How to Write a Blog

Beginning a new blog can feel very overwhelming. There are many different formats such as Wordpress and Blogspot that can help you walk through a blog design step by step, but that is only the beginning. One of the most important things of starting your own blog is to focus on a particular subject matter.

When I first began my blog, it was to inform my friends and family of my late husband's illness. That blog transitioned to a new website and a new subject matter after his passing and now focuses on widowhood and grief. We all have subjects that have affected our lives, or have a hobby, passion, or cause we want to support. Writing a blog can allow you to focus that energy and promotion towards a specific subject matter that is close to your heart.

To capture readers, the subject matter should be one that you can write about expressively, and in a way that will draw in readers, rather than push them away. It is easy to become opinionated on a blog, and while there is a time and a place for 'going off' on your reading audience, I have found it is best to keep the readers focused on the subject.

As you build a base foundation for your blogs by writing on the subject, showcasing studies and opinions on related topics, you may capture a few readers and be able to expand. One way to expand is by featuring a guest blogger. Guest bloggers write a piece about the subject matter or something related for you to post on your blog, and can help draw in their own readers to your blog. It is a great way to expand your audience and get other opinions on the matter.

Top 10 lists and linking to other sites is also popular. This allows your readers to see that you are not only thinking about the topic at hand, but also doing a bit of research and being open minded to public viewpoints. Allowing your readers to respond to your blogs, and commenting back to them, will help them feel appreciated and connected with your story and subject.

Consistent blogging is very important, as you want readers to make an effort to visit your site at least daily to see what new information you have posted. When you infrequently blog, you can lose their focus, and quickly lose readership. Set aside a specific time each day, or a few hours each week to blog for the entire week ahead, and pre-set times for the blogs to go live. Mid-Morning is often a popular time for people to read blogs, as they have caught up on morning phone calls, emails, and now have a bit of downtime before beginning their day.

Blogging is a great way to release conflict and stress, by sorting through your thoughts and giving them a voice to the world. Even if only a few people read your blog, it may help you feel connected to others, and relatable in that subject matter. Blogs that take a personal spin can be quite enhancing, but you must know when to draw the line between public and personal life. Make rules for yourself so you do not cross a point where you feel overexposed to your readers. However, do not be so close-lipped that your audience cannot feel the passion of your writing as they read your blog.

Once you have a subject, go to town and make the blog your own. While it is good to get ideas from other successful bloggers, the blog must reflect your personal style and most importantly, your voice. Post links to your blog through networked blogs on Facebook, and keep a Twitter feed with up to date information on your subject and blogs. This is also a great way to have immediate contact with your readers. This will help to keep your content searchable and exposed to the outside world.

Blogs can be successful when you write consistently, stay on track, find a passionate voice, and get the word out. If you strive daily to work on your blog, expect to have a faithful following of readers who feel just as deeply about the subject matter and will continue to read your journey and explorations.