From idea to blog post some pointers to set you on your way

Blogging 101

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INSPIRATION!When inspiration strikes, take note!

As a blogger, you will find that inspiration finds you at the strangest moments and in the most unusual ways. Every now and then you’ll have an ‘aha’ moment and the best idea EVER for a blog post will come to you as you’re running your car through the carwash. It’s such a great idea that there’s no way you’ll forget it…

WRONG!

We’re all fallible. Note your ideas as they arise using a tool like Evernote, or even go crazy and use a pad and pen. That way you’ll always have a pool of great ideas to draw on and nothing will get forgotten.

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SPACERemove all distractions

Give yourself the space and time you need to write. Remove all distractions. Turn your phone off, log out of your email, make sure you’ve got everything you need to hand so you won’t have to get up again.

Then just write.

You’ll find that if you make an effort to set aside quality time to plan and write blog posts rather than shoehorning them as a second priority, that the quality of what you write will rapidly improve. And you’ll find it more enjoyable too.

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READ AROUNDGet inspired by reading around your topic

Once you’ve decided on the topic of today’s blogpost, read everything you can find on the topic. This might include:

• Blog posts• Comments on blogs• News stories• Books – or parts thereof

This can help you to get really familiar with your topic and ensure you’re sharing all the most valuable information. As you’re reading, think about how to put your own unique spin on things too.

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BRAINSTORMWhat should your post cover?

Now that you’ve got lots of ideas floating around your head on your topic of choice, think about what points you should cover in your blog post and how they might be presented in a way that is relevant and interesting to your audience.

Consider:• Does anything need defining / explaining –

to what level?• What problems can you help your

audience solve?• What is your opinion on this? What are the

opinions of others? • How can you present this information in a

way that is different to what everyone else has done?

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FLESH IT OUTFlesh out your sub-headings

Using the framework you’ve created, start writing and add flesh to the bones. Remember that no word should be extraneous or you’ll lose readers.

I always find it useful to imagine someone reading on a mobile device on a packed commuter train… would they be compelled to read on? If not, cut it down or rethink what you’ve written.

600-800 words is a good length for a blog post though there will inevitably be occasions when you want to bend or downright break this rule of thumb.

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ADD DEPTHLinks and images will add depth to your post

Add links to your text highlighting useful posts – either your own or someone else’s. This will add depth of information to what you’ve written. It’s likely that during all that research you did earlier, you came across some fantastic posts or sites you’d like to share with interested others.

Source images or videos for your post (or make your own if you’re feeling daring) these will help to bring it alive and make it more interesting.

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TITLEThe right title will make your post either sink or swim

You need to think up a great title for your blog post. And when I say great I don’t mean clever, funny or witty. I mean a title which will help readers and search engines quickly decide whether your blog post is relevant and interesting to them.

A good title:• Is ten words or less• Is 60 characters or less• Makes it clear what the post is about• Draws the reader’s interest• Gives the reader a reason to read

A top tip is to look at the titles on magazine covers and see if you can rewrite them into titles that would suit your audience.

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EDITNEVER skip this crucial step

By the time you’ve finished writing your post it can feel tedious to have to edit it as well, but you should NEVER scrimp on editing time. It doesn’t take that long and it will improve the readability of your blog and ensure it looks professional.

When editing, consider:• Is there anything you can remove? There

should be no surplus text.• Is your spelling and grammar spot on?• Do all your links work?• Does everything make sense?• Is there anything missing?

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PUBLISHYou’re all set to press ‘go’…

Now you’re ready to hit the publish button. If your blogging interface allows it, take a look at a preview before you press go – otherwise take a good look at your live post right away to make sure ther are no formatting or other obvious issues.

Once you’re happy with it, you’re ready to stary sharing it. Share your post via your social media networks ensuring you give people good reasons to want to come and read it. Of course, a well-written title will do the hard work for you.

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HAPPY BLOGGING!Good luck! Let us know how you get on…

For more help and advice on blogging and all things social media visit

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And follow

@PookyH