From Cheryl's Writing Crate
It seems as though everyone
is blogging these days, whether it be to promote professional views or simply
to express a personal passion the blogging bug has been caught by many,
offering interested readers and writers a goldmine of fantastic blogs to choose
from.
As the parenting
specialist for Macmillan Publisher’s Quick and Dirty Tips, aka Mighty Mommy, I’m
exposed to a host of wonderful articles about the art of blogging. I recently read one that shared 7 ways to
make sure your blog has a positive impact on your writing career written by Chris
Robley that left me feeling inspired and more enthused than ever to kick it up
a notch with all my professional and personal writing projects. Here’s a recap of his great tips.
1. Look Professional
No matter how good your content, the design of your website is really important. It’s how you lure visitors further into your site. You want your website design to look clean and “cool” (however you define that term). Check out this fascinating the 3-second test that will give you lots to think about where your own blog is concerned.
2. Imagine the whole world is reading
Before you post anything
on your blog, ask yourself two questions: would I be embarrassed if anyone read
this (critics, editors, family members, enemies, etc.), and is this content
WORTH sharing?
In other words, you
should be sure that your blog posts will interest your readers, that they’re
share-worthy, and that you won’t regret them later!
3. Keep it simple, stupid
We have short attention
spans. Feed us tiny meals, but twice as often. The simpler, shorter, punchier
your posts, the better they’ll perform in terms of engagement and sharing.
Plus, shorter posts are
easier to create and you can stick to a regular content schedule without
constant stress.
4. Let your personality shine
If someone is visiting
your website, they’re there for YOU—so give it to them! Make sure your
personality is on display.
You don’t have to be a
freaky diva all the time, but be sure readers can tell from the content that
you post WHY you’re unique.
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I'm thrilled to blog as Mighty Mommy and as Cheryl from The Writer's Crate! |
5. Post lots of photos and videos
Social media thrives on
the sharing of photos and videos. Get
into the habit of finding some fun and creative visual effects on your site
when you post.
6. Be part of a blogging community
Remember, there is
strength in numbers. Be sure to network with other authors through their blogs
and social media profiles. Share content and exchange guest-contributions.
Introduce your readers
to other peoples’ works that you admire. Let other writers introduce your work
to their fans.
7. Tag, tag, tag
Tagging posts is one way
to ensure that search engines (and more importantly, readers!) find the content
they’re looking for. Tag every post with relevant names and keywords.
How do you make sure the
time you’re spending on your blog is worth it? Let us know in the comments
section below.
Dear Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI read with great interest this particular entry. I am a writer by avocation and training, though it is not how I make my living. I write memoir and reflection, and about my adventures in running (I am considering writing a book on the latter). I have been told on many occasions that I should start a blog, but hesitate. Why? Mostly for #2 above, the whole world is, or can be, reading it. That is a frightening concept. I do keep that in mind in whatever I write on facebook or on any internet site, but the thought of putting it all out there is overwhelming. At least for now.
For the time being, I settle for posting in "Notes" on my f/b sites.
Nevertheless, I think these tips are valuable. Many thanks!