Sitting down to write a blog post can seem like a daunting task, especially when you do not know where to get started or how to put your thoughts into words that people will want to read. We at SocialNicole have experienced that dreaded writers block, so we thought it would be helpful to pull together a little how-to guide to get you started and give you the confidence you need to rock your next blog post.
Step 1: Know your audience.
Solidifying who your audience is is essential when you sit down to write a blog post. It will give you a good sense of topics that will appeal to your target audience. You will be able to address the needs and interests of your target audience when you sit down and write with your audience in mind.
Step 2: Pick a topic that will resonate with your audience and come up with a working title.
First and foremost, you need to come up with a topic for your blog post. After you have settled on a topic start brainstorming a working title. A working title is one that may be molded and changed as you write to make sure it addresses and informs your audience about what your blog post will be about. A title is usually one of the first things that a reader reads so you want to make sure it accurately describes what your post will be addressing.
Step 3: Open with an engaging introduction.
After you have decided on a topic and have a good sense of a title your focus needs to be crafting an introduction that will not only provide your readers with a deeper understanding of what your blog will be talking about, but also captivate their interest to get them to want to know more and read the blog post through to the end. Consider starting with a question, fact or joke to grab your reader’s attention.
Step 4: Break up the body of your blog post into small information hubs that are easy to digest.
If applicable contain a list that is easy to read or that translates into main points or instructions and include headings whenever possible. There are so many different ways to organize the content of your blog post to make it appeal to your readers. If your blog post focuses on “how to” do something have it the body broken up into a step by step guide. If you are planning on making a list use bullet points. Regardless of how you organize the body of your content have catchy headlines/headings that will grab the attention of even those “skimming” readers and maybe even draw them in to read your full post. Headlines stand out and can still get the point of your blog post across even if someone decides to just skim it.
Step 5: Add a visual component.
Your blog post needs to contain some sort of visual to make it more engaging and interesting. Add an image that pertains to what your blog post is talking about. For example, If you are talking about a specific product post an image of that product. Along with adding an image to your blog post, make sure you take a look at the overall layout of your blog to make sure it is visually appealing and flows, headers should break up long blocks of text and if you are using bullet points make sure they all lineup.
Step 6: Close with a purpose or call to action.
Your closing is the final take away that people get from your blog post. Make sure you have a strong closing. You can start a conversation with your readers by asking a question, have a call to action such as telling them to subscribe to your newsletter or include an action, such as click here to download my latest e-book. A good blog post will deliver its message through the use of words and visuals in a clean, well laid out manner. Following the steps above should help you with the writing process. Share your best best tips for writing blog posts in the comment section below. A good blog post will deliver its message through the use of words and visuals in a clean, well laid out manner. Following the steps above should help you with the writing process. Share your best best tips for writing blog posts in the comment section below.