Snoozey blogs are a bore. But keeping them interesting or appealing can prove difficult, regardless of your blog’s focus: to sell, advise/inform, promote, or entertain.
Nobody wants an eye-glazingly boring/bad blog, so let’s give some thought on how to maintain one that’s attention-grabbing. (And, yes, even if your blog is about the Luna Moth, it could be super fascinating . . . with the right approach.)
When you’d first thought about starting a blog, what [should have] popped into your mind? Ri-ight. Your intended audience. And? Are you writing for—and attracting—that audience? If not, consider using tools like Google Analytics to determine whether you’re succeeding. If you’re not, you may want to rethink your approach.
The first thing I did when setting up a blog was create an “About Me” page. It’s not a requirement, but if you decide to have one, make it interesting and/or funny, classy and/or silly, and ensure it reflects you. In fact, why not write one as a tale—about you?
Blogs generally tend to be personal, so you may want to write in first-person. I love first-person (can’t imagine writing any other way). It’s an ideal way for readers to get into your head and understand the real you. If you’re shy, suck it up—sell yourself. You can do it.
Ensure your writing is clear and crisp. Going off on tangents, rambling incessantly, adding too many descriptive words (those things called “adjectives”) probably won’t engage your readers much. You want to embrace—uh, what’s the right word? Yes! Simplicity.
Simple = straightforward = uncomplicated = clear-cut.
On that note, also ensure your writing is to the point and not overly long (avoid run-on, mind-fogging sentences). You want to engage readers, not bore the hell out of them.
Feel free to break up posts, too. Visuals “pretty up” posts, make them appealing and easier to follow. Use [judiciously] different fonts, colors, spacing, and bullets. Too many words chockablock in one post can resemble a giant square or sticky note, and may prompt readers to move on. Draw attention, pull them in, but don’t go overboard; too many visuals can be as detrimental as none at all.
Never be negative. I have a tendency to express regret—like that damn mailing list I often mention, the one I just can’t find the time to do (or wrap my head around, if I’m totally honest). See? Did it again. <LOL> Don’t you do it. Freely share ideas and feelings and thoughts (in context with your blog). It’s fine to communicate opinions and emotions; simply take care as to how you sound (and what image you convey).
On the “never be negative” note, make certain not to insult or condemn people, gossip or berate. Stay factual and objective. Mind what you share and say.
Be original. Don’t plagiarize or steal. You have your focus: stay on point.
Being typo-free is good. (I’ll readily admit that I’ve caught a few in mine, so slap on hand to me.)
Enough tips for now. I don’t want to run on and un-interest you. Next post: editing tips (which lend themselves to keeping our posts all of the above).
The Writer's Grab-Bag 