Some Simple Blog Post Tips

byDaveSw

5.7K followers

Updated 5 years ago

Post Information

Words: 2137

Time to Read: Approximately 6 1/2 minutes; no fresh coffee unless you are under a half a cup at the moment!

Hi, Everyone...

Over a series of posts I have tried to lay out a structure for you to create content that will flow nicely and attract and hold your niche audiences. Much of that has been from a 10,000 foot view, which can be helpful so you understand concepts behind writing blog posts.

Today I want to drill down on the actual writing process. This is really where all the information that you have learned from whatever source comes into play. These are the words that your readers are going to see, understand, and take action from.

As with all the other posts on copywriting, with this short guide you will see that I am a great believer in systems, templates, and automation as appropriate. It just makes sense, it provides a standard of content, and your readers will appreciate this as they get to know your style and are comfortable with it.

So let's dig in...

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Using Templates for Your Blog Content

I highly recommend this, as it will help you make sure that you have included all the necessary elements and are expanding on them sufficiently (but not too much) so the reader can follow along and understand.

There are a number of styles of writing you can use, but I like the first-person the best as it conveys your personality right along with the content and can help you build a reputation, credibility, and authority.

With that being said, there are some elements that every post should have, whether it is a review, an explainer post, a "how-to" post, or "the best of" post. All of these are good approaches (and there are more) and will attract people to your content if you use keywords and some other SEO tactics...

As opposed to what I see often when I write comments on member blog posts, I tend to stay away from negative headlines for blog posts, as although they can draw in readers, they also can project a false premise (positive headlines are more powerful I think)...

Here is a basic outline for a blog that I like to use:

The template looks like this...

1. Main Image

- I like to use one that fits with the subject, and try to get one that is big enough to fit across the full page (although this is not possible all the time)...

- I make sure to complete the title, description and alternate description as well, using my keywords (for SEO).

- There are some free resources out there that might help (one is right here within Wealthy Affiliate). Tap into them, but make sure to use images that you are able to use with no restrictions.

Okay, that is done, and you are ready to move to the next step...

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2. Headline/Title

I try to develop one that offers one or more of the following

- A Surprise Factor

- A Clear Benefit

- Includes the keyword(s) (for SEO)

- Look for some free tools that you can find with a Google search and there are even some posts right here within Wealthy Affiliate that mention some. They will help...

Words are powerful and you really want to make sure that you make an impactful impression on whoever reads the headline. This is perhaps the MOST important element of the entire article so give it some thought and attention.

Now that you have the title, you can move on to the next step...

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3. First Paragraph(s)

This is where my "hook" or the "why" is mentioned for the reader - This is generally done in a paragraph or two (or three even at times) and it is intended to keep the reader interested and on the page/content if done correctly/effectively.

- You establish a connection with the reader on some level...

- Here is where you can highlight the main point(s) of the post.

- You also can mention your solution briefly.

- Also mention a few stats or research findings that brought you to the solution.

The headline is possibly the most important element in your blog post, but this area comes in a close second. If you do not keep them on the page and feeling that they are compelled to read on, they will bounce.

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4. Body

- You can develop this in a number of ways, such as using a list of items, describing a process that is useful, providing a step-by-step explanation, or perhaps using some other sort of framework fitting for the subject...

- This is your chance to provide the evidence for the solution and conclusions that you mentioned in the opening paragraphs.

- Keep the sentences short and simple as possible (if you are like me this is not that easy at times hehe)...

- Use headings to make the content digestible for the reader.

- Use bullet points or numbers when appropriate to further provide an easy way to understand your points.

- Just the facts as much as possible, you are not promoting anything at the top portion of the body part of the blog post, rather that bit comes later, near the end of the body content.

There is more (lots to think about and consider in this section)...

- I recommend using a first-person style so it is a comfortable read and also a comfortable task to write (try to make it flow like a conversation, that works well for me).

- Don't get TOO much into the weeds, try to keep it simple - if needed you can use citations at the end of your article (indeed while in school and with some professions this is a requirement).

- Add in internal and external links and your keyword(s) as they may fit naturally into the flow of your content (SEO again).

- Look for associated images, video, or graphics that will help you tell the story. Make sure they also are edited for the SEO end of things.

- Think about social proof as well. These days people use this quite often prior to making any buying decision.

- I like to add my CTA (call to action) at the end of this section after tieing everything up I have laid out with the solution I mentioned in the intro section.

- Depending on the thrust of the article, as a part of the CTA I may add in some FOMO (fear of missing out), scarcity (limited time or limited quantity), impacts of NOT taking action, and a focus on how the action is going to help them solve the problem.

Now you are at the end, and you have one more chance to reach them. I know some people leave this next section out, but I ALWAYS add it in, as I have then one more opportunity to drive my points home...

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5. Conclusion

This is where you get to tell them what you told them. It offers you a chance to make one final plea for them to take action, and you can also naturally add in the keyword(s) again (SEO).

Keep it light, and invite them to make comments or ask questions, perhaps mention the next post that is coming, etc.

I also like to add in or reiterate any personal experiences I may have had with the subject and why I think my solution is right for the reader.

That final bit might finally compel them to take the action that you want them too.

Following this is a little more information/advice that I always keep in mind too when creating my blog posts. Did you know that with some planning, you can add in yet more that will help the reader (and you)? Read on...

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6. Related Materials in the PostScript Area

There are a lot of times when I will add in additional supporting materials that do not necessarily belong in the main portion of the post.

After I have added my conclusion and signed off to the readers, I then will add this in. This can be another way to keep your readers on the page.

Things I include might be reference links, or lead magnets, or perhaps bonus materials if I am reviewing and recommending a product.

It gives you a chance to beef up the word count for the blog post and again tie some keywords into the area that may be useful for SEO (if done naturally).

There you have it! This is my "template" of sorts that I use for ALL my blog posts. Of course you may or may not see this blatently laid out in this manner in my blog posts, as they cover different subjects, styles and techniques, but this structure is behind all of them...

There is yet more advice too that I think will help you as you write...Read on please...

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Tips for the Writing Process:

- Plan your content ahead, as much as a month at a time if possible. This way you will not have to scramble to come up with topics and can develop a regular publishing frequency.

- You also can make sure that everything you create is in alignment with your overall business strategy and can develop other materials as needed to support social accounts or marketing.

- The materials might include lead magnets, social posts, email marketing campaigns, sales pages, etc. They all can be built out from your blog post as appropriate.

- Do away with any distractions as much as possible when you are creating your content and marketing plans.

We are not done yet, I have a few more tips that will help...

- Do the research and collect in one area all the data and resources that you are going to need for each blog post.

- It can really help to get into the habit of developing some of your posts well ahead of time and leave whatever is left to the periods when you have allotted the time for completing the posts.

- Going along with this work ahead idea, you can also complete posts ahead of time and schedule them to be published on a regular basis using the WordPress editor. This feature can be helpful for times when something like life gets in the way.

- Use a spelling and grammar check tool. I cannot tell you how much I count on Grammarly (free version) to catch the errors I make. Even if you are really good at writing, such a tool can be helpful. The blog posts we create here on Wealthy Affiliate are an anomoly, as Grammarly does not work with the feature - you are on your own (woe is me!)...

There is likely more but these are a few off the top of my head. Over time, they have helped me and I think they will help you too!

Next...I see we are at the end, and now I can practice what I am advocating here...

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Wrapping Up...

I know that many people will have their own template that they may be using for writing. This post is intended for those that perhaps are just getting back into writing again, or for those that are looking for ways to get more consistency with their blog posts, both in publishing frequency and content quality.

I do hope that it perhaps offers something even for the seasoned writer. In fact, I am quite sure that these readers can add in additional tips and advice that will help everyone, and I am hoping that they will take the time to add their thoughts in the comment section below!

So have a great time writing you way to an income online. It has been done and is being done by many people all over the world and there is no reason that every person reading this cannot do the very same thing. I believe in you all, and love to read the success stories that are abundent on this platform!

Cheers!

Dave : )

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Related Posts...

I have published a series of posts that will help you with writing copy. Here is a list and these should help you get pointed in the right direction:

(1) 7-Steps For Effectively Using Amazon For Niche Research

Link: https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/davesw/blog/7-steps-for-effe...

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(2) Affiliate Marketing - Picking a Niche THEN Creating A Customer Avatar

Link: https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/davesw/blog/affiliate-market...

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(3) Planning Guide "Plus" for Your Niche Website Posts

Link: https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/davesw/blog/planning-guide-p...

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(4) Copywriting Formulas Improve the Quality of Your Posts and Copy

Link: https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/davesw/blog/using-a-copywrit...

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(5) 10 Secrets about Copywriting for Blogs and Small Businesses

Link: https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/davesw/blog/10-tips-on-copyw...

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