DIY Blogging

   I love my job! As a professional writer, I can set my own hours, choose my own topics, and I meet new and interesting people along the way. The blogging bug bit me three years ago. It took me a minute to grasp the concept of writing a blog (AKA web log). However, once I got over my momentary intimidation, I began blogging for friends and civic groups, and I haven’t looked back since.

     For you D.I.Y. bloggers I decided to post my favorite tips to help you begin your journey into the blogosphere. 

• Be useful: Whether your blogs reflect your everyday thoughts, your pet's bizarre behavior, or advice on something that you are obsessed about, write freely and write well. People love to connect with other people who share the same interests. As well, many of us enjoy knowing that we're not alone in our fears and personal experiences.
• Know your topic: Many bloggers believe that because they have a great business idea, or have been through a divorce (or two); they have all of the experience and knowledge necessary to jump in and start blogging about those topics. That's fine if you are simply sharing your daily thoughts. However, if your blog offers professional advice, you must thoroughly research your topic, and present verifiable facts as needed. Even though I have many years of writing and editing experience, I still find myself verifying certain grammatical rules in order to present a blog that my readers can trust and rely on.
• Write with purpose and passion: I was recently approached by a porn writer who wanted me to edit his work. He gingerly asked if I would have a problem reading his very explicit writing. I told him that my focus was on the grammar, not the sex; and as long as he stayed true to his art, and wrote with passion, I did not care who did whom, or how and where they did it. 
• Check you grammar...Now check it again: Like the plumber who bends over and reveals his butt crack while fixing your kitchen sink, poor grammar is all that your readers will see if you aren't careful. 
• Misleading or boring titles: Well-crafted titles often help a potential reader decide whether nor not he/she will read your blog. Titles should be appealing and catchy, but not misleading. Make sure that your title fits the blog. For example, one of my blogs is titled Laughing My Ass Off. It's about idioms, so it works. In my blog titled Meet the Clarity Twins, I discuss the difference and correct use of the clarifiers, e.g. and i.e. (something that 99% of my writers get wrong). 
• Long-winded blogs: Try to limit your blogs to 200-500 words. Many gossip bloggers, however, lean towards the 100-word-or-less range. Blogs with more than 500 words are acceptable for technical writers or medical bloggers because of the need to include information vital to those respective fields. I often extend beyond the 300-word limit because many of my blogs contain lots of definitions. If you find that your blogs are wordy, consider breaking the blog into a series rather than a single post. Also, consider posting a mix of short and long blogs to keep your readers interested and coming back. 
• Too many visuals: Because many people are visual learners (like me), bloggers often like to include visual aids such as photographs and tables. That's ok as long as your reader does not have to compete with a flood of visuals in order to read your blog. 
• Know your audience: I created Writin' it Right as a tutorial for writers, teachers, and students. I try to avoid writing strictly vanilla blogs with too many hard-core rules and definitions. Instead, I attempt to mix up my blogs with a bit of humor and a few edgy titles and words. 
• P.S.: Postscripts are noticed more often than many bloggers realize. Take advantage of the opportunity to make one last, vital point, or turn your reader's focus back to something that you deem especially important. 
• Social media: Thanks to AJAX, the social web has evolved into an effective way for individuals to introduce themselves, connect with others, and market their ideas. Bloggers create their own modules with RSS feeds, podcasts, and other web widgets. Here’s some good sites to know:
•  BranchOut is where Facebook users can tap into their friend network for an inside connection to new career moves.
• LinkedIn boasts the largest professional networking connection for businesses and job seekers.
• StumbleUpon utilizes a thumbs up, thumbs down rating system to form a community of like-minded web browsers. 
• Technorati Media is an integrated online media company with the internet’s largest blog directory. 
• Tumblr is a micro-blogging site where you can post text, photos, quotes, links, music, and videos, from your browser, phone, desktop, email, or wherever you happen to be. 

     If you need more assistance getting started or keeping up with your blog site, feel free to send me an e-mail, feliciawrite@gmail.com, and let’s talk. My fees are determined on a case-by-case basis. I provide the following services for my blog clients:

 • Brainstorm ideas that center on your general focus.
• Fine-tune your concept to fit your audience and goals.
• Help you find and express your voice.
• Trim your written copy to conform to appropriate word count and use.
• Coach your blog writing team with guidelines that reflect your objectives.
• Write blogs for your site on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
• Pre-schedule blogs that pertain to upcoming holidays and special events.
• Research your topic.
• Market your blog site to other social networks.
• Generate new ideas for future blogs.
• Edit final drafts prior to posting.
• Ghost blog when you are unable to meet your deadlines.


Writin' is Right provides creative tools designed to help writers develop better writing skills, recognize and correct common mistakes, and discuss ways to sharpen your writing. If you have a specific question or idea, feel free to ask.  Meanwhile, write on baby!