Blogging is one of the newer communication technologies that are becoming more prominent in the business and private sector. There are specific components used in the creation and development of good, professional blogs. These components must be determined before actually constructing the blog. In addition, there are some factors that are inherent in an effective blog. Such factors are:
1) The headline must be an attention-getter
2) Visuals or details enhance the headline
3) The theme of the heading is expanded by leading paragraphs
4) The layout can be easily scanned visually
5) The information is in a logical sequence
6) It is persuasive
7) It is interesting
8) It is believable
9) It requests some action ( Rowse, 2008).
Purpose, design, content and audience are elements necessary for a productive blog. Why—you might ask?
First off, there must be purpose. Purpose answers the question “why”. What is the need for the blog? The word blog comes from two other words web and log. Essentially, it means logging information via the web. Therefore it can be ascertained that the purpose of a blog is to distribute information (usually in a chronological format) on a regular basis via the internet. The opportunity to voice one’s concerns and viewpoints as well as share other information that is relative to the subject content is afforded. In return, the opportunity to receive feedback and comments from others that view the blog is available. This adds objectivity to the blog and welcomes both positive and negative responses from the readers.
The design or format of the blog is derived from the purpose, meaning the purpose dictates how the blog will be structured. For instance, if the blog’s purpose is to reach preschoolers, then the design element will incorporate colors, sounds, fonts, etc., that is attractive to preschoolers. Creativity is central to the personalization of the blog. Additionally, having the correct design will enhance the overall effectiveness of the blog.
Content speaks to the substance of the blog. What is the message one wants to convey on the blog and how does one want to accomplish this? Using the above scenario of a blog designed for preschoolers, the content will include lots of bright colors with music and perhaps animation. The elements grasp the attention of children in that age bracket. Also, there will be links to other sites that are similar in nature.
Lastly is audience. It is impossible to effectively design a blog without knowing who your target audience is. As stated earlier, these elements will be determined prior to developing the blog. This can be done in part by visiting other sites that have similar content. Also the audience determines the content. The blog will need to contain information, graphics or visuals that will appeal to the specific audience. This makes the blog more engaging and productive—meaning it accomplishes the task for which it was designed.
At the beginning of this class, I created a blog. Initially, I did not consider these elements due to the lack of knowledge of their importance. Since then, I have been revising, editing and updating my blog to reflect a polished, professional piece of communication technology.
The purpose of my blog is to engage the readers’ interest in the benefit of de-stressing and relaxation while blogging. Globally, we are spending increasing amounts of time and energy online. As a result, we incur additional stress and mental fatigue. This can lead to problematic issues that are health related. To combat this, my blog is designed to entice on to relax through imagery and sounds and thought-provoking words.
The design includes the relaxing colors of the greens and browns—earth tones—in particular. The imagery incorporates the idea of one walking through the woods enjoying the outdoors, with another one depicting the calm tranquility of a garden waterfall. The image arrests the readers’ attention and invites them in.
The content is designed to promote contemplation, rumination, meditation, musing and pondering to indirectly promote a sense of calmness and relaxation. Due to the structure of the learning environment, my content has included the assignments. To improve my blog, I will incorporate more of these elements (including music—once I learn how to install it) as enhancements. I will install links that are similar in nature to the purpose of my blog to add more substance and credibility to my blog.
My audience is the thousands of internet users across the globe that spends countless hours perusing the databases for one reason or another. The target audience is the adults in corporate America and the global community.
In conclusion, we recognize that blogging is a newer communication technology used in organizations and with individuals. In communicating via blogs, one must recognize the characteristics of an effective blog and use them to encourage feedback from its readers. Purpose, design, content and audience are key elements in developing a blog. There is no right or wrong way to create a blog (Adeleke, 2011). Blogs can be effective which causes readers to respond or ineffective which results in readers passing over them. Have you blogged today?
References
Adeleke, L., (2011, February 11). “What Makes a Good Blog?” Unpublished
article for Communication Studies at Ashford University (online).
Rowse, D., (2008, July 10). Nine Signs of an Effective Blog. Retrieved
02/18/2011, from
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