When most people search the Internet, they are in search of information. There is a lot of it out there. As a blogger, you want them to read your content. Here are five ways that you can enhance your blogging skills.
Being a Better Blogger
What makes you good at what you do? Part of it is natural talent. For a creative medium like writing, it is just plain work if you don’t have some inclination towards doing it well. The other part of the equation is continuing education. To be a good writer, the learning process doesn’t ever stop.
1. Read other people’s content.
You won’t learn what the competition knows if you don’t read their stuff. We aren’t just talking about the really successful content writers but new people as well. Read all sorts of content to see what they do that is different from what you are doing. You could pick up some handy pointers. It’s a good way to get creative ideas for your own blog. I don’t mean copying what they wrote, but use their topic as springboard to your unique twist on the topic or a related topic.
2. Stay current.
With online writing, what is accepted practice changes all the time. Get a copy of the AP Stylebook for starters. Along the same lines, learn about sentence and paragraph structure. Follow top experts on topics you write about. Consider mixing timely posts with evergreen posts – posts that don’t lose relevance. Follow other blogs and networks with other bloggers to stay up on what’s trending.
3. Keep learning.
To write on a variety of subjects, get familiar with them. If real estate is your hot topic, learn what you can about it so that you can write intelligently. People look for experts in a certain field. Why look for anyone besides the most knowledgeable? Set yourself up to be an expert. Take writing classes to improve your writing skills. Take classes on topics that interest you: art, crafts, cooking… an learning mind is an active mind.
4. Choose a niche.
If you are going to be an expert, you need to have a field. It’s hard to concentrate on three or four different areas. Choose one and establish yourself there before moving on to another area. Research niches online before choosing your niche. An area that is already saturated may not be a good place to start unless you can add something new and unique. Consider a series in one topic that matches up with your latest products, your services, or an affiliate program you want to promote.
5. Find a writing style.
Basically, find your voice. Are you laid back, witty or serious? Every writer has a voice – they just need to explore and develop it. Some writers try to copy another’s style but that’s hard work. Your voice will flow naturally and feel comfortable when you write in it. This can be challenging because we often doubt ourselves and think people won’t be interested in us. Don’t let that kind of self-doubt discourage you. Be the real and authentic; people will more likely enjoy your blog and become regular followers when they see there’s a real person behind the scenes.
I hope these five tips help you grow in confidence and skill. If you found this post helpful, please let us know with a comment below and share it across your social media channels.
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