The Stratius Blog

If you’re just starting a blog, there is a decent chance that you suck at blog writing, seriously.

OK, maybe that’s a bit harsh.  But blog writing is indeed its own beast. Here is a short list of writing tips for beginning bloggers that I have learned along the way.

Why do people read blogs? Two reasons: Insight or Diversion. Underlying both? Some type of value.

Here are 7 tips for the beginning blog writer to add better value to their compositions. And hopefully either improve their perceived insight or their ability to create more entertaining diversions.

1. Write What the People Want to Read - Of course you have to like it too, but the more you blog, the more you will learn about what hits and what misses with your potential audience. What do they notice and what do they walk by without ever seeing? Pay close attention to what the audience responds well too and focus more on those items.
2. Make it Easy to Read - Do your best to avoid typos, spelling errors and grammar mistakes. We all make them, but try to limit them with spell check and proof reading. Limit obscure references and when they are necessary, explain with clear detail. Use short sentences and try to write like you talk. Avoid fillers, unneeded phrases, and too many adjectives.
3. Link Love - Link to references that hold more clout than you do. Your readers will trust you more if your writing is backed up by bigger names. Go a step above this by using accepted best practices to support insight or tips of your own. These links also will help you build connections, SEO value, and ultimately your brand.
4. Involve the Reader - Whether it’s a call to action (”take our poll” or “comment with your take”) or just asking questions throughout, try to involve the reader in more than a passive roll. Suggest things that allow them to interact and get more invested in the blog. Allow the opportunities to contribute content and their own opinion in some way.
5. Use Great Titles - Great titles don’t always have to be great summaries. Try to shock the reader. Ask provocative questions. In short, get their attention. While doing this, you do need to make sure the title still relates pretty directly to the subject matter, but creativity allows a pretty long leash here. For instance, this post could be titled “7 Blog Writing Tips”. Which title catches more attention?
6. Have an Opinion - People either love them or hate them typically, both reactions are good, just ask Bill O’Reilly.
7. Use Keywords - They give you credibility (to a level), they create SEO value, they create content value, and they keep you focused.

Whether your blog writing skills suck or not, it is always good to try and improve your method.

What writing tips have you learned as a blogger?

Thanks to Anthony McCune for his writing tips along the way. His writing is here at the Lives and Times.