I have vivid memories of writing my first few blog posts! Are you a new blogger writing your first posts? I have a resource for you.

What is one question you have about writing your first blog posts?

Writing Blog Posts

My Experience:

I’m not a professional writer, but I am a person who loves reading, sharing my thoughts, and writing all the words.

I quickly became overwhelmed during the first few weeks/months of creating content for this blog: from gathering ideas to editing to formatting to navigating WordPress to importing pictures/graphics to creating Amazon affiliate links to summoning the courage to hit “publish.” I identified my niche as “all things books”: reviews, lists, recommendations, and discussions. My first bog post consisted of a list of my most recent reads. Because it was my first post, I spent most of my time formatting and importing covers. I simply copied and pasted the Amazon book summary. My real act of bravery was including “my own brief thoughts” (Splashing myself with a bit of pool water before diving in!). However, I knew from that first post that I also wanted to write a synopsis in my own words because publisher blurbs can often be misleading or contain spoilers. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to hit “publish”!

Tip: It took me so long to accomplish all the formatting that my advice for writing your first post is start with a simple list!

I hadn’t thought a great deal about blogging before I started Reading Ladies. Many of you have heard my story of deciding to retire from teaching and making the decision to start a blog on the bittersweet drive home from my last day in the classroom. A couple of months before that decision and publishing my first post, I started watching out for blogs that might inspire me. The first place I landed to begin my research was the TopTenTuesday weekly link-up. Here I found my niche…other bloggers who loved reading and writing about reading. They gave me the courage to jump in with my own posts.

Tip: Find your niche and make connections!

Tried and true blogging advice is to write what you know and share it with confidence, expertise, and enthusiasm. Every blogger has his or her own approach and voice. Although planning is helpful, I’m here to encourage you in the notion that you can simply start and learn as you go. Most of all, visitors to your blog are looking for useful information (a thoughtful and honest review in my case) and a feeling of connection.

Tip: Jump in, the water is nice!

The School of Hard Knocks

Although I had a bit of technical help (thanks Chad!) to set up my WordPress account, I learned the rest by trial and error. Did I proofread? Well, naturally! That blasé attitude ended the day I realized I had dated a blog post-1917…..oops! (now I never date my posts because it occurred to me that WordPress automatically dates each one…one less detail to worry about).

I have forgotten to include a feature image and inserted the wrong image in a book list, among many other mistakes. Followers have sometimes pointed out my errors which are immensely appreciated. I’d rather make the correction than have the error live on. Mistakes happen. Everyone makes them. Don’t let that embarrassment linger too long. But don’t be lax in proofreading either. Do your best.

You can edit and proofread again and again and still publish a post with errors. This is especially noticeable when I update older posts. It took a year or more before I knew about and used the plugin, Grammarly. At times, I read my posts out loud to my patient and helpful husband. He is a careful and thoughtful listener and offers good feedback on the content. WordPress also offers the Yoast plugin that is helpful for writing, formatting, and SEO.

In addition to content, writing, and formatting, there’s also SEO and Social Media to consider. One regret is that I didn’t focus on these components of blogging from the very beginning. I was naive. If you visit the menu tab “Resources For Bloggers” you will find some helpful articles.

Tip: If you neglect promotion, people can’t find you and read your writing no matter how wonderful it is!

Today’s Focus: Writing

One of my biggest challenges in writing for my blog is my writing “voice.” After years of college and grad school, my natural writing tendency is toward a formal voice. When I visit other blogs, the bloggers I’m most drawn to write in an informal voice. This is a challenge for me: writing a professional-sounding review using an informal voice. It’s something I work toward consistently and conscientiously.

A Writing Resource

Beginning bloggers will appreciate this writing resource. My blogging friend, Eleanor @ NotSoModernGirl has created an ebooklet about writing a blog post. Her clear and concise tips are for writing a general blog post and are adaptable for any subject. The Art of Blog Writing can be ordered on her blog here. This straightforward, professional, and nicely formatted ebooklet includes a step-by-step guide to planning and writing a blog post, a checklist, and a template. If you are writing your first blog posts, this ebooklet resource covers all the essentials and will boost your confidence. I promise that this writing resource will help provide a successful start to your blogging adventure.

Contact Eleanor:
LinkedIn: Eleanor Jones
Email: eleanorjonesfreelance@gmail.com
Blog: notsomoderngirl.com
Twitter: @notsomoderngirl

I hope this post on writing blog posts has been helpful for new bloggers. I’m happy to answer questions in the comments.

(Thanks to Eleanor for a complimentary copy of The Art of Blog Writing for my review.)

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ICYMI:

Gift an Author: Write a Book Review (write a review in easy-to-follow steps)
Blogging Resources
A Beginner’s Introduction to SEO

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QOTD:

Are you a new blogger? Please introduce yourself and your blog in the comments!
Can you share one writing tip?

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Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter/X
Blue Sky
Instagram (Threads link in bio)
Goodreads and StoryGraph
Pinterest
Reading Ladies Book Club on Facebook

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