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Blogging is becoming more and more involved in the world of marketing. But as you can imagine, it’s not always easy for companies to work on their own blogs. Sure, they can hire astonishing companies to add to their blog weekly but what’s better than reading a blog written from the actual company itself? My mission today is to allow you to see how much fun blogging can really be! No, you don’t have to sit and stare at a blank Word document until something comes to you. Blogging is so much more than that. It’s important to be inspired and truly feel what you are writing about. The best content will flow from your mind onto a piece of paper (or in these times, a Word doc!) without interruption. I know what you’re thinking— it’s easy for me to sit here and babble away because I am a writer. Yes, I went to school for writing because I’d much rather write a 25 page thesis than take a 2-page multiple choice exam. However, all the schooling in the world cannot make a writer a GOOD writer. It takes time, patience, and a little bit of creativity!
Here are a few tips that are sure to make blogging more enjoyable:
#1: Listen to inspiring music. This is my favorite tip because it works! Sometimes just one song will spark an idea. One word, one phrase or even the tune can get those creative juices flowing. Put your iPod on low while you blog. Keep it loud enough to block out any commotion around you but quiet enough so you don’t drown out your own thoughts. Also, listening to music you enjoy has been proven to improve your overall mood. A happy state of mind will do wonders for a writer.
#2: Start with a notepad and pen. It’s that simple. Staring blankly at bright computer screen will not only hurt your eyes but will be discouraging. Start by scribbling a few thoughts here and there. By scattering out a few ideas, you can draw lines and make more sense of your thoughts. Once you feel you have enough to work with, it’s time to face Microsoft Word.
#3: Be yourself. Find your TRUE voice. Nothing is worse than reading something that just sounds uncomfortable. Don’t try and choose words you wouldn’t normally use to sound more intelligent. Big words will most likely sound out of place and mess up your flow. Just type the way you would speak. If it needs some tailoring, go over it when you have finished.
#4: Blog outdoors. Laying outside on a nice day not only will boost your mood, but it will hardly feel like you are working! Not an outdoorsy person? It’s okay! Just find a place where you feel at ease. Maybe it’s in a library, or maybe even in your own bedroom. Wherever you prefer is up to you, just make sure to find a happy blogging place.
#5: Look at artsy or funny pictures online. Like music, art can move you. Looking at certain colors has been proven to affect your mood. As for funny pictures— well that explains itself. It could even be a Youtube video! As long as you are looking at positive inspiration, you are bound to get those creative gears in motion.
#6: Write about what you know. Don’t know anything about how a motorcycle works? Don’t write about it. However, you do know a thing or two about safety. Your “voice” will come off as confident if you blog about something you are familiar with.
#7: Share personal experiences. What’s better than writing about something that you experienced first-hand? You know every little detail and that will aid you in blogging. People are interested in other’s experiences. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, fictionalize it! No will ever know that you are speaking from experience with a few tweaks. Your life is more interesting than you think!
#8: Watch a movie. A comedy, drama, romance…doesn’t matter! Choose a favorite and pop it in. Pay attention to the plot and dilemmas the main character may face. Chances are, you will find an interesting topic to blog about!
#9: Play with fonts and colors. Times New Roman in black is a wonderful way to remind yourself of those 10-page college (and high school) essays. It wasn’t fun then and it’s not fun now. Find an interesting font that appeals to you. When writing, play around with bolding, italics and even colors to get your points across.
#10: Don’t be afraid to take a break. You may tell yourself that you MUST sit and finish this blog if it’s the last thing you do. I’m here to tell you, DO NOT. You are only setting yourself up for failure. Negative energy will show in your writing and it will end up sounding forced and bland. If you are truly at a writer’s block, step away! Take a walk, do laundry, watch television, do anything that will pull your mind out of blogging. When you come back, you can reread what you have written and start again. Sometimes all it takes is a break to regroup your thoughts.
#11: Engage with other bloggers. By reading and commenting on other blogger’s work, you are not only picking up on some of their techniques, but gaining a fan! You will be surprised how many bloggers will reciprocate with comments if you start to follow their work. That way, you can both learn a thing or two about blogging through each other’s feedback!
Next time you sit down, think back to these tips. You are guaranteed to build a new and better relationship with writing. Happy blogging!
