Tips for better blogging
Once again, Tech Republic online magazine came through with an excellent short article on 10 ways to be a better blogger. I highly recommend this free e-newsletter, which only requires online registration and a wide choice of customizable subtopics related to the world of technology. They sure have saved my bacon by providing interesting blog topics, but they have also helped me in my profession by passing along project management tips and even power user articles on how to maximize the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
So how does a blogger get better? According to Tech Republic:
Pick a purpose and stick with it
First figure out what you're blog topic is and stay true to it. Blogs run the gamut of social, political, technical and regional topics. Readers visit and even subscribe based upon a "truth in advertising" promise that the blog author will deliver on a specific topic. It's a huge turnoff when your Feng Shui blog starts weighing in on presidential politics.
Use good HTML and design
Visiting a blog should be a pleasant experience in which colors, layout, choice of font and use of hypertext and electronic formatting enhance instead of detract. Even if you're using a free blog service, you still have some choice of design and it's up to you to learn enough about HTML to format and insert hyperlinks.
Provide good navigation
If you're using a free blogging service, you may be stuck with what they offer, but understand the importance of good, clean navigation. This includes clear instructions on how to subscribe to an RSS feed and how to post comments. Your blog site should also be searchable for key words and phrases. Even if your blog host doesn't offer a search feature, you might be able to co-opt Google's search function. Finally, getting around your site is important, but it's more important that readers can easily get TO your site; don't flit around experimenting with multiple blog servers because if you do, each time this means you have a new address.
Stick to a schedule
If you say you publish daily, publish daily. Those who track blogs are frustrated by subscribing to a promising blog only to see it wither from neglect. I try my best to keep to a weekly schedule, though I do have occasional lapses. When I do fall behind, I offer apologies and tearful promises not to sin again.
Keep it short
Blogs do not lend themselves to long treatises. They are much more conducive to short and concise entries that make a point directly.
Use good English
Whether it's your vocation or avocation, you have chosen to write when you take on blogging duties. Take the time to learn and use proper English, and proofread your entries to clean up typos. Typographical errors and bad grammar are huge distractions and can erode the credibility of your blog.
Whew !! I made another blog deadline.
Chris Crawford
www.justiceserved.com