An introduction to Confident Writing
One of the challenges of running a blog-site (rather than a conventional, static one) is that it’s constantly moving. This is one of the joys too of course – but the challenge part comes in describing what’s going on for new readers and providing some decent signposting so people can find their way through your site.
As part of my revamp of the Confident Writing site I’ve recycled some of my older posts so they’re more findable, made better use of the sidebars to explain what the site’s about and the work that I do and created some ‘sneeze pages‘ that bundle together relevant posts and point readers towards the places they want to go. I’m learning all the time about how to maximise the power of a blog site but for now I’m pleased with the improvements I’ve made which include:
- A page dedicated to “how to” posts, for readers who are looking for writing tips
- A page that’s all about how to write with confidence at work, and a selection of the best posts on that topic
- A clearer explanation of how you can work with The Confident Writing Coach (that’s me!)
- A page for readers to check out some of my blog policies to aid transparency – still to add something on links, but it’s a start
- An up-front explanation of the ingredients of confident writing that underpin my work
- Highlights of the ingredients on the sidebar and brief explanations of the terms, like this one on authenticity
- A monthly focus for my writing, starting with authenticity. (Still to work out a visual way of highlighting this)
- A new page to supplement ‘about me’, highlighting some random things about me that I’ve shared (and learned!) through various writing challenges
- A sidebar link to the other places where I write, including Coaching Wizardry and Joyful Jubilant Learning
- Use of a categories cloud in the sidebar, as a visual pointer for readers of what the site is about, and a mechanism for me to check that I’m still blogging with a purpose
Do let me know if you’ve other ideas and suggestions for things I could do to explain things better or signpost readers more clearly.
And if you’re a blog owner, any experience to share on the tips and techniques that have worked the best for you?
This post is a contribution to the recycling meme that was kicked off at Logical Emotions. The challenge is to find ten posts that explain what your blog is about, that provide an introduction to your site.
“The best way to figure that out is when you’re looking at one of your old posts, imagine someone asking you “Is that what your blog is about?” – YES answers go into the meme, NO answers you can save for another time… “
I was tagged by Laura at Writing Thoughts to take part. Thanks Laura – I’m not sure I’ve entirely followed the rules though by pointing to pages that bundle posts together… but I think it was in the spirit of the exercise, and a useful bit of housekeeping for me to highlight too.
I’ll tag five new commenters here to take the challenge: identify the ten posts that explain what your blog is about. That’s: Kerri Arista, Jean Browman (The Cheerful Monk), Carol at May Dreams Gardens, Sylvia from Sylvia’s Insight, and Karen Wallace at the Clearing Space. Thanks for your readership and support. Feel free to join in if you think the meme will be helpful to you (it’s quite a useful exercise) but no obligation!
By the way I think anyone can join in – you don’t need to be tagged – just link back to the original post to help the meme going
If you’re interested in finding out more how to make use “sneeze pages”, check out this post from Darren Rowse, part of his 31 days to build a better blog project.
Hi Joanna!
That’s the great thing about memes, you can usually interpret them however works best for you. I’m off to click on some of your links!
Great post!
Very helpful. I’ve been rolling around the idea of creating some static pages of some of my “Best of…” type posts and like the idea of the “Sneeze Page.”
Thanks for the tips. Now I just need to figure out how to implement well.
So very well done Joanna! I’ve gone the reinvention route several times within the last three years I have written online, and I know how much work you had to put in behind the scenes to present this in the way it has emerged …
Thank you so much, for in doing so you have also let us know how important we are to you as readers: As a frequent reader who loves being here for your generous coaching, I want to let you know how much I appreciate your efforts!
Joanna,
I can certainly see where this meme would be a good and refreshing identity check!
Thanks for keeping me in mind. I’m also one who likes to “bend” the rules every now and then, but I might take part later in the week!
Hope your weekend has been great.
Sylvia C.
Hi Laura
As you say it’s worth finding the way to make a meme work for you (and your readers) …Thanks for the prompt to do this one:-)
Joanna
Hi simplerich, I’m glad you found it of value. If you’re interested in “how to” do a sneeze page I’d recommend Darren’s posts (not to mention the other 31 days worth of tips for improving our blogs!)
Joanna
Hi Sylvia, well like I said, just do it if you feel it would be a useful exercise to run through. Though I can just visualise how you could use some of your glorious photographs to signpost your ‘best of’ pages…
Joanna
Thank you Rosa. Yes, it has been a lot of work – but I am glad if it is helping people to navigate.
It’s certainly helped me gain a stronger sense of purpose and direction – I hope this will be good for my readers in the long run too
Joanna
You all saw it here right? Joanna told me my blog was so bad it needed not just the one day’s worth of help but ALL 31!!!
Now, I’m not denying it, just shocked that she’d say it aloud. *grin*
I hope everybody knows I’m kidding. She’d never be mean-spirited like that in here.
Yes, I will look at all 31 days because I know my little corner of the web needs all the help it can get.
Yikes simpleich, I’m glad you’re grinning!! You know I only meant that if you’re looking for the best ‘how to’ stuff for blogs, Darren’s your man… I only offer my own tuppenceworth on some writing ideas.
It’s great to have your voice here – you words certainly woke me up with a smile this morning!
Joanna
You know, Joanna, I liked your blog before, but now you’ve really brought it together. It’s like you’ve gotten this amazing burst of energy and you’re focusing it in all the right places. Very nice work!!
Brad, thanks very much for the feedback. I’m glad it works from the outside in. It’s certainly working for me from the inside out! Focusing in on the values and purpose of my writing, blog, work was the key – and you’re right, it’s released a whole lot of energy.
Joanna
Joanna, I’ve responded to your challenge and did my own “intro” post on my blog. Thanks for tagging me!
Hi Carol, thanks for letting me know. I’ve just been exploring through the wonderful kitchen garden of your blog – most sustaining!
Joanna