If you’re up on stage blogging your heart out to an empty stadium, don’t quit…here are 21 quick and easy ways to blog like a rockstar and fill your stadium with die-hard fans.
1. Write compelling headlines. Your headline is how people decide if they’re going to read your blog post of not. So make sure that it reaches out and grabs hold of your reader.
2. Capture your reader’s attention in the first paragraph. Your first paragraph should draw in your reader and entice them to keep reading. Keep it simple, snappy and sassy.
3. Keep sentences short. Short sentences stand out, are simple to read and balance out longer sentences. Utilize short sentences throughout your blog for some added pizazz.
4. Omit the fluff. Omit all unnecessary words, especially fluffy, frilly adjectives. Just the facts, Jack.
5. Use keywords throughout your post. To help the search engines find your posts, sprinkle important keywords throughout the body and in the title.
6. Use white space. Using plenty of white space throughout your post makes it easier to read. When your readers are faced with a page of dense, black text, they’ll literally give up before they even begin.
7. Make use of lists. Bulleted or numbered lists make your posts simple to scan. And, since so many of your readers are “scan readers” this strategy ensures that they stick with you ‘til the bitter end.
8. Use bold text and italics. When you want to emphasis a certain point or draw attention to an important word, use bold text or italics.
9. Link like crazy. One characteristic of bloggers is that they link, link and then link some more. They link externally to other relevant blogs and they link internally to their own past blog posts. In addition, links help Google determine what your post is about.
10. Keep your posts short. We’re living in a world packed with people who have short attention spans and overloaded lives. Aim for posts that are 300 – 500 words. Short, sweet and to the point.
11. Talk directly to your reader. As you write your post, imagine that you’re talking to one person in a face-to-face conversation. Your goal is to make the reader feel as if you’re having a conversation with them and only them.
12. Solve your readers’ problem. One of the main purposes of your blog is to help your readers solve some of their most pressing problems. This is how you position yourself as an expert.
13. Don’t preach. Blogs aren’t meant to be a personal pulpit in order to preach to your congregation. They’re a social platform meant for connection, interaction and creating relationships.
14. Have some fun. If you’re not having fun writing your blog, your readers aren’t going to have fun reading your blog. So kick back, relax and have some fun!
15. Forget what you learned in high school English class. Forget the tight-laced rules that you learned in English class. Blogging is more about connecting with your audience than worrying about sentence fragments, run-ons or dangling participles.
16. Proofread. Even though your blog posts can break some of the strict rules of grammar, you still need to adhere to some of the basics. Make sure that you don’t have glaring typos, misspellings or jumbled sentences.
17. Read your post out loud. Reading your posts out loud helps capture your authentic voice so that you sound natural and real.
18. Let your personality shine. Your personality should be a part of every single post that you write. If you’re funny, then be funny. If you’re serious, then be serious. Just make sure that the “real you” is shining through each and every post.
19. Voice your opinions. Don’t be afraid to have opinions when you blog. Let your readers know what makes you happy, what makes you sad and what drives you crazy.
20. Interact with your readers. Since blogging is a social platform, it’s natural to interact with your audience. Use your blog as a way to connect with your prospects by encouraging comments and replying to comments.
21. Provide closure. Never leave your readers hanging. Wrap up your blog posts with a short conclusion that signals to your reader that you have finished.
So there you have it. As you implement these 21 quick and easy tips, you’ll soon discover that you have more fans than you ever imagined.
About Jessica Swanson
Why THANK you Colleen…you just made my day
I think you are awesome Jessica. You always point out such simple, but important facts! Love your newsletter and emails. Thanks
all excellent points!
Thanks Candace…I wholeheartedly agree with you! There’s nothing better than a blog filled to the brim with personality!
This is an excellent article Jessica… I think it is so important to let your personality shine through and that opinions are shared. Thanks for the reminder. I enjoy reading your newsletters and blog.
Have a great day!
Candace Davies
http://resumes-for-teachers.com
Thanks Therese..happy to have you here on the blog
You’re welcome Margaret…hang in there! Blogging is one of the BEST ways to speak directly to your target market.
Thanks for sharing Jessica, great advice as always
Excellent value as usual, You always over deliver Jessica. I read your articles and attend your FREE webinars and best value out there truly. Thank you for all the nuggets you constantly give.
Fantastic points – thank you for offering such beneficial insight on a topic and concept I’m trying hard to grasp.
Thanks Rhonda….great to see you here
Why thank you Robert
You just made my day!
I think that when you voice your opinion, you are letting your readers know how YOU feel. You are giving them room to agree or disagree with you.
When you preach, you are TELLING your readers how they should feel. There’s not room for disagreement here…and you want your readers to be able to interact with you.
At least that’s my take on the situation
This is great. I love the photo that goes along with it as well as the tips. They really do make it easier to create blog posts that shine and stand out.
That photo IS a fun one
Thought it was perfect for the post!
Very useful Jessica! You are 100% pure value.
- @MagneticWoman
Great advice and a good reminder to all of us bloggers! Thanks.
Thanks!! Even bloggers can use some reminding every now and again
Jessica, I’ve been reading your articles for a long time and I must say; you always do blog like a rockstar.
I also respect someone who practices what they preach.
Would be great if more people followed your expert advice.
Wise words I find the difference between Don’t preach and Voice your opinions tough. I fear I verge into preaching as opposed to voicing my opinions any tips on that?
Great list that I have genuinely Bookmarked in my Blog folder to refer to.
Why thank you Blastoffgirl123
Thanks! Rock and roll
Great post Jessica. You be da lady. Rock On!
Just wanted to tell you this is a great article, as always. Looking forward to more.
blastoffgirl123
Why thank you! And there HAS been a ton going on in the blogosphere these days. Peeps are getting creative as blogs rise in popularity!
Super Rockstar tips! There’s been a lot going on in the blogosphere these days — blogging challenges, blog world tours, courses on becoming an expert guest blogger, and even talk about how to find a paid position as a staff blogger.
BTW …
Your blog Rocks!
Melanie