Developing Meaningful Content

The reason for this article is to assist writers in creating meaningful content and not merely becoming a blogging chatterbox. It is important to develop early in your writing endeavors a reputation as a writer who creates relevant information and not merely someone who continuously provides articles void of substance or purpose.

So, you have decided to become a blogger, that’s nice. Have you given this choice much consideration? If the answer is yes, then you really don’t need to read any further. You have overcome the first hurdle. You are ready to prepare your preliminary information. If, you are unsure of what to write but have a desire nevertheless to do it—let’s explore further.

Discovering What You Want to Write

What do I want to write? This sounds like a simple question. The answer, however may not seem as simple to the apprentice writer. There is an infinite number of topics to explore from a variety of subjects.

When narrowing your options, here are a few things you may wish to consider:

1. Should you write fiction or nonfiction?

2. Will your articles be entertaining or serious?

3. Should your articles consist of an assortment of information on various topics?

4. Who Is Your Targeted Audience?

5. How familiar are you with the subject matter?

6. Will you write a series or nonrelated articles?

Equipped with a complete list of considerations, you can now begin your journey of discovery.

This one aspect should be the basis of where you start. Do you want to give your readers information regarding some fictional situation? This would be ideal for someone who is interested in creating a short story blog. Dealing in fiction gives you the advantage of creating characters, settings and situations that can be manipulated to your taste and that of your audience. You can have the opportunity of designing worlds of fantasy or taking real-life situations to another level. This also means you should do your homework—research! You will find throughout many articles I stress the importance of research; even when dealing with fantasy! Going too far out on that proverbial limb could change a great short story into utter nonsense.

Suppose you want to write nonfiction. Research will become a necessity. You will also need to take a nonjudgmental approach. Try to leave it up to your reader to formulate his or her own conclusion. Present your information in a systematic manner and if it is something that is extremely controversial—leave the conclusion open ended. Subjects such as religion or politics can be touchy. As a new blogger, try to approach less debatable issues. Recipes, movie critiques, and how-to articles are safe bets!

You could also write both fictional and nonfictional articles. This will give you a tremendous variety to explore. It can also be of benefit to a larger number of readers. Do your homework and you will find your selection of subject matter easier. It may also be advantageous to seek the assistance of a good Mentor. Someone who has experience writing and won’t mind answering your many questions.

Entertaining or Serious

After you have decided on what type of topics you will write; decide on what your general approach will be. Do you want to entertain your reader or do you want them to think—considering the consequences of their actions.

Sometimes an otherwise serious subject can be approached in an entertaining manner. Have you ever seen the commercial regarding the little lungs and smoking? The smaller lungs tried to do some of the things that the average lungs did but tired much too quickly. This commercial is entertaining but it also gives out a very serious message—smoking has a harmful effect on your lungs.

It is up to you what avenue you will use to relay your message to your audience. Sometimes a combination of both methods can work for you. Just make sure you explore your alternatives and check with your Mentor. Having that extra person looking over your shoulder can make a big difference.

If you are well informed on a diversity of subjects and you are confident in that knowledge, then why not exploit this. However, being a new blogger, you might want to focus in the beginning on one topic that you know quite well. Then branch out to embrace other subjects. Give yourself time to build up your reading audience and don’t become discouraged if you only have a few in the beginning. Many times, a few loyal readers are better than a crowd of spectators who never have anything constructive to offer.

Once you have established yourself as a good blogger and you are excited about sharing your many expertise with your readers, then please do so. It would be very unfortunate for many if you fail to do this.

Your Targeted Audience

This is an extremely important consideration. Who do you want to attract to your blog? My main interests are Writers and Teachers. You may have an interest in the hobbyists. You could also have interests in those who enjoy cooking, the newly divorced, unemployed parents, teenagers, and the list is inexhaustible.

Consider who you interact with on a daily or weekly basis. When you are shopping, does anyone ever approach you and begin a conversation? If you are active at your church—is there a group of people that make you feel more comfortable? Or is there a new group of people that you have an interest in getting to know? Your blog could be the key to unlocking that door.

Once you have your targeted audience in mind, begin your examination. Learn as much as you can about your chosen group before starting to write. Create articles that will stimulate their interest and always keep an eye out for new things. Don’t become stagnant.

There is nothing worse than someone trying to write about something where they have little or no interest. Remember those high school and college days when the instructor gave you a list of things to write about and none of those subjects were of interest to you? You were still required to do the assignment. Sometimes, when you begin to research a subject, you will find it really is of interest to you. This is because once you become familiar with what you are writing, it becomes easier to write.

If you desire to write something different—do your enquiry first. When you enjoy writing it, people will enjoy reading it.

Series or Nonrelated Articles

In the beginning, you might want to start by writing individual articles on your chosen subject. If you are a retired teacher, then you may want to write about handling difficult students. Later, you may want to write a series of articles regarding motivating students into become more confident in handling peer pressure. Those type of articles can be extremely beneficial to a lot of instructors in all grade levels. You will know when it is right to transfer from nonrelated articles to the occasional series.

Summing It Up

Make writing an enjoyable experience and not a drudge. Tackle each project as if you were going on a safari.

1. Make sure you plan.

2. Do all the necessary investigation.

3. Develop a feel for your surroundings.

4. Know your audience.

5. Have Fun!

Happy Writing!