This post was initially called just "7 tips to help you write blog posts easier", but then as I was writing and writing I realized I use this tips not only for blog posts but for writing generally, hence I added the not only part. I didn't use to be a good writer, I was rather the talkative one. But throughout this wonderful experience, (it's been 9 months now since I started blogging) I've learned so many things about writing and I also observed an improvement in my writing style and writing speed. Here are the 7 rules that helped me blogging for some time now.
- Be yourself
In my opinion this is the most important thing to consider while blogging. Being open and honest about your beliefs and your opinions not only makes you feel comfortable helping you to write easier, but it also sends out a positive message of confidence to your readers. There are slight chances of you making it if you don't do it out of pleasure.
It is also important not to worry about pleasing everybody. Some may love your style and some may completely dislike it but the most important thing is to feel good and enjoy what you do. Bill Crosby once said "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody". So let your true nature shine through. Honestly, I believe everybody is beautiful in their own way, everybody has an interesting opinion and beautiful things to share. So be you! Everybody else is taken :)
- Pick up something you like
At least in the beginning. Start writing about what you like, what you know, what you feel comfortable with and confident about. After a while you can try to challenge yourself and approach things you are not used to, you don't really know. I had a post or two on subjects I didn't know much about, but I did my research and it was an amazing experience. There were so many useful things I wanted to know more about, but didn't find the time to before, and I've learned them while researching for my posts.
- Start with the main ideas
Just write the essentials, that way you won't forget the gist ideas. You can even start with writing two, three or more words that are related to what are going to talk about. Just make sure those words are appropriate and will remind you what you wanted to talk about.
- Fill it in
I found this step to be extremely hard sometimes yet other times it was just a piece of cake. I guess it depends on the subject and the mood. In this step you will fill in the blank spaces. You will add words and sense to those gist ideas. You'll give more detailed explanations, even examples if you feel the need to. Here's where your fingerprint comes in. Here's where those unique ways of expressing yourself can be seen. In this step, you'll only be preoccupied with writing. Don't worry about how it sounds, if it really makes sense, just get lost in the moment and do what you do the best - write.
- Edit
You might think it's the easiest part...haha, good joke. Honestly, I find editing the hardest. During the editing process you'll have to make sure your sentences make sense, you'll also have to make sure it's grammatically correct and if you get new ideas, new sentences to write, you'll have to make sure they go with the rest of the text. Heming Nessingway once said: "Write drunk. Edit sober." Make sure you'll be as sober as possible for the editing part.
- Find a title
Finding an attractive, related to the subject in matter title is vital. Your content might be really good, yet if the title is completely boring there are thin chances it will be read. Also, don't be a prick! Don't just use names and words for your titles that are completely unrelated to the post itself. People will fall for it the first time but it'll raise anger and frustration, and in the long run they won't stick with your blog and you'll lose credibility.
- An image is worth a thousand words
And that phrase couldn't be more right. Images stick in your head easier than words, that's why if you can, add some pictures to the blog post to make sure the readers will keep in mind your blog posts. I hope this will be useful and it'll help you write blog posts (and not only :) ) easier. Let me know if you found my tips useful and if you have some to share as well.
Wishing you the best,
Rachel
