3ie Grantees Communication for

Policy Influence ClinicNegombo 16th – 18th July 2012

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How to write a blog for impact

A blog is

“website or webpage on which an individual records

opinions, links to other sites, etc. on a regular

basis.”Oxford English Dictionary

to introduce….

http://www.commoncraft.com/video/blogs

A few types…• Topical blog: concentrate on a particular specialised topic.

• Directory blog: often collect numerous websites/articles from other sources with interesting content on a specific topic.

• Format blogs: sites with a specialist form of presentation, such as images or videos, or on a particular theme.

Why?-Develop conversations/debate with

others on the internet- Build reputation and credibility

-Highlight other work- Quickly and easily build traffic to a

site

Key tips

• Length: 250-1000 words (MAX!)

• Prep time: 2-3 hours – don’t overthink it

• Tone: accessible, clear language, 1st person, discursive, informal

• Use plenty of opinion

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Content

• Short, sharp memorable title

• Start with key point/message then pad out (think pyramid or iceberg!)

• Use html links to reference a source and direct traffic!Example: The UN has reflected concerns that climate change is a direct

threat to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

• Needs to be easy on the eye – put key points in bold/use bullet points/images/diagrams etc.

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ODIOpinion

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3ie

Useful resources on writing blogs

• http://www.nonprofittechblog.org/why-your-nonprofits-volunteer-base-should-blog-for-your-nonprofit

• http://www.problogger.net/archives/2005/12/30/tens-tips-for-writing-a-blog-post/

• http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2006-10-11-n47.html

The views presented here are those of the speakers, and do not necessarily represent the views of ODI, or our partners.

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www.odi.org.uk

c.cassidy@odi.org.uk

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