#SMWLDN: Experts give vital blogging tips [video]

London’s blogosphere descended upon the basement of The Long Acre tonight to celebrate the end of what has been the first day of Social Media Week London and to take part in their regular Meet-up.

Established London-based bloggers – some of which have been at it for 11 years now – shared their thoughts on the nitty and gritty of their trade with the rest of the wannabes. Organised by Klaxon, the event was designed as a Q&A session which aimed to make a case, once more, for the benefits of blogging.

Advice was taken, arguments were provoked, an uncomfortable question was left unanswered – the usual menu was served. Here are some highlights of the evening – if you’ve missed our live coverage and would rather skip the 50 minutes video below:

• The four established bloggers in the panel were: Tom Jones (Tired of London, Tired of Life), Sian Meades (Domestic Sluttery), Matt Brown (Londonist) and Annie Mole (Going Underground).
• Blogging is a very social activity that can lead to meeting the likes of Alistair Campbell or the Queen.
• Blogging is audience and content orientated in a sense that traditional print products that are required to fill a certain amount of space in a certain amount of time can hardly be.
• Only blog on subjects you’re passionate about. It shows in your writing.
• If content is king and community management is queen then certainly blog design takes princess role.
• Always reference creative commons pictures and ask for permission to use them. It’s easy for photographers to find out who’s using their photos – don’t be fooled.
• Have a clear structure for your blog – like the Sunday papers!
• “WordPress is your best bet,” as far as platforms are concerned.
• What do you do if you’ve got a bloggers’ block? Take Sian’s advice: “If you’re really not in a blogging mood and your finances don’t depend on it, have a break” or Tom’s: “Pull yourself together.”
• #unanswered: how to get more hits and are bloggers better at it than journalists.