4 Easy Steps To A Better Blog Post
1. Break up long blocks of text. Visually, it's boring. It works for novels, but not for online readers. Think shorter paragraphs with good transitions.
2. Include an image near the top of your post. Again, you're creating interest and trying to connect with your reader. Images evoke emotion can pack a powerful punch.
(Be careful about copyright infringement! Personal photos are always perfect, but if you have any questions, check out Edie Melson's post Copyright Quiz - Do You Know Your Rights?)
3. Use headers, bold, italics, block quotes, etc. to call attention to keywords and phrases. Don't overuse them, but well-placed headings and quotes will engage your reader and keep them reading to the end.
4. Shorter is better. Personally, I try to keep my posts between 300-600 words. If I'm nearing the magical 600 word count, I consider making it a two-part post. This is good for a couple of reasons:
- you're less likely to lose your reader
- you're a week ahead on your blog schedule!
Here's an idea:
go back to an old post that had great content, but didn't get much traffic. Tweak it using these suggestions and re-post it. I bet you're amazed at the results!Derek Halpern's "How To Create The Perfect Blog Post" is an excellent article. He outlines nine essential elements that will help you create a visually exciting post that draws readers.
Another great article is Jeff Goins' "How To Write Scannable Content For Your Blog"
Care to share & tweet this to your friends?
4 easy steps to a better blog post
Happy blogging!
Susan
I appreciate your comments and feedback - please leave yours below!
Thanks Susan. I needed to hear this today and I plan to start blogging again soon.
ReplyDeleteGood guidelines!!
ReplyDeleteI don't remember how I stumbled upon your site, but you give GREAT information!! Thanks for sharing and making it sound so doable!
ReplyDeleteMary
http://memyselfandmercy.blogspot.com/
Good guidelines...I wonder how you would critique mine :) Yes, that's invite if you'd like! I already know my posts are probably too long!
ReplyDeleteSusan. these are good guidelines. Always wanting to learn to make my blogs better. Thanks for Sharing! I just retweeted this!
ReplyDeleteGreat Suggestions and I will use them all!
ReplyDeleteExcellent ideas!
ReplyDeleteSusan, What is that stuff at the top of the post? You give great tips here- and I have read both of the articles you cited and agree they have great information to share. I'm using headers/ lists more now. I love your idea to break up a post into two- one of my goals this year is to start getting ahead on posts!
ReplyDeleteThe image at the top? It's a screenshot of a link up menu. I couldn't come up with a good visual and I already had that image in my library.
DeleteHi Everybody -- thanks for taking time to read and comment! I'm glad this is helpful info. I'm purposely making these posts a little shorter. I figure that smaller bites are easier to digest!
ReplyDeleteI'd be honored if you subscribed, and I welcome any ideas for future posts!
Susan, I completely agree. There are a few blogs with authors I love, but I don't read/comment much because the posts are way too long. I try to keep mine between 400-600 words.
ReplyDeleteIf it's just one long, unbroken length of text, I hit the "red x" right away.
I'm with you, Crystal -- big long blogs of text are too much effort.
DeleteI have 2 blogs and although I can see there have been lots of visits hardly any comments unless there is a giveaway. I have been trying to chance up my way of posting. Thanks so much for the advice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and taking the time to comment, Ellie. I'd love to write a post on giveaways, but I've never done it. I'd love to get some tips from you! I'll DM you on Twitter :)
DeleteI know you have written about "link-ups" before, but do you mind reposting or writing about it again? Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHi Andy! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I'll retweet the link to my first Link-Up post. I'd love to hear any specific questions you have, and I'll schedule another post.
DeleteI'll DM you on Twitter :)
Susan, I'm so glad you visited today! This is really great info. There's so much to learn and your site is just what I need! Very helpful!
ReplyDeleteGlad it was helpful, Mary! I enjoyed your writing and look forward to following your blog!
DeleteMy blog guru suggested this site to me to improve my site. I am very blog ignorant, but am learning. I've been considering making my post shorter, just more often, so I may just do that now. It seems that one of my big problems is my title. I'm reading up on that now too. I've got things to learn if I want to actually make some money with this blog. Learning e-books is another thing. With these guidelines and other things I have been reading, I will try to give my reader what they want and more.
ReplyDelete