A Blog Posting Mantra Originally Posted March 8, 2006 on www.ConverStations.com

1. Write Post First Sometimes we humans can get on a rabbit trail. By writing the post first, you don't handcuff yourself to a certain title.

Sometimes we humans can get on a rabbit trail. By writing the post first, you don't handcuff yourself to a certain title.

2. Then Title Post By writing your headline after the post, you'll have a better headline and it will match the content of the post.

By writing your headline after the post, you'll have a better headline and it will match the content of the post.

3. Pick a Category You may decide to add a new category after the first two steps.

You may decide to add a new category after the first two steps.

4. At Least One Link Out This practice extends the conversation. If you can't find a blog, find something relevant. I also suggest to link within your sites, but don't be a dead-end.

This practice extends the conversation. If you can't find a blog, find something relevant. I also suggest to link within your sites, but don't be a dead-end.

5. Image Above the Fold Understand that many are reading from feed aggregators. If an image helps tell the story, make sure the reader doesn't have to scroll to see it - they may not scroll.

Understand that many are reading from feed aggregators. If an image helps tell the story, make sure the reader doesn't have to scroll to see it - they may not scroll.

6. Tag Your Post I prefer Technorati. You may prefer something else. In any case, make sure you use tags. Think find-ability and link-ability. The easier you are to find, the better your chances of people linking back.

I prefer Technorati. You may prefer something else. In any case, make sure you use tags. Think find-ability and link-ability. The easier you are to find, the better your chances of people linking back.

7. And Ping 'Em Use Pingoat or Pingomatic to let blog search engines know you've updated your site.

Use Pingoat or Pingomatic to let blog search engines know you've updated your site.