How to Become a Blogger

Congratulations. You've got your blog set up, you've found all the plug-ins you need and you've decided on a design that's perfect for you. So what next?

You'll need blog post - and that doesn't mean one now and then when you feel like it. You need regular blog posts that will keep your readers enthralled and entertained.

At the outset, fired by enthusiasm, you may find that writing your posts comes easily and you may well get the odd comment now and then.

But as time goes on you begin to notice your stats. You only seem to be attracting a few readers, not the shed loads you'd envisaged when you started out. Not only that but numbers seem to be dwindling.

What's going on?

In simple terms readership is dropping and people who do find your blog are not staying.

Why?

You're not being effective - your posts aren't grabbing them anymore.

Learn to become effective

Lesson 1:

Read one of your posts. Is it speaking to you? Be honest.

Think about whether you are talking to your reader or at them. Using 'you' and 'your' in your posts rather than 'I' and 'we', will make a huge difference. You're immediately involving the reader in your post. You're building rapport, drawing them in, gaining their trust.

Lesson 2:

What does your post look like?

A solid wall of text is a huge turn off but break it into small paragraphs and sub headings (like I've done with this article) and it's much easier to read.

Use features such as:

HeadingsSub headingsBulleted listsImages

These will help you add interest to your post and make it look more welcoming.

Lesson 3:

What happens when you get to the end of your posts?

It is vital to tell your reader what to do. If your posts just ends, your reader willbe left feeling rather flat.

But if you add a call to action, you'll be involving them in your blog. It doesn't have to make a sale, it could ask them to sign up to your newsletter or even leave a comment.

Lesson 4:

This is where your subject matter comes into play.

As a copywriter I began blogging and made the conscious decision that all my posts would be related to copywriting, marketing and social media.

Therefore my readers know the type of information they are going to find. If they specifically want to find out about website copy or SEO, they can search for that term or check out my archive list and they'll find the information they need.

But if you write about all manner of subjects, how are your readers going to know if your next post will be of interest? Finding your niche is vital if you want to make yourself an authority in your own field. Everyone loves an expert and they'll flock to you for your help and advice.

Lesson 5:

This one doesn't have anything to do with your writing; it's more concerned with the look of your blog.

Some people go overboard on their design, adding colourful graphics, oodles of images and numerous adverts (in the hope of generating a bit of income from their blog). But the end result is a blog that looks cluttered and uninviting.

Make yours a memorable brand by sticking with a couple of complimentary colours. It'll become instantly recognisable so when your readers return it will be like slipping on a pair of comfortable slippers.

Are you blogging regularly? Do you have a unique way of attracting visitors? Why not get in touch, I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Sally Ormond, Briar Copywriting, is a professional freelance copywriter, SEO website copywriter and advertising copywriting with extensive experience in both B2B and B2C markets.

To have a chat about how she can help you send an email to sally@briarcopywriting.com or call +44(0)1449 779605.

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