KENNESAW— Atlanta Journal-Constitution blogger Morieka Johnson visited Kennesaw State University to speak to students about using blogs in journalism. Johnson blogs for the AJC and has a personal blog about pets and pet care. During her speech, Johnson gave many tips for blogging to the Kennesaw State students.
“Write what you know… it’s easier” Johnson says. Writing a blog about a topic you are informed about makes writing easy. You should focus on the topic and start typing. Johnson gives mashable.com as a good example of this. Mashable.com is a technology blog started by Pete Cashmore. Cashmore started his blog because technology is something he is knowledgeable about. Mashable.com is now a Technorati Top 10 blog worldwide.
Another blogging tip according to Johnson is: tell the truth, it can be better than fiction. Johnson says “What is your story? Figure it out and then tell it.” For example a blog about testing Julia Child’s recipes turned into a book and then into the movie “Julie and Julia”.
It takes consistency to build an audience. Johnson says “Post consistently, especially when there’s news.” You have to be committed to your blog and write in it on a usual basis.
To further improve your blog, Johnson says a blogger should “Read other blogs and offer comments.” Bloggers should see what other bloggers are putting in their blogs and offer feedback to them. This will help prove to other bloggers and readers that you are a resource on your topic.
“Show, don’t tell is the best way to make your blog user friendly” Johnson says. “Words don’t have the be the primary tool. Photos and videos count, too. The Sartorialist is a blog about fashion photography. It does a wonderful job of showing the story, not telling it. The photographer takes pictures of people dressed interestingly from around the world for this blog. As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Of course grammar is important in a blog as well! Johnson says “Write as if everyone is reading, including your mother, your ex—and your future boss.” Your internet footprint will always follow you. Anyone can look up your blog and read what you are blogging about, and how good your grammar is.
In a blog called “Food and More” on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the author, John Kessler, posts links to other blogs he likes and also relate to food. Johnson agrees this is a good tactic. She says, “Post links to other resources. Show that you are plugged into the topic. Note keywords, tags and categories to people can search.”
Take advantage of social networks to promote your work. Use Facebook, Twitter, etc. to let your friends, family and target audience find you. “Remember, you are building a community” Johnson says.
The last piece of advice Johnson gives to bloggers is to check your numbers—is anyone reading? “Use the statistical tools to see who is reading, where they are and why they’re reading.” Johnson says.
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