NORRAG Blog writer's resources and best practices
Check the following recommendations which offer valuable advice when writing Blog posts. Please note that following the rules retrieved from the links at the end of this page does not guarantee publications on the NORRAG Blog (see our contribution page for our official guidelines). These guidelines will, however, offer common sense tips and best practices when writing Blog posts.
Before starting to write a Blog post, be aware that the whole process of planning and writing a professional Blog post can take several days or even a week before it can be published.
Step 1: Take enough time to plan your Blog post by choosing a topic you are passionate about (only this will make your Blog post impactful), creating an outline, conducting research, and checking for facts. Keep in mind that your aim should be to present ideas rather than processes or descriptions and that including too many ideas can be confusing (one idea is optimal for a Blog).
Step 2: Craft a headline that is both informative and will capture readers’ attentions.
Step 3: Write your post by either writing a draft in a single session or gradually work on parts of it. It might help you to write the introduction last. Use the active tense and a conversational “write like you talk” style, check your text for phrases or words (incl. jargon) you would never use in a conversation. Keep introductory information minimal, start off with the core idea of your Blog post (the first para matters) and guide the readers throughout tiers on why the topic matters. Admit doubt and state it clearly as an invitation for the readers to think it through.
Step 4: Use images to enhance your post, improve its flow, and explain complex topics with diagrams, charts, infographics, etc. Please provide copyright/source information where necessary, seek approval for use of images if necessary.
Step 5: Edit your Blog post. Make sure to avoid repetition, read your post aloud to check its flow, and have someone else read it and provide feedback. Keep sentences and paragraphs short and define terms. Make sure to minimize references and namechecks, but use links to avoid diluting the narrative.
Most importantly, keep your Blog authentic. A Blog post should reflect the personality and background of its author.
Enjoy writing your Blog post!
Information retrieved from:
- 11 Tips for Better Blogging (Oxfam Blogs –archived page)
- How to Write an Awesome Blog Post in 5 Steps (The WordStream Blog)