Getting your first blog out can seem daunting, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds.

I had a burning desire to write for a living but I didn’t know how to go about it. I had something to say and didn’t know how to say it.

After being a published writer for many years, I’ve put together 5 top tips to help you become a pro blogger – let’s hear your voice

Sound familiar?

It’s obvious, but you have to start somewhere. Don’t let that annoying cursor winking on a blank document put you off because you can do it. Every writer has experienced blocks – me included – and every blogger has a technique of their own to break that creative deadlock. Start scribbling or typing – just do it – and you will find the words start to flow.

Write about your passions, the things that matter to you and don’t be afraid to have a point of view because everyone’s is valid. You want to hear real stories from real people with real lives and other people do too.

Getting published is also crucial

Our MNTL community is a safe place to cut your teeth as a writer and gain practical skills. We have introduced the Open Badges initiative in collaboration with RSA, City & Guilds, the Real Ideas Organisation and Plymouth City Council. You can progress from novice to pro blogger in four steps.

Click here for more on our digital rewards.

When you become an MNTL Everyday Role Model, you find your voice in a community which understands so you’ll be speaking to people just like you. Practice makes you a better blogger and you are sharing your views with community which cares. You will be making a difference to others lives while learning to be a kick-ass content producer.

Here are some of my tops writing tips learned from the many ups and downs of being a published writer, along with some guidelines for creating blog posts for the MNTL site.

CHECK OUR CATEGORIES

You can write pretty much anything you want within our 7 categories: entertainment, enterprise, education, careers, lifestyle, well being and finance. Beyond that, people want to hear YOUR voice and YOUR story. Stay away from politics and religion.

PRO TIP: don’t stress, just write – you’ll be surprised how quickly you find your voice.

EYE CATCHING HEADLINE

There are no hard and fast rules other than don’t capitalise EVERY word and headlines should be 16-18 words long. If you are stumped, read your blog and think about what YOU would click on. 500- 750 words is ideal.

PRO TIP: ask a question in your headline to motivate readers to read your answer.

SPELLING & GRAMMAR MATTER 

Yes it’s boring but it doesn’t make it less true. There are plenty of online resources to double check spelling and grammar. Don’t forget to check for your region – it may be different, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Also don’t swear – not a good look at all.

PRO TIP: get a friend to read it through. Even pro bloggers need a proof reader.

PIX PLEASE

Keeping it real may sound a bit cheesy but everyone responds to images which are real. Wherever possible try to use photos which support what you are trying to say. Also be cautious with copyright & permissions. Captions are a good idea too.

PRO TIP: don’t put a filter on it, you’ll be surprised how people respond.

WORDS, WORDS WORDS

Make your blog more accessible by breaking it up into paragraphs. Subheadings are also a great way of creating easy to read chunks.

PRO TIP: don’t forget to fact check your source material if you are making a serious point or using stats.

Becoming an Everyday Role Model is simple, for more, click here

Louise is the project lead for MyNeedToLive, you can connect with her on LinkedIn here