1. Blogging

2. A blog is only as good as the content it contains. One of the hardest aspects of blogging is writing good content on a regular basis and choosing what to write about.

3. Blogs contain your own personal voice and also establishes a stance. It is a place to express views and state facts.

4. Be Critical & Opinions Do not be afraid to speak your mind or be critical of things. Being outspoken will encourage comments and discussions. Be willing to accept other peoples views and opinions. Encourage engagement

5. Develop a Angle When writing, it is important that you have an angle that you are approaching from. An angle is a term to describe which aspects of a story or event to concentrate on.

6. 5 W’s, H, & S You still need this information in order to develop a solid opinion. It is important to have all of the facts before you begin writing. If you do not, all credibility goes out the window.

7. Components of a Blog Post When you compose a blog post, you should structure it in a way that provides the best possible reading experience and hooks your readers straightaway. You want to make sure that people read all the way to the end. The best way to do this is to structure a blog into 5 basic elements.

8. 5 Basic Elements of a Blog Headline – Your title needs to explain what the post is about as well as enticing people to read it. Introduction – Your introductory paragraph should introduce the topic and hook your reader. (the lead)

9. 5 Basic Elements of a Blog Body – This is the main part of your blog post, where you explore the topic and voice your opinions. Conclusion – A conclusion ensures a satisfactory end to a post. It should either sum up the main points or provide some closing thoughts. Call to action – A the end of a blog post, encouraging readers to comment, voice their opinions, or read further posts helps to engage your readers.

10. Headline The title is what gets people to click on an article and brings them to your blog. A good title has to explain what a blog post is about and make people want to read it. Many people find it best to leave it until they’ve finished writing the blog post.

11. Introduction This is the most important paragraph Good introduction should explain clearly what the blog post is about as well as hooking your readers. (The Lead) The introduction can be a single sentence or paragraph, but it has to be punchy and well written. If your introduction is flat and boring, visitors will not want to carry on reading.

12. Body The body is where you go into more detail. Blogs can be lengthy but always you write short paragraphs. People do not like large chunks of texts. Break up the body of your blog posts with images and subheads.

13. Conclusion Summing up your main points or closing off with a final thought helps to provide a satisfying read.

14. Call to Action Encourage them to leave a comment, read further posts in a series or provide buttons so they can share the post with their friends on social networks.