Blogging:Back Scratcher for the Writing Itch

What’s the very best way to improve your writing skills? Writing!

What’s the very best tool to help you improve your writing skills? Blogging!

With the emergence of the internet and social media, more people are finding they have an almost uncontrollable urge to write. Many are drawn to writing a novel, an undertaking far more laborious and time consuming than many budding writers anticipate. After several months, they have a new-found appreciation for the writer who can crank out a 300 page-novel in a year.

But for those who want to write about their passion, journal about their lives, deliver information, or sell a product, the vehicle of choice is a blog. Before you “pooh-pooh” the blog, you should know that the greatest internet marketers and social media gurus started with blogs. And they continue to use their blog as the hub of their social media wheel comprised of facebook, twitter, email and their website.

Successful bogging requires a serious commitment. Many budding bloggers give up or lose their ability to attain a consistent frequency. If you’re a blogger now and if you’ve ever started your blog with, “I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a while…” then you know what I’m talking about. Successful bloggers have two things in common… they are committed to a schedule and they have a passion for what they write about.

Blogging Requires Many Hats

Realize that when you start blogging, you are not just the writer, but also the editor and the publisher/distribution manager. If you’re going to engage your audience, you must strive for excellence. Throwing words on the screen without attention to detail is a poor effort. If you write the way I do and think that syntax is on liquor and cigarettes, then you should find someone who will read and edit your work. Always remember that your entire audience is going to read and edit your work once you hit the “publish” button.

Determine Your Audience

It makes sense to write about what you know. No matter where your passion lies, there are millions of people in social media who share your interests. That’s your audience. Don’t try to be all things to all people. The goal is to reach as many as possible, but realize that most of them will not stay interested in what you’ve written. If you want 1,000 loyal readers, you may have to reach 10,000 people.

Aim Small and Miss Small

 Write tight copy. One of the editors I used for my magazine publishing company referred to her corrections to my copy as removing the “nuisance factors.” There’s a reason why People Magazine makes their articles the length they do. They can hold a typical reader’s attention for 4 to 7 minutes. Blogs that are too long lose the reader’s focus and the reader leaves without finishing the blog.

Lead with your main point, rather than building a long lead in. Learn the art of the “big fat claim” and deliver in the follow-up text. Spend time working on your headline and break up your text with sub-heads if possible.

Consistency is Imperative

How often will you publish? Everyday, every other day, every week? It truly doesn’t matter, as long as you stick to the schedule. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend not working every day. It takes about 4 to 5 days and even experienced writers begin to feel they’re tapped out of words and ideas.

Deliver Value Above All Other Options

If the reader leaves without a valuable thought, idea, link or gift, they won’t return. Only value-added blogs seem to survive. If you’re selling something, don’t bludgeon the reader with sales pitches. One famous blogger who sells through his blog says he only sells one time in four blogs… and he makes seven figures every year.

Differentiate between fact and opinion. You can get away with a lot online, but readers like opinions to be supported by a reasonable thought process, and the facts to be supported by proof. My advice is never get personal in your blogs. It’s alright to dislike politicians, but calling them names or smearing reputations without fact is dangerous ground.

Bloggers are a Special Breed

When you sit down to write your blog, remember this. Your style, your ideas and your stage are just that… yours. Take pride in doing the best job you can. Review your work every five blogs to determine if you are improving. Search the internet for successful bloggers and learn from their experience. (A good one to start with is Copyblogger. I’d give you more, but then I’d ruin your fun.

I hope these simple tips help get you started. There is a bunch of information about blogging to learn and digest, but the best part of all this is that, once you find your software like WordPress or Blogspot you can begin the process of developing your personal style and message.

Remember… the best thing for developing more skill as a writer is to write. And the best vehicle to publish your writing is a blog.

Later in the week I’ll be put together some thoughts on “where to look for and build your audience.” Until then have a blessed day and write something special.