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:

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If you’re writing for your business, how much of yourself should you include? Everyone agrees that blogs are a place to have a conversation. How personal should you be? How do you keep the YOU in Business Blogging and still make it work for business?

There’s a new trend to be personal with business communications. Rohit Bhargava’s written a whole book about it, filled with examples of how companies are successfully using personalities to market their business products and services: Personality Not Included.

I get  emails from a professional who writes about arguments with her husband. I can’t help myself, I’m drawn into reading the damn things. And sure, she’s promoting a program…And there’s only a loose tie between the story about the husband and the program she’s promoting! But she tells the story so well, you don’t care!

I can’t stop myself from reading her emails. Why? As a psychologist, I can tell you why: we’re hard wired to connect with others, especially about family stories, and we all relate to each other’s predicaments.

So, the dilemma remains: how do you do this successfully without
embarrassing yourself – or worse – incurring the wrath of a family
member?

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Business blog authors love writing on blogs since it’s so quick and easy. You can usually post in 20-30 minutes and be done with it. That’s a great use of your marketing time, and you provide readers with valuable content to market your business.

But while ‘quick and easy’ is great, sometimes it’s not enough. Denise and I recommend you write at least one rich and meaty post a week. Stimulate your readers to think. Be profound. Go deep.

“Oh no,” you might be saying. “More time to spend on blogging!”

It gets even worse: here’s another “E” writing tip! Enrich your blog posts! First it was the 3E’s – Educate, Entertain and Engage readers.

Now there are 4 E’s! Educate, Entertain, Engage and Enrich with your blog posts!

How do you enrichen your post? Here are 5 ways. But don’t expect to be writing and posting in 20 minutes. This takes time to read, research, find quotes, and to link back to sources.

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