Unlocking Your Member Blog Power: 4 Tips for Effective Writing for Blogs

Creating a blog for your association members can be an invaluable tool – enhancing visibility and engagement, fostering community, and showcasing expertise. But many people are hesitant to use blogs in their weekly activities for one simple reason – They aren’t professional writers. You may not be or feel that you’re an expert writer, someone who can take words and create stories that go on to win Pulitzers or Nobel Peace Prizes. Fortunately, you don’t have to be. Below are 4 reality-based tips for effective blog writing.

4 Tips for Effective Writing for Member Blogs

Tip #1: Know Your Audience

This tip is the easiest one on this list because you know your members like no one else. Your blog needs to provide value, with vital information they need to know. For example, if a new law is reviewed or about to pass that affects your members, your blog should provide a simple overview of the law and explain how it will impact their work. Knowing your audience – ie, your members – means you can specifically speak their language and create content that resonates with them.

Tip #2: Write What You Know

“Write what you know.” – Mark Twain Mark Twain, one of America’s most prolific and famous authors, once said the above and writers of all shapes and sizes have taken it to heart.  As mentioned in the first tip, no one knows more about your organization or its members than you. Use that experience and expertise to connect with them – tell a funny story about a recent event or what you learned about a past experience. Writing is nothing but storytelling done with words.

Tip #3: Provide Value

The value your blog provides is the combination of both tips 1 and 2. Take this blog from The National Rural Education Association (NREA). The writer has tied together a story about her own upbringing and teaching career in Montana to the experience of watching the landscape of education change through technology.  She provides value by sharing her knowledge and thoughts around Edtech’s solutions and opportunities for students.  But, the article truly resonates when she shares her own experiences as both a resident and former teacher.

Tip #4: Be Authentic and Personable

The value your blog provides is the combination of both tips 1 and 2. Take this blog from The National Rural Education Association (NREA). The writer has tied together a story about her own upbringing and teaching career in Montana to the experience of watching the landscape of education change through technology.  She provides value by sharing her knowledge and thoughts around Edtech’s solutions and opportunities for students.  But, the article truly resonates when she shares her own experiences as both a resident and former teacher.

It’s Time to Get Started

What it boils down to is simple – be yourself and write what you know. Remember, your members are looking to you for valuable news and information. By drawing from your expertise and experience, you can craft engaging and valuable content that your members will love. Blogging doesn’t have to be done on a daily basis, but there should be consistency in your posting schedule. Post every week or bi-weekly. And, make sure to post when your members need to be aware of something important. Happy blogging!