The document provides a guide on how to write a blog post, outlining essential steps such as choosing a topic, structuring the content, and engaging the audience. It emphasizes the importance of simplicity, credibility, emotional connection, and the use of stories in effective blogging. Additionally, it discusses common concerns for novice writers and offers tips for promotion and improvement over time.

1. Thou shalt Blog!
Romin Irani
www.xoriant.com
Oct 2014

2. <Agenda/>

3. Course Requirements
 Basic working knowledge of HTML, JavaScript and
CSS
 Use a Text Editor or any other IDE of your preference
to write all code samples
 We shall run all examples on various browsers
3

4.  Say what you are going to write about?
 Write it
 Say that you wrote it!
…. simple .. Isn’t it ?
This is how you write a blog post!

5. That was not a joke !

6. Title
[Intro] Say what you are going to write about?
[Sections] Write it
[Conclusion] Say that you wrote it!
3 Simple Steps !

7.  But .. I have never written before !
 I am not an expert at language !
 I am afraid of what readers might say (or even do)?
 I don’t know the tools !
 How can I compete with experts ?
 I don’t have time !
 I don’t know what to write on ?
Top Reasons (Excuses) not to write

8. Change your mindset

9.  Just because someone has
written on the topic does
not mean you cannot !!
 Topic
 Target Audience
First Things First !

10.  Most Important
 Comfort Level
Pick a Topic

11.  Product/Domain/Technology/Tool/Process
 Analysis
 How To
 Tips
 Tutorial (Single | Multi-part)
 Experience
 Top 5 Features
 News, ……
Blog Post - Types

12.  How long ?
 Title
 Plan out sections
 Intro -> Sections -> Conclude
 Code (Get it to work first !)
 Start filling gaps
Plan it Out

13. Elements of SUCCES

14.  Identify the core message / write that in a
compact way
 Interesting v/s Important
 Applies to the introductory paragraph and /
or title
 Use Analogies [People relate to it]
Rule 1 : Simplicity

15.  Surprise the reader. Get them interested.
 Then comes the tough part : Keeping them
interested.
 Examples:
 Save XX by moving to OSS
 Cut Development Time by 50%
 Reduced turnaround time by 90%
 Response time cut down from 1s to 10ms
 Secrets to a successful Enterprise Mobile Strategy
Rule 2 : Unexpected [may Apply]

16.  Don’t talk in abstract terms
 Present the idea in a way people can relate it,
can understand and can remember
 Best Analogy : Moral Stories taught to us as
children.
 Examples
 Be a Better Developer v/s 5 App Performance Tips
 Profitable v/s Sharing numbers and how we got
there
Rule 3 : Concrete

17.  People have to believe you
 Use authorative sources for quotes/data/statistics
 Danger: Be careful of using authorative sources too
 Examples:
 If pitching a product, use current numbers / marketshare to
make the reader believe you
 Sinatra Test : If you can make it there, you can make it
anywhere !
 Testable Credentials : People relate to it. For e.g. Do you
think Java is still plagued by the problems that have been
there since last 5 years like ….
Rule 4 : Credible

18.  This does not mean tears !
 Appeal to their self-interest
 Behaviour
 Economic
 Two ways people make decisions
 Consequence : Rational Self-Interest
 Identity Model : Who am I ? What kind of situation is
this? What does someone like me do in this situation?
Rule 5 : Emotional

19. Can help people act via simulation
They could relate to their situation and
how it could help
Helps them better understand a situation
and then picturize themselves
Rule 6 : Stories

20. •Pay AttentionUnexpected
•Understand & Remember itConcrete
•Agree / Believe youCredible
•CareEmotional
•Be Able to ActStory
Writing Blogs that Stick:
SUCCES Rules

21.  Think of a catchy title.
 Be Yourself
 First paragraph should summarize what and/or
why to get the reader interested quickly.
 Stick to the facts. Don’t make them up!
 Back your arguments or conclusion with data
 Company/professional blog : Check the
language – Be Safe (Hint : Get it Reviewed)
Writing Style

22. Quotes
Images
Data
Videos
Please attribute!!
Content Sources (Reference)
It’s ok to get inspired, Its NOT OK to copy.

23. Psst… Can we look
at some typical blog
post formats ?

24.  Discuss the flow (if needed)
 Get the blog post reviewed
 Soak in the feedback
 Rewrite sections if necessary
Before you publish

25.  Be ready for comments
 Spend time to understand the comment
 Try and reply with most sincerity
 Over time, you will learn to accept
extreme negative comments too !
Comments / Feedback

26. Various Platforms exist [WP, Blogger]
Text / Video
Recording Software (Jing, Camtasia,etc)
Spend time with these tools.
You will get better over time.
Blog Post – Mediums/Tools

27.  Make sure it is responsive
 Low maintenance or ZERO maintenance
 Integrated with best in class tools for
Stats/Analytics, Themes, Social Media
Integrations
Blogging Platform

28. English is the language of business
Avoid basic bloopers (Formatting rules)
Best Strategy – Keep writing
Even Better Strategy – Ask for Review
English ! What English ?

29.  Embrace them
 Know your audience
 Where
 Which topics are most popular
 How did they reach your blog
Search , Referrers
Analytics

30.  Cross Link your posts
 Domain Name
 Publicize at various sites
 Social Media
 Technical Sites
 Via Comments
 Via Forums
 Contact Details
Promoting your Content

31.  Write something everyday
 Update your posts
 Don’t try to game the system
 Produce Quality Content
 Readers will read you
 Recruiters will recruit you
One piece of Advice

32.  Communication Skills (Most important !)
 You will learn
 Build up lots of patience !
 Networking Effect
 Serious Feedback + Learn
 Digital Presence
 Creativity
 Time Management
Blogging ke Side Effects !

33. Q & A
“Sometimes the
questions are
complicated and the
answers are simple” –
Dr. Seuss

34. If you never did,
you should.
These things are
fun and fun is
good.
All the Best !
Start Blogging!
Thank You !