How to write blogs that people will read (with added Sketchnote!)

Having written well over a hundred blogs over the last decade, and read countless more, I thought I’d share a few tips on what seems to have drawn people to my articles, and what attracts me to others: 1. Make it personal Everybody likes talking about themselves, right? Well, don’t overdo it. But I've found that the best blogs have an authenticity that’s derived from being from the author’s indisputable perspective. Don’t make it too introspective though – think about how the reader might relate to your observations. 2. Think laterally Blogs are a great medium for the lateral thinker. I've written blogs relating aspects of the charity sector to glorious train stations, self-cleaning bridges, dancing, yoga – you name it. My main aim is to get people to say to themselves: “I hadn't thought of it like that before!” 3. Make 'em smile Careful with this one. Jokes can be misinterpreted. But I've found gentle humour (yes, that's how we spell it here) works quite well. I like puns and wordplay, but that might not be your style. What makes you smile? 4. Have a conversation with yourself Why does this work? I’m not sure, but it seems to. Should we move onto the next point? Yes, we've not got much time. 5. Link to something topical I don’t do this so often, but when I do, for example in this blog about football sticker collecting just ahead of the World Cup, there seems to be quite a lift in reade