I agree with others here. Keep it conversational and sometimes you will break rules that would send your English grammar teacher's blood pressure through the roof. Don't worry about her, she's probably not reading your blog ;-) As long as spelling is correct and it makes sense you will be fine.

From what I understand from my training here, longer posts are the way to get ranked. You are not going to keep anyone engaged in a 2,000 word post unless it is warm and conversational and makes the reader feel like they are sitting listening to a real person.

It sounds like you are enjoying the process of writing. That's ace because your enthusiasm for your subject will naturally flow and you will engage with your audience.

Keep smiling
Alison

It's better to talk to your community
with simple no frills language. They will feel
more like with a friend who gives them advices
and tell them about his experience. So don't
hesitate to speak as you usually do every day.

Have a nice day!
Ingrid

My rule of thumb is to write in a conversational tone. So, I tend to use contractions a lot. When I'm writing for a personal blog, I visualize that I'm talking to a friend. I keep an eye out for instances where I sound too formal.

Even business websites are moving toward that conversational tone. But there are more stodgy companies that still stick to the formal approach to writing.

(Not that I'm calling you stodgy, btw!) :-)

Congratulations on your progress.

As for contractions, I just use language that flows naturally. If a contraction seems to fit, that's what I use. I don't dwell on it.

Joe

It is great that you have discovered the writer in you and that its motivating you.

Yes that true indeed the more you write the better you become
Good luck !!!