It was 5 years ago when I joined Blogger and wrote my first blog post. So many things has change since the day I got the wild idea to start a blog. Everything from my blog’s name to my targeted reader has gotten a overhaul. Even my style of writing has developed. Back then I knew absolutely nothing about blogging. I started my first blog to track my weight lost journey. I didn’t even expect any body to read it. It was basically an online journal. After learning more about the blogging community and making a commitment to blogging, I closed down my first blog and started Becoming Fab in 2012. Over the last 3+ years, my writing process have evolved many times. I really wish I would have had someone to teach me how to write blog posts the right way from day one. Back then I just wrote without a niche or reader in mind. So today I thought I would share how I write my blog posts just in case any one out there needs a little guidance. However, keep in mind that this is just my way of writing. There are other methods and tools out there.
My Writing Process
Tracking ideas
About 80% of my post writing happens in Evernote*. I have three notebooks organized into a stack and the first one is for capturing post ideas. Whenever inspiration hits, I add my ideas to this notebook using a pre-formatted note that has a section for main ideas, keywords, and a brief description. At this point, I only come up with a title and a brief description of the post. Nothing major, just one or two lines. This method helps me keep everything in one place. Before I got Evernote, I would write my ideas down but could never keep up with the paper or remember which notebook I used. Evernote gives me access to my notes from my phone, computer, or iPad. And since I never leave the house without one of these things, I always have my notes.
Mapping Main ideas
When I’m ready to start writing my post, I move it from notebook 1 (post ideas) to notebook 2 (posts I’m writing). I focus on one post at a time to help stay focus. I start by coming up with the main ideas of the posts. I like to have 2 or 3 takeaways for each post. This makes sure the post has some value. When I first started blogging this was the biggest mistake I made… writing BS posts, just to have a post everyday.
Researching
After I have my main ideas, I research the topic to see what’s already out there on the web and to find references for my post. I clip references to notebook 2 to keep everything together and to make it easy to find links to give credit. I usually spend about 20-30 minutes doing this.
Writing
Next, I spend a hour or so writing each post. I do this in four easy steps:
Image Formatting
Now here’s the fun part. I love taking pictures and playing around in Photoshop. If I’m writing a tutorial or craft project I use my own images. I shoot in raw mode on my dslr then make any changes needed using Photoshop. I use a PhotoShop template for my images based on recommendations from Dustn.tv. If I’m using stock photos then I look on Unsplash, Death to the Stock Photo, or Minimography for photos. This step could take anywhere from 15 minutes to a hour depending on if I’m using my images or stock images.
Editing & Proofing
After a day or two I proof and edit like a mofo. I edit my posts twice: 1st) to make sure it makes sense, 2nd) to make sure my copy doesn’t sound too stiff. After 4 years of grad school, it’s hard to switch between academic writing and creative writing so that the rationale behind the second edit.
Scheduling
I use CoSchedule* to schedule blog and social media posts. This plugin is amazing. It puts my blog posts, Facebook / Twitter / Google + post in one place. I also schedule my posts to go out to my mailing list.
If you have any questions or would like to share yours, please leave a comment below.
And now for the giveaway I promised:
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $500 Amazon Gift Card or Cash (via Paypal) – winner’s choice
Giveaway organized by:Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 9/14 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
Co-hosts: Avec Amber ♥ Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog ♥ Erika is Little ♥ Mommy on the Money ♥ Purple Patch DIY ♥ Ashley Brooke ♥ Stripes N Vibes ♥ True Story Book Blog ♥ Style Tab ♥ Sweet Haute ♥ The Mommyhood Mentor ♥ Annie A to Z ♥ Blog by Donna ♥ Home Sweet Organized Home ♥ Prescribed To Fashion ♥ Bad Sentences ♥ Misadventures with Andi ♥ Urban Girl Bakes ♥ Something Good ♥ Fashion Fairy Dust ♥ Becoming FAB ♥ Womanly Woman
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I’m right there with you on the change of voice. From year 1 to year 2 was my most noticeable change I think. Like most people, I had NO idea what I was doing when I started. In a sense, I still don’t. I don’t consciously write for an audience but I do make sure that (most) posts are engaging.
A very informative post on how to write. I could totally use this to write other things and not just blog posts. Thanks for the giveaway.
nice post
Love the hints on writing, thanks a lot.
Thanks for all the tips!
Thanks for sharing how you got started writing your blog and all the changes you made. It is all so interesting.
I’ve been thinking of writing an ebook lately, and these tips will really help, thank you!
I have no imagination…
i love to do crafts.