What’s in a Blog? No Really - What Is in a Blog???

Now that I’m a blogger...

I mean I have a blog, so by definition that makes me a blogger right?

Or am I technically a blog owner?  Maybe I should clarify that. 

 

According to Merriam-Webster, a blogger is:

 “a person who writes for and maintains a blog.”  

Well there you have it folks; I’m officially a blogger!  

Now I suppose I should define what I’m maintaining - 

see what I’m actually getting myself into.  

The same resource states that a blog is:

 “a website that contains online personal reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks, videos, and photographs provided by the writer.”  

Okay, 

I can manage the reflections and comments - 

no problem - 

I’m a blabbermouth by nature.  

Now on to the more complicated stuff!

I may be slightly technically-challenged, 

but I’m not a completely lost cause.  

I’m giving the links the old college try.  

Videos will be more of a task for me, but I’ll do my best! 

And I’m pretty sure I can mange to insert a few photos here and there.  

I’m bound to be a success!

Now that I’ve nailed the bare bones of blogging -

or at least mustered the confidence to believe I will -

I need to flesh it out.

So what else is in a blog?  

• What are readers really looking for?  
• What’s the best way to get my message across?
• How do I not bore everyone to death?

Let’s see what the internet has to say about that:

After a few hours of YouTube video-watching,

article-perusing, and (obviously) blog-reading,

I’ve found some great suggestions!

I’ll list them for you below :)

I’ll include the URL’s I found most useful in my search 

on My Research & Resources page.

What you should include in your blog:

• A clever headline - grab your reader’s attention!

• A hook with a bold statement - make your audience want to keep reading.

• Skimmable subheadings - this provides an outline of your post.

• Short paragraphs - use only a few sentences and lots of white space!

• Links - it sounds like you can never have enough!

• Keywords - great for search engines.

• Bullet points - easy to read.

• Lists - also easy to read!

• Visual content - break up the text with images and keep it interesting!

• Bold text - bring attention to main ideas.

• Storytelling - draw your audience in.

• Call to action - get you readers involved!

I’ve already unwittingly included a few of these basics in my first two blog posts.
I plan to add a few more on my next go around!

Check out what else I found!
Some fantastic...

Tips for writing a blog from other bloggers:

• Brainstorm before writing.

• Read other blogs.

• Write like you speak.

• Connect with your audience.

• Find your focus.

• Read your post aloud.

• Pick a topic that interests you.

• Plan, outline, research, write, edit, optimize.

• Don’t set unrealistic goals.

• Try new things.

• Update an old blog.

• Don’t be negative.

• Publish on the weekends.

• Limit word count and be consistent.

• Don’t be a perfectionist.

• Be yourself!

The last is my favorite
although it’s hard for me to do that
AND the one before it at the same time
but I’m working on it :)

So whether you’re thinking about starting a blog,
are in the midst of working on one,
or are already an expert blogger,
maybe some of these ideas will get your wheels turning!
I know they’ve given me a lot to think about.

And now that I kind of know what I should be doing,
Blog #3 will be my actual

...official blog reveal!

We’ll just consider these first two practice runs, if ya’ll are okay with it.
;)
This I what I’ve decided to focus on.
It’s what I believe is...

the key to writing a successful blog:

Be authentic
and enjoy yourself! 

If you aren't having a good time with your blog, 
and if what you’re writing doesn’t reflect who you are,
it’ll be obvious to your audience.  

No matter what you write about, make it your own.  

Share your personal opinions.  
Give it your own spin.
The rest will fall into place as you go.

That’s really the approach I’ve TRIED to take

with everything in my life
once I chose to stop being someone I wasn’t

and start being me.  

But that’s a story for another time!  📗

As always,

thanks for being here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this far.

Mimi in Blue Jeans! is just a baby, but she’s my baby.

Here’s to being a proud momma once again...

Didn’t think it would happen so late in life! 

☎️    Call To Action

I guess it’s a thing to have a Call To Action in your blog -
a question you ask your readers in order to get them

to comment on your blog and/or engage with each other.

I was thinking I might mix it up a little.
Alternate mine with some inspiration.
Sometimes it’ll be a writing prompt.  
Other times it might be a task to go out and do.
No matter what it is or what you choose to do with it,

I hope it at least makes you take a moment out of your day to pause...

I’m an RN.  
I work in the OR.
Before every surgery we stop and make sure we’re doing the right thing.  
We have a name for it, 
and I think that’s what I’ll call this part of my blog...

🤔 Time Out (previously known as Call To Action)

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do?  
Something you want to try?  
Think about it.  
What’s holding you back?
Say it out loud?
Why not give it a shot?
It doesn’t have to be a career change or life-changing
or something on a grand scale, but it could be...
Maybe it starts small.
Maybe it stays there...maybe it grows.
You’ll never know if you don’t at least give it some thought...
I’m just starting this journey - have you started yours?
Don’t be shy...or do if that’s what works for you!
Share in the comments below...or just jot it down in a notebook for yourself!

📽  Coming Attractions

• Seeing the World Through New Eyes - Literally
• Rock Hiding - more than just a pandemic-inspired pastime!

✅    Check In

Here's an update on my writing progress since I last posted:
• New open submissions: 0
• New contest submissions: 9
• New pieces written: 18