How to Write for a Web Log 

Creating a compelling Web log (blog, online diary, news feed, whatever you want to call it) can be a very rewarding experience. Unfortunately, all to often the quality of the writing in Blogs actually discourages readers from returning.

Short to-the-point sentences & paragraphs

As with anything written to be read online, you should strive for conciseness, clarity and simplicity. It is very difficult to read a long article on a computer monitor. Cut about half of what you'd normally write. Keep posts to under five paragraphs or 250 words for an easy read. If you have a long post, consider breaking it up into small posts or use subheadings to help the reader skim.

Quality information keeps audiences coming back

Keep your blog up to date with solid information, opinions and news. Quality control should be one of your major concerns.

Use the best grammar you can

Poor writing will turn away many of your readers, so be sure to use a spell- and grammar-checking. No one says you have to write in a formal or business style; in fact, you probably shouldn't be. Online writing tends to be much more informal but make it as easy as possible on your readers to understand what you are saying.

Liberally link

The Web is all about connections and readers with return to your blog repeatedly if you help create those connections. Tell people where you got your ideas. Cite your sources. Link to entertaining and informative Websites that relate to your post.

Create meaningful titles

Titles should accurately describe what your post. It should be short enough to grab attention. Don't be too cute either or you'll confuse you're reader . . . unless you're audience demands it.

Write for your audience

Remember that you are not just writing to write. (Well, maybe you are, in which case you can forget all my tips!) Get a mental picture of your typical or target reader and write for them. If you give them what they want, you'll create a loyal readership.

Make a list of keywords and use them

Especially in situations where you'd like search engine exposure, create a list of keywords you'd like to be listed under. Liberally sprinkle them into your posts. Keep your blog 'on task' as much as possible. Warning though: don't 'stuff' your posts with keywords or search engines will begin to ignore your blog; just write naturally and you'll be fine.

Don't take yourself too seriously

Have a sense of humor about your topic, your perspectives and especially about yourself.

Be opinionated!

Be yourself. Be free. Tell people what you think! Your readers want the benefit of your experience and education, perspectives and insights. Be warned though, what you post to your blog is PUBLIC information. Ranting about your job, co-workers, or people you know may get you in trouble. Don't write anything on your blog you wouldn't feel comfortable saying out loud at in a public place.

How to Write a Better Blog