Blog Composition Building Blocks

This post is a compliation of some of the basic writing advice on the web. For the most part, the points are basic composition, but some ideas are specific to blogs and the internet. More complete versions of these tips for writing can be found at the links at the end of the article.

• Headlines should convey the thrust of the article. Google gives weight to title keywords.
  


• A post's first sentence should contain the basic ideas you mean to develop. The first paragraph should include an introduction, the themes you will cover, and a summary. Keep paragraphs and sentences short and simple. Use white space to break text into focused paragraphs. Large blocks of text are difficult to read.
  


• Use sub-heads, and bullets for important lists. Bold and italics can emphasise key points, but don't overuse them.
  


• Post daily if possible. If your page doesn't change, it dies. The visitors will find other sites to read.
  


• Read your post out loud. If a sentence or idea makes you stumble, rewrite it. Correct your spelling.
  


• Visual content improves a blog, consider graphics, or digital photos, camera phone images are sufficient for the web.
  


• Use links. Use the "trackback" feature.
  


• Have a blog with open comments. User registration discourages comments and the conversation will never get started. Open comments attract trolls. Ignore them.
  


• Mention sources, (blog, media, or personal) and support your opinions with background information. If you include quotes, keep them short and link to the remainder. If you are part of a group blog, have contributors write over their own names-- either as guests or regulars.
  


• Promote your blog. Post comments on other sites, with a link back. Mention it to people. Ask for links, look for blog aggregators. Look for information people need or want to see and post it on your blog.

Speak your mind quietly and simply. Keep your sense of humor, both about others and yourself. Don't be pompus. Don't gossip, don't slander, don't write when you are angry, or not thinking clearly. Support your opinions. If you couldn't repeat it face to face, don't say it. Remember that once articulated, ideas can take on a life of their own, sometimes with unexpected consequences. "Thought leadership" can accomplish good, but power to influence should be responsible.

• blogwrite.blogs.com/


• www.politicsandtechnology.com/


• www.debbieweil.com/archives/2005/05/05/blogging_101


• www.frugalmarketing.com/


• blog-sites.net