How many blogs have you read that bang on about how great blogging is? It's a great way to raise your profile.
It's a great way to boost traffic to your website.
It's a great way to add original and interesting content for Google.
If it's so flipping great, how come you're not benefiting from any of these amazing benefits? If you're disappointed by the number of shares, likes and comments on your blog, it's probably got more to do with your writing that your audience.
Before you start writing, ask yourself these questions.
1.
Are you targeting your audience? As a blogger you have a niche.
As an expert in your area you're well placed to offer your readers loads of great tips and advice.
Take a look at some of your recent posts.
Have you stuck to your niche? Are you answering the questions your audience is asking? Make sure everything you write is relevant.
If you start writing about a recent holiday on your cookery blog it's not going to attract many readers.
Write about a local delicacy and a related recipe on your blog and you'll be on to a winner.
2.
Credible Statistics are a great way to add weight to your arguments, but have you checked them? There's nothing worse than liberally dotting your work in inaccurate data - it's the quickest way to damage your reputation.
Check and double-check every figure, quote and fact before you hit publish.
3.
Unique OK, it's almost impossible to have a unique thought, but make sure you make it your own.
If you're inspired by another article, talk about your take on the subject and refer to the original work.
Of course, you'll only publish your own unique content (i.
e.
your own thoughts), but it's also important to write in your own style.
Even if you admire a great blogger don't try to emulate their style.
Your audience want to get to know you and the only way they can do that is through your writing.
Let your personality shine through and make your work instantly recognisable.
4.
Useful Every blog post you write must add value to your readers.
It has to help them in some way, whether it's solving an issue they have, offering them advice or giving them a useful tip.
Read through your post - are you being helpful, or are you just using the platform to satisfy your own ends? 5.
Simple One of the most important things to check before publishing (other than spelling and grammar) is that you've used simple language.
Despite what you may believe, using complex language, jargon and incomprehensible words won't make you look intelligent.
Readers want simple, easy to understand information that they can take in quickly and learn from.
6.
Sharing If you want to increase the shares and likes for your posts, make sure you stick to the tips already shared with you.
7.
Your goal Everything I've said so far concentrates on your reader, but what about your goals? Remember why you're writing - is it for traffic, links, reputation, newsletter sign ups? Whatever it is, make sure you add a call to action to encourage participation from your readers, even if it's just asking for a comment.
If you don't ask you won't get.
Next time you sit down to write a blog post remember these tips and make sure you and your audience come out on the winning side.