Writing blog posts is easy, right?
After all, using a platform like WordPress, Medium, Squarespace (or many others) guarantees that you're using a resource set up for the job…
But writing a successful blog post requires a mix of creativity, research, and planning.
So here, we show you some tips to help you write a blog post that works.
Before You Start
Preparation is key! It's too tempting to dive straight into writing without much thought. That's why many blog articles you read don't really cut it.
Remember. there are millions of bloggers out there, so if you want to be seen, it's
quality, not
quantity, that wins.
- Know your audience
Before you start writing, you need to know who you are writing for. What are they searching for online? What are their interests and their "pain points"?
This will assist you in creating content that resonates with your audience.
- Know the quality guidelines
If you're guest posting (that's writing for another blog, they will have their own set of rules for what they want. But even if you're writing for your own blog, you should define your own standards ... and stick to them!
For example, our own rules are laid out in our "Write for Us" page.
- Aim to provide value
Your post should provide value to your readers, which could be helpful tips, advice, or insights: anything that makes them leave thinking, "I got something from that!"
- Choose a topic you are passionate about
This will make the writing process more enjoyable and help you write more engaging content. You're also likely more of an authority on a subject you care about!
- Do your research
Make sure that you have a good understanding of the topic you're writing about. This will further boost your authority and help you write more informative and accurate content.
- Always be yourself
Don't try to be someone you're not when you're writing your blog post. Let your personality shine through in your writing.
We all write using a "voice." But some people tend to clam up, and their writing is dry and dull as a result. The track is to write as you speak. Read it aloud: ask, "Would I say that?" This way, you'll confirm your written voice is actually who you are.
- Aim to have fun!
Writing a blog post is usually a satisfying experience. So make sure you enjoy it!
And remember, if you're not having fun, it will show in your writing ... not a good idea.
Tips for Writing
Your head is now in the right place, so you need to set to work. But there are rules here, too, which make the difference between a post that's read, and shared, and one that ... isn't.
- Write a catchy headline
The headline is the first thing that people will see, so making it exciting and attention-grabbing is essential. It should give your reader a clear idea of what they can expect from your post – and what benefit they'll get!
- Start with a strong introduction
The introduction should have a "hook" that grabs the reader's attention and make them want to read more. It should be engaging and draw the reader in.
You could start with a story, a question, or a surprising fact.
- Use clear and concise language
Avoid jargon or "techie" terms your readers may not understand. If you are forced to do this, explain what they mean (as briefly as possible!)
- Break up your post
Divide it into sections with subheadings, and list points in bulleted form. This makes it easier for readers to skim and find the information they seek.
- Use images and multimedia
If you include pictures, videos, and create infographics, you will lift your post and this will help to break up the text so it's more engaging.
When you're done
Well, you're not done! However tempted you may be to close down your work and retreat for a celebratory drink (or three?) if you leave it here, you won't get anything like the benefit you deserve.
- Edit and proofread
This is the boring bit! But you'll be surprised at how many errors you can uncover. Not just typos but missed (or repeated) words, grammatical mistakes and formatting errors.
And maybe you need to change the tone a little, here and there.
These all detract from the value of your post, so before publishing, make sure to edit and proofread it for errors and readability.
Something like Grammarly is a great tool here, and can save you hours of work by automatically highlighting problems. (Note; we use it at ZandaX!)
Don't worry, it's something that every blogger does, and it pays off in audience reaction - and your own sense of pride.
- Promote your post
When your post is live, promote it on social media and other channels to increase its visibility and reach. And encourage your followers to share it as well. That's how content gets seen!
It could be the best, most authoritative post on the subject, but if no one knows about it, no one will see it!
- Ask for feedback
Once you've published your blog post, ask your readers for feedback. This will help you to improve your writing skills and create better content in the future.
And it will enable you to edit the post to improve its quality.
By following these tips, you can write a blog post that resonates with your audience and drives traffic to your website.
