It’s important to have a specific plan in your head or even better write it down before you storm on to your computer and start blogging. Now, personally I know many bloggers that use this method and is fairly comfortable with it, but what if I said there’s an even better way for you to produce ever better content? Well, read on…
Every day, when I sit down at my desk, crack my fingers and start to plan my content for the day — I ask myself “What is the purpose of my content?” A simple question, but one I believe that can have the most complicated answer. Some days a simple “Tell my readers about a new Twitter tool” is all I answer to that question, and I start drafting. On the other hand, some days I would spend 30 minutes or more trying to develop a reasoned sketch for my content.
A writer with a clear mind and a clear goal will produce clear content. Undoubtedly, that would be an optimum writer in his/her prime. Having said that, you can’t always keep up this prime, with blogging as a part-time hobby – you social and daily life can be stressful and frustrating.
It’s not as easy as just coming home from work or school, sitting down and producing brilliantly thought out material. That is exactly why I take the time to question myself and plan a head even if I have world-breaking news – I always follow this simple pre-step.
When I first started using this tactic, I was always tempted to say “I’m writing because I want to satisfy my readers” and while that may be true for many of you as well, you need to think of the immediate purpose of the article your about to write.
Perhaps you’ve written a quick news flash to inform your readers? Or maybe you’re writing about a past experience within a certain aspect of blogging? Whatever your reason might be, it is important that you have it clearly in your mind and prevent it from fluctuating as you think of new ideas or emit another.
I’ve come up with a list of “common” writing purposes and you can manipulate them to kick-start your critical thinking;
- Answer a question
- Create an atmosphere
- Develop an idea
- Discuss a statement
- Elicit a response
- Explain or Inform
- Give instructions
- Persuade
- Argue a case or point
- Demonstrate
- Develop a theory
- Entertain
- Educate
- Explore
- Present your point of view
Remember, a clear mind produces clear content.
6 Discussions
Having a purpose for every post is a great idea, but I personally try to develop ideas that just happen to come to me. Some subjects will be murky, and it’s your job as the blogger to clear them up.
Nice list of goals. You’ve covered about all of the purposes one can have for writing a post, but you might want to include “ask a question.” Getting a response and asking for a question are two different things
P.S. you should consider losing the “read on” sentences. If your transitions are good enough, your reader will continue down the page anyways
Also, a couple of your sentences were a little awkward. Just thought it was ironic for a post on clear content, haha. (and “ahead” is one word.)
Also, make sure to take breaks, and get good sleep. If you are tired or overworked, your mind will not be able to concentrate, and no matter how good the article or intentions are, it just won’t come out right.
Yes. So true. A clear mind produces good content. Something I should have relized the very first day I started writing a blog. I guess there’s no time like the present to learn something new.
I’m going to take notes on this and add it to my blog writing research later on tonight. This blog is blooming with knowledge and I’m blessed to have found it.
I want to say thanks. For the inspiration. As a 16 year old blogger your amazing. In fact, your content is awesome even compaired to most 25 or 30 year old bloggers.
I look forward to reading my RSS reader now days because I know you’re always coming up with something I WANT to hear and something that will help me in my own writing.
Thanks again!
Regards
Clinton Skakun
I can get so easily distracted, I have to blog with out ANY noise or I will lose my train of thought. But I do get the job done in the end, so I guess that’s all that matters.
I agree with Leon’s comment about taking a break. Whenever I get stuck in the middle of a post, I just get up and take about a 10 minute break to clear my head.
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Those points are interesting,
Answer a question or ask a question is important cause any user comes to your site to clarify doubt to learn when user asks a genuine question We should answer,Some people Just to spam or get backlinks post comment without reading the post.