Public Relations and Blogging 101: What are they teaching in college?
Posted on Thu, Apr 15, 2010
Notes from the Intern's Desk:
By Darcie
Homework for Tuesday: post a new entry for my blog, draft a press release and write an elevator pitch.
As a communications major at Simmons College, I’m not just learning how to write. I’m learning how to write for my era. The homework above is for my “Writing and Editing across the Media” course. Our semester-long assignment is to post a new blog entry every week.
So how do you write a blog?
Well, there are many answers to this question. Here’s what we are learning in class, hopefully this can help you too:
Blogs should be brief. They’re not term papers, and there isn’t a minimum page requirement. Keep it short. Lingering blogs are the worst, aren’t they? They just keep going and going.
Use clear, simple sentences. Run-on sentences will lose your reader’s interest and then you’ll lose followers and eventually you’ll be writing your blog just for yourself. You don’t want that.
Be focused. Have one main idea per blog. If you start discussing social media, don’t switch to the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I know Owen’s flashbacks are pretty graphic, but they still can’t infringe on your blog writing time.
Check your speling. Errors mar credibility, right?
Be interesting. This is the only blog I’ve read that starts with a homework assignment. Beat that.
Be accurate and fair. Don’t spread rumors or share information that may not be truthful. I have a tattoo. I really don’t, but you want to believe me because I said it. No tats here, sorry.
Be conversational. Write as though you are talking to a friend. Asking questions and addressing the reader makes them more apt to respond and comment. For example, I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions about this post. Please comment below.
Target your audience. Consider the people you are trying to reach and write about topics they want to read. I could discuss my teeth brushing strategy, but you don’t want to hear that.
Write a clear headline to hook the reader. If you’ve gotten this far, then my headline must have worked.
Add links to related sites or other blogs, if relevant. Check out this blog about “How to Write Great Blog Content” by ProBlogger.com.
Add a question or thought at the end that would elicit readers to post their responses to your blog. Has this post been helpful?
(Sources: “Writing and Reporting News: A Coaching Method” by Carole Rich and Professor Porter’s class)