When I first started blogging I knew that blog writing style is certainly different to the various other writing styles. I had initially generalized like several of you must have done that in blogging, your writing style is not as important as your ability to get your ideas across. Now, I think this generalization is just half right. If you’re writing an informative post, it is more important to be informative, than it is to have great style. On the other hand, if you want to be remembered, in part you need to be distinctive. But then what exactly is a good blog writing style? This is what I have gathered by reading blogs, by blogging and of course educating my self on this topic.
One thing successful bloggers have in common is the blogger’s ability to speak plainly. Their blog writing styles may vary, but they all get to the point quickly. Of course, this isn’t the only reason these bloggers do well. You also need something interesting to say. But saying it clearly and effectively certainly helps!
Most web readers prefer a personal, more laid-back writing style when it comes to reading blogs. So it makes sense to develop our own fluid, graceful writing style. Here are some special techniques to do just that:
1. Outline before you start writing – this helps to stick to the point. Many posts follow this simple format: an introduction, a few points, and a conclusion.
2. Create an inviting title; make it a “must read”.
3. The first paragraph should contain all of your blog’s main points.
4. Get right to the point. Cut out the excess and leave the worthy.
5. Use headings to make major points, emphasize minor points. On the Web, you don’t read. You scan. So make your articles scannable: use short sentences, short paragraphs and lists. Make your articles easy to read.
Once you know how to start, the next step is to write. But how do I improve my blog writing skills? Here are few tips………
The best way of to improve your writing skills, is to write your post and then edit it. Writing on its own will only display your writing skills, as they are. For improvement, improve your editing and rewriting skills. Writing is a skill that you need to cultivate just as you need to cultivate design skills, or coding skills.
Write In A Conversational Tone. You need not be stuffy with the language nor does being verbose lend some air of credibility. Talk directly to the reader, and not at them from some higher plain. Use a personal touch in your writing.
Don’t Over Concern Yourself With Grammar. Now that might sound a little strange coming from me until you realize that I’m not suggesting that you use bad grammar, but only that you bend a few of the rules that can hamper your conversational style.
Be Useful and Unique. Please notice that I have chosen the world ‘unique’ instead of ‘original’. Know your audience – who’s reading your blog? Why? This will help you to write content that’s appropriate for your blog.
And one final word……….
Always respond. Respond to comments and questions as soon as possible. Even if you disagree with a comment post a response. This is the essence of blogging. Free exchange.
Filed under: To Be a Good Blogger Tagged: | blogger, blogs, conclusion, generalization, headings, laid back, paragraph, sentences, short paragraphs, writing skills, writing style, writing styles
