A meditative start to Monday this. I am well aware that there is much still to learn but here are a few tips for aspiring bloggers — and before you write and tell me, I know I don’t always observe them myself:
1. A provocative title will attract viewers but not necessarily readers. There is a difference.
2. Do not be surprised when people read what they think you have written, rather than what you have actually written.
3. Short and simple is better than long and complex. You should be doing the work, not your reader.
4. Don’t use copyright images/audio to illustrate your post unless you have the right to.
5. Be polite, especially towards those who hold different opinions. Sarcasm is not wit; nor is the imputation of base motives to others acceptable unless you like the idea of being sued.
6. Encourage debate: make it easy for people to comment, and engage with those who do.
7. People take the trouble to read your blog because they want to read what you’ve written; too many links to other blogs, unless relevant to the discussion, can be irritating. Use the Blogroll instead.
8. Try to make sure your blog is easy on the eye: that orange on black scheme is not a good idea unless you want to give your readers migraine.
9. Allow yourself a sixty-seconds pause before pressing the publish button. Both you and your readers will appreciate it. Believe me.
10. Remember that humour can be tricky and doesn’t always travel well. We are often divided by a common language.
Finally, not a tip, more a suggestion, but if you are a believer, pray before you begin to write. The Holy Spirit is interested in what you write, even if no one else is.
I am guilty as charged, I throw myself at the mercy of the court.I have broken each rule.
Wise words indeed. I can’t remember anyone else advising on prayer before blogging, yet it is the most obvious, and possibly important, piece of advice I’ve ever read!
The first nine are a matter of opinion and taste to a large extent, though advice to be polite is always appropriate and the ‘Preview your Post’ option is sensible.
Point 10 is the most obvious and imperative – thank you for reminding us. Perhaps ‘Pray before you blog’ should have been the title of your post, as it would have reached even those who went no further.
Praying before writing makes such a difference 🙂
Thank you for your ten tips!
Congratulations for being a top blog.
Pray before you write is such an obvious need for a Christian blogger, but I can’t say I always do. I’m going to try to make that a rule now – plus pray after pressing the ‘publish’ button. Thank you.
This is the theme of the moment! Must be something in the air.
A dear friend in faith has suggested I write a blog … so have read your tips with interest!
Thank you everyone. I think this is the first time in my life I’ve ever been on trend. Hope it doesn’t go to my head . . .