English is the most widely spoken language so I won’t be surprised if you choose to use it on your blog even if you’re not a native English speaker. Being a non native English speaker myself, I have decided to use English because of the huge potential readership. Blogging with your second language, however, may affect your blog especially if you fail to write quality posts. Here are the most common problems that affect blogs that are written in English by non native English speakers.

• Grammar Mistakes
• Spelling Errors
• Difficult to Understand

The fact is, these problems are not exclusive to non native English speakers. I’ve seen a lot of blogs authored by native English speakers and yet they commit the same mistakes. It does not mean, however, that since it’s common and widely tolerated that it’s okay for you to commit these mistakes. I’m not trying to justify grammar mistakes, spelling errors and the inability to write an understandable post by a non native English speaker. All I’m saying is that these mistakes can happen to anybody. But the sad reality remains that these mistakes are often times committed by non native English speakers.

Here are a few writing tips that I’ve learned from personal experience. I’m not an expert in grammar and spelling so I won’t give you a litany of English grammar lessons. These practical tips have helped me over the course of my blogging. Hope it helps you as well.

1. Read quality books, blogs, journals etc. that are written in English.

Like I said before, Blogging is not always about writing. You need to read to be able to put substance into your post. Reading also improves your English comprehension, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and writing. If you’re not fond of reading, try to read those that you find interesting. I spend a considerable amount of my time online reading other posts. Believe me, it helps a lot.

2. Practice helps so continue writing. Don’t be scared to commit mistakes.

Instead of worrying about commiting mistakes and what others might think about your flaws, use your time to write. Trying to make the perfect post free from grammar and spelling mistake is good but you’re not making use of your time efficiently. I have had the same experience when I started blogging and believe me, there are more important things you can do than trying to be a perfectionist.

3. Prepare an outline of your post. Identify the main points you want to raise.

Call it old fashion but I prepare an outline of my post and a list of the points I want to talk about. Doing this has helped me stay on track and focussed on my main points and objectives. The outline and the list of points I want to write about serve as my guidelines when I’m writing. You see, the tendency for bloggers without an outline or an objective is to wonder around, write unnecessary sentences and even make a post that doesn’t make sense.

4. When writing, use simple words and sentences.

Using simple sentences does not only make your job as a blogger easier but it makes your post more understandable by your readers. There’s simply no need of using panoplies of multi-syllabic words and quintessential examples if you cannot decipher the intricacies of your thoughts into fundamental ideas that everybody can comprehend. Always remember this. Your objective to write is to send your message across and the only way to become an effective writer is when you successfully convey your message to your readers.

5. Write your posts ahead of time.

The pressure of making a post to update your blog content might obstruct you from writing a good post. There are benefits of daily blogging but if it becomes burdensome that it impedes you from writing a well-written posts, then forget about it. To free youself from the pressure of making a post on daily basis, which might affect your writing, consider making your post ahead of time. Currently, I have about 5 posts that are almost done that only requires a bit of proof reading before being published. I also have about 15 drafts waiting to be finished. Writing my post ahead of time has helped me improve my writing skills. Firstly, because I don’t feel pressured, and secondly, because I have enough time to proof read it.

6. Use available softwares to help you check your grammar and spelling.

There are several softwares available that can help you check on your grammar and spelling. Write your post using Microsoft Office to automatically check on your grammar and spelling mistakes or use Firefox as your internet browser to automatically highlight your spelling errors. In case of doubt, use online dictionaries, thesaurus or encyclopedia. I use and recommend you to try Dictionary.com. It’s free.

7. Write about your expertise or the things that interests you.

Imagine writing about a topic that you know little or nothing about or have no interest at all. It’s not only a difficult job but the result might be a mediocre post. I don’t know how many times I’ve mentioned this on my other posts but I wish to say it again. When deciding for a blog topic, choose the ones that you’re interested at. It makes blogging easier and fun.

8. Join forums or chat rooms.

Forums and chatrooms are great places to improve your writing skills. Since forums and chatrooms are less formal and you probably careless about your grammar and spelling mistakes, these become ideal places to practice. Forums and chatrooms are also great avenues to learn conversational English, colloquial terms and idiomatic expressions. Plus, you can use these places to promote your blog.

9. Welcome comments and feedback from your blog readers.

Don’t close comment on your posts simply because of the fear of being criticized for your mistakes. Instead, learn from the comments, feedback and criticisms  thrown to you by your blog readers.

10. Learn from your mistake. Go ahead and edit your post.

I know that it’s a stupid thing to comment on someone else’s post on his/her spelling or grammar mistakes but some people do. And when they do it on your blog, don’t get offended. Don’t even try to justify. Go ahead and edit your post.

11. If you have the resources, enroll yourself to a writing class.

If you have the means, attending a writing class is always helpful. You can also buy books and other materials that can help you improve your writing skills. Just don’t forget that the internet is full of resources that can help you.

There you have it. I hope you found this post useful. Do share your thoughts and comments. If you’ve got something to add on the list, share it through the comment. Thanks you for your time.

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