by Cathy Baker
Greetings! Today, I’m sharing how I bring a blog post to fruition, as well as what I’m learning along the way. Some parts of the process are more fun than others, but make no mistake—churning out regularly scheduled blog posts each week is hard work. But it’s worth it. Here goes!
What I’m learning: Writing/blogging in the same spot on a consistent basis alerts the brain that it’s time to stop playing and get to work. I’m also learning that Starbucks Cold Brew provides a swifter kick to my energy level than a latte. Go figure.
What I’m learning: I need to consolidate my ideas to two places max. Having them scattered in too many places breeds frustration.
Peck away anyway. Sometimes an idea comes quickly and fiercely (love those!) but most take their own sweet time. I type anyway. More often than not, once I begin the process of pecking away at the keys, the idea begins to unfold in unexpected and delightful ways. Also—and yes, this is crazy—unless I use the Trebuchet font while working on a post, the idea tends to cross its arms, pout, and storm off. Silly fonts.
What I’m learning: Mentor and friend, Edie Melson, has advised many of us for years (I’m a slow learner) to first type everything in Word and then upload it to Blogger or WordPress. This prevents the loss of our masterpiece if something goes wonky on the site. {While typing the final few words in this post, my delete button became stuck, erasing all the words one-by-one. Um, Lesson learned.}
What I’m learning: I stink at titling. I continue to study online and I’m also learning the importance of SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Check grammar, photos, and links. Then do it again. I usually save the photo search for last as I enjoy it the most. I currently use some of my own photos but plan to increase that exponentially in the coming months. For now, I pull from Can Stock Photo (buy credits at minimal cost), Pixabay, and other free sites. I’m always looking to promote others via linking in my posts and including them in the Labels section.
What I’m learning: No post is to be published until I’ve read it aloud at least once. Much is learned when reading our work aloud.
When you consider the above quote, what ONE word best describes your idea of a GREAT blog?
Ah,a method! A routine rather than just waiting for the muse to kick in. Imagine that. You've inspired me to be more disciplined! Thanks!
Thank you, Susan! Funny how inspiration works. Your blog has inspired me to add more beauty to my site. I love that bloggers are all on the same team, spurring one another on!
I appreciate your taking the time to stop by and share. 🙂 Blessings!!!
Great tips. Very helpful. You have come a long ways in a short time. Yea! Cathy.
Thanks so much, Tim! You're quite the encourager. 🙂 Means a lot. Sorry I missed everyone at last week's meeting.
Cathy, I am so honored to be your go-to stormer…. so thankful you are mine!! I pray I will become more organized and disciplined. Thank you for sharing your blog steps.
Brainstorming is one of my favorite things to do, especially with you as my go-to stormer, Dee Dee! Now that I think about it, it's almost that time again. 🙂
Love that we're all in this together!