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.
Always know that there are other bloggers out there with different opinions than yourself – embrace it.
Twitter Blog tip:
Write from the heart, all else will follow.
I linked to your competition Darren
http://www.thatblogsite.com/changes-complete/
TwitterBlogTip
Be Passionate
This sounds great. I have fun trying to say what I want in just 140 characters so it rocks putting your mind to work.
Here is what I came up with for my first attempt.
————————–
View the source code of the page you’re on in FireFox by using the keyboard short-cut Control+U. Notepad will open showing the source code.
————————-
TwitterBlogTip
Don’t do it.
TwitterBlogTip:
“If you don’t know everything about the subject of your next post ask your readers. Comments are a valuable source of info and feedback.”
TwitterBlogTip:
Blog in your own uniquely individual style without trying to sound like anyone else. Originals are more valuable than copies.
TwitterBlogTip:
Set reasonable and quantifiable goals. Following a plan is a lot easier than stumbling blindly.
TwitterBlogTip:
You blog should be about participation, not just reading.
Create conversation: Link early & link often.
TwitterBlogTip:
Create conversation: Link early & link often.
If you are using a free service such as Blogger, register your own domain name to get around blacklisting filters like those on MySpace.
TwitterBlogTip:
Are you struggling to get comments? In your next post include links to the previous post commentors.
TwitterBlogTip: When you quote someone else’s material, cite the source. You can also use formatting to set apart quoted material.
TwitterBlog Tip
Strive for excellence. Do not settle for mediocrity.
Network with others and get yourself listed on an aggregator for larger readership.
TwitterBlogTip:
Network with others and get yourself listed on an aggregator for larger readership.
TwitterBlogTip
Write often. Participate on other blogs. Read. Be yourself. Give thanks to supporters. Link generously. Be passionate. Above all, have fun.
TwitterBlogTip
Keep to one topic; have a point.
TwitterBlogTip
Concentrate on your mind, not on words
TwitterBlogTip
Writers write. You’ll get better by writing, not by doubting yourself. We all miss perfection. It’s the aiming for it that makes us better.
TwitterBlogTip
“Be human – Your readers want to learn about your mistakes, as well as your successes.”
TwitterBlogTip:
Blog smart, not hard.
If you’re blogging for profit, be hungry and passionate. Stop reading forums all day, just do it!
TwitterBlogTip
Do not, under any circumstances, resort to L33t speak.
TwitterBlogTip
Know, understand, appreciate your audience. Engage them in their terms. They are not traffic, they are your valued readers.
140 characters
write fresh content – give a unique perspective…be simple – less for more…build community…ask questions…help others…give your best
TwitterBlogTip
You’re offline networking and interaction in the the topic of your blog is just as important as your writing.
TwitterBlogTip
“Photograph story-ideas with your cellphone. They add a personal touch to your posts, even if image-quality sucks.” – 114 characters in 17 words.
TwitterBlog Tip: Love what you do and discipline yourself to continually do it better. Always be a student. Success will surely follow.
TwitterBlogTip
Write timely and succinct posts of interest to your readers. Use compelling headlines to drive their attention into the body of your post.
TwitterBlogTip – Keep It Simple Stupid!
TwitterBlogTip –
to get over a 100 visitors everyday comment on at least 50 blogs daily
TwitterBlogTip
Use photos in your blog posts to illustrate your point. Images attract attention and like they say a picture is worth 1000 words.
“Blog about what you care about. If you don’t care, why should anyone else?”
http://twitter.com/dossy
TwitterBlogTip: It’s about copywriting. Talk to the shimpanzee brain. Be simple use simple phrases, lists. illustrate. Talk about what visitors really need.
TwitterBlogTip: Sync your Twitter message with your GTalk and Facebook status messages for extra exposure.
TwitterBlogTip
Don’t write posts that are as short as Twitter posts.
TwitterBlogTip: Lead a rich life in order to write “rich content!”
TwitterBlogTip
“To blog better you must write in your voice. It’s the voice you were born with so don’t try to find it, it’s been there all along.”
Thanks,
Tim
TwitterBlogTip:
Blog for yourself, then for friends, then for money.
TwitterBlogTip:
Say something worth reading… interesting.
TwitterBlogTip
Be concise.
TwitterBlogTip:
Before becomeing a better writer you need to be an avid reader.
TwitterBlogTip: Make sure to always have fun and be yourself when writing blog posts!
TwitterBlogTip:
“Don’t make unnecessary posts, keep them brief, keep them interesting and well communicated. And most of all, enjoy what you do!”
128 characters (with spaces)
TwitterBlogTip: Blog with personality. Readers relate to YOU, and only then to your message. Be real. Be human. Be yourself. It’s easy, fun & effective.
= = = =
Bonus tip: Get on Twitter. Follow ‘problogger’. Watch what he does. Learn. Adapt and follow in your blogging. It works for me :)
= = = =
All success
Dr.Mani
(I Twitter as ‘drmani’)
TwitterBlogTip: Write like you talk and edit for brevity.
TwitterBlogTip
3Rs of Blogging: Read. Write. Rewrite.