How to Write Your First Blog Post

March 18, 2008 Comments (8)

Mack Collier

Mack Collier

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Recently a friend asked me a question that any business that begins blogging will have to answer; What should your first post be about?  That first post is terribly important, because it sets the tone for the blog, not just for the readers, but for the writers as well.

From the reader's point of view, I would want to see four areas covered in your first blog post:

1 - Who you are.  Tell me about your business, but also introduce me to the blog's writers.  Share pictures.  The more information about yourself and your business that you are willing to share, the easier it will be for me as a reader to trust you.

2 - Why you are blogging.  Possibly the most important question you can answer, because it will force you to spell out your intentions to your audience.  And as always, consider your audience when answering this question, ask yourself, 'Why would someone come to this blog, what would they be looking for?'  Hint: They won't be coming to your blog so that you can market to them.  

3 - What will you be blogging about.  Answering the above question makes this one much easier to answer.  Will you be blogging about your business, or perhaps the lifestyles of your customers?  Spell out the content on your blog so that I know what to expect when I arrive.  And remember that this will also serve as a 'bookmark' for your writers to keep them focused on what the goal of your blog is.

4 - How I can leave feedback.  Tell me how I can be involved.  Can I leave comments?  Do you encourage comments?  What if I want to email you?  Spell out exactly how I can contact you, and don't be afraid to encourage feedback, and even disagreement.  In fact this would be a good place to formally spell-out your comment policy, which again can serve as a reference tool for your writers as well.  But do everything you can to make sure that my feedback is appreciated, and encouraged.


If your first post contains these elements, I think your business blogging efforts will be off to a fine start! 

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Comments (8)

I'm wondering if there is a way to implement this type of post in a blog that has already been started. Could it be part of a redesign or a new and improved unveiling? Of course I'm asking because our blog is all ready up and running but I think it needs this can. Any suggestions?

Posted by: Tara Landry on March 18, 2008

Tara how long has your blog been up? If it's only been up a short time, you likely still have a small readership, so I could still see writing this post. And you could possibly use it as your 'About' page as well.

Posted by: Mack Collier on March 18, 2008

Thanks so much Mack, I was hoping you would say something like that. After reading your post I think this is exactly the type of thing we should do.

Posted by: Tara Landry on March 18, 2008

It could also make sense to do this each year on your blog's anniversary. You could do "meet the bloggers week" for a multi-author blog (especially since the roster could have changed over a year), or just "this is why I started blogging, and here's what's changed in the last year." I'm reminded of the tunnel-through-time anniversary picture idea, as in http://pegkerr.livejournal.com/696766.html .

Posted by: Jennifer Berk on March 18, 2008

I agree with you approach to writing a first blog post, but what about commenting. When you commenting on other people's blogs or they are commenting on yours, is it appropriate to leave the URL to your website in the comment box in hopes that they will too visit your site?

Posted by: joesan on March 19, 2008

Joe you should absolutely leave your URL in the comment box! If you leave a great comment, this gives the blogger and other readers a quick and easy way to check out your site. I do this all the time!

Posted by: Mack Collier on March 19, 2008

Many thanks, Mack. I am getting ready to start my blog this week and am happy to have found your post before I start!

Posted by: Jane Wilkinson on April 2, 2008

hi am relatively new blogger and would like to help the world as a whole by sharing knowledge, i have just recently learned that blogs can help me a lot but how can i increase the visibility and readership of my blog

Posted by: doctors on April 7, 2008

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Search Engine Guide > Mack Collier > How to Write Your First Blog Post

Mack Collier is a social media consultant, and author of The Viral Garden, a blog focusing on marketing and social media. He also is a frequent contributor to the website Marketing Profs, as well as the marketing blog Daily Fix.

Known for his 'community-first' approach to blogging and social media, Mack focuses on teaching companies how they can use social media to excite and engage their customers, as well as better understand and market to them.

Mack is a requested speaker and has advised companies of all sizes on their social media strategies, from small businesses and startups, to companies as large as Dell and Nettwerk Music. His writings have been referenced in several mainstream publications and websites, including The Washington Post, MSNBC.com, Ad Age, CNET, and The Boston Globe.

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