Research Methods
After a topic is chosen for a blog, conducting research is the next step in the writing process. Research is the diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, and applications.[1] Web searches on Google and Wikipedia allow blog writers to obtain more information on their selected topic, discover what other bloggers have already written,gain more insight on their targeted audience, and increase originality.
Gain information[2]
Writing about a specific topic does not automatically make a person an expert in the field. Initially, conducting very broad web searches on a specific topic will generate a great deal of information. It is best to browse through these websites to get a general overview of the topic. When writing a blog it is important to consider the specific purpose of the writing.[3] After gaining a general overview of the topic, the next step is selecting a specific aspect or view point on the topic to write about.
What others have already written
After research through web searches has been done, review the information that other writers for digital media have written on that specific topic. No one wants to read the same thing twice. When reviewing others' writings on a specific subject, look for ways to add to what has been written, an opposing position to what has been written, or an entirely new perspective on the subject.
Gain insight on the targeted audience[4]
What is the audience like of blogs that focus on a similar topic? Web based searches will provide many blogs related to a specific topic, and after reading over a few of them the intended audience of that subject will be more understandable. When writing a blog it is important to be aware of the intended audiences occupational categories, demographics, gender,culture, and age. [5] Brian Carroll states, " Think about the kind of sites, publications and documents your audience is accustomed to reading". [6]
Increase originality
Creating a new perspective on a specific topic is a great way to gain readers. The more specific a topic the more likely a blogger is to create a new perspective.
Notes
References
- Carroll, Brian. "Writing for Digital Media." Routledge; New York, 2010.*
- "Research." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, 2010. Web. 05 Apr. 2013.