Monday, May 2, 2016

Question of the Month: Blogging Tips


 
            Well, the A to Z Challenge is over and it’s time to immediately dive right back in to my regular schedule. Since it’s the first Monday of May, it is time for the Question of the Month, which is a monthly bloghop hosted by Michael G D'Agostino from A Life Examined. Michael poses a new question and participants post their answers on the first Monday of the month. Here’s the question for May:

 If a friend came to you looking for advice on starting a blog, what three pieces of advice would you give them?

In lieu of the A to Z, I read this question and my first thought was “I don’t know how to answer that, I’m questioning my own reasoning right now!” But after one day off, I feel more refreshed and ready to answer…well somewhat ready...
 

1.       You do not have to stay on topic. Even if you are blogging to showcase your books or give writing advice, it doesn’t mean you always have to do that. Post pictures from a recent vacation. Write about your crazy aunt. Share a verse that inspired you. If you feel the sudden urge to write a flash fiction about a snail in Paris, then do it! Share some of your interests with readers; they want to get to know you.

2.      Be brief or sectionalize your posts. If your posts usually have more than 1000 words you might consider including pictures or getting to the point in fewer words. Some people have short attention spans and most others are busy, and the length might appear daunting without a couple picture breaks. Plus, pictures bring more life to the page.

3.      Make plans for your blog. Spontaneity can be fun and it’s perfectly fine to post off schedule once in a while, but I have learned that readers like it when you have some sort of regular schedule. Pick a monthly blog hop to join, like this one, or use a weekly memes like Scripture Sundays or Wordless Wednesdays. Find something to do on a monthly or weekly basis and let readers know if you are taking a break.
 
Most of all, make sure you enjoy what you’re doing!
What advice would you give to a new blogger?

32 comments:

  1. Great advice for bloggers. Congrats on completing the A to Z Challenge.
    Mary at Play off the Page

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  2. I agree with you. Straying off topic is fine. I just want a quick bit of entertainment or information when I visit a blog. Other than that, the sky's the limit.

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    1. Tamara, yes, the sky is the limit! It's great to keep things interesting for yourself and visitors.

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  3. I like all your points you mentioned to a potential blogger, especially about the ones keeping posts brief. I can't tell you how many A/Z blogs that I checked out that had long posts, often with topics that didn't interest me. I know I can tend to be winded when I write something other than A/Z when I try to go "light" on words, but then I only try to blog every 7-10 days so as not to overwhelm people. Participation in blogging is key too; leave comments, participate in memes like you mentioned, etc.

    betty

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    1. Betty, I agree, there are some posts, especially during A to Z that I just could not get through due to length and subjects I wasn't interested in. Participation and comments are very important with blogging as well.

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  4. Three strong bits of advice for bloggers. I get weary of a one track blog just as I don't like to always post about the same stuff on my own blog. Changing things up is a good idea.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Thanks Arlee. It is fun to use variety in my own posts; I have too many interests and hobbies to focus on just one.

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  5. perfect advice! Loved your A to Z theme! Cheers!

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  6. It's hard for me to create short posts when I have so many tips on something, but I do use images. You're right that they do help a lot. It breaks up the text.

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    1. Chrys, your posts are very informative and I like how you often use bullet points which helps a lot. I don't even notice the length with your posts :)

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  7. Awesome advice. My blog's mostly about writing, but I will post pictures from a vacation or day trip. I like to share the things I see and encourage people they should totally visit Michigan. It's the only state that can give you a high-five. ;)

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    1. Patricia, lol, the high-five state, that's fun :) It is enjoyable to share and encourage on our blogs.

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  8. Brevity is definitely important. Nothing is more daunting than pulling up a blog post and finding long, rambling words of small text. It makes my eyes cross!

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    1. Stephanie, I agree, I have come across posts that looked like pages of words. No headings, no pictures, and no divisions in the text whatsoever; if I wanted to read a book, I would read a book not a blog post. Unless they are posting their book online!

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  9. Those are good bits of advice. Interesting timing for that question. I guess Michael's been thinking A to Z, too.

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    1. Thanks Liz. Yes, I think Michael had A to Z blogging on his mind :)

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  10. I like the first tip particularly, I'll keep that one in mind. You did well despite your initial reservations ;)

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    1. Michael, I don't think you need that first tip. You're posts, and even your monthly questions, are full of variety :)

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  11. I agree that one doesn't have to stay on topic. I started strictly creating cards but now do so many other things. I think one needs to remember to have fun!

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    1. Birgit, yes, having fun is most important!

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  12. My advice, keep it short and sweet, the shorter the better. Oh wait, that's for the A to Z challenge. No, honestly, great advice. Good job finishing the A to Z but a one day break isn't really going to cut it for me. I'm in the middle of rearranging the living room furniture. Yep, you got it. A complete home makeover, and then, maybe, just maybe, I'll be back to blogging once again. LOL

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    1. Yolanda, I think the recent A to Z influenced my "keep it short" tip ;) There are a few bloggers who can pull off a long post without me realizing it. Good luck with your furniture rearranging, I hope it goes quick!

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  13. Good advice! And what a sweet picture....

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    1. Thanks Sandra, Sawyer was either really tired or his nose was cold that day :)

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  14. I think your advice is excellent and a good review, too, for all of us. Good to have that white space in between paragraphs and those paragraphs should not be too long for reading and the photos is a nice touch. Courtesy is important. When someone leaves a comment, they want to interact with you so it's good to return the interest and visit their blog.

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    1. Thanks Mary! I agree with your advice on courtesy, it is important to interact with other bloggers and comment back!

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  15. I love your advice on being brief or sectionalizing. Even I feel overwhelmed sometimes by a blog post with endless words, so I make efforts not to do that myself.
    I've also learned to serialize posts when I feel I have more to say and have already filled up a page.

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    1. Thanks Toi! Serializing posts is a great idea, it shortens the post and gets readers to come back.

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