Top 10 Tips for Better Blogging

May 25, 2012

What makes a good blog?  My Facebook friends – many of them fellow travel writers – had a lot to say on the matter when I asked the question.  Some of them have travel blogs, some have blogs about other things they are passionate about (food, music, books, politics, their children).  Although I hate writing those “list” stories that editors are so fond of, I’ve compiled a list (in no particular order) of the things they suggested.  In some cases I have paraphrased.  Some of the best suggestions came from people who are readers rather than writers.  So I am here to share those hints for good blogging. In no particular order, here’s my Top 10 Tips for Better Blogging (OK, there are more but it makes a better heading). These are the guidelines I’ll be sticking to from now on.

Spill your guts
Enjoy it
Don’t write long blogs
Just be yourself
Throw in a large dose of personality
Write for someone you care about, who will listen to what you have to say
Write what you want to say, not what you think readers want to hear
Write what you feel passionate about
Stay positive
Write about stuff that’s fun
Write about the things you love and that excite you
Write about the small stuff
A bit of humour goes a long way
Put in a few swear words
People love the personal
Tell us what is going on “behind the curtain”
Insert pretty pictures and a few recipes

And then, two people recommended another blog, with this quote from Seth Godin being offered as guidance: “Be a pig in mud.  Find out who you are, what you like doing, what you like talking about.”

I like that. So, on I plunge. Tell me if I’m on track (or any time you think I’ve wandered off it).