Archive for the Category »Writing Tips «

In addition to making money, most bloggers want two things.

  1. Traffic
  2. BOXES The Game Of Either   Or

  3. Comments

Unfortunately, both depend on the actions of others, and those “others” are often fellow bloggers.

Today’s Lesson

When bloggers make the rounds to other blogs, they’re mentally asking themselves questions and/or making choices. For example,

  1. Do I have time to read this post in its entirety? Or will I skim it?
  2. Does it appear the blog author wants my opinion?
  3. If so, did they ask for it? Or is it implied?
  4. If I leave a comment, will it add value to the post?
  5. Is this post worthy of being promoted on my favorite social media site?

As blog authors, we can help make those decisions easier.

Such as,

  1. Are we asking for comments?
  2. Did we end our post with a question? Or does our post appear so “complete”, it sends a subliminal message comments aren’t welcome?

  3. How easy is it for others to leave a comment?
  4. Does the commenter have to register or jump through hoops to pass the security features of our blog? Or have we made the process of commenting as simple as possible?

  5. How easy have we made it for other bloggers to promote our work?
  6. Are we including buttons which take our visitors directly to Twitter, Facebook or StumbleUpon? Or do we expect them to “figure it out” on their own time?

  7. Is our post worthy of being shared?
  8. Does is hold value others can benefit from? Is it grammatically correct and void of typos? Are the facts correct?

  9. If a reader lands on our home page (www.ourblog.com) do they have to click again to read the full post?
  10. Are we using excerpts and the “continue reading/more” feature? If so, does this feature make it easier for our visitors to read our blog posts?

  11. If we’re showing a post in its entirety on our homepage and the reader does NOT click through to the post, does our homepage show the Retweet button or an application which will make it EASY for someone to share our article?
  12. Or does sharing our post require additional work on our readers part?

  13. Are we asking others to promote our posts on their favorite social media site?
  14. Or are we assuming our visitors are mind readers?

Truth be told, we can’t/shouldn’t expect our visitors to read, comment on, AND promote our blog posts each time we publish something new.

Just like with us, their time is limited.

If we’re lucky, they’ll do one; comment OR promote.

But usually not both.

Today’s Assignment

If you could only pick one, what would it be?

To receive comments?

To have your post promoted on a social media site?

I’d love to hear why you picked what you did.

signature for blog post

P.S. This post was inspired by what social media consultant Vered, shared in her comment on the Call Me A Hypocrite post:

…When time is short, I promote posts that I like on social media…

Thank you Vered.

I don’t know how many blogs are out there, but I know it’s in the millions.

I don’t know how many topics there are to blog about, but I’d guess that’s in the millions, too.

Can you imagine if the world wide web limited the amount of blogs allowed for each topic? blogs and blog topics Beating A Dead Fish

Fortunately they don’t and we’re free to write about anything we want.

Hence, we find many bloggers publishing posts on the exact same subject.

Just like I do.

Today’s Lesson

The last thing I planned to do was have a blog about blogging. After all, when I started there were already hundreds (or thousands)  of blogging blogs out there.

Thinking back, I could have kept this blog private since I was just writing down what I was learning, but at the time my thoughts were, “What the heck. Make it public. Maybe I’ll get a visitor or two.”

And eventually I did.

When that happened, I felt there was no turning back.

So there I was, blogging about blogging; a topic that gets written about so often, I sometimes felt I was beating a dead fish.

I realized I needed to approach blogging about blogging from a different perspective, and since I’m not into writing a lot of  “How To” blog posts, I knew I had to do kick it up a notch. Experiment. Take a risk.

So what I’ve done is made this blog about you by asking you how you feel about different blogging topics and how you view things in blogosphere.

You share your perspective and those who visit and read the comments, learn from many bloggers, not just one.

In some ways it doesn’t matter what I write; I’m just the conduit which leads visitors to your view point.

And when they arrive, lessons are learned, connections are made and I no longer feel I’m beating a dead fish.

I see that as a win-win. :)

Today’s Assignment

Do you think some topics get beat to death by bloggers?

If you’re blogging about the same topic as others, how do you keep your content fresh and original?

Care to share?

signature for blog post

P.S. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued support and thoughtful comments. This blog wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for your loyalty which is something I truly appreciate.

In the comments of One Blog Title – 52 Ways”, Raul of Alien Ghost suggested I write a post and have the readers pick the title. I LOVE his idea, so here it is:titles for blog posts

*****Beginning of post*****

When I’m writing a blog post, I often ramble on and before I know it, the post draft is pushing 1000 words.

That’s a lot of words for this blog considering my aim is to keep the posts short – 400 words +/-.

Although all of the writing does help me to get to the final message, those excess words may only sound like babbling to you.

Yawn, Yawn.

Hence, when I edit, I’m brutal.

Today’s Lesson

Most people think what happens in their life is pretty important. After all, it’s what they’re living.

For some, it’s baby steps toward a brighter future. For others, they may have slayed a demon. And yet for a few, their blog may be the only place where they feel they’re being heard. Word counts may not even be a consideration.

People want to share. People want to be heard.

Their story matters. At least to them.

And their hope may be it matters to others as well.

But…do others really care?

Or will they see it as a blogger rambling on?

I’ve read comments from both camps. Some will say, “get to the point”, “brevity rules”, whereas others thoroughly enjoy the story from beginning to end.

Both opinions have merit.

What say you?

Today’s Assignment

1) What title would you pick for this post?

2) Do you think bloggers are writing too much?

signature for blog post.

We all know the importance of  blog titles.Blog Titles Post One Blog Title   52 Ways

If we optimize them with keywords or keyword phrases, we could possibly attract more search engine traffic. If we make them catchy sounding, others may click to read more.

When I published the Lose Weight While Blogging?” post, I later said on Facebook, “maybe I should have named it, “Can’t Stand Blogging?”

Today’s Lesson

The above mentioned post links to an article which states how sitting more than six hours a day can possibly cause health problems plus lead to an earlier death. As a solution, I shared how I decided to build myself a work walk station for my treadmill even though there are prefab ones available.

My comment on Facebook made me wonder, “If that same topic had been written by other bloggers, what would they have named it?”

Here’s what I’ve come up with based on what fellow bloggers blog about, and how they could formulate their titles.

I know my outspoken blogging friend Cath Lawson would chose:

“Get Your Rear In Gear”

And she would include the acclaimed photo of  Betsy Wuebker’s derriere (which can be found on Cath’s homepage)

Friar, who is also an artist and cartoonist would include sketches of Vikings and name his post:

“Don’t Say the Vikings Didn’t Warn You”

Patty of “Why Not Start Now? might  name it:

“Why Not Start Now?”

Public Speaking Expert and blogger Keith Davis,

“Step Up To The Podium”

Chase March, teacher and hip hop blogger,

“Hip Hop Your Way to Health”

Proofreader and writing coach Davina,

“Treadmill Walk Stations – Rendering The Right Impact”

Vered, professional blogger would use keywords:

“Use A Work Walk Treadmill To Extend Your Life”

Patricia of Patricia’s Wisdom would keep it simple.

“My Review: The TrekDesk Work Walk Station”

Debbie, mommy blogger and author of Three Weddings:

“Who needs a treadmill when you have three kids?”

Silly Girl,  a reporter in real life,

“Reporting Live From The Office of the Future”

Tom Volkar, author of Delightful Work and life coach might use:

“How A Treadmill Could Improve Your Life”.

Barb Hartsook likes to serve imaginary coffee on her blog.

“Sip, Standing”

Singer, songwriter Jannie could write a poem or song titled:

“The Wedgie Work Walk Station Blues”

Hilary, our resident historian,

“How the treadmill was invented.  How it’s helping people to stay fit. And its Place in the Office”

Colleen, blogger and Realtor from Washington State,

“Kennewick Realtors Stand Behind Their Listings”

Julie Walraven who provides a resume writing service:

“Stand Up For What You Believe”

Heather Villa, business coach and blogger,

“Don’t Take It Sitting Down”

The Bold Life author Tess, being true to her blog name might choose:

“Be Bold – Take A Stand”

George Angus, writer and author of Tumblemoose.com could title the post,

“We’ve Got A Standing Date”

Lori Hoeck, martial arts expert and author of Think Like a Blackbelt,

“Kick it Up A Notch! “

Sara Healy of Sharing Connection would include a photo and a challenge.

Story Photo. What Does This Look Like To You?

Tracy would tie in a link to her post which went viral.

What Does A Chicken in a Can Have To Do With a Treadmill?

Raul of Alien Ghost might title his,

“Don’t Just Sit There”

J.D. Meier of Sources of Insight would go all out.

“2000 Lessons Learned While Using The TrekDesk Treadmill Desk*”

Tony Single  of Trottersville would  include a cartoon in his post,

“How I Killed My Treadmill”

Evelyn Lin’s blog concentrates on abundance, awareness and self alignment:

“Forge Your Own Path With A Walk Work Station”

Mike Goad blogs remotely as they travel.

“Put Some Miles Behind You”

Linda, our resident  “green blogger”,

“Environmentally Friendly Desk Option Could Save Millions in Health Care Costs”

Joy over at Unfolding Your Path To Joy,

“Find  Joy, Stay Fit While Blogging”

Joella helps new bloggers on her blog,  Blog with Wings,

“Stand Up For Your Writes”

Zeenat of Positive Provocations always has encouraging words for her readers,

“Positively The Easiest Way To Take A Stand”

Lisa does intuitive readings and blogs at Practically Intuitive,

I See You Standing”

Mandy Allen likes to ask questions on her blog.

“Is Your Job Killing You?”

John Hoff, author the fabulous blog security book and video series WordPress Defender*,

Stand Up To The Bullies

Junk Drawer Kathy would come up with something funny.

“What I’ve Gained From Blogging Besides Thirty Pounds”

Kelvin Kao, is a puppeteer who also likes to make videos, He might make a video of a puppet on a work walk station and title it,

“It’s So Easy, Even A Puppet Can Do It”

Jay Schryer of Porsidan is in a wheelchair, and since a treadmill work walk station wouldn’t be conducive for his life style, he might teach others with disabilities how to stay fit.

“Alternative Ways To Incorporate Exercise Into Your Day”

Patricia Singleton of Spirtual Journey Of A Lightworker would share more of her knowledge,

“How To Stay Fit As You Journey Through Life”

Jodith of Administrative Arts could teach office managers,

“How To Improve Productivity In The Office”

Walter of Lionslinger shares life lessons on his blog,

“Another Lesson In Life. Don’t Sit. Get Fit”

Chania Girl shares happy thoughts at Living Happiness,

Don’t Worry! Be Happy! Work Standing!

Julie is always so cheerful as shares her thoughts from Italy. She might title hers,

“Hello Gorgeous, Wanna Go For A Walk?”

Miguel de Luis could do a post in Spanish.

“Si Si” (Sorry Miguel, that’s all the Spanish I know :) )

Lance might turn this into a “Sunday Thought For The Day”,

“Embrace Life, One Step At A Time”

Lori at Jane Be Nimble shares wonderful stories on her blog,

“Be Nimble. Be Quick. Blog Your Way To Fitness”

Wendi Kelly at Life’s Little Inspirations blogs to inspire others,

“Latest Innovation Sparks Creativity”

From Roses to Rainbows author Linda might title hers:

“From Flab To Fab – Stand Up And Blog”

Julie, author of Random Meanderings enjoys hiking.

“Take A Hike”

Evita at Evolving Wellness would share her wisdom on health.

“Easily Fit Fitness Into Your Day”

Eliza of Silver and Grace who writes for women over forty, might title her post:

“Stand and Stop That Middle Age Spread”

Angela Sims at Living, Loving, Laughing… might say,

“Don’t Laugh, It Works”

So, there you have it. How one blog title could be written fifty-two ways.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Today’s Assignment

How do your choose your blog titles?

Do you try to use catchy ones? Or do you prefer using keywords?

Care to share?

signature for blog post.

*Affiliate Link

If you blog, you’ve heard it; “content is king”.

But what does that really mean?

And, who’s to say what’s good or bad?

Today’s Lesson

Content is king post They Lied. There Is No King
“Content is king” seems to imply what we blog about has value, and obviously, more value would be better.

But who determines that value? An imaginary value grader in the sky? Us? Our readers?

I’ve read blog posts I thoroughly enjoyed which didn’t have what others might see as value, but for me they were a fun or thought provoking read. I’ve also read articles which had what I would say had tons of  information (i.e. possible “value”), but they lacked a human element.

And on the flip side, I’ve written posts others may not have found value in, but for me, I felt they did.

This can be a confusing issue, especially for new bloggers.

If we read “content is king”, but all we want to do is share a thought of two, intimidation could set in and many a blog post may go unpublished. In fact, many a blog may go unstarted (is that a word?).

I’d hate to see that happen.

Blogging is meant to be fun and a reflection of who we are.

Let’s not let three little words dampen our dreams of writing.

What say you?

Today’s Assignment

How do you determine if what you’re sharing has value? Or do you?

When you read other blogs, what keeps you going back?

Is it the value you find in a blog or something else?

Care to Share?

signature for blog post.

Related Posts with Thumbnails