There are so many published articles on the internet but only very few quality blog posts.
In this article, I’ll spill the 16 steps to writing a good blog post that both captivates and provide value to your readers.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Choose a Topic
The journey to a stellar blog post begins with a standout topic.
The right topic can ignite your readers’ curiosity and keep them hooked till the very end.
Let’s walk through the process of choosing a topic.
– Identifying Reader Interests
“How do I choose a topic?” Simple. Start by understanding your readers.
What are their interests? Their challenges? Their questions? Make a list of these points.
Use it as a compass to guide your topic selection.
– Perform Keyword Research
Keyword research is an important aspect of blogging as it helps to identify the topics that your target audience is interested in.
There are numerous keyword research tools out there but I recommend Semrush as it’s beginner friendly and its package pricing is fair enough.
2. Conducting Topic Research
Research is the bedrock of a great blog post.
A well-researched piece not only boosts your credibility but also provides your readers with accurate and up-to-date information.
Stick to reputable information sources with research for more insights on your chosen topic.
3. Creating a Well-Structured Content Outline
An outline is like a roadmap for your blog post. It organizes your thoughts, arranges your ideas logically, and keeps you focused.
Smart bloggers create their outlines before writing the actual content, others write about anything that comes to mind without considering if it’s off the core topic of discourse.
How to Create an Outline
Start by jotting down the main points you want to cover.
Then, break these points down into sub-points.
Arrange these points and sub-points in a logical sequence. Voila! You have your outline.
4. Crafting an Engaging Headline
Your First Impression
Your headline is the first thing your readers see. It’s your chance to make a great first impression and pique their interest. So, make it count!
5. Hooking Readers with an Intriguing Introduction
A good introduction is like a movie trailer. It gives a sneak peek into what’s coming without revealing too much.
Use interesting facts, thought-provoking questions, or relatable anecdotes to captivate your readers.
6. Providing Valuable and Actionable Content
Your readers are here for a reason. They’re looking for value. Deliver it, share your expertise and offer practical tips.
Break down complex information into easy-to-understand chunks and give your readers something they can use.
Above all, the best way to provide value to your blog readers is to always satisfy the search intent.
7. Incorporating Research Data and Facts
Adding research data and facts to your blog post enhances your credibility. Not only does it back up your statements, but it also provides depth to your content.
Although not all content types are data or fact-based content but when possible, sprinkle your post with interesting stats, compelling data, and hard facts.
8. Write in a Conversational Tone
“Write like you talk”
Great writing is like a conversation. It connects, engages, and builds a rapport with your reader.
Bloggers who also double as academic writers do find it difficult to write in a conversational tone.
Regardless of your writing background, you must learn to ditch the formal jargon when writing blog posts.
Use personal pronouns. Keep it simple and friendly.
9. Incorporating Visuals
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Use visuals to enhance your blog post. They break up texts, make your post more engaging, and can help explain complex ideas.
Infographics, images, and videos – they all make your blog post a rich asset.
10. Adding Call-To-Action (CTAs)
This can be an opt-in form to your email list, an opt-in for a freebie or directing readers to a product page.
Your readers shouldn’t just read and go, a good blog post should also act as a touch point somewhere along your sales funnel.
11. Editing and Proofreading
No blog post is ready without a good round of editing and proofreading. It’s your chance to catch any errors, clarify vague statements, and polish your language.
A must-have writing editing and grammar tool for bloggers is Grammarly.
It has a free plan and a paid option for in-depth grammar analysis and corrections.
12. Optimizing for SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is your ticket to organic visibility.
By incorporating relevant keywords, clear headings, and meta tags, you boost your chances of appearing in search engine results.
13. Crafting a Compelling Conclusion
A great conclusion does the following:
- wraps up your post neatly,
- summarizes the key points and
- reinforces the takeaways.
14. Polishing the Formatting and Design
Good content deserves a good presentation. Clean formatting, easy-to-read fonts, and thoughtful design enhance your readers’ experience.
So, take the time to make your post look as good as it reads.
15. Adding a Featured Image
A featured image is like a cover for your blog post.
It grabs attention and sets the tone for your content.
Also, when you share your blog post on social media, the featured image usually appears in the preview, making your post more eye-catching and shareable.
16. Publish and Share Your Blog Post When Ready
Just before publishing, do a quick read-through to pinpoint any left-out spelling or formatting errors but don’t waste time.
One common blogging mistake is trying to perfect every blog post before publishing.
A good blogger knows when to stop fussing and hit the “publish” button.
Just make sure your content is free from multiple grammatical errors and every other basic thing is in place, publish and share your piece with the world.
You can update the content with any new information that comes to mind later on.
I’ve created a complete guide on starting a blog, you can see it here:
How to Start a Profitable Blog: A Detailed Step-By-Step Guide
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
– What is the most important step in writing a blog post?
All steps are important as they contribute to creating a high-quality, engaging blog post. However, choosing a relevant topic and conducting thorough research form the foundation of a good post.
– How can I make my blog post stand out?
Your content is meant to provide value to your readers. An SEO-optimized, well-researched post that resonates with your audience will always stand out.
– How often should I post on my blog?
Consistency is key in blogging. Establish a posting schedule that you can maintain – be it daily, weekly, or bi-weekly.
Regularly updating your blog keeps your readers engaged and improves your blog’s visibility.
– What should I do after publishing my blog post?
Promote it! Share it on your social media platforms, send it to your email subscribers, and use SEO strategies to increase its visibility.
Engage with your readers in the comments section and encourage discussions around your content.
Final Thoughts on Steps to Write a Good Blog Post
There you have it. My 16 steps to writing a stellar blog post.
If you’re a beginner blogger, this might seem like a lot, but trust me, it gets much easier over time.
With practice, patience, and persistence, you too can craft blog posts that inform, engage, and rank well on Google’s search engine result page.
Till we meet again on another article,
Do have a nice day.
0 Comments