Blogging is an important part of building a web presence, but it can be a bit intimidating. If staring at a blank screen seems to be more common than you would like, then use the tips below the next time yo are asked to write for the company blog.

1. Brainstorm and organize your ideas. Start with your concept as the anchor, create a brief outline and write 2- sentences for each point.
2. Include hard data such as facts and statistics, being sure to link to the original source.
3. Have a title that is eye-catching. Men are typically drawn to titles with numbers (7 Ways to…) while women are prone to titles with “How to” or “Why”.
4. Identify your audience, and determine what type of content appeals to them. This may take a bit of trial and error.
5. Write with authority. Establish yourself as an industry expert.
6. Check out other blogs within your industry and see what is trending.
7. Be consistent. Whether you publish on the same day of the month/week, use the same format every time, etc. don’t change things up every time you post something.
8. If you are part of a conference or webinar, blog about it.
9. Don’t be afraid to create controversy.
10. Write in your own voice.
11. Use Spellcheck programs. Proofread multiple times. If possible, have 1-2 others proof your work before posting.
12. Link to others, but never let someone pay you to do so.
13. Your blog should include the following info:
    • Graphics that draw the eye. These can be images, infographics, bar graphs, etc. It is even better if the images are original to you.
    • Offer specials (when appropriate)
    • Answer questions
    • Teach people how to use your product/services
    • Have a point; don’t just ramble in order to reach a specific word count.
    • Always have a Call to Action
14. Use keywords and phrases. Be sure to target the cities where you want to build a customer base.
15. Formatting is important!

• Use short paragraphs – no more than 75 to 100 words or 6 lines long.
• Having white space between paragraphs makes it easier to read.
• Use subheadings in bold that include keywords.
• Use an easy to read font.
• Lists with bullet points or numbers make it easy for readers to scan information quickly.
• Shorter sentences are better.
• Align to the left, rather than the center.
• Keep posts to no more than 300 to 1,000 words long.

Blogging is a part of being found on the Web; and, with bit of planning, it doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Of course, if you would rather have someone else write the blog posts for you, contact Write Away and explain the types of post you need, and a few other elements and you can mark “write a blog post” off of your To Do list.