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8 Tips to become a Better Blogger - Writer, Fast and Furious!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Kenna Real Estate ER40035749

Become a better blogger - writer following these 8 easy steps!

writing a blog postDo 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!

  1. 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.

  1. MAGIC BULLETS
    Use them - bullets, numbers, photos... These naturally create more white space, and make it a faster read for the reader

  2. blogging at the computerTITLE
    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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. EDIT, EDIT and EDIT some more
    It is amazing how many words you can eliminate, replace or switch by goocolorful fontsd ol' editing. Look at your post with a critical eye, see what you can leave out, shorten, or say clearer.

  7. 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.

  8. 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."

Comments (52)

Brian Lee Burke
Kenna Real Estate - Lone Tree, CO
Broker & Advising Expert-Kenna Luxury Real Estate

Wendy - me too, I often find a mistake after I take a break and look at the post with new eyes.

Mar 19, 2010 02:57 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

I break a lot of those rules...  I just can't help it.  But, spelling and grammar are VERY important to me.  I still make mistakes... but they are important. 

Mar 20, 2010 12:44 PM
Robert Hammerstein
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Rita - Yep your are correct in your tips... a lot that I do and shouldn't do in there but grammar and spelling are of the utmost importance to me personally... After all the public is reading this stuff and you certainly don't want them to think you don't know how to spell check at the least... Great post Rita

Apr 07, 2010 01:41 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Hey, Rita - We haven't heard from you too much. Hope all is well.

A lovely flower for a lovely lady

Apr 17, 2010 09:52 PM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I'll echo Russel's sentiments. We miss you. Remember that you don't need an umbrella to Play in the Rain.

Apr 21, 2010 05:28 PM
Thom Abbott
MyMidtownMojo.com |770.713.1505 | Intown Atlanta GA Condo Living - Atlanta, GA
Midtown Atlanta GA Condos For Sale

Rita...your name has been laying on my desk for weeks, compliments of Debe Maxwell, and I'm just now getting around to finding you! Silly me!

I use Nvu to do my posts. Debe told be about Kompozer, but I could never get it to install on my computer.

These are all awesome tips!

May 16, 2010 04:06 AM
Jesus Orozco
Your Denver Real Estate Insider - Denver, CO

Great tips!

Jun 16, 2010 06:21 AM
Lynn911.com ~ Dallas Real Estate Agent Top Team
Dallas Houses for Rent Dallas Apartment Rentals Lynn911.com - Dallas, TX

This is a great blog post most believe it is HUGE to blog when in fact learn easy get a message out

Can you believe it is almost 4th of July, have a fab...u...lous week.

Jun 28, 2010 12:17 PM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Rita, you have been on my mind several times lately - we miss you. I guess you've gone on to other things, but please know that you are one of my favorite bloggers!

Aug 28, 2010 03:18 PM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Hi Rita!  Cindy Jones re-blogged your post today.  When I first starting writing for my blog I was challenged with not enough white space.  Thought it would be important to see what else I could learn. For me the next most important is to Edit, Edit and Edit!

Oct 25, 2010 10:42 AM
Dee Mayers
Covina, CA
San Gabriel Valley, CA

Brian/Rita,

Very good information, will be bookmarking this because it is not only helpful to me, sometimes I come across members asking how to build a better blog and I will be sharing it with them. Giving you the credit of course.  Thank you.

Oct 25, 2010 12:37 PM
Joyce Heffner-Williams
Keller Williams Clients' Choice Realty - Monument, CO
Owner/Broker/EcoBroker - Monument Real Estate

Like this post a lot!! Thanks for the info!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Nov 23, 2010 09:19 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Rita, this is really a good one.  I like the thing with font colors.  Some blogs look like ransome notes!

Apr 15, 2011 02:58 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hey Rita! 

I included this post in Last Week's Favorites.  Good job!

 

 

 

 

 

Apr 17, 2011 04:39 AM
Barbara Altieri
Better Homes and Gardens RE Shore and Country Properties - Shelton, CT
REALTOR-Fairfield County CT Homes/Condos For Sale

Rita -- You made your point extremely well with that huge paragraph.  I got lost after the first sentence. All other point great as well.

Apr 17, 2011 10:01 AM
Victoria Stankard
Get Found Now - Tampa Palms, FL

Hi Rita, Missed this one before. Great post about effective blogging!

Apr 18, 2011 03:41 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi Brian,  On a somewhat related point I would ad that after the post has passed all of your criteria that it shouold then be reviewed for SEO jiuce.  After all, what is thepoint if not for the Juice !!!

Apr 18, 2011 04:47 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Really enjoyed the post. Lots of good tips in that list of 8.

Enjoy this day!

Apr 22, 2011 06:43 PM
Rob Kittle
Kittle Real Estate - Fort Collins, CO
"We Specialize, You Benefit!" -Kittle Real Estate

Great Simple tips on being a great blogger and one more don't stop creating blogs! Just keep doing it as you may not notice it will be your daily habit, and you can't imagine the benefits it will return! Thank you!

May 12, 2011 07:03 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Well, how long is too long?

Google wants us to write long posts, readers does not have time and patience for long posts.

May 03, 2015 03:49 PM