Starting A Science Blog? Things You Must Know To Get Started
Writing a science post can be very rewarding, but many scientists don’t think they have the tools to do it, but they are wrong. Any of us can write on a blog, regardless of whether we have never done it since we all have something to tell that can be interesting for readers. Each blogger has their own style and voice and can transmit their experiences and knowledge on a wide variety of topics to the reader.
But what differentiates any blog from a science blog? How can we face the fear of the blank page? What are the keys to read us? How can we explain complex scientific concepts in a way that everyone understands? Here we leave you a series of guidelines that can help you solve these doubts that arise and do something great in science blogging. We hope that users would like these tips.
Write about something you are passionate about
This is a blog about science written by scientists and whose recipients are both scientists from other disciplines and the general public. If you write about a scientific topic that you are passionate about, this will be reflected in your writing and will arouse the reader’s interest. Surely there are many aspects of your work as a researcher that you are passionate about.
Our advice is to choose a simple concept that you want to explain. Don’t worry if you have things left in the inkwell, you can use them to write more posts in the future! This blog includes all the disciplines on which research work can be carried out. In addition, in this blog, you can also write about a recent scientific advance, about how you got a scholarship or funding for your research, about your latest scientific publication,
Put yourself in the place of those who read you
When you write, don’t forget that you do not write for yourself or for your colleagues in the field, but for a wider audience that can range from scientists from other disciplines to people without any academic training. Try to use a style and vocabulary that allows you to reach all your readers regardless of their background. If it helps you, imagine that you write for a 12-year-old boy or for your grandfather.
Less is more
Not by writing a longer post is something better explained. We recommend that posts be between 500 and 1,000 words in size. The simpler and shorter the sentences and the simpler the vocabulary, the easier it will be for the reader to understand what we are trying to explain to him and, furthermore, we will prevent him from losing interest. Reading online blogs is fast so we should avoid writing a very long or difficult post to follow.
If you can, add images
Images not only appeal to the reader but can help explain or visualize the concepts you explain in the text. Look for images, drawings, and/or diagrams that illustrate and accompany your post. Remember that these must be your property or free use (select this condition in the advanced options of your online search engine).
Give it an attractive title
As we have said, the Internet is an instant and fast means of communication. You must take this into account when putting a title on your post. The title of your post is not a scientific article or a presentation at a conference. It does not have to be a summary of the content of the post but a means to attract readers. It should be short, with simple vocabulary and with an attractive character.
Spread your post through social networks
Social networks can be a great ally to get readers. Use your profiles on social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn …). If you add your twitter profile to the post, those who read you will be able to follow or tag you when they tweet about your post. In addition, the SRUK / CERU online department will be responsible for disseminating it through our profiles. Don’t forget to retweet and like it when someone broadcasts your post.
Add links to other web pages
The key to the Internet is making connections. Whenever possible, add links that serve as a source of additional information for the reader. For example, relevant documents, press articles, links to other blogs, websites of institutions or laboratories, to your personal website … etc.
Check spelling and grammar
Although a blog is not like a magazine or book publication, it is recommended that you check the spelling and grammar of your post. The corrector of your word processor will be a great ally for this purpose.
Reread what you have written
It is very important that you reread what you have written, not only to check the spelling and grammar but also to see if the message you are trying to convey is clear, if you can improve the post or if the style is accessible to all kinds of readers.
Let others read what you have written
Many times it is difficult to see for ourselves the failures or aspects to improve something we have written. We recommend that you let friends, colleagues, or family read your post before publishing it.
They will be able to give you a different view of the text and will help you improve it with their opinion. They can also help you and give you an opinion on how to improve your style since the good thing about a blog is that each person has their own voice.
