Writing Resources

What is a blog?

A blog is a shortened version of a weblog used as an online journal or website that usually presents information written in chronological order about an individual’s thoughts about a topic.

A blog includes the following:

• Organize the information before starting.
  • Outlines or story maps are often used.
• Begin the blog post with an attention-grabbing title.
• Ensure the blog content is well-written and relevant.
  • It should be engaging.
  • It should have a conversational tone to keep the readers' attention. 
• Writing the introduction.
  • Explain the problem to your blog readers.
  • Provide a bit of history or background to put it in perspective.
• Writing the body.
  • Explain solutions and strategies that address the problem.
  • Use various formats such as paragraphs, bullets, numbered lists, and headings.
  • Be casual and informal. 
  • Be respectful of the readers’ cultures and opinions.
  • Include proper grammar and mechanics.
  • Include relevant images, hyperlinks, and other forms of media.
  • Provide citations and references from sources.
• Writing the conclusion.
  • Restate the problem, strategies, solutions, and include a call to action for further research.

How to choose a site?

There are many sites available that allow you to create a website and start blogging.  The site you choose depends on the following choices:

• The type of blog.
• The available content options.
• Predesigned templates or freeform.
• Domain ownership.
• Technical support options per technical experience and capability.
• Fees or charges to sign up, maintain, or host the site.

Consider the options below for your first foray into blogging:

• Wix
• Weebly
• Medium
• Blogger

Be sure to research each site thoroughly and then pick the one best for your need.  Keep in mind this is not an all-inclusive list; there are more sites out there that you can use to start your blog.