Become a better blogger - writer following these 8 easy steps!
Do you struggle putting the pen on the paper, err, fingers on the keyboard? You have plenty to say and it's useful and important information, but you're not quite sure where to start or stop. The first step is to start. Go ahead. Then use these eight tips to polish your writing.
How to write better posts, fast and furious!
- WHITE SPACE - leave enough space - white or otherwise, between paragraphs, thoughts, ideas, points, etc. Think about it, when was the last time that you, as the reader, managed to read all the way to the end of the post that looked something like this...
Is writing somewhat of a struggle or doesn't come easy to you? You are certainly not alone. We all run into some roadblocks from time to time.If you are just lurking around or only write comments it's time to step out and start pushing out some serious content - well, not literally serious. Are you still reading? You can use these writing tips each time you are writing a post, and you can start right now! How to write better posts, fast and furious. Is writing somewhat of a struggle or doesn't come easy to you? How are you doing? You are certainly not alone. We all run into some roadblocks from time to time. Are you still reading? If you are just lurking around or only write comments it's time to step out and start pushing out some serious content - well, not literally serious.You can use these EIGHT tips each time you are writing a post, and you can start right now! How to write better posts, fast and furious. Is writing somewhat of a struggle or doesn't come easy to you? You are certainly not alone. We all run into some roadblocks from time to time. If you are just lurking around or only write comments it's time to step out and start pushing out some serious content - well, not literally serious. You can use these EIGHT tips each time you are writing a post, and you can start right now! You are a super star if you are still reading this! How to write better posts, fast and furious. Is writing somewhat of a struggle or doesn't come easy to you? You are certainly not alone. We all run into some roadblocks from time to time. If you are just lurking around or only write comments it's time to step out and start pushing out some serious content - well, not literally serious. You can use these EIGHT tips each time you are writing a post, and you can start right now. Blah, blah and then some. How I will write better posts, one of these days...
How far did you get? In today's fast, hyper-speed world you will lose readers within the first couple of seconds if they do not find you post pleasing to the eye and easy to read.
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MAGIC BULLETS
Use them - bullets, numbers, photos... These naturally create more white space, and make it a faster read for the reader
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TITLE
Super Important. If you can't think of a title at first, don't worry. Leave it for later. While you are writing a great title may hit you. Constantly think of titles that would pull you in as the reader. Ask a question, promise something (and back it up on your post), intrigue, perk the curiosity, be funny and mix in some keywords - if you are targeting your post.
There is much more to be said about titles - another post later on only that - so this post doesn't end up marathon length.
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SHORT AND SWEET
If you use long sentences with twists and turns and the reader gets lost in the never-never land. Keep it short. Short sentences make it easier to keep the reader on board and engaged.
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SHORT AND MEDIUM LENGTH
HUH? If you are writing a novel it is one thing to make the story 300 pages of riveting excitement. For blog posts, short to medium works well. If you want to keep google happy 300-500 words per post works well. Some are finding great results with longer posts as well when it comes to google but aren't you also writing to the reader? If you find your post is getting really long - try breaking it up to 2-3 smaller topics, and create links back and forth.
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SHOOT IT STRAIGHT
Write your posts in a easy to understand, clear voice. Avoid using fancy words, overused words and roundabout ways of getting to a point.
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EDIT, EDIT and EDIT some more
It is amazing how many words you can eliminate, replace or switch by good ol' editing. Look at your post with a critical eye, see what you can leave out, shorten, or say clearer.
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MAKE THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT FIRST
If you write about multiple factors when pricing a house, getting a loan, etc. make the most important point first.
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USE FONT COLORS SPARINGLY
Look around, yes even outside ActiveRain, and you will find many top notch bloggers and sites using 1-2 colors, that's it, and maybe a different highlight color.
I didn't mention spelling and grammar (hope I didn't make any mistakes here - yikes) but both are of course extremely important.
Here are the 8 points made into a checklist you can use after you write a post.
Did I leave enough white space?
Did I use bullet points, number, and/or photos?
Is my title fitting and good enough?
Did I make sentences short and clear?
Did I use good clear to understand words?
Did I make too post too long?
Can I edit the post some more?
Can I edit the post some more?
Did I make the most important point first?
What do my colors look like?
Happy writing :)
Rita
P.S. I edited this piece FOUR FIVE times after I wrote it to trim it down.
P.S.S. If you missed Knock your Socks off tool for your writing - Google Wonder Wheel - click on the link to get the scoop
Copyright 2010.© Rita Burke. All Rights Reserved. "8 Tips to Become a Better Blogger - Writer, Fast and Furious."
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