If you’ve been reading a few blogs you’ll know that there’s no real "standard" approach. What really counts is how effective you are at communicating the messages or news you want to get across to your selected audiences. From personal diary to magazine-style blogs there are a lot of different approaches that can be effectively used to make your blog-work for you. Here’s some quick points that we use when we work with our Quantum Compass clients:
Stay on topic
Consider a single topic for each blog. Most of your audience will be interested in content that relates to a specific defined topic or a loosely defined area of interest. Your audience won’t care what you had for breakfast in the morning. However, they are more likely to be interested in handy tips or advice. Talk about what you know, and what you’re passionate about. Your audience wants to learn new things and gain personal knowledge. So define a topic and stick to it.
Themes
There are a number of approaches that you can take when you’re writing your blog. Here’s some ideas:
• Inspirational blog - you can talk about what or who inspires you to do what you love. It’s also an opportunity for you to welcome new fans, discuss other blogs or websites that inspire you too.
• Promote what you do blog - talk about your latest or up coming ranges. Share exciting new projects, collaborations with other designers, or joint ventures.
• Educational blog - Share your knowledge, skills, and experiences. Position yourself as the leader of your creative field by offering expert tips and advice.
• Trends forecast blog - What’s in and what’s in demand in your creative field? Materials, colours or techniques? What about new technologies or eco friendly applications etc? Do you have some favourite or useful websites that you can share with your audience?
• Useful information If you’re attempting to create the impression that you’re an expert in your creative field, then you need to make sure that you’re always up to date the most current news. If you’re endorsing or expressing an opinion, be sure to check your facts too. Your reputation depends on it.
Stick to a schedule
Plan your blogging schedule and stick to it. Blogging requires time and effort, so don’t set unrealistic expectations push yourself too hard. An occasional lapse or time off for a holiday is generally acceptable. But the real disappointment for your readers is when they return to your blog only to find old and out of date content.
Frequency
Have a think about how many blogs you would like to post each month. A good bench-mark would be two posts per month (fortnightly). Once you’re experienced and have built up a greater following (your fans) then you can post every week. When your blog is updated frequently search engines will tend to pick up your new pages at regular intervals. Set a regular day to publish your blog. That way your readers know when to come back to you and read your blog.
Keep it clear and simple
Keep your blog clear and easy to understand. It’s best to steer clear of jargon too. Tell your stories in plain English. And use the language that your audiences can relate to and understand.
Embed Keywords
If the objective of your blog is to increase visibility you need to include related keywords in the title and text of your blog. Use the title as a headline to attract interest. Each post needs a title that attracts attention. Aim for a title no longer than ten to twelve words.
Engage your readers
Your audience loves to know what you do; that’s why you want to interact with them and ask them to participate with you and the other readers. Ask for feedback or throw in a question or two. Ask for their opinions. Create a forum for your readers too.
Quantity matters
To attract the attention of search engines you’ll need to develop your content over time. A single headline or a simple sentence is not going to generate the interest of readers or help you with search engine ranking. Make sure you’re archiving old blog posts too. That way you’ll build a big portal of similar themed content over time.
Spelling checks and proof reading
Take a few extra moments and save yourself from having to make embarrassing explanations. Keep in mind that whatever you publish on the net can be found and archived. Think carefully about what you are going to write. Triple check everything.
Images and photos
“A picture tell a thousand words”. Pictures and images inspire your readers. A blog with lots of images makes for more interesting and inspiring reading than a long boring essay.
Would you like an invitation to attend the next Quantum Compass ‘Writing Successful Blogs " workshop- contact us now here: Writingsuccessfulblogs@QuantumCompass.com.au
Want to know more? It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...
2: Send an e-mail to this Quantum Compass address: writingsuccessfulblogs@QuantumCompass.com.au and get more info about our workshops for creative professionals.
3: Contact Vinh for a no cost, no obligation coaching session: just call Vinh direct on 
0410 636 138
, Vinh@QuantumCompass.com.au, or go to: http://www.quantumcompass.com.au/shine/
0410 636 138, Vinh@QuantumCompass.com.au, or go to: http://www.quantumcompass.com.au/shine/
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