The purpose of this document is to give <guest post provider (gpp)> guest bloggers simple guidelines for crafting a compelling and engaging blog post, including what to write about, the tone and style of writing to use, and tips for helping guest_post_provider (GPP) foster a community of connected blog followers.
What should you write about?
GPP maintains a regularly updated list of topics it is currently looking to highlight on the blog and also accepts pitches for blog posts on any water-related topic that may be of interest to readers. Blog posts should highlight your experience, views, or unique perspective. They are not news stories. Consider what issues or topics you find compelling or are in your area of expertise. Then send your idea to Caitlin@wateredco.org. Once the focus of your blog post is established between you and GPP, think about what unique viewpoint you bring to the topic that will inform and inspire readers while also being thought- and conversation-provoking. Then write about it! Here are some guidelines:
Our process:
1. Work with a staff member to determine a topic and discuss an angle and content ideas.
2. Send a Word document with your draft text (approximately 500-1,000 words) to your staff contact, who will edit your text and return a redlined version and/or any comments.
3. Send your revised post back to the staff contact for posting. On rare occasions if we aren't able to negotiate edits on a post and it doesn't meet our standards or fall in line with the topic we discussed, we may decide not to publish.
4. Please provide 1-3 photos and/or graphics to include with your post (with captions).
5. Include a short bio (50-75 words) and photo to include at the end of your post.
Content standards and policy
Blogs use less formal language than newspaper articles, technical reports, etc. Don't be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. This could mean inserting humor, personal anecdotes, and perspectives. However, be conscious that drawing absolute conclusions has the tendency to alienate your audience.
Please also keep in mind that GPP promotes the sharing of diverse perspectives and the analysis of different courses of action for better overall decision making. The goal of the <guest post provider (gpp)> blog is to engage the online community in constructive dialogue that fosters well-rounded understanding of water issues and tradeoffs statewide. It's important to avoid making libelous claims or attacking other organizations or viewpoints.
Additionally, we avoid publishing posts written specifically to promote a product or event without any educational focus. In other words, we're happy to point people toward resources provided they have the opportunity to learn something on the way, but the blog isn't used for pure marketing purposes.
5 Tips for Writing the Perfect Blog Post
1. Keep it short: Blog posts can be anywhere from 500 up to 1,000 words. Also, remember that you have about four seconds to hook an online reader: Readers should be able to grasp from the first two sentences what the rest of the blog will be about.
2. Provide links: Don't be afraid to comment on current news, linking to water stories in the press and large media outlets. And remember to link to other posts within the <guest post provider (gpp)> blog as well. Generally, all posts should contain four or more hyperlinks — one or two that link to content on other websites and one or two that link to content on the <guest post provider (gpp)> blog. GPP staff can help with identifying related <guest post provider (gpp)> posts.
3. Engage your readers: One of the simplest ways to entice readers to interact with you is to ask them a question. Consider starting your post with a question to hook them into reading more. Or end your post with a question to encourage commenting and feedback.
4. Be yourself: Readers are interested in your posts a) because of the information you impart, b) because they want to be entertained, and c) to connect on a personal level. Authenticity is king — if the goal of the blog is to create community, then the blogger needs to interact with the community. Be transparent about who you are and your goals for writing the post. And when readers comment, be sure to comment back. Think of this as an ongoing conversation that you're initiating.
5. Publicize: You're published! Tell your colleagues, friends, customers, local media, Facebook and Twitter followers and anyone else who might be interested about your blog post. There's no better way to engage readers, begin a conversation and make the impact you want than to go out and invite people to read and comment on your article
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