How to Write Blog Posts That Don't Suck

Writing is tricky.  I've never considered myself a writer, yet here I have a blog.  I guess that does make me a writer. Especially since I've written over three hundred posts.  I've only published half that amount because I want to give my readers only quality posts. 

I wasn't always confident in my writing ability but in the process of almost daily writing, I've learned some solid techniques that work.  Here are some ways you can get better at blogging.



Read and learn.  Find an exciting book that you can't stop reading.  Emulate this writers style.  Don't copy.  Glean a bit of their essence.  Watch how they word each paragraph making you want to read the next paragraph.  They make you crave more.  They create mystery and intrigue.  Read books.  Yeah, real books.  Those are the best writers, the ones that don't self publish.



Don't listen to all of the so called "gurus ".  They all spew out the same lame suggestions that everyone else repeats.  Suggestions like  "always be yourself."  Wow!  Really?  Do I  know how to be anyone else but me?  They are the writers?  Come on, we amateur writers can come up with better material than that.  Most of the "gurus" are copycats of some other guy.  Their material is dated and I always find someone who disproves their words of wisdom. 

Does your style sound rigid and business like?   We don't want to come off sounding like we're speaking the Queen's English.  This is a blog not a power point presentation.  Write the way you speak.  Let your writing be conversational.

Good writing is bold and direct. Write with confidence. Don't hold back.  Don't add fluff to your sentences. Stop hedging, and say what you mean.

Edit, edit and more editing.  

Write your post and leave it overnight.  Sometimes that amazing post is laughable the next day.   Wait until tomorrow to read your post with fresh eyes.  Edit the doors off it!  Clear out awkward sentences.  

Make those sentences short my bloggy friends.  People on the internet have the attention span of squirrels.  They may stop for a moment but they move on quickly.

Give your readers some breathing room. 

 Create space.  White space gives your reader a moment to remember important information.  It is a pause.

See, just like that, white space. 

It's easy on the eyes.  Feels good, clears the head and prepares them for your next amazing point.

Please don't write long, never ending paragraphs.  We don't like to read them.  We get lost in them.  Keep them small and succinct.   Add some bold captions.  Remember, little squirrel like attention spans.

People like to scan.  Let them.  I know you are scanning this post right now.  Make it easy for people to scan.  Bold type your main points and use headings and subtitles.  Mix it up a bit.  It holds our interest.

Don't drone on about yourself.  Sprinkle your blog with personal stories.  Let your personality peek through here and there.  Leave out the long winded, tedious details of your mundane life.  Think anecdotes and snippets.  

Perhaps something funny or maybe even tragic. No need to begin your story on Monday to tell them what you are doing today.  Leave out some details to entice our imaginations.  Creates a bit of mystery.  Let our imaginations run wild. 

We like you.  We really do.  You don't have to always impress us.  We do love good content but sometimes just a photo and a few words will do. 

When I first started blogging I thought that posting everyday was most important.  That lead to lack luster posts.  It's good to post frequently.  Some people can post daily but I find it exhausting.

I'd rather wait until I have a healthy post to give you rather than just showing up with crumbs.  Sometimes I don't have a lot to say but I don't want you to forget about me.  On those days, I show up with photos and let the pictures do the talking.  




Don't make your readers jump through hoops to comment.  If you like comments, please, I beg you, turn off the captchas.  (You know those squiggly letters you must type in before commenting).  

Go to your settings section of your blog and turn it off.  I turned mine off and got as many as two spam comments so far.  Unless you are a huge blog with thousands of readers you really don't need them.




Include your readers.  Ask them a question once in awhile.   We like to be noticed.  We feel like we're friends so treat us like friends.  Get to know us, we have blogs too.  Come by and visit.



I hope this post was valuable to you.  If you liked it leave me a comment.  What great blogging tips do you have for me?  I'd love to hear from you.   


P.S.  Now, I'm going to do something shameless.  Would you be so kind to take a moment and tweet my article to your twitter followers? 

It's easy.  There's that little button down below.  Thank you for helping me.    :)

Have a great day!