from a trusted, reliable source.

11. Develop your own style. What keeps readers coming back is you—your voice, your style, your point of view and your clear, polished writing. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

12. Have occasional guests.  If you develop a readership, you’re the primary draw back to your blog. But it’s good and healthy to mix it up every now and then with fresh perspectives from trusted guest bloggers. In fact, it may give you a much-needed mental break away from the relentless demands of keeping up a good blog.

13. Visual aids can be good. But don’t overdo it. Blogging is primarily a written medium.

14. Let your blog evolve. A blog is a lot like a magazine, in that it’s a constant evolution. Be generous and flexible about letting your blog develop over time, as you do.

15. Don’t be overly promotional.  The blog is a good promotional tool, but if you’re only trying to sell something, it becomes obvious very quickly. Soft sell.

16. Keep it fun. Don’t take it too seriously. If you’re having a good time with your blog, people are going to have fun reading it and will keep coming back for more.