Writing a blog post can be a daunting task for many, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy, anyone can create an informative, engaging, and well-structured blog post that will draw readers in. In this article, I’ll go over the basics of how to write a blog post, from choosing a topic and researching it to formatting and promoting it.
Writing a successful blog post requires research, structure, and perspective. Start by creating a list of potential article ideas, check for relevant keywords, thoroughly research the topic, then create an outline for the post. Use subheadings to make the post easy to read. With a bit of effort, anyone can create an engaging blog post.
Now, let’s see step by step how to write a blog post that your readers will love!
Table Of Contents
1. Generate A List Of Potential Blog Post Ideas
Generating a list of potential article ideas is an important step in writing a successful blog post.
Brainstorming ideas can help you come up with topics that you can write about that are related to your blog’s niche.
Brainstorming Blog Post Topic Ideas
- To come up with ideas, you can start by researching current trends in your niche using tools like Google Trends, or by asking friends or family members what they would be interested in reading.
- Try searching for potentially exciting topics on Google. When doing so, start by analyzing what the Google autocomplete is suggesting to you. This can already give you some potentially good ideas, for example, if I type “How to write a blog post” in Google, here’s what I get:
But there’s more! Let’s scroll down on the search results page and see what else Google is suggesting to us. Often you will have a section named “People Also Ask”, it looks like the picture below. You will also notice that if you click any of the questions, Google not only shows you a snippet, but it is also adding new available questions to the bottom of the list. This can be a great source of inspiration when trying to come up with ideas for a blog post!
This is great, however, it doesn’t end here! Keep scrolling down the Google search results, towards the end of the page you will notice another section named “Related Searches”. In my example, this is what it looks like!
- Use semantic tools like Answer The Public. This tool can give you all the related questions, comparisons, and closely related topics to your query. It also gives you a graphical representation of those to make it easier to understand. Here’s one of the graphs it produces for the query “how to write a blog post”:
Narrow down your blog topic ideas list
Once you have a few ideas, write them down and start to narrow down your list. Consider the topics that you have the most knowledge about and those that have the most potential to draw in readers.
When narrowing down your list, look for topics that are unique, interesting, and relevant to your niche. Additionally, make sure that the topics are something that you can write about in-depth and provide valuable information.
The most important step to narrow down your list of blog article ideas is to actually analyze what’s already available about the topic. To do this, try searching the potential blog post topic on Google and check the top 5 results:
- Are the title and descriptions of the existing results any good to answer the search query? If they are not a good match, it’s a positive sign.
- Are the other results matching the search intent? What are the people likely to be looking for when typing that search query? If the other results are not on point, it means that there is a potential opportunity.
- Open the top 5 articles. Are they any good? Did they miss some key information? Can they be improved? If there’s no room for improvement, then it is probably pointless to write a new blog post about the same stuff. In this case, you may have to narrow down your topic and maybe cover more in detail just a specific aspect.
- Is there any forum ranking on page one? Generally, Google tends to prefer other type of content, so if a forum is on page one, it should be easy for you to write something better.
In this process, try to assign a score to each blog post topic idea in your list, and remove the ones that don’t look promising.
2. Keyword research
Keyword research is a vital component of successful blog writing. Knowing what words and phrases your audience is searching for can help you craft an effective title and structure for your blog post. By researching relevant keywords, you can also uncover interesting topics that are sure to grab your readers’ attention.
When conducting keyword research, it’s important to be creative and think outside the box. As explained in the previous section, brainstorm a list of potential topics that your readers may be interested in, then use keyword tools such as Google Trends and Keyword Planner to find the most popular search terms related to your topics.
There are also many other paid keyword tools available, the most interesting ones are:
- AHrefs: the most popular premium sets of tools, for agencies or if you are looking to get your website to the next level.
- Semrush: one of the best premium options. It also offers a 7 days free trial. Their subscription is quite expensive, so it is recommended for agencies or if you are looking to get your website to the next level.
- Lowfruits: this tool works in a slightly different way, as it looks for forums ranking on the top positions of Google search. It also offers a free plan allowing to get related keywords and their search volume. This could be a great option if you are just starting out.
- KeySearch: Budget option offering also a limited free plan. With this tool, you also get a keyword difficulty score, which can be quite handy.
Google’s FREE Keyword Tool: Keyword Planner
Google’s Keyword Planner is an incredibly useful and free resource for anyone looking to optimize their blog post for certain keywords or phrases.
This tool allows you to enter a phrase or keyword and receive a list of related words and phrases that can be used to structure the post and make it more visible in search engine results.
In addition to providing a list of related words, the tool also provides information on the search volume for each keyword, which can be used to determine the best words to focus on in the post.
The tool also provides keyword suggestions based on the words or phrases you enter, which can help you find new ideas for your blog post. Overall, the Keyword Tool is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to write a successful blog post.
Identifying Relevant Keywords
To find the most relevant keywords, it is important to use a keyword tool such as Google’s keyword tool coupled with the Google search results themselves.
I just covered what you can get with Google Keyword Planner, however, not many people know that also Google search can show you some relevant related keywords!
When analyzing the Google search results for a specific keyword, it is useful to look at what words are bolded in the descriptions of the other results when researching the topic. If you spot any word that is not included in your keyword and has been marked in bold by Google, bingo! You found a new keyword that Google considers a synonym of some of the keywords you searched for.
This means that you can use your keyword and the bolded ones interchangeably, making your blog post less repetitive and Google will still consider those keywords as being essentially the same thing.
Once you have a list of relevant keywords for the topic, you can then use them to structure your blog post by creating headings and subheadings based on those keywords.
Bolded ? Keywords ? in Google Search
If you see bolded words in the Google search results and you didn’t search for them, it means that for Google those keywords can be used interchangeably with the ones you used.
Here’s an example when searching for “How to Write A Blog Post”:
As you can see, Google shows the word “draft” in bold, even if I didn’t enter that keyword in the search. This means that Google will consider the sentence “how to draft a blog post” as being equivalent to the one I searched for!
This will make it easier for readers to scan the post and find the information they are looking for.
Additionally, it will help to optimize the post for search engine optimization (SEO). By taking the time to research and identify the most relevant keywords, you can ensure that your blog post is successful and reaches the right audience.
3. Topic Research
Research is an essential part of writing a successful blog post. Before you begin drafting your blog post, do some research to make sure you have the necessary knowledge to write an informed article.
Research can include reading articles, listening to podcasts, watching YouTube videos, and interviewing experts. It can also involve conducting surveys and exploring other blogs in your niche. Gathering accurate information will help you create an engaging, informative, and accurate post that can help your readers.
Try to learn as much as possible about the topic. This will also help you to draft the blog post structure and then write an amazing article.
4. Craft the Perfect Headline
Crafting the perfect headline for a blog post is essential for grabbing the attention of readers and drawing them in. A headline should be catchy and witty, while also conveying the main point of the blog post. When writing a headline, you should focus on being concise and clever, while avoiding cliches.
Start by brainstorming some ideas and writing them down. Think of words or phrases that capture the essence of the blog post, while also being catchy and memorable. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. You can also look to other headlines for inspiration.
As an alternative, once you have your main keyword for your blog post you can generate attractive blog titles in just one click with Blog AI Writer. This is also available directly inside WordPress, the most used content management system (CMS) for bloggers! Here’s what it looks like:
5. Write A Blog Post Outline
An outline is a key tool for any writer who wants to create an effective blog post. It’s like a map that helps you organize your thoughts, structure your ideas, and stay on track. Without an outline, it can be hard to stay focused and create a blog post that flows and is easy to read.
Creating an outline can help you save time and effort. It’s like having a plan that you can refer to and follow. You don’t have to worry about forgetting important ideas or getting lost in the middle of the post. An outline also lets you easily move sections around and rearrange your post to make it more effective.
How to write a blog post outline?
When outlining your post, start by writing down the main points you want to make in the post. This will give you an idea of the direction you want to take your post in and allow you to begin forming an overall structure.
Next, break down each point into smaller, more detailed sections. This will make it easier for readers to follow along and keep track of the points you are making. It also helps you stay focused on the main points of your post and keeps you from getting off track.
If you want to quickly draft a blog outline for your post, Blog AI Writer has you covered. You can simply insert your title and you can generate an interesting article outline in a few seconds!
Here are the most important aspects to consider when writing a blog outline:
- Adding headings and subheadings can help to break up the post into more manageable chunks. By using subheadings, readers can quickly jump to the sections that are most relevant to them.
- Consider using keywords in your headings to help your post stand out in the search and make it more user-friendly.
- When appropriate, prefer lists or bullet points to help make the post more visually appealing.
- Plan to add visuals or diagrams to help illustrate your points.
By taking the time to create a structured post, readers will be more likely to stay engaged and enjoy reading your article.
Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings are essential parts of any blog post. They are typically used to give a quick overview of the main topics discussed in the post, and subheadings provide more in-depth information about each topic.
It is important to choose headings and subheadings carefully, as they are the first thing that readers will see when they open the post.
When choosing headings, try to make them concise, yet descriptive. They should provide an overview of the post in one or two sentences. It is also important to ensure they are relevant to the content of the post.
Subheadings should provide more detail about each topic and should be written in a way that is easy to understand.
Finally, keep in mind that headings have a hierarchy. Your title will be an H1, this should be the only H1 on your entire post. Then you can add multiple (optional) H2, H3, H4, and so on.
Each heading level is designed for content giving additional details about the same topic of its “master heading”. This means that you should consider your headings as having a hierarchical structure.
Making the Post Scannable
Making a blog post scannable is an important part of creating a successful blog post. This means breaking up the post into smaller sections, using headings and subheadings, and using bullet points or numbered lists to make the post easier to read and navigate. Finally, highlight in bold the main sentences.
This helps readers quickly find the information they are looking for and encourages them to keep reading the post.
Additionally, using visual elements such as images and videos can help break up the text and make the post more visually appealing.
Try also to avoid long paragraphs, as those can be intimidating for the reader. Instead, break up your long paragraphs into shorter ones and try to keep your sentences short.
Finally, using keywords throughout the post in headings and subheadings can also help readers quickly find the information they are looking for. By following these tips, you can create a blog post that is scannable, engaging, and easy to read.
6. Write The Blog Post
Writing a blog post can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to share your knowledge and insights with the world. However, where do you start? How do you make sure your post is engaging and interesting?
The key to successful blog writing is to be creative, witty, and to the point. At this point you should already have a catchy title that will grab readers’ attention and a great outline (post structure).
The interesting part is that Blog AI Writer can also write your blog post for you! Then you will just need to add your personal touch if you wish.
In case you are wondering how well can an AI writer be at writing content for your blog… 90% of this article was written by Blog AI Writer in a few seconds!
Now it’s time to start writing your blog post!
Write in an Engaging Tone
When it comes to writing an engaging blog post, the tone you use can make a huge difference. A witty or humorous tone can make your post stand out from the crowd, and help capture the attention of your readers.
When crafting your blog post, try to think of ways to inject some humor into your writing. You can do this by using witty analogies, making lighthearted jokes, or adding a bit of sarcasm to your post. Make sure to keep your humor appropriate for the topic of your post, and avoid making any offensive remarks.
Another way to add an engaging tone to your blog post is to write in a conversational style.
Unless you are an expert on the topic, it is important to write from the perspective of a friend or neighbor. This means understanding the topic from the perspective of someone who may have less knowledge or experience than an expert. Doing this can help to find information more quickly and easily, and it can also provide a more relatable point of view.
Writing from a friend or neighbor’s perspective can also help to provide more accurate information. Instead of relying on the opinion of a single expert, you can get multiple perspectives from those who may have experienced the same issue or know more about the topic. This can provide a more balanced view, and it can help to ensure that the information is accurate.
In addition, writing from the perspective of a friend or neighbor can also make the content more engaging and interesting. People can relate to the experiences of their friends, and it can also help to make the topic more relatable.
How long should a blog post be?
The length of a blog post depends on the topic and the audience you are writing for. Generally speaking, blog posts should be between 1000-1500 words.
However, if you are writing a post that is more conversational or humorous in tone, you can opt for a shorter post of 300-500 words. The main goal is to provide your readers with valuable information, so if you can do that within the shorter word count, go for it.
This means that there is no good or bad article length, in fact, you should simply write enough to thoroughly cover the topic.
However, generally, longer posts are more likely to rank higher, as they provide more content for search engines to index.
7. Incorporate Visuals
Visuals are a powerful tool for making a blog post stand out from the crowd. They can catch the reader’s eye and make them more likely to stay on the page. Incorporating visuals into your blog posts can be a great way to make your content more engaging and memorable.
When using visuals, it’s important to make sure they are relevant to the topic being discussed. Consider how they will add to the overall message you’re trying to convey. For example, if you’re writing about nutrition, adding images of healthy foods or infographics can help get your point across.
If you are not a graphic designer, no worries! We have you covered, nowadays there are powerful tools that can help you to quickly craft great graphics for your blog post in no time.
The most popular design tool many bloggers use is Canva, and the best part is that it is also free!
It is very important to avoid using stock photos in your content because it can be interpreted as a sign of low value by search engines and users. So, if you can, you should only incorporate custom-made visuals (you can still use stock photos as part of your custom images).
The image ALT attribute
Make sure to set the alt attribute of your images in the editor. This helps search engines to classify your pictures and it is also the text that the browser will show to the reader in case there is any issue in retrieving the picture.
It is also important to be as descriptive as possible when adding the ALT attribute.
In WordPress you can do this very easily by selecting the image and then adding the ALT text attribute directly in the editor.
8. Check Grammar & Spelling
Good grammar and spelling are essential for any written piece of work. Whether you’re writing an essay for school, an article for work, or a blog post for your readers, you need to make sure your writing is free from errors. Fortunately, there are a few ways to check grammar and spelling that are easy to use and can help you make sure your writing is clear and accurate.
One of the best ways to check grammar and spelling is to use a grammar and spell checker likle Grammarly, which offers also a free plan and plugin. There are a variety of free and paid options available, so you can find one that works best for you. These tools can quickly scan your writing and point out any errors, allowing you to make the necessary corrections.
9. Add and Test Links
Add any relevant links in the content and/or at the end of your post. Only add links to trustworthy sources or websites that offer great information that your readers may want to read.
Links are also helping google to rank your page, so use them wisely.
If you have any other relevant article in your website, you may also want to provide your readers with an internal link pointing to it. This helps search engines to better understand content clusters on your website and helps the ranking of your pages.
Finally, proofreading and testing links are essential elements of any successful blog post. As a writer, you should always take the time to ensure that your content is error-free and that all of its links are working properly. Doing so will help ensure that your readers have a smooth, enjoyable experience when reading your blog post.
10. Publish The Blog Post
Once you’ve written an engaging and informative blog post, it’s time to get it out there for the world to see! Publishing your blog post is the first step on the road to success.
Are you ready to take the plunge and launch your blog? After spending countless hours crafting the perfect post, it’s finally time to send it out into the world.
Just hit publish and get on to work on the next blog post!
Finally, bear in mind that your newly published post may take a few months before to start getting any traffic. So, don’t be discouraged about this, it is normal.
11. Optimize for Search Engines
Optimizing a blog post for a certain keyword is a crucial step in the blog writing process. The goal is to make sure that the post is visible to people searching for the topic.
It is important to use the keywords throughout the post, but not in a way that makes it seem forced or unnatural.
The best thing to do is to simply write naturally and then check if you used all the available variations of your main keywords for the post. If not, find a way to include them if relevant.
The good news is that if you followed the guidelines explained earlier in this article, your post will be already good enough to be published. Further optimization will be possible later on when your post will start getting impressions on search engines, and hopefully, the first clicks!
Conclusion
Your conclusion should be a quick summary of the main points of your post, as well as a call to action for readers. Make sure to leave your readers with something to think about and something to do. Ask a question that encourages readers to comment or share their thoughts, or provide a link to a related article or resource.
In conclusion, I hope that now you know enough about how to write a blog post. Writing an article on your website is a great way to reach out to your audience, share your expertise, and create an engaging experience for readers. With a few tips and tricks, you can create a post that will attract readers and encourage them to come back for more.
Keep your readers in mind and be sure to provide value in your post, whether it’s information, entertainment, or inspiration. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to write your first amazing blog post and start growing your website!
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