These 10 tips will have you writing like a pro in no time while also drawing traffic to your site. You want unique and interesting content that grips the reader and keeps them coming back for more.
A blog is a regularly updated website, written in conversational style, covering different topics. You can share tips and tricks, write reviews or simply communicate your thoughts with the world. Think of it almost as a modern-day diary.
Here are my top tips for writing a blog that people will enjoy reading.
By Wouda Pitzer
Choose a topic that will resonate with a certain demographic
If your readers are photographers, think about writing tips and tricks when shooting wildlife or reviewing a newly launched product. If you are writing for adventurers, write about interesting places they can visit or fun activities to do in different parts of the country.
Write a self-explanatory headline
Don’t worry about being funny or creative in your headlines. Get to the point. People should know exactly what your blog is about when reading the headline.
Sub-headings
Using sub-headings will help you write in chronological order while ensuring your blog is scan-friendly.
Short paragraphs
Writing short, easy to read paragraphs ensures people don’t get overwhelmed by a ton of content. Also, try and stick to one thought per paragraph.
Tone
The tone of your writing is important. A librarian speaks in a different way to a construction worker. Your writing must speak to your audience. For instance, you can’t write in the same way for a young audience than you would for retired folks.
Word choice
Have fun with your choice of words. Read up on trendy words and learn about synonyms. Don’t use the same boring words over and over again. BUT, bear in mind that people don’t want to sit with a dictionary to try and analyze what you are trying to say.
Spelling and grammar
Remember to use a spell checker and ask a friend to read through your blog to make sure it is free of mistakes (we all make silly mistakes). The proper use of grammar is imperative to your blog’s credibility. If there are mistakes, people might think you don’t know what you’re talking, or rather, writing about.
Write in chronological order
This means you don’t jump mindlessly from one thought to the other. Write what’s most important first and then go on to explaining the details later on. It also helps if you write a good intro paragraph and end off with a summary of your blog.
Bullets and Numbers
If you are listing items or thoughts, use bullet points and if the order is important, use numbers. This will help keep your blog scanable.
Word count
Keep in mind that people aren’t sitting comfortably on the couch reading a novel. They want to read writing that has one theme. Keeping the maximum word count at about 500 words will make it easier for people to read everything you’ve written.
Written by Writing for the Web graduate Wouda Pitzer. Visit his blog here: https://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/blog/
Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/
