I felt nervous about starting my first blog. I had creative ideas to share with the world but was nervous about what people would think.
Writing a blog is a conversation you have with someone you just met. It is warm, welcoming, witty, humorous, serious, or casual. It depends on the mindset of the people that will read your blog.
An effective blog should answer the 5 Ws; Who, What, Where, When, and Why. The more you research your audience and the subject, the better.
After six years of blogging for companies and guest blogging for brands, here are helpful tips to start your first blog.
Do you need help with blogging? Contact me today.
Know Your Audience
How do you find out about your audience? It's simple but can take time. Here are a few ideas:
Send a survey to customers
Do a Google Trends search
Create a report in your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software
Conduct a focus Group
Helpful information can include age, gender, income, location, education, marital status. The more information you have about your readers, the easier it will be for you to figure out what to write.
Understand Your Purpose
In a recent Instagram quote that I wrote, I shared that it is better to write with intention, or people will think you are writing to gain attention.
What does this mean?
If you are writing from a place of ego, you want attention or praise, you need to find a better reason to write. Consumers are smart. They can tell when someone is blogging to show off a new product. Or, if the reader truly wants to help their community.
Write Your Truth
I've found success in blogging by being vulnerable and sharing experiences that were uncomfortable to share. People are connected to people and brands that they can relate to because of honesty. Here are some ideas:
Share a short video clip in your blog
Use feeling statements (i.e., I feel, nervous, scared)
Share real-life examples
Describe specific details
Your writing should play out like a movie in people's minds. One of the best ways to do that is writing from your heart without overthinking what people will think.
Grab a Readers Attention
The first sentence, images, and videos you use should grab the reader's attention. Most people feel uninspired within the first seconds of reading if the tone of writing lacks enthusiasm.
Find a humorous, friendly, and inviting place within yourself before you start writing to achieve this best practice.
Ask your friends and family to read your first draft. It is better to write interesting headlines and sentences before sharing your blogs with the world.
Apps and Mobile Phones
I recommend using technology to get your ideas on paper. Here are some helpful ideas:
Use apps that you can speak into on your phone while it types for you
Take photo's of people, places and things that inspire you
Voice record interviews with experts to add quotes
Use a notepad to write down ideas
I recently started using a notepad to write down my ideas throughout the day. When you write ideas that come to you or write pieces of your blog when you have free time, it can reduce time in brainstorming.
Do you need help with blogging? Contact me today.
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If you have questions about blogging or how to improve your writing, let's chat. I look forward to working with you.