Can Non-Writers Become Bloggers?
Aug. 22nd, 2008 by Aurora BrownHow do I blog if I’m not a writer?
This is the number one question asked by people when they’re thinking about getting a blog, or advised to get one to help them create a valuable presence on the web. And it should be. If your natural inclination isn’t to write or if you just don’t have the time, there are a number of options available to you, which I’ll cover later in this article. First, lets address the problem of “non” writers trying to write.
One, you don’t know how you’ll do if you don’t try. Who knows, you may turn out to be a natural. Two, if you stick to some simple rules, it makes everything easier:
1) Write about what you know. You talk to to colleagues, clients and people around you all day, giving advice, telling them what you need done and much more. Pretend you’re writing an email to someone (better yet, look at those emails you’ve written. Often they contain a lot of good info you can turn into posts), a an op-ed or anything else that makes it easier.
2) Posts can be any length you want. As a rule of thumb, they should be at least two paragraphs, but if its been a long day, do something like a one paragraph post on some bit of news in your industry. Nothing major, and probably something you’re already thinking about.
3) Don’t get bogged down in the details or making a perfect piece of art. You can always go back and change it later, the most important thing to do is get it down on paper.
4) If you use a content management system like Wordpress, use the post-date function. Sit down on a Sunday, take a few hours and write out your posts for that week. Then submit them and post-date them. This puts them in a queue that is published automatically on the date you specify.
If you have tried repeatedly and just feel overwhlemed, there are other options available to you as well:
1) Hire a writer. There are lots of good freelance sites like Elance.com where you can find decent writers to help you out. Use them once or a number of times, but always be sure to check their references and their previous work. Cragslist and other classified sites are also valuable for finding writers, again, just make sure you check for quality.
2) Delegate the writing to an assistant, then edit the content. They often know a lot about the industry and can write articles for you to review, which you can then edit and/or add your own spin to.
3) Get others in your company involved. Partner, colleagues, assistants…everyone can be valuable to you in generating content.
About the author:
Aurora Brown is the Social Media Manager and Editor-in-Chief for Authority Domains online marketing
company. She currently authors the Authority Domains Search Engine Marketing Blog and is working on her first novel.
About The Author
Aurora Brown is the Social Media Manager and Editor-in-Chief for Authority Domains online marketing company. She currently authors the Authority Domains Search Engine Marketing Blog and is working on her first novel.Posted in: The Net |
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August 25th, 2008 at 3:26 am
Well I think blogging is more about expressing your thoughts in your own style. So it doesn’t take a good writer to be a blogger, even though it helps you in being more articulate to your readers, but there will be that few that will understand regardless of your style of writing or grammer.
Great post!
August 29th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
[...] Low is an experienced blogger himself, but he asks if non-writers can become bloggers too. Many people feel the inclination to start a blog, whether it be personal or corporate, but [...]
March 22nd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Are there more testimonials around the site?
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July 22nd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
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September 1st, 2011 at 3:28 am
I think writing is a hidden talent in everyone and not something you have to be born with necessarily. It’s all about getting passionate about something first and then the words will flow automatically. Certainly, improving language and communication skills will make one a better writer on top of that.
October 2nd, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Great tips some people tend to overthink things a bit. Anyone can be a writer you just have to know what you are talking about.