Tips for allnurses.com Members Who Would Like to Blog

allnurses offers bloggers a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talent. We offer a forum for both professional bloggers as well as our members. AN members wanting to blog - here are some tips.

Tips for allnurses.com Members Who Would Like to Blog

The tech side of blogging is crucial to developing a solid blog.

4 Tips On How to Be More Effective with Your Blog

  • Increase Article Submissions
  • Watch Your Writing Style
  • Promote Your Blog
  • Stay Active

1 - Increase Article Submissions

The best way to increase traffic to your blog is to have fresh content. Submitting articles on a daily basis will ensure the success of your blog.

2 - Watch Your Writing Style

A successful article is one that grabs the reader's attention and promotes reading. To do this, you must first write an article that is easy to read.

To grab the reader's attention follow these simple rules:

  • Use the Inverted Pyramid Structure
  • Create Short Articles
  • Use Short Paragraphs
  • Format Text When Appropriate
  • Use appropriate text link
  • Link to your past articles

Use the Inverted Pyramid Structure

We were always taught to begin an article with an introduction. However, when using the inverted pyramid structure you begin with its conclusion followed by any supporting information.

Do you remember the last time you read an article from start to finish? Do you remember why?

Typically, most readers will jump to another page before reading the entire article. They will scan a page - if nothing stands out they will exit. This is why it's important to have the conclusions or key points first.

NOTE: Every blog article should have an introduction. The intro will tell the reader what the article is about; and, it may be used for inclusion in newsletter or main page when promoting article.

Create Short Articles

Write short articles. A 600 word article will provide just enough information. Long articles scare people away - it's just too much to read in so little time. If your article consists of 2,000+ words you should consider splitting into 2 or more articles.

Use Short Paragraphs - Long paragraphs are Difficult to Scan

  • 3 sentences maximum when possible.
  • Use short and familiar words - no jargon.

Format Text When Appropriate

To promote reading:

  • Use Bold, Italic, and Headings
  • Divide content in short paragraphs
  • Use bulleted list when possible.
  • Offer plenty of contrast between text and background.

Do NOT

  • Change font-size - use default.
  • Use emojis within text. emojis are great for conversations but not for articles.

Use Appropriate Text Links

When adding links to your article use descriptive text for links. Which do you think is better?

USA TODAY: Latest World and US News - USATODAY.com is OK.

http://medscape.com is OK.

Link to Your Past Articles

A great way to promote your articles is to link to each other. So when writing an article - always think about your previous articles. If you believe that it's content can help support your current article than mention it.

3 - Promote Your Blog

Whenever possible promote your blog. You can mention your blog to your co-workers, family, or friends.

Other ideas:

  • Promote your blog on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc
  • Clear your forum signature and use this space to promote your blog.
  • Add your blog URL to your business card.

4 - Stay Active

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traumaRUs

About traumaRUs, MSN, APRN

Trauma Columnist

14-yr RN experience, ER, ICU, pre-hospital RN, 12+ years experience Nephrology APRN. allnurses Assistant Community Manager. Please let me know how I can help make our site enjoyable.

87 Articles   21,287 Posts

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

These are great tips, every one. Do you have a blog?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Thanks Nurse Beth. I don't have a blog but was a journalist in the US Navy....

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I disagree with write short articles because they're scary. If what you're writing is engaging, and you're using the other tips (short paragraphs, good subheads), people will read longer articles. Google also likes them too.

I think the main reason to use short articles is that most people are more likely to write them when they're first starting out.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Good points PatHeyman

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Specializes in NICU, Newborn and Maternal Health.

Thanks for sharing. These are great tips. I know I prefer to read articles with lots of spacing and sub titles. Now to remember to write with them!

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This is a response to TraumaRUs. Please delete if necessare:

Alright then. It's kind of a bummer that my links couldn't be included but I understand! It still has valuable tips...

Thanks again! :)

-RC1990

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Thanks for the valuable tips. It is always nice to get input from someone who is active in the topic.

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