Tips for Writing Good Blog Posts

Here are a few tips for writing good blog posts and to make sure people want to read what you’re writing.

1. Using descriptive headlines - using descriptive headlines that reveal the point of the article without further reading, the key is to create a micro-content that can fare well on its own.  Keep in mind that the headline could be read in an RRS reader, a news portal which aggregates content, a bookmark, your blog archive, a search results and so on.  It may be surrounded by dozens of others headlines.
2. The first link - first link is one people most likely are to click on, so it should also be the main link for your story.  In addition, too many links too close together defuse your point and make you less of a filter and a news blog should always be a filter for others.
3. Write the inverted pyramid - first get to the point of the story and mention your core ideas then fill in the later paragraphs with other details.  The first and second sentences should allow your readers to decide if they want to continue on and read the entire article or not.
4. Use lists, tables, images - use such things as lists, tables, images, subtitles, examples, indentations, indent it quotes, colors, bold, italicized words to lighten up your article.  This also makes it easier to scan.  Don’t expect everyone to cling to every word you are saying, a lot of people merely skim articles for the main parts.
5. Always credit your sources - edit your sources with a mention in a link unlike mainstream newspapers bloggers always mentioned where they get their stories and give them credit for it.
6. Don’t uses sophisticated words people never heard of - with a globalized audience, it’s never a good idea to use words that are sophisticated that many people have never heard of.  Some of you readers may only speak English as a second language.
7. Spell check and grammar check - always double check your spelling and grammar before submitting your blog and if someone catches an error and tells you about it, please fix it as it is no big deal, everyone makes mistakes.

Of course there are exceptions to each and every one of these rules, for example if you are posting a long blog; it’s hard to get to the point in the first few sentences.  Or if you’re posting a humorous blog you don’t want to get the punch-line away in the headline.

When writing your blog just use common sense and write what you would like to read. And don’t be afraid of criticism because you will get plenty if you have an open blog with something controversial or something that people are passionate about.