1. Be Interesting. Sounds simplistic, but most post aren’t.
2. Share what you know. People like posts they can learn from. Don’t worry about giving away ideas. Those are a dime a dozen. People who can make ideas work are rare as hen’s teeth….
3. Learn from David Letterman: Make Top 10 lists.
4. White space is one of your best friends. People who read blogs skim. Only someone with too much time on his hands will read a big, 2,000 word-long blog of copy. Write short, tight sentences and paragraphs.
5. Don’t be afraid to express your opinions. Blogging is no place for shrinking violets. Anyone who doesn’t like your opinions can a) read another blog; b) trackback to your post and write about it (aka linking to it).
6. Don’t steal other people’s stuff. If you source a post, give a link or a hat tip.
7. Feel free to call a company on behavior that is clueless, ridiculous, or whatever describes its behavior. But don’t call individuals names. Name calling is juvenile and mean.
8. Write Headlines That Tell What the Post is About. Don’t be cagey or vague in headlines. It’ll just make people skip the story. Use keywords and clear language in headlines.
9. Don’t use jargon. Ever.
10. Don’t lose your sense of humor. We’re bloggers, not the eighth wonder of the world. Lighten up.
Bonus tip: Don’t make any more freaking lists of bloggers so they will link to you.
#1 – I hope so!
#2 – no problem
#3 – but I hate lists!
#4 – amen!
#5 – working on it
#6 – absolutely, positively
#7 – guilty! guilty! guilty! (sorry)
#8 – I’d say that depends on the type of blog – but it should make them want to read it
#9 – hopefully good there
#10 – should be rule #1
BL,
Good information. I would add one item: Include graphics that help tell the story. They are often times the only thing other than the headline viewed. They are the ways we get readers to read on.
Why not make lists? They seem to work very well.
Hi B.L.,
Sage advice. Short, sweet and to the point. Loved it.
Claire
Wait, wait wait…
We’re NOT the 8th Wonder of the World? I guess I have to stop wearing that new jacket I had made…
All good points. I’m especially fond of #10.
Great post and a real keeper – as are the comments! Thanks! I’d add 2-footed questions to your list. For instance, in a post today I ask for readers’ ideas through asking…
“How can we use language and math to draw from the best in men’s and women’s brains?”
Questions can hook to the wonderful expertise of diverse readers’s brains, but they also raise curiosity all around if the topic fits what’s asked. What do you think?
Thanks for the cool inspiration at this site!
You’re so right Lewis! Graphics really help.
Michael: The lists I’m so tired of are the A,B,Z list bloggers. They’re nothing but an attempt to get all the bloggers on the list to link back to your (generally obscure) blog.
I much prefer to learn of a new blog because of its substantive content.
The only one I liked recently was the Power 150 because he combined several rankings plus his own opinion to come up with a list of top marketing blogs. At least he really worked to put his list together.
BL, what about those of us who contribute to the Daily Fix (or add comments) but don’t write our own blogs?
These suggestions are great, but do you have any advice for marketers who spend time each day on marketing their own businesses or companies, see and/or service clients/customers, and try to fit in some personal or family time? How can we add a blog to the mix and still get some sleep?
Thanks for the info. My biggest hurdle is learning to “write well”.
sleep is for sissies.
no, just kidding.
there is no answer to your question Elaine. how i wish there was!
Elaine — One solution is to participate in blogs without necessarily publishing your own. Via properties like the Daily Fix, of course. But also through commenting on other blogs and generally being part of the conversation.
Which also leads me to what I’d put as a Bonus-Bonus, or #11: Get off your own blog, and participate elsewhere, as well. Giving is as much part of the equation as getting.
BL – Nice job with excellent blog-minders.(I’m with Robert Hruzek on blog titles depending on the type of blog. They’re a great way to inject humor.)
As for endless blog lists, my rule of thumb is to list blogs the I read regularly and comment on (at least occasionally). My list, which is still relativey short, is a combination of well-traveled blogs and some that are excellent, but might not get as many viewers and commenters.
“Which also leads me to what I’d put as a Bonus-Bonus, or #11: Get off your own blog, and participate elsewhere, as well. Giving is as much part of the equation as getting.”
Bingo. I am amazed at the number of bloggers that still don’t get this. A shame, they are missing out on probably the best way to build community.
You are so right about participating in the blog community!
And I should also add: get out a meet people. Go to conferences, have geek dinners. People will always be more likely to link you if you’ve met in person.
And pick up the phone (gasp) to talk to bloggers you admire. I feel another post brewing. :>)
Ann/ Mack- Exactly! Commenting on other blogs, going out and finding other blogs to read and speak with… that’s the ticket! I can’t believe I didn’t jump on that sooner. (It’ll be a whole chapter when I write my book…)
Thanks, guys. I’m already exhausted and the idea of starting my own blog in addition to my monthly e-newsletter, quarterly print newsletter, marketing and business development activities – which, incidentally, include face-to-face meetings, B.L. – managing clients and their projects, contributing to publications, ….phew. I’m so glad I asked and learned that I’m on the right track.
Ann, whenever I have a few minutes each morning, I come here to the Daily Fix to see what I can learn or to add my two cents to the dialogue. Thanks to MarketingProfs for providing us with this stimulating outlet.
Have a great day!
Ahhhh, how easy it is for even an experienced blogger to slip on these basics! BL, I’d love the link to the “Power 150″ you referenced in one of your replies. (So much for #5!)
Thanks for a great post.
Adele: Here’s the link to my post about it http://www.whatsnextblog.com/archives/2007/01/todd_andrlik_has_started_a.asp
Elaine,
You said, “These suggestions are great, but do you have any advice for marketers who spend time each day on marketing their own businesses or companies, see and/or service clients/customers, and try to fit in some personal or family time? How can we add a blog to the mix and still get some sleep?”
If you’re using your blog for building business, hire a professional with blog expertise to do it for you. You’re not only purchasing excellent writing, but you’re also buying back the time you need to spend on other things.
Just a thought…
Elaine,
Why not record your post and let a VA transcribe it, select a graphic, and post for you. The blog reflects “your voice” – which is critical – and you save time.
I’m not a fan of professionally written blogs – that makes it another marketing piece. I want to hear the voice of the author.
Sandy
http://purplewren.typepad.com/purplewren/hire_sandy.html
I agree that writing your own blog is best, but there’s still no tool that search engines like better, or that allows you to engage in conversation with current and potential clients.
A group blog is a great idea. After all – look at this one!
Why now engage others to write with you. That way, you can do a post a week, or whatever works, and provide content that is valuable to your market.
Great advice. You are right: it is easy to say but hard to do….
Great advice. You are right: it is easy to say but hard to do….
Very interesting!
Thank you
http://www.theyoutube.info
Gut!