Better Business Blog Writing Class: Lessons for readers from your story

I love teaching blog writing because I always learn so much preparing for the class. And even afterwards, I’ll be reading something and think, "Oh, I need to show the class this paragraph: it’s a perfect example of such-and-such!"

This morning I finally got the chance to open up Problogger, the new book out by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett, two of my favorite blog writers. It’s subtitle is "Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income." But I’m reading it for another reason: clues to how both Darren and Chris mastered blog writing.

Here’s a prime example of what I posted yesterday about the importance of putting you and your personality into your business blog. The book starts out with Darren’s story, then Chris’.

I didn’t know that Darren started his career as a minister! But never mind that, (be sure to get a copy of the book and read it for more juicy stories!) I want you to read this passage, after Darren tells his story, because it is a prime example of why the word "because" is most important in blog writing:

Lessons from My Journey
by Darren Rowse
from Problogger the book, page xvi

So why am I telling this story? Is it just a self-gratification thing? I have enjoyed reminiscing, but there’s more to it than that. The main reason I wanted to tell the story is because I think it’s important to keep emphasizing a number of points.

1. Blogging for an income takes time
2. Take it one step at a time
3. It takes hard work and discipline
4. Follow your dreams

You see, it’s very important to talk to readers just as you would in a conversation. Darren anticipates readers who are continually asking as they read, "What’s here for me? Why am I reading this?"

He gives them reasons to bear with him as he enjoys his own story, and uses that all important word "because." And then he delivers the goods, his core message. He’s already illustrated his story, now he brings it home to the reader by listing all the lessons he’s learned.

This is something all blog writers can do. But some fall short. They deliver their stories, but forget to spell it out for the reader: what’s in it for them?

There’s a reason – many reasons, more than likely – that you are doing what you’re doing, writing on your business blog. And I’ll bet you do it because you’ve learned some hard lessons along the way.

What are those lessons? Why is it important for readers to know them?