Spice up your posts
If you’re wondering why your blog’s readership seems to be lagging, it might be time to take it back to the kitchen. Even though your blog is solid and filling – you post every day with well-researched content – you might be lacking that extra spice that keeps readers asking for more.
Pepper your sentences
In this case, the pepper is vocabulary words. Just like with real pepper, you don’t want to go overboard – too many obscure words will obfuscate your meaning and leave your reader baffled and bored. However, throwing in a fun word now and then will add some bite to your sentences, especially if you use it in context. Right now, my favorite words are rannygazoo and cerulean.
Add parsley to your posts
In food, parsley is a great way to add color. On your blog, you’ll want to use images for that. You don’t need to look far to find high-quality art: Wikipedia Commons has fantastic pictures of just about every subject you can think of, and most can be used on your blog with a simple link back or a sentence attributing credit to the photographer. Just like with a meal, presentation is an important part of blogging, so don’t be afraid to jazz it up a little.
Bite back with vinegar
Remember, while journalists are obliged to remain neutral, bloggers are usually free to express opinions. Don’t be afraid to add some vinegar by sharing your opinions with the world. People read blogs for the personalities behind them, so open up to your readers and tell them what you really think about your subject matter. If you don’t have a strong opinion on the subject, maybe you’re writing about the wrong thing.
Salt liberally
Most posts are improved by some connection to other sites. Salting your posts with links to other blogs on the same topic makes you look knowledgeable. You’re aware of what the other guys are saying and you use it to strengthen your point. Our own Angela Booth has some suggestions on how to keep up with posts in your field.
Written by Kris Larson from CarthagePosted on March 13th, 2008 and filed under Writing
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8 Responses to “Spice up your posts”
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What a fun way to make your points for this post; I love it! I’d also add that posts should have a little bit of chili powder in them … that zing that gets your attention and makes you notice what it is that you’re eating!
I find your blog post and analogy creamy, zesty and filling! The way to a man’s link bait is through his stomach (Okay, now I’m guilty of mixing metaphors). Anyway, good post and I’ll keep the tips in mind as I’m blogging (and fixing dinner).
A very interesting post indeed Kris. You certainly managed to spice up this particular blog post, and i must say, it drew my attention immediately, which is exactly the result we all hope to achieve as bloggers.
I shall be giving the method a try and hopefully can replicate the same response.
And I thought something’s cooking! This a short but great list of blog tips. So tasty!
I agree, especially with the point about salting your blog with links. I like to give credit where it’s due – and since I’m not the most original thinker around, it’s due quite often – so I liberally season my posts with link love!
Wow! reading your blogs made me feel like I’m smelling some spices..^^…nice examples by the way!
Nice selection of tips! My favorite words include “smooshilate” (as in, kids, stop smooshilating the bananas in the plate) and “panicate” (as in, kids, refrain from panicating your mom by playing Superman on top of the filing cabinet).
Letting your blog words come alive in the minds of the readers – ’tis a very good thing indeed.
Enjoy,
Barbara
That is true… but do you think a personal blog should be created for the world class posts? I don’t think so.