Writing a diary blog post
There are lots of things to consider when you are writing a blog. Alongside regularity, categories and style, you also need to think about types of blog posts you will include.
You may decide to stick to just one type; you may pick a few, or you may mix it up and use lots! Whatever you decide, today I am going to talk about a blog type which I actually use very rarely for my own blog – a diary post.
A traditional blog post type
For many, when I mention blogging (for those outside of small business, in particular), think of blogging as a ‘digital diary’. They imagine gap year students chronicling their adventures or marvellous mums sharing some of their daily experiences (and perhaps the odd complaint or two!). Therefore, in many ways, I do think of a diary type post as one of the more original and traditional types of blog. It is probably where it all started. However, that doesn’t mean it is not a worthy type, or that it is not powerful business tool as part of your ‘blog arsenal’.
When to use a diary post
The best time to use a diary post is when something exciting has happened on a particular day, or perhaps over 2-3 days. The common things that spring to mind for small businesses include: workshops, events, conferences, product launches and parties/anniversaries.
People are essentially nosy and if you have been some where exciting or done something new or different, writing a blog post about it can be a quick win when it comes to producing content that is engaging and fun, as well as informative.
How to write a good diary post
If you can, think about your blog post before even attending the event (or whatever) you are are going to report upon. Are there details it would be good to collect that you can share in the post, i.e. statistics or facts, including number of attendees, other business names, etc. Pick up a programme or summary if there is anything like that which you can use to help write your post.
At the event, don’t forget to take photos!!! A diary post is much better if there are visual images to accompany it. It really gives the reader a better feel for what the event was like.
When sitting down to write the post, consider the point you want to make. It is ‘newsworthy’ that you have attended an event, but beyond actually being in attendance what three or more things do you actually want to share with your readers, or more importantly, potential clients? Did you learn something new? Did you meet someone famous or inspirational? Did you come away with a new hint, tip or piece of advice to share? Did you get some feedback on your own business, product or service?
You don’t have to stick to a very linear format. Although it is a diary, it doesn’t have to be chronological necessarily, unless this helps with your purpose or goal for the post. You could pick out ‘your highlights from the day’, ‘your 5 favourite moments’ or ‘top thing you learnt’, for example.
You may also find you have loads to say and share, (especially if it is was a big workshop or a conference over two or three days). Therefore, you may consider how you can write about it in two or three blogs. For example, the first might be a summary of the event, including why you attended and what you experienced. The second might be an explanation of something in particular that happened or a report on a specific activity, such as a keynote speech. Remember to share your thoughts and reactions, not just what was said. Finally, you could write about networking opportunities or people you met and how they will influence your business, or something funny that happened even.
Diary posts can also be really good for regular events you attend, particularly annual conferences or big networking events as you can link to ‘last year’s post’, make comparisons and discuss how your business had changed.
Not just for big events
If you don’t attend conferences, workshops or grand events, don’t worry! You can consider writing about a smaller networking event or an important client meeting, if you feel comfortable doing so and it is appropriate. You could even write about your ‘first day’ or a ‘break through’ day when something major happened in your mind set which affected your business. If you are happy to speak more personally, perhaps consider writing about a family event, which influenced your business. As with all posts though, consider your goal and your purpose.
Quick wins
I think diary type posts can often be great quick wins for content. They are so nice to write as you are writing from your own experience. There is often little in depth research needed! You can share your feelings, thoughts and reactions about an event or special day, and through a blog post, it is a wonderful way to record it. Moreover, it is also a great opportunity to evaluate your experience, especially a workshop or training as you when you have to ‘write up’ what you did it highlights what you have learnt and what key things have stuck with you.
Diary blogs posts are also a lovely way to illustrate to your readers your continuing professional development, your experiences ‘outside the office’ and, simply, what you have been up to.
Keen to start blogging….
Perhaps a diary type post is just the once to kick off your blog.
If you are keen to blog, but feel unsure as to where to start, then please get in touch. I offer a free, no obligation chat to discuss how blogging could help your content strategy and run one-to-one ‘Blog Starter’ trainings for just £50. Email kate@thecontentconsultancy.com to find out more.