I'm a big fan of
blogging. With a blog you can build your own readership, establish yourself
within the online writing community and increase your chances of publication. Publishers take notice of proactive writers because writers who already have a following pose less risk!
If I hadn't begun my weekly blog about working in my Mum's shop, my
book, Shop Girl Diaries, would never
have been commissioned. Since then, my blog has continued to open doors.
Of course, the surest way to getting published is to write a masterpiece, but while you're working on that, why not dedicate an
hour a week to building up that following? Here are 10 tips to start you off!
1. Decide on a clear concept for your blog - just because you're a writer doesn't mean you have to write about writing!
2. Write what you want not what you should - what excites you? what are your passions? If you blog about what you should instead of what you want, you'll soon run out steam.
3. Consider how your blog might add value to your readers - is it entertaining? informative? insightful?
4. Be consistent - both in your theme and your voice!
5. Post regularly - once a week is great, once every two weeks might be more manageable.
6. Keep an eye on blogs you like - what do you like about them? what are they doing so well?
7. Visual appeal - use multimedia, add relevant photographs, illustrations, videos.
8. Integrate your online presence - make sure your blog link is on all your social networks and your social networks can be reached through your blog.
9. Spread the word - add your blog link to your email signature, mention new posts in your facebook status, tweet your posts using bite sized headlines and don't forgot word of mouth.
10. Don't spam - tell people about your blog but don't use social media solely for self-promotion. It won't work and you'll get on everyone's nerves. Engage, engage, engage!
10. Don't spam - tell people about your blog but don't use social media solely for self-promotion. It won't work and you'll get on everyone's nerves. Engage, engage, engage!
Develop your Online Author Profile:
A Blog & Twitter Workshop
When: Saturday 31st May
Time: 10.30am -12.30pm
Tickets: £15.00My Blogging for Beginners ebook is available to download from Amazon.
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