Module 8: Blog Best Practices

Choose a blog and analyze the functions and substance of the blog as a form of writing and information delivery. In your opinion, what are the “best practices” when creating a blog to ensure appropriate form, function, and substance?

Julie Fagan
Peanut Butter Fingers
(2013, About)

Peanut Butter Fingers was created by Julie Fagan in 2009. She updates her personal healthy living blog daily to share stories from her life, “fueled by (mostly) health food and fitness” (Fagan, 2013, About).

Her blog appeals to women, particularly twenty-somethings, but can also extend to girls in their late teens or women in their 30s-40s. Many people are focused on health and wellness, especially nutritious foods and challenging workouts, and Julie’s blog is a great place to get tried-and-true information. 

With so many options out there, it’s nice to hear directly from someone who has tested recipes and performed certain workout routines. Julie makes it easy for her readers, developing printable workout plans and recipes cards.

Functions: This blog functions as a daily lifestyle read for young women and women respectively. Julie’s blog inspires readers to be physically active and healthy. Peanut Butter Fingers also serves as a credible source on items ranging from makeup to furniture to fitness. Julie’s honest reviews are well-respected by readers, allowing them to make informed decisions without having to scour the internet.

Substance: In addition to focusing on health and wellness, Julie also offers fashion advice and delicious, simple recipes. She discusses her favorite products, from snacks to makeup, and often provides gift guides around the holidays. Additionally, she gives readers a sneak peek at her daily life, including dinner dates with her husband Ryan and hikes with her spunky Vizsla Sadie. I've been reading Julie's blog for a few years now, and she honestly feels more like a friend than a woman I've never met.

Best Practices to Ensure Appropriate Form, Function, & Substance: I'm a big fan of blogs, and I read many on a daily basis. Combining my personal experience with what I've learned in COM-510, I believe the following practices are the most important in creating a successful blog:

• Know your audience, and appeal to them
• Understand who's reading your blog (age, gender, hobbies, etc.), and include information that appeals to them.
• Engage readers
• Ask readers to share their thoughts in the comments section; ask readers real questions that you need feedback on; offer giveaways.
• Publish often
• Building a good online relationship requires strong communication, just like an in-person friendship; stick to a publishing schedule so your readers can expect when to hear from you.
• Be true to yourself, and be honest with your readers
• For example, if you were paid to review a product, don’t rave about it simply because you’re receiving compensation.
• Be an active participant on social media
• Don't use your blog as your sole method of connecting with readers; share photos on Instagram; set up and use Twitter and Facebook; stay current and keep pace with new technology.
• Develop a professional site
• Your blog should look polished, free of spelling and grammar errors; ensure the layout is user-friendly and visually appealing; make sure you're using a stable tool with solid tech support.

While this list is certainly not all-inclusive, I also know blog readers appreciate a sense of brevity :) For more ideas on how to launch a successful blog, visit this page.

Screenshot of PB Fingers.com
Retrieved October 22, 2014

Resources

Chelidonis, I. (n.d.). 12 Steps to Launch a Successful Blog. DAILYBLOGTIPS. Retrieved October 22, 2014 from http://www.dailyblogtips.com/steps-to-successful-blog/

Fagan, J. (2013). Peanut Butter Fingers. [blog]. Retrieved from pbfingers.com

Fagan, J. (2013). Peanut Butter Fingers. Julie Fagan headshot. [digital image]. Retrieved from pbfingers.com