Writing an Effective Blog Post - article

You want to reach readers and have decided to blog. Good for you! But how do you write an effective blog post that will bring readers back for more? Here is some good news – it’s easier than you might think. A good blog post is short, between 250 to 500 words and you can write a ton all at once (say in 2 hrs on a Saturday morning) and then use a tool like Hootsuite to load the posts and schedule them for publication on your blog. That means you can keep a weekly blog post going with only once monthly time commitment for creating the posts… and a little time throughout the month to reply to the great comments you’ll get on those posts. Keep the text isn’t one big block and break it up into 5 and 6 line sections. Each section should be focused and pop with information.
It’s time to create content. Ideally this content will directly or indirectly generate interest in your work. Perhaps you may know everything there is to know about jelly beans but unless you are writing a book about those colorful beans, don’t blather on about them. A blog needs be focused. Your goal is to sell books. So what do you write about? Many authors discuss their books, their process, and their personal interests on their blogs. You can include photos and video content, even links to related blogs by other people… who will often reciprocate with links back to your blog (increasing traffic and awareness for your book!). A blog is analogous to extra content found on DVDs for movies. Blogging can be a behind the scenes look at the creation of books or a personal connection to you, the author! It’ is a chance to tell the story behind the story.
What a crime writer might post is totally different from the post of a children’s author. The content needs to connect to your work and your audience. If you write about a character with a great interest in gardening, you may choose to offer seasonal gardening advice to your blog readers. You could even stage it so the advice comes from your character! Just remember – your blog is about offering a little something extra.
It’s not just about you. Blog about books you like, too. You can write reviews and conduct online interviews (do them via email, and post the written interview on the blog). You reviews should be of books that dovetail with your content. Be sure you interview people that have some connection to you work. Interview mentors, critique group partners, or trailblazers in your field. Always make choices that enhance your work.
In the beginning you may flounder to find your voice. You’ll take some time to develop your tone and voice. If you write chick-lit comedies you don’t want a professional academic tone but something more casual and comedic. Have trusted critiquers read your blog and offer feedback. You’ll grow your skills and your confidence over time.
Finally how often should you post? The frequency of posting is important in blogging. A general rule is to post at least once a week. Some bloggers post daily. Here’s the trick. Whatever you choose, be consistent. Your readers will come to expect this because blogging is a commitment you make to them. So you can’t blog weekly for 3 months and then stop for a month. You’ll lose readers. Before you decide how frequently to blog, take a realistic look at your schedule. Do you have time to do it weekly or daily… or to dedicate a whole day to creating a batch of posts and then scheduling them? If you start to blog, treat it as a professional endeavor. It’s part of your brand. Be serious about your deadlines and about providing useful (and/or entertaining) information.
The blogging journey can be an enriching journey. Don’t be surprised if every area of your writing life is improved by it.