Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

LucentVA · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011

I have just started blogging-- I have two entries now! Woot! I have a page on my website for my blog so that the two are tied together. I am still trying to get my blog page to look and feel "right". I'd appreciate if anyone could take a look and give me some feedback / suggestions. http://lucentadminsolutions.com/about-2/blog-2/

Thanks!

Eternal VA · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011

Hi Chela

Haven't had time to read through your blog yet, but just wanted to mention that there is a typo on your homepage. I think it should read "Let Lucent take your headaches away". I only saw it because it's in the larger font.
I hope you don't mind me mentioning it, it's just that I would hate to think it may put people off contacting you

Your Virtual Wizard · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011

Dear Chela,

Congratulations on your new blog! I am so glad you recognize the importance of owning a blog. You are on the right track and the blog will be a great source of information you can provide on your social networking sites and within the Google searches.

I look forward to reading your posts.

One comment I will make is that your post is overwhelming...visually. Instead of creating one large block of text, break it up into smaller paragraphs. I would suggest intermingling bullets and bold font to break up the heaviness of just being a big block of text.

Ideally, blog posts are on average 300 words or less. Most people won't read much more. So you want to make your first paragraph really count. It should summarize what you have to say in a few sentences using your keywords. The rest of the blog supports your opening statements. If you can grab someone's attention with a good title and a solid, opening paragraph chances are they will read the remaining post. But if not, at least try to make the opening paragraph count.

I was guilty of creating large blocks of text myself and through trial and error and plenty of observation and research of other people's blogs, realized that formatting, small paragraphs, use of bullets and creating pauses within paragraphs made for better reading.

Keep at it and you will find what works best for you.

Janine

LucentVA · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Oh my gosh, Tracy! THANK YOU! I have looked at that page a hundred times and didn't even catch my own typo!

Janine, thank you for your great advice. I am really used to writing in essay style, so blog writing is something new to me and will take a little getting used to. Do you think that I should break this recent post into-- say, three chunks of information and re-post them over a few weeks? I don't really think I have many (if any) actual readers yet and that might give me some more practice. But I don't know if I should do that or just move forward with something new.

Your Virtual Wizard · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Chela,

Yes! You got it!

I find that if a post is too long, break it up into smaller increments and post it in Part 1 and Part II, etc.

This serves two purposes: one, the blog post is easier to digest in smaller bites and two, if you state at the end of the first post, what readers can expect a few days later, then it helps to build momentum and anticipation over time.

Good job! Keep at it and you will find your best format and your best voice.

Janine

Eternal VA · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

Originally Posted by LucentVA

Oh my gosh, Tracy! THANK YOU! I have looked at that page a hundred times and didn't even catch my own typo!

I'm so glad I haven't offended you

With regards your blog, I've had a read of some of it, but to be honest, I was overwhelmed by the amount of information there, and I think you have it when you say you are used to writing essays. That's almost how it came across and I didn't actually get to the end.

I'm no blog expert (I have a personal one which I rarely update), but there really was just too much info there all in one go.

Bite size chunks would be easier in my opinion on the reader

VOELLC · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2011

I will check out the blog as well, I am a new comer to the blogging industry :-)

lcmills,inc · #8 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011

Wow you are an awesome writer! Great work! Janine has great advice. She helped me see the importance of my blog. (Now, if I could just make more time to work on it...LOL)

What Janine said about it being a bit overwhelming to the eye...I would agree. It may turn off the reader before they even get started. But it's a simple fix!

No worries.

Shave off a bit of the content to keep it around 300-350 words or so. (As Janine suggested) You could even add the content to your "Part Three" and so on. Also, I love using bullets, bold, and italic font options. It helps break up the monotony.

Here's my lastest blog post...you'll see what I mean...LOL! (it's getting kinda old and you'll see I need to post a new one.

)

http://www.lcmillsinc.com/blog.htm

Anyway, I'm proud to have connected with you, Chela! Great work! I'm excited to share your blog with others!!!!