A few days ago I posted 8 Rules for Blogging. Mind you these rules are in no way comprehensive nor they from an expert. I know there is a lot more to say- in fact whole blogs are written about writing blogs and the best ways to go about it. I'm not claiming to be an expert or even have done great research but just using my own experience.
Rule number 3 can be the hardest to figure out, Engage your Readers, so here are a few ideas. Here are some really basic ideas
Keep it Personal Write in your own voice, start by writing the way you speak, then edit it from there. Find your own style. Never use the third person when talking about yourself. It just sounds cold, not professional.
Don't Bore Readers Ask yourself before your post, will my reader care about this? Why? This can be a harsh one, but if you just post the same thing over and over, like I just listed this item without much else, reader will get bored. Long mundane details also will make your readers glaze over.
Pull your Reader In There are a lot of simple ways to gain interest. When you post that you listed an item, give them a reason to care- is it special piece, a new technique, can you show the work in progress. And talk that technique, why it's special, the process- make the actual item a compliment to your post.
Some super simple ideas for getting readers attention:
1. Lists- everyone loves them and they are easy to write and read. Some entertaining blog only post lists.
2. How-to - could be anything, How to Interest Readers, do a how to about your craft- you don't need to be an expert- a how-to on a basic technique is probably even better.
3. Shake it up- Write about something that people won't agree with - Why I don't care about my customers, Kids are Annoying, Don't Go Green.
These are just a few ideas- blogs have all sorts of styles that work- I know some that use only lists or feature a unique item a day or how to's but they all have one thing in common- they keep it fresh and they offer something I can use.
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