Blog writing tips and blogging advice Starting your blog

What is blogging?

The Huffington Post was voted by The Guardian as the world’s most powerful blog

Blogging – or 'web logging' – is a publishing format that allows people to write and publish online, often focusing on a specialist subject. For some people blogging is a hobby, for others blogging is a way to make money from their writing. 

Other bloggers are more interested in furthering a cause, or exerting political influence. An example of the latter is The Huffington Post, voted by The Guardian as the world’s most powerful blog.

Whatever your motivation for blogging, here are some tips to help your blog generate a large and loyal following. 

Choosing a subject for your blog

Write about what matters to you – this is by far the most important consideration. People who are passionate about their subject matter write the most successful blogs. 

When you write about a topic that excites you, your blog is more likely to attract like-minded readers. You'll also be less likely to abandon your blog after a few weeks.

Think of your audience

Have a particular audience in mind when writing your blog

A good way to build an audience for your blog is to speak to one audience in particular. When you keep this audience in mind, your writing gains focus. 

Focus goes a long way toward repeat visitors. It’s better to have 10 single-subject blogs than a single blog dealing with 10 subjects.

Make sure your blog makes a good first impression

It’s said that when we meet a person for the first time, we make up our minds about them within three seconds. It’s the same for blogs. 

So make sure your blog title describes what it is you're writing about, and ensure all post headers are similarly descriptive. 

Also, choose your blog design carefully: aiming a blog at a professional market with a site that sports background images of your family is not a great idea. Similarly, a light-hearted blog with an austere design will also jar.