I've been reading some great posts recently that help folks get set up and started on Steemit. I wanted to put together a snappier list, for my own reference too, as I continue to write about crypto findings, tech, games and re-visit old illustrations and arty pics. I also plan to post extracts from my gamelit book, to revisit that and... maybe write more.
Briefly, why do we write? So we can learn to pick ourselves up again? Sure, maybe. But also, so we can crystallise thoughts, learn, motivate, share our views and know-how with others and so we can look back on our discoveries. Lots of different needs ranging from carefully constructed 'evergreen' posts to quickfire findings and momentary, arty ideas.
Another quote that sticks with me is one by Hemingway: 'the only kind of writing is re-writing'. It puts emphasis on the need to go over your writing once you've got the main gist down. Read it through.
I'm not saying I follow my own tips, but I try and bear some of these aspects in mind.
Content Creation
- Are you going to specialise in something or choose a broader, more personal range of subjects? In any case, the personal touch goes a long way to engage readers.
A wider range of posts can be good until you find a specialty you enjoy writing about.
If you can end up branding your posts then it can help them to be easily identified in your feed or to others. - Write your posts off-Steemit first where possible and think about them. Add research.
- Use snappy titles and subheadings. Make use of the markdown styling guide (it's easy!)
- What is the primary audience you’re addressing here? Steemit right now has a lot of people discovering cryptocurrency and excited by its potential. There are new things happening in the crypto-space all the time, new projects and new websites to discuss.
- Write simple and effectively for screen-reading (obvious probably).
- Break up the post with pictures, lists, headings - depending on type of content. Link to images on pixabay etc. and credit if they're not yours. Use code "https://steemitimages.com/400x400" before adding a link to a resize an image.
- At the end, mention a few of your previous, interesting, related posts.
- Don't plagiarise or copy content all the time or you'll be flagged by Cheetahbot etc. Maybe use 'blockquotes' at least.
- When you're up and running, get round to introducing yourself via the #introduceyourself tag.
- Remember you've got 7 days before your posts become part of the blockchain forever.
Reaching Further
- Fuel up as much as you can on Steem Power, or find others who write similar things: comment, follow and be followed. When you check your feed, remember you want your own followers to inspire you with news and subjects that are relevant to you.
- Categorise your posts with major categories and then more specifically for maximum relevance.
- Submit your URL to Google Search (search Google on how to do this!)
- Link build! Share your post on all your other social media - which also promotes Steemit!
- Reference other users if possible - this is a community!
- Comment on and find new posts that you like. Support others and enhance their discussions.
- 'Resteem' posts you think might fit into your own feed?
- Within 5 days, you can use respectable bots and steem power pools to boost your better posts (see below). Invest in your posts.
In the end, I reckon anyone with dedication (not necessarily just a ton of Steem Power) can build up a space that is valued by the Steemit Community.
..and beyond
Check out some of the great extra apps/sites that go with Steem; that require only your Steem key or your Steemconnect:
- Steepshot
- Zappl
- Steemitboard
- Smartsteem - a great way to support minnows + Steemians!
- Steemworld
and growing...
Some of my Previous posts for reference:
Time taken to write this complete post: 1-2hrs.
Got any suggestions?