Blogging and blog writing can seem like a whole different world when you're new to it. There are
so many different blogs out there, all of them with their own voice, topics, opinions with thousands upon thousands of words between them. There are even blogs on how to blog properly or the "right" way to make the most money and even businesses have blogs nowadays. It's the age of content and knowing a thing or two about it can help immensely! And that's why it's always handy to have a blog writing guide.
For someone new to blog writing, it can be a lot to take in because of all the SEO and building of content there needs to be, but, it is rather easy once the basics are down. For the newbies, we'll start easy to make sure everything is done right and doesn't feel like a huge take on of overwhelming work!
1. Keywords and content
When it comes to your content and finding the right keywords in order to rank on search engines, some experts will tell you it's best if you write the content first and then fit the keywords in while others will tell you the exact opposite. It's mostly just preference on before or after, but, most blog writers will usually find top ranking keywords in their niche first and then write the content. When it comes to keywords, "long tail" keywords are going to be the best. Instead of "red leather shoes," a long tail would be "red fake leather shoes" or something to that extent.
It is always good to try and fit the keyword as good as possible into the content, or even build the content around the keyword. Trying to make "unnatural" content simply because of a high ranking keyword simply won't do anymore, and might even penalize your blog on Google search.
2. A chance for subscriptions
One of the most important things to blogging, besides blog writing, is having people sign up for your email subscription or other Calls-to-Action. A blog writing guide might not seem like the best guide for that, but the words you choose to be your Call-to-Action or convincing that they should subscribe to your blog are all very important! Most of the time, ones which include some freebie content or ebook do the best.
3. Keep everything open-ended
Content needs to be engaging, and one of the most popular ways to do that is by keeping content open-ended for discussion at the end of it so people will comment. Leading people to a conclusion or making a question at the end of the blog post a simple "yes or no" question isn't going to get people engaged, a very important factor these days. Open-ended content is also shared more because of its applicable tone and approach.
4. Blogging doesn't have to be just you
A lot of blog writers struggle with trying to find new, original content but it honestly doesn't have to be that hard if you let people help you. And that normally means your followers and readership, who can create guest blog posts, user-generated content, and other original content that will be unique to that specific blog. No blog writing guide is worth anything if they don't help you with the creative process! And this guide's advice? Don't be afraid to get some outside help with your blog to help jog that process.
5. Don't forget multi-media
While having a blog writing guide is very important, it is also just as important to make sure to include all sorts of media in your blog for the best exposure. Pictures, video, infographics, polls, and even PowerPoint presentations via SlideShare can all be used to make your blog the best out there. Because it still takes written word to get people interested in that media.
What do you think, what are some must know tips about blog writing? What are your go-to sources?
