Content is King - but. Don't watch the word count
I've not posted for a while, however being part of the SWAG group, I've learned so much in the 3 weeks since we commenced, that I feel compelled to write - and it's also one of the tasks - to post a WA blog. :-)
This is just a simple thing but it has helped me to write fluently and consistently.
We have all heard that Content is King and that we should aim for at least 1000 words (or is it 1500) for each post.
Before being invited to be part of the SWAG group, I was writing a post - yes a SINGLE post - every 2 weeks or so and I found it so hard to do and find 'stuff' to write about.
I kept on watching the word count in my WordPress admin area and when it hit 1000 words, I was elated! I started to think of ways to end my post.
I'm proud to say that I have - as part of the challenge - yes, I call it challenge - sorry Kyle - completed 3, yes THREE posts each week.
We need to have completed at least 12 posts during the 1st month challenge.
So far, I've completed 7 posts and will complete 2 more by the weekend with the remaining 3 'keyword researched' ready for next week.
My word count for my posts are averaging out to 2000+ and I now no longer look at the word count. In fact, I'm enjoying the journey and I love writing my blog posts.
I'd love to hear about your experiences.
Are you watching the word count or is that no longer a bother?.
I'd love to know.
Comments below please.
Thanks
Jacqueline
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In the beginning, when I first started this journey, I did watch the word count and was a little nervous about reaching that "1000" word goal.
But not anymore. I soon realized that it was not going to be an issue and I found myself writing over 1500 and more for each post. I found that doing good research was the best answer for me and that it wasn't so important to reach a certain word level. It was more important to do the topic justice.
If that meant writing 2000 or 3000 or just 750, that was OK as long as the information was enough to convey the message and be accurate.
My only issue is that it takes me some time to research and write so, I'm ecstatic if I get 2 posts done in a week. I want to do it up right.
Good for you on being able to write so much and,
Moving Forward,
Wayne
PS. Now I must go to site content and get busy :)
Cheers Wayne.
Yes. You're spot on. As long as the message is conveyed then the word count is irrelevant. Who like to read waffle?
Yes the researching does take time. Kyle's advise to do your keyword research for posts for the week in a session, then write the posts on separate days worked for me.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Wishing you all the best.
I think having somebody mentoring you makes a world of a difference, Jackie.
I'm at the moment following Bo's training. Even though all he is saying is actually here in WA, I still needed somebody to 'take me by the hand' so to speak, and guide me. Before Bo came on the scene, I was bumping into walls, and falling back, rebounding all over the place and not getting anywhere. I needed a proper guideline to follow and have direct feedback from.
I had brushed by certain training, which in fact was more essential that I had originally thought, and now I know better :)
James
Definitely.
I was like you.
Yes. Having someone guide you makes a huge difference.
Even though the training covers it all, it's those little things you overlook that will either make or break it for you.
Wishing you success.
Yes, I totally agree... It's amazing how much information there is available here, and it's brilliant. It's also brilliant that somebody checks out your movements and guides you accordingly, for as you say, it can either make you, or break you :)
Wishing you success back, Jackie :)
Congratulations Jacqueline! That is a big deal because people often take months to improve as quickly as you did.
A while back I used to look at the word count but since I've changed my niche to something I actually enjoy, I love writing and it's usually hard to get me to shut up as you can see.
My latest posts usually average over a thousand and it's usually an accident because I'm passionate about whatever I'm writing lol.
Congratulations again.
Thanks Jaron!
That's great. Yes, when you're passionate about something, nothing can stop you.
All the best.
Love this. Don't pay attention to the word count. Just write. Let it flow and the word count will be there. I find it now that it would be hard to limit an article to just 1,000 words.
Fortunately, I have a lot to say. My kiddos don't want to hear it, so I have to tell someone :)
Great post Jackie.
It's a challenge for sure and I commend you for making the adjustment. I have the same issues. I am by nature a long winded writer. And i have serious catching up to do with the number of blogs. But in my case, my writing has been what is considered a strength as well as my personal story which revolves around addiction recovery. So there is a lot to cover because from who i have surveyed of my audience, i am not paying for space. So when people here say my posts are too long, i always have to consider my audience. These are book readers and need stories that help inspire recovery. I certainly did. And if the voice is right, they will read it.
Excellent Randy.
Yes. Sometimes the audience your writing for will affect the length of your post.
Continue doing what you're doing.
All the best!
I do and don't look at the word count. I have been less interested in the word count because I know that I am writing a ton. It is getting easier and easier to write long post's. And it is 1,000 although 1500 isn't bad either. Thanks for your post! Much success to you and yours!
Your friend, Aaron G
Great Aaron.
Yes. For me now it's getting easier and easier.
Oh, 1000 words?.. that's a walk in the park! lol (I was struggling a few months ago)
Success to you too.
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We're in the same spot Jacqueline. Actually I had to cull nearly 1000 words from my latest post, or it would've gone to 3000 words. I don't want to put my brave readers thru such an ordeal, lol!
lol! 3000 words!?I'm far off from culling. :-)
Wishing you all the best.
Well I was writing about my most loved horse, Geysir. I could easily write a book about our experiences together if there were no word count restrictions lol.