Here is the final installment in our series on using WordPress for blogging: a platform-building, book-selling tool.
For the first six posts, we covered the technical aspects of setting up and using a WordPress blog. In this post, I’ll share implementation tips.
- Maintain a Regular Schedule: We respect readers by providing them new content on a regular basis. Don’t blog every day for a week and then disappear for months. Set a schedule and then follow it. I recommend starting with one post a week.
- Have a Focused Theme: Pick a topic for your blog, and then stick to it. Make sure it’s not too broad, but ensure you have enough ideas to keep it going.
- Keep it Short: When it comes to blogging, less is more. Concise posts honor readers and acknowledge the short attention span of most people.
- Make it Scannable: Use bullet points, numbered lists, subheadings, and bold to make posts quick to scan and easy to absorb key points.
- Proof Before Posting: The best time to correct a mistake is before it’s published. Take whatever steps necessary to double-check your work. When you find an error afterward, fix it quickly.
- Publicize Your Post: Share posts on social media so other people can find it and follow good search engine optimization (SEO) practices so search engines can find it. too.
- Interact with Readers: Invite comments and respond appropriately. Build community.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.