I’ve published more than a hundred blog posts this year and yet, I learn something unique about blogging each time. Blogging boils down to common sense. You write a blog post, scan it quickly, and then question yourself, “Why wouldn’t I read it?” Perhaps, the blog post lacks an image, or the title isn’t magnetic. There’s undoubtedly something you can do to enhance it a wee bit. An “excellent” blog post receives more traffic and more shares. It’s great for your brand too. The icing on the cake: You earn more money!
Discussed here are 5 tips on writing excellent blog posts that deliver the results you want.
Writing Excellent Blog Posts Tip #1: Create a Definite Plan Even Before You Begin Writing
You don’t do yourself and your readers any favors by starting with a blank page and putting down everything that crosses your mind. While free-flow writing does serve as a great warm-up exercise, it’s a useless technique for crafting an excellent blog post that transitions smoothly.
Before you write your blog, create a simple plan. Since your headline makes up the most crucial text in your post, spend some time crafting one that draws the reader to your post. Next, note down the most relevant subheadings. An effective way of doing this: Initially, just write down all your ideas. Later, delete the ones you don’t need.
Now, you have the fundamental structure of your blog post. From here, it’s much easier for you to come up with a cohesive blog post that attracts your readers and serves their purpose.
Writing Excellent Blog Posts Tip #2: Present Extra Value to Your Reader with Exercises and/or Examples
Although you may have tons of useful information to share, you need to present all of that in a manner that your reader can grasp instantaneously and use just as quickly. Only then your post will be effective.
Readers don’t enjoy theoretical discussions or look for abstract principles. At times, understanding the why may interest them. Nevertheless, they are keen on knowing what to do.
Exercises give your readers a particular task they need to do. Examples help them “catch” what’s being discussed. Start by looking at one of your recent posts. Ask yourself whether you could include a short exercise or add an example for each point.
Writing Excellent Blog Posts Tip #3: Incorporate a Call to Action for Every Post
Indicate what you want your reader to do after they finish reading your post. Whether it’s leaving a comment, joining your mailing list, subscribing to your blog or buying your product/service, give your readers some direction.
Unless you do this, they may not have any initiative to take the next step. You must add a clear-cut call to action. Otherwise, your readers just move on to another blog.
You can integrate the call to action at any place in your post. Nevertheless, the most effective place is unquestionably at the end.
In the next post you write, include a call to action. Measure the results. You’ll understand their effectiveness.
Writing Excellent Blog Posts Tip #4: Edit Your Title, Sub-Headings, Introduction, and Conclusion
Few bloggers turn out an excellent post with one draft. Ensure that you leave adequate time in your writing schedule for comprehensive editing.
Even though the entire post is important, you must pay extra attention to:
- Your title because it makes or breaks your post. A superlative post with a mediocre title isn’t going to be clicked on.
- Your introduction because you need to keep your reader interested after they click on your title. Draw the reader into your post with a compelling hook. If you don’t, your reader will bounce. A vague, lengthy or confusing introduction dooms your post. The uninterested reader will just move away.
- Your conclusion because your reader arrived so far only if they genuinely enjoyed your post. Perhaps, they like your message. Make certain that you conclude your post with a strong ending and a stronger call to action.
Before publishing your post, edit it comprehensively. Choose from among several titles, compelling hooks, or different versions of call to action.
Writing Excellent Blog Posts Tip #5: Format for Easy Readability
Online readers just “scan” blog posts hurriedly. Wading through large, long paragraphs of text does not appeal to them. They look for well-formatted posts they can read quickly and easily.
Write an excellent blog post by making optimal use of subheadings, bullet points, bold text, and various formatting features.
- Subheadings serve as efficient signposts to the reader. Ensure they are clear. Vague subheadings hurt your SEO, too.
- Bullet points convey more information and add white space.
- Bold text enables you to emphasize key points. They also ensure that your post is easy to scan.
Whenever you see an excellent blog post that appears almost effortless to read, look at the way it’s formatted. Select the best features you could use.
Conclusion
An excellent blog post pulls its weight and builds and grows your business. You draw readers in. Your post gets shared, linked to and discussed. More importantly, excellent blog posts enable you to persuade your readers to take action. Every writer can follow the tips I have listed and come up with excellent blog posts.
