Mind mapping isn’t a new phenomenon, in fact, it’s been around for at least 30 years already. However, it’s a technique that’s often underused in blogging. It’s one of the best ways to get information across to your reader in a fun and easy to understand way. Here’s how to create mind maps, and how to use them when you’re blogging.
What is a Mind Map?
In short, a mind map is a diagram that arranges thoughts and ideas around one central topic. It’s a favorite technique of writers everywhere, from students to bloggers. This is because it can help you organize your thoughts and work out how to plan a piece of writing.
There are plenty of bloggers out there who use mind mapping in the planning process of their blogs. Writer Sinead Carroll says, ‘Mind mapping is one of the most effective planning methods and tools we have. It helps us take all the thoughts swirling around in our brains and put them down on paper, making sense of them.’
It’s also an excellent technique for making connections. As you write one idea into your mind map, you’ll see other ideas that you can work into your post.
How to Use Mind Maps in Blogs
There are several different ways you could use content maps in your blog post. Here are some examples to get you started:
Famous quotes:
If you want to illustrate some of the most important things a famous figure has said, this is the way to do so. Place the person in the center of the map, and fan the quotes around them. You can even categorize them if you so wish.
Resource maps:
When talking about an issue or idea, add links to your resources when you create the map. That way, readers can follow them and get more info.
Use a map to collect your main ideas:
At the end of a blog, use the mind map to collect up all of the main points you covered. It can act as a very effective conclusion.
Use the mind maps directly in your posts:
If you’ve been using mind maps to create plans for your blogs, now’s the time to go one step further and use them directly in your posts. There are several reasons why you may want to do this. They create visual interest, rather than you posting walls of texts that may turn some readers off. They can help explain simple processes, so you can get it across quicker without having to type out the entire thing. Also, visual maps are often a lot more entertaining than straight text.
Mind maps work in the same way for your readers as they do for you. They help map out an idea, showing the connections between different aspects, and how the whole theory works. It’s much easier for a reader to follow a complex idea if it’s laid out in a mind map. In fact, writer Harriet Yates says ‘We’ve been receiving more orders than ever for mind maps. It’s clear that bloggers are finding them to be a vital tool in getting across some of the more complex ideas they’re writing about.’
This is why infographics have become very popular in recent years. They’re able to handle a lot of information in a relatively small amount of space. Plus, they’re easily shared online. When you’re trying to get your post shared on social media, a good visual map could be the way to go.
As you can see, mind mapping can be a vital tool for blogging. Try it for yourself.
About the author
Brenda Berg is a professional with over 15 years of experience in business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Consultant and tutor for college students and entrepreneurs at Academized, writer at Custom essay. She is always interested in ways which can help individuals reach their full potential.
