If you like to write but do not want the obligation of running your own site, guest blogging may be a good outlet for you. You choose the topic, do the research, and create your post.

If you are over 60 and have many a lazy afternoon, you may choose to share your musings, tips, and professional experience with readers who will benefit from them.

Many sites welcome guest writers, and although you often will not be paid, for many of us having our work published is payment enough.

What Makes Blog Writing Different?

Writing blog posts is different from other types of prose for several reasons. First, the tone is far less formal. Although sentence structure, grammar, and general mechanics must adhere to the rules of proper English, the style can be more conversational.

Readers are on a site for a specific reason, and, as a blogger, you must provide the information that is being sought. Narrowing the focus, providing value for the time that the reader is spending on the page, and giving solid and timely tips and information are all crucial. The successful blog writer provides all of these.

Another way that blog writing is unique is that it tends to be written in smaller bites, easily digestible for the reader. Headings, lists, a variety of fonts, and even color are a few of the ways that a blog will hold the reader’s interest.

A final way that blogging is different is that it adheres to strict word count guidelines. If posts are to be in the 500-word range, you cannot carry on for a thousand words. There is no room for pontificating or lengthy descriptions. Just make the point, then move on.

How Is Blog Writing Similar to Other Types of Writing?

While blog writing varies from other types of writing, it is similar in many ways. As in all writing, the blogger must choose a topic and stick to it. It is inappropriate to drift from the subject at hand, especially given the limited word count.

Like all writers, a blogger must hold the reader’s interest. If the writing is not engaging, the audience will be lost.

Voice must be consistent. If you like to write with a humorous voice, that must be the way you always write. Your readers will come to expect it, and you cannot disappoint if you want them to return to your blog eager for more. Similarly, if you are a serious writer with a matter-of-fact voice, that’s what your followers would want.

In all informational writing, the reader wants facts. Hence, make sure that your writing is based on research and not just culled from all that is printed on the ‘net. Readers will want to be able to rely on the verity of the post and its author. Additionally, it never hurts to include your sources as a reference.

Are You Ready to Become a Blogger?

Writing for a blog is not difficult, and if you wish to give it a try, there are many sites that welcome guest bloggers. It is a good idea to read a few posts from the sites to which you wish to submit your writing – to get a feel for the type of articles that the publisher might expect. Then, go for it!

You might be thrilled to see your words in print and know that you have a potential audience of millions. Blogging is exciting and rewarding, and there is nothing to stop you from jumping into this creative wonderland. Give it a try!

What is your area of expertise? Would you like to write about it? Have you? Do you think that blogging is similar to keeping a journal? Please share your thoughts and observations with our community!