Happy Update: My Self-Hosted Marcie Writes Site is Almost Done

 

Only a few more adjustments and I’ll be done. I hope to be sending you to my site by Sunday. Yes, two days from now. The fun will really begin then. I just wanted to share.  Woo-hoo!

 

Want to Learn WordPress? Attend the 1-Day Workshop

Presented by Dante Hamilton, Founder, Chicago WordPress Meetup Group and Scott Winterroth, Pro Blogger and Chicago WordPress Consultant, this hands-on workshop is guaranteed to give you a full-fledged WordPress education in just one day on January 28, 2012.

Lessons attendees will learn include

• WordPress 3.3 and the WP Dashboard
• Web hosting
• Selecting Themes
• Uploading Content
• Social Media for WordPress
• Ecommerce
• Search Engine Optimization
• And much more…

In addition to this full-day education, you will get a boxed lunch, beverages and individual coaching.  The workshop will be held at  the University Center Conference Chicago, 525 South State Street, 2nd Floor in Chicago.

Visit the Chicago WordPress Meetup page for more details and to register for the WordPress 1-Day Workshop.

I Not Only Write Blog Content, I Develop Them, Too

I realized during recent conversations that people think of me only as a content creator when I tell them I’m a blogger. Allow me to dispel that perception right now. Yes, content is my thing, but I also install and develop WordPress sites.

There are several aspects of blogging. For the purposes of this post, though, I will stick with the development and content. The development of sites include installing the software, selecting a design and getting the site to function properly. Once that’s done, you create content to attract and keep people returning to your site.

Please keep in mind that some people who develop and maintain blogs tend to be more technical in nature, and they may not write content. On the flip side, content creators may not be interested in the technical parts. Thus, if you want a site and have no time or interest in doing either, you will have to pay two different rates for the different functions unless you get a total blogging package that includes both.

Luckily, you have me. I provide total blogging solutions and packages. I design wordpress.com and wordpress.org sites, create content, manage your conversations and maintain your sites. Contact me at (877) 570-5228 to get started today!

Image: patheos

3 Considerations for Writing Content for Your Blog

There is saying that, “It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it.” Well, in blogging, that is NOT true. What you say is just as important as how you say it – literally and figuratively. There are three ways to ensure that you say what you want to say in the way you want to say: 1) write relevant content; 2) use a conversational tone; and 3) use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Content

The content of your blog must be relevant to your audience; otherwise, they are not going to read it. If your blog is about photography, and you’re talking about microwaves, you are going to lose your audience and credibility. Unless those microwaves take pictures, all topics on your photography site should be related to photography. Relevancy of content is important. Check out Copy Blogger for tips on how to write content for your blog.

Tone

The tone of your blog should be conversational whether it is formal or informal. People read official documents and letters all the time. Make your audience want to come to your blog by speaking directly to them in a professional, yet conversational tone.

Presentation

Your spelling, grammar and punctuation need to be as close to perfect as possible. Unless you’re the most accurate editor in the world, you may not catch all your flaws. This is OK. Just don’t make it a habit. If you know these are not your strengths, hire someone to do it. If your cash is a little low, barter. Your written presentation – spelling, grammar, and punctuation – is as important as content and tone. Grammar Girl is a great resource for grammar and punctuation.

Remember, what you say is just as important as how you say it when blogging. Your content must be relevant; the tone of your blog must be conversational; and your spelling, grammar, and punctuation must on point. If you have these three things, you are on you way to a well-written and well-read blog.

These are my thoughts. Did I miss anything?

Image: bestseowebdesign

It’s Okay NOT to Write Essays on Your Status Updates & 1,000 Word Articles on Your Blog

I understand the power of social media and blogging. I love both. I also understand that we have a lot to say and these tools give us free reign to say what we want and how we want.  However, as an avid reader and writer, I need you to understand that people are NOT trying to read more than 2 paragraphs on your Facebook status update or 1,000 word articles on your blog.  We’re just not.

We are living in a society of information overload and we need you to get to the point. And if you need to write more than 2 paragraphs, add it as a note on your Facebook Page. If you HAVE to write a huge article on your blog, make it two or more posts. This will ensure that you have content and your audience is more likely to read it. Also, if you need practice on keeping your updates short and simple, keep in mind that Twitter has a 140 character limit and text messages are 160 characters; try to stay within those limits.

I’m sorry if I offended anyone, but these long messages are ridiculous.  Especially when you don’t really get the point until the third or fourth paragraph! This message is coming from a writer who reads most of the day. If anyone disagrees with the long status updates and blog posts, leave a comment below and let’s get a conversation going.

Image: Facebook.com