If your not an expert in grammar and spelling so I won’t give you a
litany of English grammar lessons. These practical tips have helped me over the
course of my blogging. Hope it helps you as well.
1. Read quality books, blogs, journals etc. that are written in English.
Like I said before, Blogging is not always about writing. You need to read to be
able to put substance into your post. Reading also improves your English
comprehension, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and writing. If you’re not fond of
reading, try to read those that you find interesting. I spend a considerable
amount of my time online reading other posts. Believe me, it helps a lot.
2. Practice helps so continue writing. Don’t be scared to commit mistakes.
Instead of worrying about committing mistakes and what others might think about
your flaws, use your time to write. Trying to make the perfect post free from
grammar and spelling mistake is good but you’re not making use of your time
efficiently. I have had the same experience when I started blogging and believe
me, there are more important things you can do than trying to be a
perfectionist.
3. Prepare an outline of your post. Identify the main points you want to
raise.
Call it old fashion but I prepare an outline of my post and a list of the points
I want to talk about. Doing this has helped me stay on track and focused on my
main points and objectives. The outline and the list of points I want to write
about serve as my guidelines when I’m writing. You see, the tendency for
bloggers without an outline or an objective is to wonder around, write
unnecessary sentences and even make a post that doesn’t make sense.
4. When writing, use simple words and sentences.
Using simple sentences does not only make your job as a blogger easier but it
makes your post more understandable by your readers. There’s simply no need of
using panoplies of multi-syllabic words and quintessential examples if you
cannot decipher the intricacies of your thoughts into fundamental ideas that
everybody can comprehend. Always remember this. Your objective to write is to
send your message across and the only way to become an effective writer is when
you successfully convey your message to your readers.
5. Write your posts ahead of time.
The pressure of making a post to update your blog content might obstruct you
from writing a good post. There are benefits of daily blogging but if it becomes
burdensome that it impedes you from writing a well-written posts, then forget
about it. To free yourself from the pressure of making a post on daily basis,
which might affect your writing, consider making your post ahead of time.
Currently, I have about 5 posts that are almost done that only requires a bit of
proof reading before being published. I also have about 15 drafts waiting to be
finished. Writing my post ahead of time has helped me improve my writing skills.
Firstly, because I don’t feel pressured, and secondly, because I have enough
time to proof read it.
6. Use available soft wares to help you check your grammar and spelling.
There are several soft wares available that can help you check on your grammar
and spelling. Write your post using Microsoft Office to automatically check on
your grammar and spelling mistakes or use Firefox as your internet browser to
automatically highlight your spelling errors. In case of doubt, use online
dictionaries, thesaurus or encyclopedia.
7. Write about your expertise or the things that interests you.
Imagine writing about a topic that you know little or nothing about or have no
interest at all. It’s not only a difficult job but the result might be a
mediocre post. I don’t know how many times I’ve mentioned this on my other posts
but I wish to say it again. When deciding for a blog topic, choose the ones that
you’re interested at. It makes blogging easier and fun.
8. Join forums or chat rooms.
Forums and chat rooms are great places to improve your writing skills. Since
forums and chat rooms are less formal and you probably careless about your
grammar and spelling mistakes, these become ideal places to practice. Forums and
chat rooms are also great avenues to learn conversational English, colloquial
terms and idiomatic expressions. Plus, you can use these places to promote your
blog.
9. Welcome comments and feedback from your blog readers.
Don’t close comment on your posts simply because of the fear of being criticized
for your mistakes. Instead, learn from the comments, feedback and criticisms
thrown to you by your blog readers.
10. Learn from your mistake. Go ahead and edit your post.
I know that it’s a stupid thing to comment on someone else’s post on his/her
spelling or grammar mistakes but some people do. And when they do it on your
blog, don’t get offended. Don’t even try to justify. Go ahead and edit your
post.
11. If you have the resources, enroll yourself to a writing class.
If you have the means, attending a writing class is always helpful. You
can also buy books and other materials that can help you improve your writing
skills. Just don’t forget that the internet is full of resources that can help
you.
The amount of income a blog generates is fairly equal to its popularity. The
more popular it is, the more eyes there are to see the ads and fingers to click
on them or buy your products.
The great thing about using a blog as a source of income, is that it can still
be a highly personal, issue-based blog. A lot of those nationally known
opinion-making bloggers run ads on their blog, and take some cash in exchange
for their opinions. Though looking to build a popular blog and make some cash on
the side should certainly think about starting with something they are
passionate about.
Though it's hardly unheard of for someone to write a blog purely for
professional reasons, without any personal investment at all, it is a naturally
more difficult task. Those prepared to take on the challenge, for the glory, or
simply because they lack a passion about anything, should approach the endeavor
carefully by researching a strong niche to target. Like any business prospect,
solid research is a must for success.
