- Above all else, always write for your reader first.
- Write to be helpful (think “How To’s” and educational posts).
- Keep it brief – have one main point and stick to it.
- Make it easy to read by using bold text, sub-headings, and bullet points (remember, people like to skim).
- Get visual. The right picture captures a readers attention long enough to read an entire post. So learn to use images – (at least) one per post.
- Respond to every comment. As a courtesy and a way of saying “thanks, I appreciate you for taking the time to comment.” Communities are built that way.
- Edit before you publish. It’s ok to write in a casual tone but if it’s a business blog, it bettre not bee full of tipos (yes, I wrote that last bit that way on purpose).
- Publish often (remember: consistency matters). And don’t quit too soon (you’re not going to earn 10,000+ subscribers over night and that’s ok).
- Learn to write killer headlines (most readers will only read the title of your post before deciding whether or not to read the rest of it). Read this post from Copyblogger.
- Tell readers what to do next. Subscribe? Comment? Tweet? “Like”? Purchase? What’s your Call To Action?
What else would you add? What if you were speaking at Blogworld to a room full of aspiring bloggers and small business owners – what would you say then? What if you were sitting at Starbucks with a new small business client — he owns a catering business — what advice would you give him?
Share your best blogging tips in the comments? Or better yet, write your best top 10 blogging tips on your own blog, and link back to it in the comments for the rest of us to read!
Great summary! This is what beginning (and sometimes the seasoned) bloggers need: a quick reminder of what their responsibilities are in their bloggy space. Thanks Ribeezie!
Hi Amy,
Thanks! And you’re welcome 🙂 That’s what I was going for… A quick and easy reminder on some of the things we should all be focusing on when starting a blog or keeping one up and growing out communities!
Thanks for the comment and have an awesome day!
Great post, Ricardo! I definitely need to work on some of these and will definitely reference this post in the future. I often have a hard time with 10 – do you have any tips for coming up with good “calls to action” for more generic-like topics, or ones that don’t really have a distinct call to action?
Hey Debbie,
Number 10 can often be a bit confusing. But really, a Call To Action can be anything. It’s the desired action you want your reader to take.
Do you want them to comment? Do you want them to ReTweet your article? Do you want them to “Like” your post? Do you want them to “subscribe” to your blog? What do you want them to do next after reading your post?
Maybe the generic posts don’t have a specific CTA beyond – “what do you think?” But you still want people to subscribe. Try the “what would Seth Godin do” plugin – it’ll create a box with a Call To Action for new readers to subscribe at the top of every post.
Hope that helps and thanks for the comment!
Yeah, I need to start putting more thought into that. All my calls to action thus far have been to stimulating commenting – usually a question relating directly to the content of the post. I’ve never specifically asked for follows, RTs, or subscriptions. What are the best kinds of posts/context to blatantly ask for those kinds of things?
Just added the “what would Seth Godin do” plugin – thanks!
Great reminders, Ricardo!
As for what I’d add, I’d say be sure the process is easy for your readers. Sometimes, I see blogs that make it hard to engage with the blogger. Whether it be not allowing comments, putting social media buttons in odd places, or other such things. Be sure your blog makes it easy for readers to digest the content and share with their friends.
Hey Amber, GREAT point!! It’s really unfortunate when you read a great post and then BAM…barrier after barrier just to leave a comment or show it some love by sharing it. In particular I’m referring to sites that make you subscribe to comment or I’ve even seen folks use a screenshot of a “ReTweet” button (true story). Thanks for weighing in Amber!! On a side note…como estas??
Write about what you love and write with passion.
Excellent advice amigo!
#1,6 & 8 are my big ones! Oh…and ENJOY what you do 🙂
Kirsten: Agreed! Kinda tough to keep up if you don’t have fun with it along the way 🙂
Hi Ricardo! You have a gem of a blog here. Truly helpful and embodies everything that you’ve enumerated as best blogging tips. Nothing to add at this point except to reiterate that yes, leaving comments and feedback is really one way to make the connections with the blogging community a great one.
Hi Elmar,
Thanks amigo, appreciate the compliment and welcome to the community here 🙂
Hi Ricardo
Can’t really think of anything to add – you’ve nailed it.
Killer headlines, viosuals, reply to comments… great list for any blogger, beginner or otherwise.
I could add… get out there and build your community by getting to know other bloggers.
BTW – love the Genesis theme – I’ve just bought the pro version.
Great value and great themes.
Did you set it up yourself?
Hiya Keith,
How are ya? Good to see you!
Regarding your comment, I agree with you 1,000%! The best way to grow your community is to get out there and play in other people’s communities as well (but play nice). You’re not gonna make any friends playing all by yourself in one corner of the sandbox.
As for the Genesis Framework – love those guys! If you just bought the pro version, check out their Support – studiopress.com/support – great team over there and they’re always very responsive!
But yes, I did set things up here myself. I’m not sure which theme you’ll be using, but please, by all means, if you have any questions, throw ’em at me, I’m happy to help in any way that I can!!
Appreciate that Ricardo.
Didn’t realise you were a techie. LOL
Started to see you about the web recently.
All the best Ric
I get by with a little help from my friends 🙂
If only more bloggers would grasp these principles. Ah, what a world we would have then.
I’d like to add a principle of my own – “learn to tell stories.” People look to stories for relevance and credibility. Stories can have more persuasive power than facts and figures, and the effects of a good story endure.
Not to forget that they are powerful teaching tools. Stories harness the voice of experience. Kind of like proverbs, but even better.
Ah yes, learning to tell better stories… This is very important and something we ALL should work on (myself included). Stories connect with readers. They bring you in and help you connect the dots (better).
Thank you for adding this one!!
Hi Ricardo,
I would like to add that it’s important to use paragraphs and enough whitespace. Like you said, people like to skim and this makes it much easier. Every now and then I come across a blog post with a great title and excellent content but I see this massive chunk of text and can bring myself to start reading.
Wim