Tips for Creating a Blog

There are no set rules on how to blog. Bloggers will likely increase their exposure by following
some simple blog guidelines.

1.) Be sure stay on topic.
Opinions are generally accepted, but the content of the items in the blog should all relate to a
general theme. Unless you have an uncanny knack for wit, humor or cynicism, the majority of
your readers will be interested in the content that relates to a specific defined theme or loosely
defined area of interest. Most readers won't care that you eat Cheerios for breakfast. Define a
topic and stick to it. This will ensure that you create a loyal following of interested readers.

2.) Try to stay informative.
If you are attempting to create the impression that you are knowledgeable about a specific
industry or sector, be sure that you stay current on news. If you are endorsing a product or voicing
an opinion, be sure to check your facts; your reputation is at stake. If you are offering an opinion,
be sure to qualify your post, making it clear that the content is intended as an editorial.

3.) Old news is not news.
While blogging every day can be a drain, it is important that the information presented is current
and accurate, writing an article or blurb about something that happened 6 months ago, will not be
of interest to many. Telling your audience that Martha Stewart was convicted and will be going to
prison, after her sentence is completed will make people question the value of your columns.

4.) Adhere to a set schedule.
Create a schedule and stick to it. Realizing that blogging requires time and effort, don't create
unrealistic expectations and be unable to deliver. An occasional lapse or holiday is generally
understood but readers returning to find stale, out-dated content are going to find another blog with
similar content. New blogs and RSS feeds are popping up on a daily basis. If you have worked
hard to develop an audience and a community you don't want to lose them due to lack of
communication.

5.) Clarity and simplicity.
Keep your posts and blog entries clear and easy to understand. Remember, the web is global and
expressions, idioms and acronyms don't always translate. Sometimes a little explanation goes a
long way.

6.) Keywords
If the goal of your blog is to increase your visibility, include related keywords in the title of the
blog. Use the title as a headline to attract interest. Each item post should have a title that will
attract attention but still be relevant to the post. The title should be no longer than 10-12 words.

7.) Quantity matters.
In order to attract the attention of search engines, you will need to develop content and
substance. A headline or simple sentence is not going to generate the interest of readers or help
with search engine ranking. Be sure to archive old blog posts to develop a large portal of
similarly-themed content.

8.) Frequency
If your blog content is updated frequently, search engines will tend to spider the pages at regular
intervals.

9.) Spell checking and proof-reading.
It only takes a few extra moments and can save you from having to make embarrassing
explanations. Remember that whatever you publish on the Internet can be found and archived.
Think carefully about what you post before doing so.

10.) RSS Feeds
RSS will increase your blog's reach. It is important that you include your blog's content in an RSS
feed to increase readership and distribution.

Most weblog audiences are small, but with time and regular updates audiences grow. Bloggers
may never have more than a few hundred readers, but the people who return to regularly are
generally interested in what you have to say.