Just Blog Already

Yesterday I admitted that I’m a newbie on Twitter. Now for an even more shocking confession: I’m a novice blogger.

I would never have expected that I’d end up the primary blogger for a well-respected company — the outward facing voice, if you will, trusted to publicly express the values and principles of a group much larger than myself. But it happened, and in a pretty painless way, I might add. [I keep telling people the ankle cuff and subcutaneous RFID chip aren’t painful but no one ever believes me. –Susan]

I was lucky enough to be passed a torch from one of the most esteemed and beloved bloggers in a burgeoning industry, and I can pretty confidently say that I haven’t screwed it up too bad — yet. In reality, the responsibility of blogging wasn’t as daunting or scary as I thought it would be. Basically, if I can do it, you can do it. And you should.

• Blogs as a source of knowledge
• FAQ: How can I improve my blogging skills?

Blogs as a Source of Knowledge

Blogs are an important source of knowledge sharing. Even when I don’t have the answers to a question, I can still ask and hope some reader will chime in with their insights and opinions. Just the most basic conversation starter can spark debates that further the thinking of a community or industry. Even the act of writing helps to develop one’s thoughts on a subject, bringing the discourse to a whole new level.

Why I’m telling this to you, I don’t know. You already know the value of blogs. That’s why you’re reading this! With that out of the way, there are plenty of resources out there to help you direct your blogging efforts.

Personally, I take my blogging cues from my mentor. And one of our analysts introduced me to Steve Yegge’s blog, which has an excellent post that knocks down all the reasons people have for not blogging. The moral of the story is you should be blogging. Although this post is somewhat older, it still resonates today.

One of the recurring themes of blogging best practices is to be yourself. Lisa says that you should write with a style that reflects your passions and humanity. Steve says that people are looking for your real voice, and while not everyone is going to think like you, certainly, there are those who do, and they’re going to be most interested in your real interests. Sometimes, my most-read blog posts are the ones that I didn’t spend tons of time researching and overworking. They’re the ones where I just wrote off the cuff, straight from the heart. Who knew?

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FAQ: How can I improve my blogging skills?

Blogs can effectively allow businesses and individuals to share information and connect with their audiences.

1. Define Your Niche and Audience

Before starting to write, it is vital to identify your target audience and niche. By understanding their needs and preferences, you can craft content which resonates with readers. Consider conducting research or surveys to gain better insights.

2. Master the Art of Compelling Headlines

A captivating headline is the first step to engaging readers. Learn the art of crafting attention-grabbing headlines that not only describe your content but also generate curiosity.

3. Content Quality Over Quantity

Quantity isn’t as essential when it comes to blogging; what matters more is consistency. Your posts should be well-researched and informative while being free from errors; readers will return if your site offers them high-quality material.

4. Optimize for SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial skill for bloggers. Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and internal/external linking to improve your blog’s search engine ranking. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can be immensely helpful in keyword research.

5. Utilize Visual Content

Incorporate images, infographics, and videos into your blog posts to make them more engaging and visually appealing. Visual content can convey your message more effectively.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Engage readers through comments, email, and social media – building a community will encourage readers to return and promote a sense of belonging for your blog readers.

7. Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Staying abreast of trends is crucial to keeping your content relevant and valuable for users.

8. Edit and Proofread Thoroughly

Poor grammar and spelling mistakes undermine your credibility as a blogger. Always edit and proofread your content before publishing. Consider using grammar-checking tools like Grammarly.

9. Guest Posting

Guest posting on other blogs in your niche can help expand your visibility and build relationships. By increasing exposure and reaching more readers, guest blogging allows for enhanced collaboration.

10. Learn from Successful Bloggers

Study successful bloggers in your niche. Analyze their writing style, content strategy, and engagement techniques. You can gain valuable insights from their experiences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Your Blogging Skills

1. Identify your niche and target audience through thorough research and understanding.
2. Create compelling headlines that pique readers’ interest and curiosity.
3. Prioritize content quality over quantity, offering well-researched and error-free posts.
4. Optimize your content for SEO by using relevant keywords and meta descriptions.
5. Incorporate visual content like images, infographics, and videos to enhance your posts.
6. Foster engagement by interacting with your audience through comments, social media, and email.
7. Stay updated with industry trends to ensure the relevance of your content.
8. Edit and proofread your posts carefully to maintain professionalism.
9. Consider guest posting on other blogs to broaden your reach and network with fellow bloggers.
10. Learn from successful bloggers by analyzing their strategies and approaches.

This article was updated on November 30, 2023.

Virginia Nussey is the director of content marketing at MobileMonkey. Prior to joining this startup in 2018, Virginia was the operations and content manager at Bruce Clay Inc., having joined the company in 2008 as a writer and blogger.

See Virginia's author page for links to connect on social media.