To create an effective professional blog, one should: 1) Determine a clear angle or niche for the blog's focus in order to add value to readers and stand out from generic posts. 2) Establish an authentic voice that is personalized through sharing of professional experiences while still matching the blog's goals and tone. 3) Write attention-grabbing titles that intrigue readers and accurately convey post subjects in a simple, short format. Regularly publish high-quality posts and use social media to engage readers and promote the blog over time.

1. 5 Tips To Create A Great
Professional Blog
Original article by Harrison Kratz

2. Blogging has become a
viable marketing tool for
professionals who are
applying for work or those
who are trying to establish a
personal brand.

3. Follow these five tips to
create a professional blog
that will impress the
interviewers you’re talking to
and attract the readers you’
re looking for.

4. 1. Determine Your Angle

5. Before you start writing, decide what the focus
of your blog will be (often referred to as your
niche).
Thinly disguised ad copy won't attract repeat
readers or impress employers.

6. Do you have expertise that you can use to
inform or inspire your audience?
Can you provide interesting commentary about
news in your industry?
Decide how you will add value that will keep
your readers checking back for your next post.

7. 2. Establish Your Voice

8. Once you have an angle, don't forget to add
some personality.
Avoid generic posts; personalize them with
stories from your own professional experience.
Letting your readers get to know you is the best
way to create reader loyalty.

9. Pitch your voice to match your professional
goals.
For example, if you're trying to establish
yourself as a financial expert then you should
limit the amount of humor in your posts.

10. If you're a motivational coach, then make sure
your posts are inspirational.
If you find it hard to match your personal voice
to your blog niche, you might want to
reconsider your niche.

11. 3. Grab Attention

12. The first thing that readers notice about a blog
post is the title.
Readers are far more likely to read a post if
they're intrigued by its title.

13. While there are no absolute rules for creating
titles that grab attention, there are some
general rules that established bloggers
recommend:
Short, simple titles are usually the most
effective, but you need to provide enough
information to let the reader know something
about the subject of the post.

14. Grabbing attention with a shocking or
controversial title can also be effective as long
as the post delivers useful information and
doesn't attempt to fool the audience into
reading.

15. 4. Use Social Media

16. Successful bloggers use social networks like
Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn to
engage with new and repeat readers.
Create profiles for your blog on social media
websites and share a link each time you
publish a post.

17. Promote your blog by consistently using it as
your user name on social media platforms.
Include standard icons on your blog that
provide readers with quick access to your
social media profiles.

18. 5. Keep It New

19. Don't let your blogging fall into a rut: repetition
should be your enemy.
Keep your blog content fresh by staying on top
of news in your industry. Use Google Alerts to
find new content on specific subjects.

20. Allow your blog to evolve by trying new things
and taking risks. Invite guest bloggers to
contribute, interview leaders in your industry,
add video or a podcast, create an infographic.
On days when you don't have an original idea
for a post, write about something you've found
on another blog or website and include a link
for your readers.

21. A final tip about blogging for your business or
your personal brand: Don't expect overnight
results.

22. In the beginning, you may feel discouraged
because your readership is low.
Keep writing high-quality posts on a regular
basis, use social media to promote your blog
and soon you may find that you have what it
takes to create a great professional blog.

23. Even if you never build a large readership, you
can use your blog to demonstrate your
professional abilities to potential customers or
employers.

24. Read The Original Article!
We hope you enjoyed this presentation!
Click here to read the original article by
Harrison Kratz on CAREEREALISM.com.