How to Write a Blog Post: 22 Actionable Tips

Writing a blog post may seem like a breeze, especially when you see teenagers doing it effortlessly.

But let’s face it, crafting a truly exceptional blog post takes a lot more effort and skill.

If you’re ready to elevate your blogging game and make your content shine, we’ve got you covered with 22 actionable tips that will set you apart from the crowd. These valuable insights will guide you on your journey to writing a remarkable blog post that leaves a lasting impact on your readers. So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of top-notch blogging!

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Table of Contents

Before You Can Write a Great Blog Post You Need a Blog

22 Steps to Write a Blog Post

1. Blog On Your Passion + Monetary Aspect

Blogging can be a rewarding experience, but only if you are truly passionate about the topic you choose. Don’t settle for a topic you simply “think” you’ll be passionate about; go for one that you absolutely love.

Your passion will drive your creativity and keep you eager to learn more and share your knowledge with the world. 

Yet, truth be told, passion dies eventually if there is no monetary benefit involved. As brutal as it may sound yet that’s the truth. 

You have to find the sweet spot between your passion and the monetary aspect of things. 

2. Break With Your Old Ways

Remember those term papers you had to write in school?

Well, forget everything your professors taught you about formal writing because blogging is a whole different ballgame.

Instead of writing in a stiff and academic manner, aim to create a conversation with your readers. Talk to them, not at them.

Engage them with your words and make your content relatable and enjoyable to read.

3. Know What You Want To Write About

Before you dive into writing, take a moment to plan your blog post. Know how you want to start, what key points you want to convey, and how you’ll wrap everything up. 

Having a clear structure in mind will help you stay focused and organized while writing. 

While spontaneity is great, it may not work well with blogging, especially if you’re short on time. 

Planning your content ahead will save you time and ensure your blog posts flow smoothly.

4. Find Popular Topics To Blog About

To find the perfect topic for your blog, start by exploring your passions and interests. Make a list of all the popular blogs within that niche.

A simple Google search can help you identify these blogs. If your niche is relatively small, include blogs that are somewhat related and have gained popularity.

Now that you have a comprehensive list of popular blogs, make it a habit to browse through them regularly, at least once a week.

Look for social buttons on each post, indicating the number of tweets or likes it received. Higher numbers signify more engagement.

Focus on the posts that have garnered over 50 or 100 social shares, and compile them in a spreadsheet.

This list will serve as a valuable resource for future blog topic ideas. Whenever you’re in need of inspiration, turn to this go-to list to find exciting and trending topics to write about.

5. Create An Awesome Title

Before diving into your blog post, ensure you have an eye-catching and captivating title. A great title is essential for grabbing readers’ attention and encouraging them to read your content.

Let’s take an example where the target keyword is “cake baking tips.” From an SEO perspective, it’s crucial to include the keyword in the title and position it near the beginning. However, from a blogging standpoint, the words surrounding the keyword must be enticing enough to enthrall readers. Incorporating numbers has proven to be highly effective in blog post titles.

Instead of a simple “cake baking tips,” opt for something like “25 Incredible Cake Baking Tips.” Notice how this title entices readers with the specific number of 25 and the word “incredible,” sparking their curiosity. A title like this is sure to generate clicks and draw readers into your fascinating blog post.

6. Hook Your Readers

In the fast-paced digital world, capturing your readers’ attention is a make-or-break moment. Those crucial first few sentences can either hook them in or lose them forever. From an SEO perspective, it’s also vital to place your keyword upfront in the content, ideally within the first few sentences.

Let’s craft an introduction that draws readers in:

“Ever wondered how easy it is to write a blog post? If a teenager can do it, so can you, right? Well, the truth is, writing a blog post may not be hard, but crafting a remarkable one is an entirely different story.”

By examining the paragraph above, you’ll notice some strategic elements:

  • Building a Connection: We’re engaging in a conversation with you, making it feel like a friendly chat.
  • Instilling Confidence: By suggesting that anyone can write a blog post, we empower you to believe in your abilities.
  • Piquing Curiosity: We hint that not everyone writes great blog posts, leaving you intrigued and wanting to know more.

In the following paragraph, social proof comes into play to demonstrate our credibility. For those new to our blog, this proof is essential.

“Having founded two blogs over the past few years, I can’t deny that my first one, a Technorati 100 blog, had some lackluster content. Regrettably, readers weren’t drawn to the material or motivated to join the conversation through comments.”

Sharing our blogging journey provides valuable context. The fact that our first blog was a Technorati 100 blog might help you take our advice more seriously. At the same time, acknowledging our past mistakes reveals that we’re not perfect, and there’s always room for improvement.

Remember, each writer has a unique style, and there’s no need to replicate this exactly. As long as you incorporate some of these elements into your introductory paragraphs, you’ll have your readers eagerly engaged.

7. Create A Conversation

Have you ever noticed how often I use the words “you” and “I” in my blog posts? It’s because I want to connect with you and create a genuine conversation. The last thing I want is for you to feel like you’re reading a dull essay, and I know I wouldn’t enjoy that either.

Over the years, I’ve honed my writing style to be as personable and relatable as possible, and it has paid off. I receive numerous comments on each of my blog posts, and I believe it’s because of the conversational tone I adopt.

While I’ve never conducted an A/B test comparing essay-style posts to conversation-style ones, I am confident that the latter is more effective in terms of readability and engagement.

And it seems you prefer it too, as I receive emails like this one every week:

“I just wanted to say thanks for all of the blog posts you have written. They are insightful and have helped me learn online marketing. Your blog is really easy to read and digest the information.

No need for a response.

Cheers!”

By creating a conversation with your readers, you’ll notice that your blog posts are read more, and people are more inclined to leave comments.

Imagine this scenario: you come across a blog post that you absolutely love, and the author asks you a question at the end. What would you do?

Chances are, you’d respond with a comment, just like I would.

Asking your readers questions encourages more engagement and feedback. It also keeps people on your blog longer, as it takes more than a few seconds to leave a thoughtful comment. Moreover, it opens up opportunities for you to respond to comments and entice readers to return to your blog.

At Quick Sprout, I make it a point to respond to every single comment because it’s one of the main reasons why repeat visitors make up 40% of my traffic. Engaging in meaningful conversations with my audience has not only improved my blog’s interaction but also fostered a loyal community of readers.

8. Open Up

When you read a blog, have you ever wondered about the person behind the words? Often, bloggers remain distant and anonymous, making it hard for readers to truly connect. But that’s about to change. It’s time to open up and let your audience in.

The key to forging a deeper connection lies in creating an engaging About page. This isn’t just about your blog or your company; it’s about you—the individual behind the blog. If you have a corporate blog, consider dedicating an About page to each author.

So, how do you craft an About page that captivates your readers and encourages them to get to know you better? Follow these steps:

  • Tell Your Story: From Birth to Today Don’t hold back; let your audience in on the journey that brought you to this point. Share the moments of triumph and the ones that made you wiser. Your life story, from childhood to the present, adds depth and authenticity to your blog.
  • Embrace Vulnerability Sharing your vulnerabilities is not a sign of weakness; it’s a display of courage and humanity. Don’t be afraid to reveal the moments you’re proud of, as well as the ones that taught you valuable lessons. Your readers will appreciate your honesty and connect with your journey on a personal level.
  • Put a Face to the Words A picture is worth a thousand words, and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to building connections. Let your audience see the person behind the blog by adding a photograph to your About page. It could be a professional headshot or a more creative cartoon version—either way, it humanizes your presence.
  • Share Your Aspirations Just as you help your readers with your content, they too can play a role in supporting your goals. Discuss your future plans and dreams on your About page. Maybe you envision starting a non-profit or taking on a new venture. Let your audience be a part of your journey and inspire them to join you on this path.

9. Longer Content Is Usually Better

When it comes to creating impactful content, longer is often better – that’s a fact supported by data. Dive into the reasons why longer posts perform exceptionally well in various aspects.

The SEO Connection: Length and Search Traffic

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial factor in content visibility, and word count plays a significant role. Studies reveal that longer content tends to rank higher in search engine results. Google’s web crawler, Googlebot, indexes every word and tag on your page, and the more content you have, the better it performs in searches. It’s a straightforward equation: more indexed content equals higher chances of securing a top position on Google.

The Link-Back Advantage: Longer Content = More Links

In the realm of link-backs, longer content reigns supreme. Moz’s test confirms that length correlates with more link-backs, and this directly impacts SEO and leads to better conversions and revenue. Longer articles have a higher chance of being shared, indicating a strong connection between content length and social engagement.

The Shareability Factor: Long Content Gets More Shares

The golden share zone for content starts around 1,500 words. Research shows that articles with more than 1,500 words receive 68% more tweets and 22% more Facebook likes than shorter pieces. It turns out that content length significantly affects shareability, trumping other factors commonly believed to make content share-worthy.

Beyond Length: Considering Other Factors

While content length holds great importance, it’s not the sole consideration when crafting impactful web content. Several other factors come into play:

  • Substance: The core message you want to convey. Whether it takes 100 or 2,000 words, make sure your content does justice to the topic.
  • Style: Different writing styles influence content length. Some require brevity, while others embrace conversational and interactive tones.
  • Frequency: How often you post can influence content length. Thorough blog posts may accompany less frequent postings, while daily blogs may be shorter but more frequent.
  • Format: Formatting matters for readability. Subheadings, images, and short paragraphs break up content and make it more reader-friendly.
  • Purpose: Define the purpose of your content marketing – be it conversions, brand awareness, social engagement, or education – as different goals may require varying content lengths.
  • Audience: Know your audience well – their interests, needs, and problems. Crafting content tailored to their preferences ensures they’ll read it.
  • Medium: Not all content is written. Infographics, videos, and memes communicate differently, making word count irrelevant for these formats.

10. Make Sure What You Write Is Original

Creating original content is paramount when writing for your blog or website. It should never be redundant, duplicated, or plagiarized. Redundancy occurs when you write on the same topic multiple times with minimal variation. For instance, if you have articles on “14 SEO copywriting tips” and “SEO copywriting advice,” ensure they offer unique insights or merge them into a single, comprehensive piece.

11. Provide Practical Advice And Relevant Research

To provide value to your readers and attract quality backlinks, focus on addressing their problems or concerns. Crafting how-to articles and tutorials related to their needs can make a significant impact. Original research is another powerful approach. Conduct interviews or dig up stories with no known sources and present your audience with fresh, analyzed information.

Incorporating survey results or original research findings can also boost credibility and visibility within your community. This credibility will help you earn genuine, long-lasting links from loyal followers who will spread the word about your content.

Before diving into writing, search the web for similar articles on your topic. This step helps you understand the uniqueness of your idea and identify potential ways to make it stand out. Narrowing your focus is sometimes necessary, but remember to provide in-depth insights beyond surface-level information.

Take my “7 Habits of Highly Successful SEOs” post as an example. Instead of reiterating commonly known SEO habits, I delved into the less obvious yet critical intangibles like creativity, risk-taking, and the unexpected. 

Offering insightful and interesting content that can’t be found elsewhere is key to attracting engaged readers. Strive to create content that not only meets the readers’ needs but also exceeds their expectations, leaving them with valuable takeaways.

12. Use The Proper URL Structure

In terms of SEO and user experience, it’s essential to have your keyword in the URL. Keeping the URL short and to the point is highly recommended. Simply include your target keyword in the URL to optimize its impact. Let’s take an example: if your post revolves around the best web hosting, your URL should be something like https://www.exampleblog.com/best-web-hosting/.

This approach not only satisfies Google’s SEO requirements, but it also enhances user experience. When people share this URL on social media, having a concise URL ensures that they can easily share it across all platforms without exceeding the character limit. So, remember to keep your URLs keyword-rich and user-friendly to make the most out of your content both for SEO and sharing purposes.

13. Use A Variety Of Related Keywords Within Your Post

The impact of using a diverse set of keywords in your content cannot be overstated when it comes to improving your SEO.

Imagine you’re crafting a short blog post on “writing great headlines,” aiming for around 200 words. In this concise piece, you may naturally use the search term “writing great headlines” and perhaps a couple of related variations. It serves its purpose well.

However, what if you were working on an extensive article spanning 2,000 words? With more content to play with, you get the opportunity to include a wide range of related keywords, enhancing your SEO even further:

  • “how to craft a killer headline”
  • “creating great headlines”
  • “writing better headlines”
  • “tips for a great opening line”
  • “an effective title”
  • “the title of your post is important”
  • “it’s a winning headline”
  • “because these words in the title…”
  • “those first words and their magnetic power”
  • “sizzling hot titles”
  • “some of the most popular headlines…”

Having more content allows you to incorporate a diverse array of keywords. This variety improves your performance in search queries as Google considers not only exact matches but also semantically related content.

For instance, if you search “creating a great headline,” Google delivers results like “magnetic headlines” and “catchy headlines.” Despite not using “catchy” or “magnetic” in the initial query, Google smartly recognizes my preferences and provides relevant results.

By writing longer posts, you unlock the potential of long-tail keywords and latent semantic indexing. The strategic spread of keywords creates a powerful matrix for search engine ranking, elevating your content’s visibility and reach.



14. Use Headings, Bullets, Lists, And Block Quotes

Have you ever wondered why books are so easy to read and keep readers engaged? The secret lies in how their content is expertly broken down into bite-size bits using chapters, headings, and bullets. If you want your blog posts to captivate your audience just like books do, then using content guides and dividers is the way to go.

Curious about the impact of this approach, I had my developer run A/B tests on a few of my Quick Sprout blog posts. In one version, we used no headings, while in the other, we strategically incorporated headings, bullets, lists, and block quotes.

The results were eye-opening! By integrating headings, bullets, lists, and block quotes, the average time readers spent on each blog post increased by a significant 31 seconds. That seemingly small tweak led to a remarkable 17.8% increase in overall time spent on the site.

As we all know, the longer readers stay engaged with your blog posts, the higher the likelihood that they’ll read through the entire content. Content guides and dividers play a crucial role in this process, making it easier for readers to navigate and consume your valuable information.

But that’s not all; from an SEO perspective, headings also play a pivotal role. They provide valuable cues to search engines, including Google, about the thematic focus of your article. Remember to include one H1 and one H2 tag, and sprinkle a few H3 and H4 tags where relevant. Typically, the H1 is your blog post title, and the H2 acts as your subheading. The additional tags can be used throughout your post to organize and emphasize important points.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: make sure to include your target keyword, or a variation of it, in your headings. This not only helps with SEO but also provides a clear signal to readers about the content they can expect.

15. Increase Your Font Size And Spacing

Experimenting with font size and spacing can have a significant impact on the readability of your blog posts. In my quest to enhance the user experience on my 13 blogs, I decided to conduct a quick test and see if increasing the font size could positively affect the time visitors spent on the site.

The results were intriguing. When choosing a legible font type like Arial, Times, or Georgia, increasing the font size proved to be beneficial in retaining readers on the site.

For instance, when I increased the font size from 8 to 9, the average time visitors spent on the site increased by a remarkable 13 seconds. Taking it further and increasing the font size from 9 to 10 resulted in an additional 8-second boost in time on site. And by making the leap from 10 to 11, I added another 6 seconds.

However, it’s essential to consider the font type in the equation. Beyond a font size of 11, further increases didn’t seem to make a substantial difference in the time visitors spent on the site. This phenomenon could be attributed to the fact that font size 11 is generally comfortable enough to read, rendering larger sizes less impactful.

So, if you want to improve the readability of your blog posts and engage your audience for longer periods, consider experimenting with font size and find the sweet spot that resonates with your readers. A simple tweak in font size can make a world of difference in enhancing the overall user experience on your blog.

16. Link to Your Other Related Posts

One valuable practice that search engines and readers appreciate is the inclusion of internal links to other related posts on your website. Imagine you have another fantastic article about cake decorating techniques. Seize this opportunity to enhance user experience by adding an internal link to that article, providing your audience with another valuable resource on your site.

From an SEO perspective, internal linking also contributes to boosting the ranking of the linked page.

17. Link To Valuable External Resources

Another way to improve SEO and enhance your visitors’ experience is by including links to other relevant sites and resources that you find valuable.

Suppose you want to provide information about dry measuring cups, but you don’t have content on that topic on your site. Alternatively, you may come across an exceptional resource on the web that you want to share with your audience. In such cases, I like to conduct a quick search for the specific keyword and find high-quality sources, like Wikipedia, which offers a comprehensive article about measuring cups, including dry measuring cups.

By linking to this external page within my post, I not only guide my readers to additional valuable information but also signal to Google that I am citing an authoritative site in the niche. This can positively impact my rankings.

18. Use Images And Videos (but not too many)

When it comes to creating engaging content, multimedia is a game-changer. It’s not just about text anymore; people crave visuals like images and videos. Including multimedia elements not only makes your content more appealing but also boosts your SEO efforts, as search engines like Google favor media-rich content.

But here’s the catch – while multimedia is essential, too much of it can be overwhelming. Striking the right balance is key to keeping your readers hooked. One way to do this is by using well-written alt tags for your images. These tags not only improve your SEO but also provide valuable context for readers with images disabled.

Scrollmap tests on Crazy Egg have shown that blog posts with more than three images tend to be read 15% less compared to those with fewer images. Surprisingly, the time spent on posts with three or more images is also 15% shorter than the average time spent on the site. This indicates that an excessive number of images can distract readers from consuming your content.

The key takeaway is to use multimedia thoughtfully. Incorporate images and videos where they add value and enhance your message. Remember, the goal is to captivate your audience with compelling content, not to overwhelm them with visuals. Strike the right balance, and your multimedia-rich posts will keep readers engaged and coming back for more. So, be strategic in your use of multimedia and watch your user experience soar.

19. Do Not Clutter Your Blog Post With Call To Actions Or Advertisements

When it comes to creating a successful blog post, simplicity is key. Take a step back and assess your website. Where do your eyes naturally gravitate? Is it clear what actions you want your readers to take? A cluttered blog post can confuse your audience and distract them from your main message.

Let’s take a look at an example. Imagine landing on a website like WebProNews, only to be bombarded with numerous ads and content scattered everywhere. The headline is nowhere to be seen, making it challenging for readers to find the essential information.

Search engines might not mind the clutter, but for your readers, it’s a different story. To create a positive user experience, opt for a clean and straightforward design that your readers will love. Keep your calls-to-action strategically placed and unobtrusive, guiding your audience seamlessly through your content.

20. Correct Any Spelling, Grammar, Or Factual Errors

Believe it or not, bad spelling and grammar can negatively impact your website’s ranking. Matt Cutts himself acknowledged this correlation back in 2011, noting that sites with better spelling tend to rank higher than those with poor spelling.

Before hitting that publish button, always run a spelling and grammar check to ensure your content is error-free. Double-check your facts to maintain credibility and accuracy. A polished blog post not only pleases your readers but also boosts your search engine performance.

21. Get Someone Else To Read Your Post Before You Publish

While it’s essential to review your content yourself, an extra pair of eyes can make a significant difference. Consider having someone else read through your blog post before publishing it. This fresh perspective can help catch any overlooked issues or identify areas for improvement.

If possible, seek feedback from multiple individuals to ensure thorough scrutiny of your content. Constructive criticism can lead to valuable refinements, enhancing your blog post’s overall quality.

22. Write A Conclusion (Like This One)

Ever wondered why my blog posts always have a conclusion at the bottom? There’s a simple reason behind it: to provide you with a quick synopsis in case you’re short on time. If reading the entire post isn’t feasible, just scroll down to the conclusion, and you’ll get the essence of it.

At first, I didn’t always include clear conclusions, but then I discovered the power of scroll tests. By adding a conclusion and explicitly labeling it, I noticed an intriguing pattern. Nearly 10% of readers started scrolling further down the page, attracted by the promise of understanding the post’s main message.

Having a conclusion section has become a game-changer. Many of you now prefer scrolling down to the end of the post before going back up to start reading from the top.

But wait, haven’t we been told to summarize our points in the conclusion just like in school essays? Well, that approach might work for essays, but not for blog posts.

Here’s how I approach my conclusions:

  • Keep it simple – A good conclusion doesn’t need to be lengthy. It should be concise and straightforward, hitting the key points.
  • Add your final thoughts – Instead of merely rehashing what’s already been discussed in the post, let’s offer something new and meaningful. It adds an element of surprise and intrigue.
  • Leave things open – If you want to foster more engagement on your blog, keeping your conclusion open is essential. A great way to do this is by posing a question to your readers, encouraging them to share their thoughts and opinions.

So, next time you read my blog posts, remember to check out the conclusion. It might just provide you with a quick dose of valuable insights and keep you engaged throughout the journey of exploring new ideas. Happy scrolling!

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