How to Create a Must-Read Blog
In our authors and blogging series, you’ve learned how blogging can help authors reach an audience and things to consider when starting a blog. Now that you have a blog, how do you ensure that everyone, including editors and agents, will read it? Follow the tips below to create a must-read blog.
Write High-Quality, Relevant Content
The best way to attract readers is to write high-quality, relevant content. Error-free writing with voice is a must. And know your audience. Are you writing for caregivers and readers of picture books? Or readers of middle grade or young adult novels? Which genres? For example, if you write multicultural picture books, create posts about different cultures and global education. Include resource links for parents and educators and a menu tab with relevant activities for kids.
Post Consistently
Whether you post once or several times a week, post new content on a schedule to set reader expectations. When starting out, post more often so you’ll have content for readers to explore. Consistency shows readers you’re committed, encouraging them to come back for more. Your SEO (search engine optimization) will also improve because web crawlers will find content on your site. This helps your site rank higher in web searches.
Make It Easy to Navigate
A user-friendly site is important for retaining an audience. Is there a menu with categories at the top of your homepage? Can industry professionals easily find your contact information and bio? Is the layout clean and easy to read? Readability matters. For example, a gray font on a white background is hard for people to see. A small font size will also hinder readability and may push readers to leave. Use headers to break up longer posts and highlight important areas. Headers help your audience and search engines to read and understand the text. Bullet points and lists also help with readability.
Include Images
There is no rule for the number of photos to include. At a minimum, add one relevant image in the upper half of the web page so it’s visible without scrolling down. A photo’s splash of color in a sea of text grabs people’s attention. Note also that most social media sites pull an image from your post as its thumbnail image when readers share your content. Make sure you have photo rights. You can use your own photos, use images from stock sites, like Pixabay, or have the owner’s permission to use photos. You cannot use photos found on the Internet, even if you cite the source, without first checking photo rights. Doing so could put you in legal jeopardy.
Use Social Media
Social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, is essential for supporting your blog’s success. It doesn’t matter if you write the best content if no one finds it. Use social media to promote your blog posts, engage with readers, grow your fan base, and improve SEO. Fans who share your posts amplify your blog’s reach.
Using the tips above to amplify your reach and engage readers will maximize your chances of creating a must-read blog. In the next part of our series, we’ll delve deeper into how to use social media to grow your blog.
This post was written by Maria Adcock and originally posted in the SCBWI Kid LIt News 2020 Newsletter: Winter/Spring Edition ©All rights reserved. All content is copyrighted ©2020 The SCBWI Long Island NY. SCBWI.org. Kid LIt News is a quarterly and educational newsletter of the Long Island, New York region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the international organization for professionals in children’s publishing.