So I saw a tweet this morning, where a friend of mine was told that “he shouldn’t blog anymore.”
Well, that’s really extreme. The whole point of the internet is share your voice, right? And everyone has something to say.
But, as with so many things, it’s how you say it. Sure, maybe some folks shouldn’t blog – but this guy has been bringing folks together for awhile and has some really valuable information. He should have something to say.
I had to put some thought into his “ask,” which is – What are 3 tips to be a better blogger?
Getting it down to three is a challenge. So here’s my three, and I’d love to hear yours.
1) Content is King. Voice is Queen. (not my words, it’s via Merlin Mann). Have a voice that is uniquely you (amazingly, you come packaged with one right out of the box), and stand for something. I’m an unabashed urbanist. My friend Beverly (who incidentally won “Blogger of the Year” yesterday for her Global Business Perspectives blog) truly believes that by bringing down walls, we can bring the world together for peace. And SHOW that voice. Be a zealot. Make a statement. Let your passion for what you do or you’re talking about come through.
There are a lot of people who disagree with both of us – but I also know people who disagree with us read us and are actually really valuable members of the community. Few are going to make time to read a milquetoast.
2) Tell a Story. If you sit down and watch REALLY good TV or a movie that engages you, it’s because there’s a storyline. What does this post today have to do with what I wrote last week? How can I build upon that knowledge or revelation? How can I serve my readers by expanding on the paths they’re interested in? Go listen to a great storyteller. Take your readers with you and help them as you’re doing it.
3) Write Every Day. Every day, you should put some sort of effort into your blog, even if it’s 15 minutes. I do not think you should have to post every day, however. Edit. Edit. Edit. Edit. Edit.
3.5) Write For Your Mentor. Who is it that you would want to impress so much so that if they read your blog they would find it so compelling that they wanted to meet you? Who is your gold standard?
There are no shortcuts. This takes effort. Your first few posts (as mine did) are going to stink. That is OK, as long as it’s your voice and your passion that comes through.
p.s. I will answer the question – when not to blog. When you don’t care about the subject that much, and/or when you have no energy for it. If a blog is part of your SEO scheme, or another traffic gizmo, that’s when it becomes useless. No question, it has those benefits – but they only can be maximized if you do it right.
Very good tips, Jeremiah, thank you.
You certainly have a voice and I admire your passion and enthusiasm. I think you’re right — there’s almost never a time when you shouldn’t blog except when you are doing it for the love of page-rank alone.