How to Blog: Mumsnet Bloggers Network

 

Whether you're a seasoned blogger or have yet to start, we're here to help you blog better. If you're a newbie, have a look at How to Start a Blog. If you're a pro, why not join the Bloggers Network for more tips and hints on bettering your blog, growing your readership and improving your stats.
 

What is a blog? | Why blog? | How to blog in three steps | What makes a great blog? | Find your blog fitness

What is a blog?

A blog is an online notebook usually kept by one person, and written from their point of view. The word 'blog' comes from 'web-log', and they were originally online diaries - a diary entry would be called a 'blog post'.

"I just witter on in mine – but it is a place where I can speak." wannabesybil

"Bloggers blog for different reasons. I am an opinionated woman who doesn't have an outlet for all her opinions! And I like to share stuff I find interesting, funny, delicious, touching." MmeLindor

Today, a blog can be lots of things. A place for you to rant about your day, or share your experiences. An opportunity to comment on current affairs, display your projects or keep track of any niche subject that takes your fancy (breaking news on vintage yoyos, anyone?).
 

Why blog?

If you use your blog as an online diary, it can be a powerful way to talk about pain, release stress, gather and express your thoughts. If it's a place to share your knowledge on a topic, it can be an informative, useful and interesting guide for readers. And if you use it because you're a budding writer, it can be a helpful tool to improve your writing skills and spread the word about your talents.

Of course, there's also the thrill of being published. There are few places online where you have the freedom to say (almost) what you like (do see the small print about libel!). You're free to write without pressure, deadlines, and expectations. A lucky few might find their blog resonates so deeply that they're offered a shot at the ultimate writer's dream: a book deal.
 

How to blog

The secret to enjoying blogging is this: blogging is more than simply putting pen to paper. To get the most out of blogging, invest your time in these three different activities:

1. Writing your blog.

People turn to blogging because they have something to say. Now's the chance to voice your views and make yourself heard, or let off steam or delve into the world of fiction. The great thing about a blog is that it's your space - and you can be as formal or informal, as truthful or fictional, as you like.

2. Gaining readers.

To do this, you have to get your blog out and about on the blogosphere, using social media like Twitter and Facebook to spread the word and optimizing your posts and pictures so that people can find your blog through search engines. Joining the Mumsnet Blogging Network is another great way to showcase your blog in the blogosphere.

Once you've built up your blog traffic and readers are flocking to your blog, you'll need catchy titles and interesting writing if you want them to stay. We show you how to build up a blog readership.

3. Reading other blogs.

Anyone who writes will know that you learn by reading others - and the same is true of blogging. Reading other blogs could give you inspiration or keep you up to date on the latest blogging trends. Commenting on others' blogs is a great way to build a web presence and be welcomed into the blogging community - and other bloggers need encouragement too!

"If you visit or read someone's blog and you like it, leave a comment. It will make their day and will also (usually) make them visit your blog in return. Blogging is like a little community and it's always good to build up positive relationships with your blogging neighbors." overmydeadbody

What makes a great blog?

• Be yourself. The main way to stand out is to let your personality shine through. "No two families are the same. People have different opinions and lifestyles – that's what makes blog-reading so interesting." eastereggthief 
  
  

• Keep it short. Blog posts are not like novels, or even newspaper articles. They need to be interesting and quick to read. This isn't the place for that great idea for a thesis.
   
• Be imaginative. To reel in readers, your writing needs to stand out. Is it funny? Personal? Political? Relevant? Original? 
   
• Be informative. Your readers are clued-up, plugged-in netizens. So what do you know that they might find interesting? Whatever you write, you need to make it relevant to readers.
   
• Use pictures. Sometimes, a post just needs to be solid text. And that's OK. But a full page of words can be just a little bit off-putting.
   

• Link out. A great way to encourage visitors is to link to them first. But it's also helpful to link to other info that enriches your post. If you mention an obscure actor, for example, you could link to their Wikipedia page to give your readers more information.
   

• Make it all easy on the eye. Lots of people go overboard with colours, fonts and masses of "arty" pictures. In terms of great blog design, less is definitely more.
   

• Update often. An untended blog is a very sad thing indeed.