As you near the end of your RN to MSN online degree program, you may be looking for ways to jumpstart your career and get your foot in the door. Even though the healthcare industry is in a period of growth at the moment, including looking into operational efficiency in healthcare as well as other related healthcare needs that have been brought to the forefront in recent years and need to be discussed/put into practice, it can still take time to find that initial job. Obviously, your MSN online program through a prestigious school such as The University of Arizona has prepared you well in terms of skills and knowledge, but often it’s about who you know when you land a job.
So, what can you do as you look to finish up your classes and ensure that you have a job to move straight into? Well, a healthcare blog can go a long way in establishing your credibility and “brand” in the industry. It can help you to network and meet people in the industry, as well as showcase your skills and expertise.
Here are some tips that will help you get started on your healthcare blog.
What is the Goal of Your Blog?
This is the very first place you want to start. You need to decide what the goal is for your blog. You may find it helpful to narrow in on one or two niche topics and focus on those. That can make it easier when you’re trying to think up topics. Obviously, you want to pick niches that you feel passionate about and are comfortable discussing. It can even relate to the material you are studying in your degree program.
Be Aware of Your Audience
One mistake that people can make is to write content that isn’t directly related or of interest to their audience. That’s why it’s so important to have taken the time to identify who your audience is so you know exactly who you are speaking to. As you form topics and discussions, ask yourself if it’s something that your audience would be interested in reading and if it’s of value to them.
Be Informative
It’s no use telling people things they already know. Do your own research and write articles that actually tell your readers something new. In one article you might want to write about ways to exercise at home, whilst in another, you might want to write about healthcare providers and their role in promoting wellness. Some of your readers might already know a few things, but if you include enough facts, figures and verifiable quotes, everyone will learn something and keep coming back for more.
Find a Hook
In order to capture the attention of your readers and set you apart from other healthcare blogs, you’ll need to find a hook. A hook is something that catches a reader’s eye. Typically, it’s the first sentence or even the first couple of words on your blog. If you can’t catch their interest right away, there’s little chance they will click on the blog.
Make Sure You Are Consistent
Another tip is to make sure that you are adding content on a regular basis. This helps to create a loyal following of readers, and it will also help to improve your Google rankings giving you greater visibility.
Add Visuals
Don’t be afraid to mix things up too and add pictures and videos when it relates to the blog. Again, this makes the blog more appealing to readers and it will help your Google rankings.
Become an Industry Expert Before You Graduate
A blog can be a wonderful vehicle that helps you to land that first job straight out of school by making you look like an industry expert before you even start working.
