Three Types of Blog Writing Styles to Get You Started
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Everyone who runs a successful blog seems to have advice about how to write your blog posts. More often than not, the advice of one blogger will directly counteract the advice of another.
How do you know who is right?
The bottom line is this: whatever writing style works for your blog is the right style for you. It’s the ultimate test of practicality. If it works, do it some more. If it doesn’t work, stop doing it.
How do you find your writing style, though?
How will you know which one is working for you? I suggest that you try out a variety of different writing styles on your blog, and see how your readers respond and what kinds of backlinks each generates.
Here are three types of blog writing styles to get you started:
Personal Writing: This is the kind of blog writing where you talk directly to your reader in a conversational style. You use lots of personal anecdotes. You use informal language at times. You write as if you were writing a letter to your best friend.
The upside to a personal writing style is that you’re likely to create quite a loyal community of readers. The downside is that it’s awfully hard to outsource your blog writing down the road when you want to let your blog run on autopilot for a while.
Expert Writing: This sort of blog writing is much more didactic. You write as though you are an authority in your field addressing neonates. Expert writing is instructive, offers lots of little bits of advice and tips, and gives readers concrete activities to engage in.
Expert blogs are great because they tend to have high conversion rates. On the flip side, expert blogs can become mired in controversy when someone challenges their authority.
Sales Writing: Some blogs exist for one person: to get you to buy a product. This type of blog includes a lot of product reviews or may promote its own products.
Sales blogs can be very profitable – if they’re done well. However, a sales blog will rarely generate any kind of a loyal following, and you’ll probably be forgotten once they’ve bought their product.
Are there other types of writing styles that you think should be mentioned?
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Three Types of Blog Writing Styles to Get You StartedPosted: 05 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT
Many bloggers try the “next best thing.” Stick with something for the long run for increased success. The Super Affiliate’s Guide to Blogging Profits – Zac Johnson gives his thoughts on how to make money through blogging.Three Types of Blog Writing Styles to Get You Started– Choose the write type of writing style for your own blog. What People Trying To Make Money Online Blogging Don’t Get – It takes time to make money online. 40 Ways to Deliver Killer Blog Content – A great list of blog content production tips.
I suppose you could write is a comedic way, or to make people laugh, such as cracked.com.
It is all about finding your unique selling position that makes you stand out from the crowd.
I don’t know which heading my “writing style” falls under in that list, but I did learn that maybe sometimes you need to really steer in a different direction completely.
I added a video in my last post where I basically acted like an insane wingnut, and I ended up with 18 subscribers that afternoon (which is a lot for me in a day).
Someone called me a “vampire on acid” (referencing the end of the video), and that was one of the nicer comments. lol
Does this mean I have to add videos and write like I just flew over the coo coo’s nest?
Tell me Cow!
Cheers!
Jay
SuiteJs last blog post..SuiteJ Vs Bryan Clark: Why The Blog Flipping Blueprint Review Didn’t Happen
It all comes down to testing and tracking… if something is getting you results then why would you not continue with it?
Just make sure you keep tracking it and it the results are good but you get a few loud mouth smucks that say they hate it.. dont worry… let the results speak for themselves and keep the majority happy.
Yes Jay…you need more crazy morphine pill popping vampire videos!
I’m noticing more and more, people just want you man. If you a professional business type, then be that, if you’re a crazy wingnut, be that!
I just write like I talk. If I am talking to you on the phone, or in person…it will be exactly how I write.
I think you can be an authority, or expert, and still be personal. I also don’t think you have to pick one of the three, but can merge them all into your own voice.
Normal Joes last blog post..Some Blogs Showing Love To IMwithJoe.com
I agree 100%
That’s exactly it! So many bloggers try to be someone else, but their readers dont want someone else.
Tom – StandOutBlogger.coms last blog post..RSS Challenge With InfectedByBugs.com And I Need Your Help!
My writing style seems to change on a daily basis, I think over time it will develop into a more constant format. At least I hope it will
Clog Moneys last blog post..Back to normality.
I agree… you need to find your voice, the one that you are cmfortable with and the readers seem to enjoy.
very true.. jsut make sure you are paying attention to the readers
These styles seem to cover a lot, but in reality it’s more about combination of 3 main styles. And the best one (in my opinion) is an expert style with a mix of personal experience and soft sale.
Max@Viliat-Blogs last blog post..Increase Blog Profits 200% by Linking Keywords To Affiliate Programs
Good point… do not pigeon hole yourself… talk to the readers and if you are angry about something let them know, if somethign is funny let them know… and so on!
It is about letting your readers know you in a personal way.
I guess that someone should try the three different writing styles and see which one fits them the best. I like to write like I am sitting in the same room with you and cut up and have some fun, after all life is too short to be serious all the time. I say just what ever style feels comfortable to you use it. The people will let you know if it is working because or not. If not try another, and keep trying until something clicks and you hit gold.
Thats a good mindset.. talking to people, not at people!
I never really thought about my writing style. You know, I don’t think I’m a different person online than I am in real life, so my writing style is actually who I am. I guess I’m right in between Expert writing and personal writing!
Ben – frogstr.coms last blog post..Do I look like a comment bitch?
I wonder how many of us try to be a different person at first… i love blogging and sharing my thoughts on things. Like Wayne said, talking with my readers, not at them.
Well it doesn’t really matter what type of writing to have.. For me I have always used up personal style which I feel I can relate to more people that way..
Melvins last blog post..September 2008 Income From My Whole Life
and because I suck at expert writing, I have to hire people to do that for me which costs me moolah…which is a bad thing
Melvins last blog post..September 2008 Income From My Whole Life
lol… yes speding money sucks
You can invite someone to be a guest blogger. I am sure many people would consider it an honor, an often the best experts are not as well known as they would like to be.
Nicki at HarperCo
Writing through Elance
Sales writing just might be the trickiest of those that you have outlined above. Definitely an art that needs to be mastered. Great post!
The Net Fools last blog post..Google Keyword SEO: Setting Up A Landing Page for Maximum Exposure
I agree… thats why it is always easiest to promote something you already own and like. Trying to market somethign you do not know is very hard and I think pushes people away. If you are honest with people and show them how you use something, that s much more powerful.
I think the personal style works best. The sales style should be reserved for sales letters, not blogs. And using the trust you build through your blog to redirect people to that sales letter. That’s my two cents.
Andre Thomass last blog post..How I Got PR3 In 2 Months
Interesting thought…. I agree to a point ut also believe that to get people to your sales letter you need to have a writing style that convinces them that it is benficial to them. I do 100% agree however that building the relationshp and trust factor first, is what will get you amazing results.
I am actually using personal writing style
I’m not sure if I have a writing style. I guess I write as I talk I could’nt see writing any other way.
No use trying to pull the wool over someones eyes trying to bs your was through a subject you don’t know about.
From the heart–that’s where some blog posts come from. Sometimes it’s just based on an experience that may be of use to someone else or a sound off that may also change another’s thinking. But it certainly comes back to offering value to the reader–whether that be education or entertainment.
Jay
http://www.TheSmallBusinessNanny.blogspot.com
Jays last blog post..Are your site visitors vanishing without a calling card?
I am trying to find my style by just writing. Some days it flows out others not so much. Once I get writing on a consistant basis I will focus on the style.
Marks last blog post..Financial Bailout
Thanks john. Another thing to add to my cowpetition list.
I really love this stuff. It makes me challenged and wanting to improve my writting styles. Looking forward for more! 
MichaelDjs last blog post..How to improve your website Traffic the Clean way
practice does make perfect though, im still trying to find my writing style since i just started as well. hopefully it works out at the end. good read.
pheakts last blog post..Tweeting on Twitter
I’ve incorporated both the “personal” style and the “expert” style to provide insight and guidance while sharing personal experiences. This is working pretty good right now, and I also provide original content every day. My current “theme” is My First Time: e.g., “To Chew Tobacco” “To Have a Colonoscopy” “To Get Stinkin’ Drunk” “To Kiss a Girl” etc.
My site is named Retired and Restless
Dougs last blog post..My First Time: To Build a Fire (Age 3)
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Although I am a professional Stock Market picks analysis, I never have a good writing skill. I hope to improve my writing. However, thanks for people keep to visiting my Blog.
Stockpreachers last blog post..Nasdaq Indexes
I’m noticing more and more, people just want you man. If you a professional business type, then be that, if you’re a crazy wingnut, be that!
i agree. Everyone have their own style. Just do that and keep doing that. You need to believe with your style because that make you unique.
Yes, everyone has individualistic style of writing and he can try to develop on that.
Tracy Benungski – Internet business make money onlines last blog post..What Passive Promotions Can Do To Your Business (In A Good Way)
I’ve spent the last 30 years trying to learn how to write. Just relax and be yourself might work the best. I tend to over think issues and writing styles. Doesn’t work. Thanks John Cow
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