So you decided you want to write a blog post- and that’s about as much as you know. Where do you start? What makes something “blog-material”? Well, you’re in luck. Reaching a larger audience and keeping their interest isn’t nearly as hard as it looks, and following simple guidelines can help put you on the right track to get your name and posts out there.
Find Inspiration Everywhere
With an increasing amount of bloggers emerging in this day and age it can seem nearly impossible to conjure up new and exciting material to write about. You may even be in a place where you’re too intimidated to hone in on certain subject matter because you don’t feel experienced or knowledgeable enough about a topic to talk about it. This is normal- don’t let the intimidation of putting yourself out there for the first time stop you from blogging as you want. Keep a notebook, or even jot down notes on your phone, of things that catch your eye or interest you throughout the day. This can help you generate content you wouldn’t come up with on the spot. Remember that you don’t need to be an expert on everything to have opinions, just be mindful of your words and offer your unique and original insight.
Know Your Audience
If you’ve decided to blog you’re most likely writing to reach people. In which case, deciding on a target audience is key. Not only does this vary in age group and possibly gender, but also factors such as how groups want, need, know, and feel about a topic are important in how work will be received. While you write you can keep your audience in mind by not talking down and undermining their skills, making your purpose clear and having a call to action.
Condense the Nonsense
In most cases, a blog isn’t the place to write lengthy paragraphs. Try to keep your post under 500 words. This keeps your reader’s attention and tends to discard all of the fluff that isn’t necessary to your post. It also makes your writing easier to read and is less overwhelming to visitors on your page when posted.
Keep Your Voice
While getting rid of fluff is necessary, make sure to not lose your individuality in the process. Your voice is unique and shows through your style of writing. Don’t edit to the point that the post just sounds like regurgitated information someone can search on Google. Offer your audience a fresh perspective and information in a way that is unique, and they will come back for more. Include some pictures to personalize your posts and make your content more interesting!
Promote Your Post
Don’t go unnoticed! Just because you posted your writing doesn’t mean your job is done. Your content might be spectacular but you are responsible for making it seen. Share your blog on all of your relevant social media sites. This may be your Twitter, Facebook, etc. and ask your friends to share too! The more places your post is distributed the more traffic it will receive.
Be Consistent
Finally, once you start blogging and attracting an audience, continue to post regularly. Constant engagement with readers and a routine that other bloggers notice will help keep both you and your content relevant.
Happy blogging, and may cyberspace be ever in your favor.
Contribution By: Brittany O’Connell
Brittany O’Connell is a sophomore communications interest that is passionate about PR, social media, and art. She is a Social Media Ambassador on her UD-branded Twitter account @BlueHenBrittany, a Social Media and Marketing Intern for Career Services, and the Finance and Fundraising Director for PRSSA-UD. In her spare time, she can be found doing makeup for the UD theater group E-52 or frolicking around at the gym.
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