Lots of conversation lately about blogging. One thing about blogging is that it is easier than writing a web page. It seems informal, although you can format the post like an article. But many think they need to blog. One reason is frequent blogging equals organic search engine fodder. the content needs to be relevant. And it helps if the blogger has a passion for the subject matter. That will make for better reading.

Some keys to get started.

1. Write for a specific audience - even if the audience is one person.
2. Have a specific keyword set that you will touch on. Pick 5 to 20 that you will blog about.
3. Use one or more of the keywords in each blog.
4. Tag / label the blog with keywords.
5. Headlines are Important. Ask any editor. Headlines capture the reader. (Or not).
6. Not every post will be a hit and get comments. No worries. Just keep writing.
7. Get started. If you don’t like it, you can delete the blog.

In the December 2007 issue of Fast Company magazine (you read it, right? if not, subscribe today!), Robert Scoble wrote about the ways that presidential candidates are using New Media to attract an audience. Blogging, texting, video, webcasting, social networking, and tracking. Businesses can take a cue from this starfish - Scoble’s Starfish. This multi-legged strategy can be used to get people talking about you; coming to you; bringing others to you. (This strategy only works if it allows the consumer to have a conversation with you in the manner they want).

Some folks want all info on their phone (especially those iPhone fanatics). Some want to have a forum. Some will want to share with content they help create. No one way works for everyone. Let your audience decide.

(Google “scoble starfish” without the quotes and see the results.) Scoble has 2 videos where he discusses the starfish (see here). The diagram is on Flickr, but wordpress prevents me from showing it.
Robert Scoble is a blogger and author of a book on blogging titled Naked Conversations.