1. Blogging 101
From idea to blog post
some pointers to set you on your way
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2. INSPIRATION!
When inspiration strikes, take note!
As a blogger, you will find that inspiration finds
you at the strangest moments and in the most
unusual ways. Every now and then you’ll
have an ‘aha’ moment and the best idea
EVER for a blog post will come to you as
you’re running your car through the carwash.
It’s such a great idea that there’s no way you’ll
forget it…
WRONG!
We’re all fallible. Note your ideas as they
arise using a tool like Evernote, or even go
crazy and use a pad and pen. That way you’ll
always have a pool of great ideas to draw on
and nothing will get forgotten.
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3. SPACE
Remove all distractions
Give yourself the space and time you need to
write. Remove all distractions. Turn your phone
off, log out of your email, make sure you’ve got
everything you need to hand so you won’t have
to get up again.
Then just write.
You’ll find that if you make an effort to set aside
quality time to plan and write blog posts rather
than shoehorning them as a second priority, that
the quality of what you write will rapidly improve.
And you’ll find it more enjoyable too.
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4. READ AROUND
Get inspired by reading around your topic
Once you’ve decided on the topic of today’s
blogpost, read everything you can find on the
topic. This might include:
• Blog posts
• Comments on blogs
• News stories
• Books – or parts thereof
This can help you to get really familiar with
your topic and ensure you’re sharing all the
most valuable information. As you’re
reading, think about how to put your own
unique spin on things too.
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5. BRAINSTORM
What should your post cover?
Now that you’ve got lots of ideas floating
around your head on your topic of choice,
think about what points you should cover in
your blog post and how they might be
presented in a way that is relevant and
interesting to your audience.
Consider:
• Does anything need defining / explaining –
to what level?
• What problems can you help your
audience solve?
• What is your opinion on this? What are the
opinions of others?
• How can you present this information in a
way that is different to what everyone else
has done?
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6. FLESH IT OUT
Flesh out your sub-headings
Using the framework you’ve created, start
writing and add flesh to the bones.
Remember that no word should be extraneous
or you’ll lose readers.
I always find it useful to imagine someone
reading on a mobile device on a packed
commuter train… would they be compelled to
read on? If not, cut it down or rethink what
you’ve written.
600-800 words is a good length for a blog post
though there will inevitably be occasions when
you want to bend or downright break this rule
of thumb.
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7. ADD DEPTH
Links and images will add depth to your post
Add links to your text highlighting useful posts
– either your own or someone else’s. This will
add depth of information to what you’ve
written. It’s likely that during all that research
you did earlier, you came across some
fantastic posts or sites you’d like to share with
interested others.
Source images or videos for your post (or
make your own if you’re feeling daring) these
will help to bring it alive and make it more
interesting.
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8. TITLE
The right title will make your post either sink or swim
You need to think up a great title for your blog
post. And when I say great I don’t mean
clever, funny or witty. I mean a title which will
help readers and search engines quickly
decide whether your blog post is relevant and
interesting to them.
A good title:
• Is ten words or less
• Is 60 characters or less
• Makes it clear what the post is about
• Draws the reader’s interest
• Gives the reader a reason to read
A top tip is to look at the titles on magazine
covers and see if you can rewrite them into
titles that would suit your audience.
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9. EDIT
NEVER skip this crucial step
By the time you’ve finished writing your post it
can feel tedious to have to edit it as well, but
you should NEVER scrimp on editing time. It
doesn’t take that long and it will improve the
readability of your blog and ensure it looks
professional.
When editing, consider:
• Is there anything you can remove? There
should be no surplus text.
• Is your spelling and grammar spot on?
• Do all your links work?
• Does everything make sense?
• Is there anything missing?
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10. PUBLISH
You’re all set to press ‘go’…
Now you’re ready to hit the publish button. If
your blogging interface allows it, take a look at
a preview before you press go – otherwise
take a good look at your live post right away to
make sure ther are no formatting or other
obvious issues.
Once you’re happy with it, you’re ready to
stary sharing it. Share your post via your
social media networks ensuring you give
people good reasons to want to come and
read it. Of course, a well-written title will do
the hard work for you.
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11. HAPPY BLOGGING!
Good luck! Let us know how you get on…
For more help and advice on blogging and all
things social media visit
www.pookyshares.com
And follow
@PookyH
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