Over this weekend I want to run a ‘little’ competition here at ProBlogger. I’m offering a ‘little’ prize (see below) and all you need to do to put yourself in the running for it is to submit a ‘little’ blog tip. Let me explain:
Lately I’ve been getting into Twitter (I’ll write a post in the coming week about what I’ve learned in the process).
The Competition
While there are numerous thinks that I like about Twitter – one is the challenge of getting something written in 140 characters.
While I wouldn’t want to write this way all of the time – it does make your pause before twittering something to think about what you want to communicate and how you can do it succinctly.
This forms the basis of this competition.
How to Enter
Your task is to write a blog tip that will help others blog better in 140 characters or less.
Your entry to this competition needs to be submitted as a comment below. You’re welcome to post it elsewhere also if you wish (Twitter, your Blog or anywhere else) – but only comments below will count for the prize.
Please start your comment with the keyword TwitterBlogTip – this isn’t counted in the 140 characters but will help us to defeat the spam filter which falsely moderates some comments as spam.
So what’s the prize?
This prize is actually a gift that was given to me late last year from Google AdSense. It was given to quite a few AdSense publishers so some of you already have one – but I know many of you missed out – so I’ll giveaway mine (it’s unused).
It’s a 2GB USB Flash Drive (pictured below – image courtesy of FishandClicks):
I’ll pick one random but genuine entry from those comments submitted to win the prize – and as it’s so small I’m happy to ship it anywhere in the world – so feel free to enter wherever you are.
Entries close on Monday at midday (my time here in Melbourne – which is Sunday evening for many of you). I’ll announce the winner Monday.
UPDATE – this competition is now closed. I’ll announce a winner later today. Thanks to everyone for the amazing response. Some of the tips submitted are quite profound and I’ve learned a lot just from reading your responses.
TwitterBlogTip: Always spell check your posts before publishing them!
TwitterBlogTip
Don’t use an enormous word where a small one will
sufficedo!db
TwitterBlogTip:
“Remember there is life outside your browser. Every once in a while go and get some fresh air; the clearing of the mind will help your focus.”
140 characters precisely (disregarding the quote marks). Great idea for a competition Darren.
Hi Darren,
Thanks for the link love to my little blog. Thought it was a nice gesture (and very rare one these days) in exchange for using the picture of my Google present this year.
Cheers
Paul
TwitterBlogTip
Blog it on your own blog and Twitter a headline and the link to it.
TwitterBlogTip
Start connecting with other bloggers. Therefor try twitter, pownce, digg and del.icio.us. Once you´re famous, the rest is easy-peasy!
TwitterBlogTip: Double check your content for typos before hitting the publish button!
“While there are numerous thinks that I like about Twitter[…]”
TwitterBlogTip:
Write often. The best way to improve your writing is to write. Not only blogging, but any writing will help you develop your voice.
Jim
TwitterBlogTip:
socialize with peeps–make it your community.
TwitterBlogTip
Encourage reader interaction by responding to comments
TwitterBlogTip: Run little competitions offering a nice little prize!
Love your blog topic.
Love your posting frequency
Love your readers.
Love your SEO.
“Know why you are blogging!”
TwitterBlogTip:
Study the blogosphere, watching and learning is the key to you producing your work. Repeat what you see happening, and you will gather knowledge.
Carl
TwitterBlogTip
Write to make meaning, not to make money.
TwitterBlogTip:
Do not discount the power of any social networking tool to increase your blog’s visibility. Twitter assists getting your message out.
TwitterBlogTip
Don’t compare your blog to blogs that are worse than yours but always aim higher. It’s still good to have something to compare to.
TwitterBlogTip:
Write excellent contents, have your reader in mind. Ask yourself, as a reader would I be interested in this blog post?
TwitterBlogTip
“Get real meaning in 25 words or less then use the rest to round it out.”
When I was in the Navy in the 70s, My wife could send me 5 “family grams” over the entire 90 day patrol. They were limited to 25 words. I couldn’t send anything to her.
TwitterBlogTip:
Recording yourself in a conversation and listening to it can help you write in a more conversational style.
TwitterBlogTip
Blogging is communicating, so always address the real person out there who’s reading your blog.
TwitterBlogTip:
Avoid helping verbs and qualifiers. To paraphrase Nike: “Just say it!”
TwitterBlogTip
“Be yourself, and leave space for others to join you there.”
Great idea Darren!
Although blogging is totally narcissistic, reach out and touch someone. The rewards are plentiful.
TwitterBlogTip
Concentrate! The genius inside you is still sleeping. Learn to “love” negative criticism. And remember, you are the best.
TwitterBlogTip
You shouldn’t do it unless you enjoy it.
Keep a notebook of post ideas. Set aside a schedule to write and post. And of course read problogger.net
TwitterBlogTip
Don’t forget to buy extra white space when it’s on sale
TwitterBlogTip
Blog for people, not for search engines. If people like ur blog, the se’s will find u!
TwitterBlogTip
Value is as value does. And value gets rewards.
TwitterBlogTip
Don’t give up! Blogging gets easier!
TwitterBlogTip: Don’t put an obscure quote or poem as the only description of your blog, get to the point and explain clearly what it is about
TwitterBlogTip
How to earn a PR6 Blog: Blog honestly, frequently, whole heartedly. Be fun to read, and don’t promote things you don’t believe in.
Love what you write about. And write in a way that others will love it too.
TwitterBlogTip
SPELLCHECK!
TwitterBlogTip
SEO ist important but concentrate more on humans than search engines.
TwitterBlogTip
When you want to create and promote your blog as authority, try to do interviews with prominent people from your industry.
TwitterBlogTip:
Don’t forget to take your blog marketing approach offline. Business cards, bumper stickers and other promotional materials can gain readership, particularly if you are trying to drum up local or regional interest in your topic.
TwitterBlogTip:
Blog with passion, blog often, be social, encourage feedback and then actually listen to what people say but most importantly have fun!
Dang, I lost my PR6 lastnight. :P~
TwitterBlogTip
Don’t forget to tell people you see in person to check out your blog.
TwitterBlogTip
Passion is the key to consistency.
TwitterBlogTip:
There aren’t simple and easy tips to will help you to blog better in 140 characters or less :-)
TwitterBlogTip
Before you make a problogger tip your own, consider your current blogging aspects and assets, it might cancel one.
TwitterBlogTip:
In Blogging, Reading can be just as important as writing.
TwitterBlogTip:
Remember is not the size of the post, but it’s the motion of the ocean. Give the post its deserved readers!
TwitterBlogTip
Persevere. Showing up is 90%. Everything else can be learned in time.
TwitterBlogTip
“Balanced Blogging is equal to 50% reading, 10% writing and 40% networking. A total of 100% fun. Do not forget your daily dose of Problogger.”
Exactly 140 characters disregarding the quotation marks. Great idea Darren.
Cheers! :)
TwitterBlogTip:
Pay attention to repeat visitors, they give your blog its character!
TwitterBlogTip:
Write for the long term. On the web, your words can echo forever.