Blog Posts as Articles on CC?

[HGW]

Hello everyone. As a newbie on CC, I have been wondering whether there is a market here for shorter articles (100-200 words), suitable for blog posts for example? I currently author 3 seperate blogs, so my writing seems to be taking on a more casual, informal style. Should I be concentrating on writing longer articles in hopes of obtaining my first sale, or do blog post style articles sell here on CC? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Celeste Stewart]

There's definitely a market for shorter blog-like submissions. My gut tells me that 100 words is going to be a little too lean. Maybe 200-300 words? A casual, informal tone is okay for short and long pieces alike (depending on the topic of course), so don't be afraid to tackle a longer article.

I suggest trying a mix of lengths. Submit a blog entry today, then take that same topic and expand upon it tomorrow with a fresh angle and more depth.

[HGW]

Great suggestion, Celeste. Thanx!

Anyone else have feedback?

[Jaye]

Was just going to ask this question myself a few days ago. Found myself writing an article in an informal, chatty humourous style and wondered if this is what would be considered as a blog-style post. If submitting such an article, would I mention in short summary that it is a blog piece. Excuse my ignorance on all things blog, but don't write one myself - just wondered what would be the definition of a blog post, compared to an informative article.

[Celeste Stewart]

CC has a "Blog" category, so I don't think it's necessary to describe it.

[HGW]

Thank you, Celeste. Under the GENERAL category, there is BLOG ENTRIES. Is that where CC would prefer we post our blog-style articles, or is it better to categorize them under their subject matter, i.e. fashion, gardening, etc.?

[Evelyn]

When you're categorizing articles, think a little about how your customer might find it. I would assume brand new customers to C-C would browse the categories first, looking for stuff they might be interested in. Older customers may subscribe to the category's RSS feed. Still others might be looking for a hall-of-famer in a certain category and check the authors page to find him/her.

The search function is vital for a lot of new and old customers, too. That's where your keywords at the very bottom of the article submission form become important. Load that box with as many search words as you can generate and you're more likely to get hit in a search. The Google Adwords keyword tool is good for this: https://adwords.google.com/o/Targeting/ ... earch.none. (That's a funny address. I have it bookmarked, so I hope that gets you there.)

SO, categories and search are equally important. You want to give customers every opportunity to see you. Is the "blog entries" category too broad? In my humble opinion, yeah. Use your own judgment. The way my mind works as a customer, I'd click on a category and see hundreds of articles and sigh loudly and go use the search function, which I should have done in the first place.

Hope my opinion helps you sort it out. I'm sure others have opinions, too.

[HGW]

Thank you, Evelyn; great advice.

You mentioned new vs old customers in your advice. Any info/feedback on CC's customer base? Mostly professionals, or corporations, or ????? For the most part, what type of people/companies are purchasing content from CC?

[jadedragon]

Webmasters of all types buy here. Also some articles go to magazines, newsletters etc but the biggest market is webmasters so write web content.

[HGW]

Jadedragon: Great advice; Thanx!