This document provides guidance on starting a blog, including defining the blog's niche and voice, adopting a conversational writing style, and using effective formatting techniques. It recommends bloggers find a distinct sub-niche, encourage comments and interaction, and write concisely in 250-300 words while checking for errors. Students are assigned to develop a blog related to their field of study and post weekly, sharing their work and commenting on classmates' blogs.

1. Introduction
to Blogging
ESL 434 Writing for Publication

2. Defining Your Blog
 What is your niche?
 What are other bloggers in this niche
posting?
 How can your blog stand out from
the crowd?

3. Defining Your Blog
 Find your sub-niche
 Have a distinct voice
 Try a different genre of post

4. Blog/Web Writing Style
 Be conversational
 Blog ≠ research paper
 Be interactive
 Link to other relevant blogs and sites
 Encourage and reply to comments

5. Blog/Web Writing Style
 Be concise
 250-300 words
 Be careful
 Check spelling and grammar
 Check your facts
 Wait before publishing emotional or
controversial posts

6. Blog/Web Formatting
 Format for scanning
 84% of people do not read every word
online — they look for key words to
identify useful content

7. Blog/Web Formatting
 Short paragraphs
 Lists
 Formatting
important points
 Subheadings
 Pictures

8. Your Blog Assignment
 Develop a blog concept related to your
major field
 Set up the blog on SCAD, Blogger.com, or
elsewhere
 Post once a week (or more)
 Share your posts in the Facebook group
 Comment on your classmates’ posts