Check out my new SCFC blog

[lewisgibson96]

Hey guys, I’m currently studying sports journalism at university and decided to start an SCFC blog that I intend to update weekly with Stoke related features or pieces.

If you could perhaps give it a read and maybe share it to social media it would be greatly appreciated. My twitter is @theboothenender.

Here is my first post theboothenenderr.wordpress.com/2020/02/26/example-post/

Any feedback is welcome! Thanks.

[Vadiation_Ribe]

Technically, you could look into WordPress more - you can set the URLs to be friendlier, for example. "/example-post/" wouldn't usually make me click as it seems like a link to a template page. Look into something like the Yoast plugin (it's free, and similar are available). Technical knowledge should help you on your career path.

Interest-wise, your post is a decent start, but if you want readers coming back for more, you could do well to take a leaf out of Rob's book: chiefdelilah3.wordpress.com/ - I miss Rob's posts, but he also writes for The Sentinel and Duck Magazine (plus occasional gems at 90sfootballparty.wordpress.com/). I'd call Duck a must-read, as the writers get more freedom to write in their own voice, which I imagine is something you'll develop as part of your course. Rob's an excellent writer anyway, but given I grew up in the 90s, his references (often laugh-out-loud) are an added bonus for me. Think about who your target audience are (apart from Stoke fans, obviously). Rob's (ToxicAvenger) not the only excellent writer who posts on this forum either - others, such as Trouserdog, write for Duck too. There's some good advice in this post about what readers want: wizardsofdrivel.com/2018/11/24/great-stoke-writers-trouserdog/

You could also check out recent issues of The Oatcake. The Athletic signed a lot of the top sportswriters, so they're probably worth subscribing to if you haven't already.

I hope that helps, and good luck! Asking for feedback is always a good start.

[lewisgibson96]

Mar 1, 2020 11:01:30 GMT Vadiation_Ribe said:

Technically, you could look into WordPress more - you can set the URLs to be friendlier, for example. "/example-post/" wouldn't usually make me click as it seems like a link to a template page. Look into something like the Yoast plugin (it's free, and similar are available). Technical knowledge should help you on your career path.

Interest-wise, your post is a decent start, but if you want readers coming back for more, you could do well to take a leaf out of Rob's book: chiefdelilah3.wordpress.com/ - I miss Rob's posts, but he also writes for The Sentinel and Duck Magazine (plus occasional gems at 90sfootballparty.wordpress.com/). I'd call Duck a must-read, as the writers get more freedom to write in their own voice, which I imagine is something you'll develop as part of your course. Rob's an excellent writer anyway, but given I grew up in the 90s, his references (often laugh-out-loud) are an added bonus for me. Think about who your target audience are (apart from Stoke fans, obviously). Rob's (ToxicAvenger) not the only excellent writer who posts on this forum either - others, such as Trouserdog, write for Duck too. There's some good advice in this post about what readers want: wizardsofdrivel.com/2018/11/24/great-stoke-writers-trouserdog/

You could also check out recent issues of The Oatcake. The Athletic signed a lot of the top sportswriters, so they're probably worth subscribing to if you haven't already.

I hope that helps, and good luck! Asking for feedback is always a good start.

Thanks mate, I’m very much just getting myself started so your feedback is perfect for me, I will certainly look into everything you said.

We haven’t really looked into much of the technical side of running a word press etc. So I’m trying to work it all out myself and will definitely take some time, I just wanted to get something written and posted to get started.

[chigstoke]

Hi Lewis

Wordpress can be a very powerful tool when used correctly. As Vadiation has said, I'd advise you learn about about some plugins that could be of interest
I say this as for my new job, I may well need to learn some more on Wordpress myself, I've seen how beneficial it can be for bloggers and site designers alike.

It might be worthwhile to get a blogroll going on the home page as well, instant clicks on to blogs then. Also get some email subscriptions going like on 90's football party, so if you get people enjoying content they'll

A. Subscribe
B. Know when your latest blog post is, in addition to your Twitter feed also.

On saying that, I don't think your first post is bad at all mate. Again, I'm going to reiterate what Vadiation has told you, but it's worth checking out chief's and Duck etc... for some inspiration and ideas on writing, specifically, Stoke related content.

[lewisgibson96]

Mar 1, 2020 11:38:05 GMT chigstoke said:

Hi Lewis

Wordpress can be a very powerful tool when used correctly. As Vadiation has said, I'd advise you learn about about some plugins that could be of interest
I say this as for my new job, I may well need to learn some more on Wordpress myself, I've seen how beneficial it can be for bloggers and site designers alike.

It might be worthwhile to get a blogroll going on the home page as well, instant clicks on to blogs then. Also get some email subscriptions going like on 90's football party, so if you get people enjoying content they'll

A. Subscribe
B. Know when your latest blog post is, in addition to your Twitter feed also.

On saying that, I don't think your first post is bad at all mate. Again, I'm going to reiterate what Vadiation has told you, but it's worth checking out chief's and Duck etc... for some inspiration and ideas on writing, specifically, Stoke related content.

Brilliant mate, thank you very much.

I will certainly look into the plugins but I’ve just realised that you have to subscribe to a business plan in order to use them. Note that eventually I will look to do this, but for now I’m more just looking to practise my with my writing and feature layouts, although I aim to be up and running properly for next season.

I will definitely read those suggestions you have both given me and do some further research into Wordpress and see what I can do on a free plan.

I really appreciate the advice and words, thank you again.

[keasie1863]

Enjoyed reading that mate.very good👍

[lewisgibson96]

Mar 1, 2020 12:00:52 GMT keasie1863 said:

Enjoyed reading that mate.very good👍

Thank you buddy appreciate it.

[Vadiation_Ribe]

I forgot to mention this - www.simplybusiness.co.uk/microsites/wordpress-for-small-businesses/ - it's a great beginners guide to using WordPress. It's a few years old, so may be outdated in some aspects. The "Know how to make good permalinks?" link is what you want for the URLs.

Also, I could be wrong but don't think you need the business plan to install plugins. I think you just need to use wordpress.org/ instead of wordpress.com.

[lewisgibson96]

Mar 1, 2020 12:23:50 GMT Vadiation_Ribe said:

I forgot to mention this - www.simplybusiness.co.uk/microsites/wordpress-for-small-businesses/ - it's a great beginners guide to using WordPress. It's a few years old, so may be outdated in some aspects. The "Know how to make good permalinks?" link is what you want for the URLs.

Also, I could be wrong but don't think you need the business plan to install plugins. I think you just need to use wordpress.org/ instead of wordpress.com.

Brilliant mate thanks so much again. I’ll take a look at both of those today and see what I can do.

[jarvinski]

Good luck Lew

[lewisgibson96]

Mar 1, 2020 16:36:01 GMT jarvinski said:

Good luck Lew

Thank you buddy I appreciate it 👍🏻