“Ain’t nobody got time for that!” That’s the phrase made popular by the viral video of a woman being interviewed about a house fire. But isn’t it the truth?! We are busy. Time is valuable. If you want me to read what you have to say, you better make it worth my time.
With everyone and their grandma blogging these days, how can you get yours to stand out? The answer: Think like a reporter. I spent 2 decades in newsrooms and I can tell you, you don’t have to take a journalism class to learn a few tricks that can help give your blog credibility and readability.
Reporters have just a short period of time to catch your attention. Heck, they even have to compete against other reporters for the front page or the lead of a newscast. If their stories don’t get noticed, they haven’t done their job. The same goes for anyone who blogs. I mean, isn’t that the point–to get noticed so that you can fuel social change, get someone to buy something, teach something, or raise awareness of something?
Here are 4 ways thinking like a reporter can help your own blog.
Catchy Headlines
I hate to say it, but the truth is between facebook and e-newsletters and twitter and the web, if you don’t have a good headline, your perfectly written blog with well thought out points might never get clicked. Spend a little time really thinking about the headline. Don’t just slap it on before you hit publish.
Talk to people
I know. You’d like to stay right there behind your computer and not actually have to interact with a real person. But no one wants to hear you just ramble on and on. Reporters put real people in their stories.
Quotes can add texture to the point you are trying to make. Talking to others about the topic BEFORE you write it also gives you a greater perspective when you start actually writing your thoughts down. Sometimes simply interviewing someone on a topic can lead to a share-worthy blog. You’d be surprised how many people will talk to you if you just ask.
Prove it
How many times have you read a blog that included some vague generalization about an issue or topic? You’d never see a reporter get away with that. Their producer wants facts to support everything they say. Adding statistics to your story can give it instant cred. There are all kinds of place you can find relevant data. Thanks to Google you can quickly find what you need from trade publications, organizations and even government agencies.
Follow up
Too many bloggers raise a question or make a claim about what they plan to do and then the topic disappears. When journalists strike a cord with a great story they make sure to revisit it. They set up a reminder for weeks or months after the story ran to follow up. Your readers will appreciate the update.
Using these techniques can help build your reputation as a blogger who knows what they are talking about.