Whenever you sit down and decide to write for your bog always communicate in plain language. Anyone who traveled to a foreign country knows that speaking the native tongue is much better that using a translator or a dictionary.

In the land of the web, things are no different. Learn the “native language of the web” and all the web surfers will read and understand you better.

5 Rules of Blogging

Here are the 5 Golden rules to harness the power of a good blog post:

Rule #1 – Avoid Corporate Talk

The Big bang Theory is one of my favorite TV shows. Sheldon is one of the characters and he is constantly using geeky, condescending yet scientific language that turns everyone off. Sure – it’s funny on TV but can you imagine working with a guy that says:“We shall be in need of a time readjustment in order to meet the scheduled deadline” – instead of saying – “We’ll be late”.
 
Every time I read a puffed up, superlative brimming text on a corporate website I immediately assume the following:

1. These people are hiding behind words because their products and/or services are crap.
2. They think they are smarter than me – that’s why they use fancy corporate lingo. I don’t need to be patronized.

Here’s a list of words I could do without on corporate websites:
Leverage, utilize, best of breed, solution, etc. Same for acronyms like SERP, EOM, etc. If you really have to use them, at least spell them out in parenthesis (i.e. SERP – Search Engine Results Page, etc.)

Rule #2 – Write for your Audience not for your Ego

Assume your audience knows nothing about the subject so explain everything in layman’s terms.
Provide the whole story with plenty of details.
Use illustrations, pictures and portfolio samples.
Make the post interesting so the audience is captivated by the story

Rule #3 – Use short paragraphs

Pick up a newspaper and analyze the way the columns are constructed. Count how many words each sentence has; you’ll also notice that paragraphs seldom have more than 3 or 4 phrases.

These chunks of text are easier on the eye allowing it to travel from one to the other, especially when white space is intelligently used (just like the text you are currently reading).

Rule #4 – Use Bulleted Lists

They should be short and punchy. Group them together logically and don’t get too wordy. Also, use 1 or 2 lists at the most and mix them with the paragraphs.

Rule #5 – Reading Level

As in newspapers and most sitcoms, the reading level should be on or around 8th grade level. The news are slightly more advanced but not by much. Watch CNN and copy their reading level into your website or blog.

And there you have it – the 5 Rules of Awesome Blogging.

 Claudiu Geanta is a successful online business owner and founder of Design by Satori Inc. & ProIncome Marketing, LLC. He teaches businesses how to build an optimum online presence. He is also and accomplished web designer and photographer. You can follow him on twitter.

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