How To Write Really Interesting Blog Posts
For many writers, a part of promoting themselves and their books is writing blog posts. But many of us (say me for example) find ourselves looking at a blank page and a blinking cursor and freeze up. We might write a 90k novel with no hesitation, but the idea of writing a 900-word blog post seems impossible. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you get started.
Do Entertain the Reader
Why should a reader take the time to read your blog post? If you want their time and attention you’ve got to deliver. What problem can you solve for them? Can you provide them with information that’s useful? There may be a topic that you’re knowledgeable about that you can share. Or perhaps your super power is that you’re funny and you can provide a great distraction for a reader who is waiting in a dentist’s office. Look for how to spin information, for example, perhaps in writing your thriller you learned about toxic friendships or how travel can change a person. The goal is to constantly ask yourself, what can the reader take away from this? Why would they spend their time (when Netflix or Candy Crush is calling) with your blog piece? If you’re doing a guest post on a blog look through past postings and topics to see how what you might bring would be original, or fit well with what they already have posted.
Don’t Simply Promote
Here’s the secret. We all want readers to buy our books. Preferably in bulk. But people don’t like to feel that they’re being sold something. Have you ever been trapped in a high-pressure sales situation? Perhaps you wandered into a time share presentation because you were promised theatre tickets and then next thing you know you realize you’ve sold your soul to see Cirque de Sol and you’re now prepared to amputate your own arm just to get out of there. You can mention your book, and your subject may even be related to your novel, but you don’t need to keep reminding the reader that they can buy your book. If every example you use is from your own work, then you risk losing their interest all together.
Do Think Short Digestible Chunks
Look at how you can break up the information into manageable bite-sized chunks to make it easier to read and process. Lists, numbered tips, or dos or don’ts can make it easier for the reader to follow, especially online. Know your audience, are you writing a blog post for people who are passionate about a particular topic? Is it an academic blog? How long and detailed your piece is likely depends on the target readers. If you have a topic that is long and more comprehensive, consider breaking it down into a series of blog posts.
Don’t Be Fake
One of the most valuable assets you have is your unique voice. There is only one of you—only you can tell your story (or blog) in a particular way. Trying to sound like someone else is a recipe for failure. Readers want you to be genuine. You might share what motivated you to write about a particular topic, or if there were real-life events in your novel that inspired your writing. This doesn’t mean that you have to share intimate details of your life, but don’t put on a persona that you think readers want. They’ll see through it and be turned off.
Do Focus on What You Know
What unique spin can you bring to the information that you’re sharing? Perhaps there is something you learned researching your book that could be of interest to others. If you’re writing non-fiction, you may select a portion of a chapter or a particular tip that you hope will pull the reader in. If you’re writing a novel, you may have learned an interesting tidbit you can share from the history of when the zipper came into use, or how to spot a psychopath. I’ve worked as both a counsellor and writing mentor, so I often bring that background into writing articles designed to help other writers.
Do Share
If you’re invited to do a guest post on someone’s blog, be sure to share that out to your own social media or in your newsletter. The more readers you can help drive to a blog, the more the blog owner is likely to ask you to come back again. Marketing is not a zero-sum game, by helping each other we all win. Ask the blog owner for links and know when your post is going up. It also doesn’t hurt to thank the blog owner when you turn in your article for the opportunity to have been on their site.
Don’t Forget to Tell Them Where to Find You
Yes, I know I said to not be shamelessly self-promoting yourself, but don’t hide your light either. You wrote the blog post in part to build your platform and visibility. In your bio list how readers can learn more about you from a website, the title of your new release, and/or social media links.
Blog posts are a great way to be visible to readers—just remember to put their needs first!
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YOU OWE ME A MURDER
Seventeen-year-old Kim gets more than she bargained for when she is set up for murder. Perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying, E. Lockhart, and Gillian Flynn.
17-year-old Kim never expected to plot a murder. But that was before her boyfriend dumped her for another girl. Now, Kim’s stuck on a class trip to London with him and his new soulmate and she can’t help wishing he was a little bit dead, even if she’d never really do that.
But when Kim meets Nicki, a stranger on the plane who’s more than willing to listen to Kim’s woes, things start to look up. Nicki’s got a great sense of humor, and when she jokes about swapping murders, Kim plays along—that is, until Kim’s ex-boyfriend mysteriously dies.
Blackmailed by Nicki to fulfill her end of the deal, Kim will have to commit a murder or take the fall for one.
Category: How To and Tips
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This was a very good post. I especially liked your point about doing more than just promotion. All of the blogs I follow are ones that have figured out how to write posts about a variety of topics without feeling like a constant sales pitch. 🙂