Write an engaging blog post that people will read, comment on and share

Starting Your Project

Think about blog posts that have really captured your attention. Ones that made you want to share on
Think about blog posts that have really captured your attention. Ones that made you want to share on social media and/or make a comment.

Pre-Class Question (by 3/3): Before we get into writing engaging blog posts and building community, there’s one important question to answer: Why do you blog in the first place?

First Class Task (by 3/4): Share links to your 3 exemplary posts in the Projects tab and explain why you picked them. Did you see a theme?
Look at 3 great blog posts and think about what makes them so great. Are they long, short, informati
Look at 3 great blog posts and think about what makes them so great. Are they long, short, informative, or funny? Do they include lists or images? Do they ask a question? Were there share buttons at the end? Explain why each post is readable, starts a conversation and begs to be shared.

Office Hours

Blogs to check out
Don't have regular blogs that you read? Here are a few places to find great blogs:
Technorati
Blogarama
Google Blog Search

Working on Your Project

Early this week, take what you learned from your 3 exemplary posts and apply it to your own post. In
Early this week, take what you learned from your 3 exemplary posts and apply it to your own post. Include the same basic elements in your own engaging blog post.

By 3/8: In the Projects Tab, tell us: What did you write about? Tell us and share the link to your blog post. While you’re at it, go out and comment on your fellow students’ blogs!
Write and publish an engaging blog post on your own blog utilizing the same tactics as your 3 exempl
Write and publish an engaging blog post on your own blog utilizing the same tactics as your 3 exemplary posts. The post should fit the style of your blog, encourage commenting and be easy to share. Those students with the most comments at the end of class will be featured on anotherjennifer.com!

Your Tactics

Later this week, it's time to amplify your engaging blog post. Once you hit the publish button,
Later this week, it’s time to amplify your engaging blog post. Once you hit the publish button, you need to tell people about your post. Use social media, blogging networks and other tactics to drive people to your post.

By 3/12: In the Project Tab, tell us: What tactics did you use to amplify your post? Share what you did, noting what seemed to work best. How many comments do you have at this point?
You wrote a great post, but what happens after you hit the publish button? Think about when your rea
You wrote a great post, but what happens after you hit the publish button? Think about when your readers are most likely to want to read your post. Lunchtime? First thing in the morning? After they put the kids to bed? Be strategic and share your post via your Facebook page, Twitter account, in relevant LinkedIn groups, etc. Don’t just share a link. Start a conversation and make them want to visit.

Rachael Helschein

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