We've been discussing how to write a blog. I've given six suggestions so far that will help you to be successful and attractive to the readers in your niche.
7. As much as possible, include a title that grabs your reader's attention and forces him to stop and read more. Some have suggested that the title is 80% responsible for the post being read. Some just skim through titles and short blog excerpts to determine if they want to take the time to read the whole post.
If your title is weak or sounds boring, there is a very good chance the viewer will skip on by to something else. Try to fit key words from your niche into the title if you can.
8. Always remember clear, simple, and brief. As you write the narrative for each post, keep these adjectives in mind and they will help you to keep readers engaged but not bored to death. It's best to keep each post to just one central idea or thought.
You're not writing a book or a research paper. You're not writing a chapter or even a subheading. You're probably only going to write a few paragraphs, depending upon the subject, in each of your posts. As with the title, try to include key words in your copy that will help the search engines direct viewers to your work.
9. Stick to some kind of writing routine. By being consistent and having some discipline to write on a schedule, your readers will know they are coming to find new, fresh material. If you blog every day, or every other day, or once a week, maintaining that same schedule will help motivate you to write often and it will help your readers to know when a new post will be waiting for them.
10. Yes, it is important to write original, unique content . . . and as much of it as possible. Be sure to store your previous articles in a searchable data base so that both customers and search engine spiders will find them. The more key word rich posts you have on your site, the more the search engines will find you relevant and worth directing others toward.
11. Try to use acceptable grammar, spelling, etc. Stay away from too much industry jargon, technical words and systems, local expressions, and especially foul and crude language. You may talk a certain way in your everyday life, but being offensive or appearing "uneducated" is not a great idea for a blogger trying to capture as many readers as possible. Be sure to proofread everything before you publish.
12. If your software allows it (or even if you have to add this feature outside the software you blog with), employ an RSS feed. You can read all about RSS anywhere on the Internet and I don't want to get into a discussion here of what it is and how you use it. But I will just say that your exposure to the outside world will greatly be enhanced by this feature if you promote it at your site and in the blog directories.
It is a way for your readers to see all your latest posts and have lots of different blogs in one niche directed right to their desktop. It is all about convenience, saving time, and automation.
The blog you write will become a success or not depending upon your writing ability, the subject you've chosen, and the popularity of the niche you're in. It will also likely be affected by the blog software you use, the distribution you are able to employ, and the viewers that share your blog with others.
Most of these blog characteristics depend upon you, the blog owner, and your skill and talent at both writing about your subject and promoting the blog to appropriate sources.
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