It’s easy to think that blogging is a quick and brash process that consists of taking pictures and writing posts, but it’s actually a hobby (or job) that requires much planning and strategy.
Pro bloggers have made this look easy, but anyone’s who tried their hands at it know this is a misconception immediately trumped. Whether you’re a neophyte or a seasoned blogger, there are a few important ingredients every blog post needs, which we’ll be covering today…
#1 Catchy, Searchable Title
With influencers and newcomers constantly pushing the boundaries, high-quality content is a requirement in today’s blogosphere. One of the first ways you can start strong is by picking a strong, catchy title. You want it to be unique, but not too abstract otherwise no one will know what you’re talking about. You also want to make sure it’s searchable - think, “If I was to google this topic, what phrase would I type in?” The benefit of doing this is ensuring that the traffic you drive to your website consist of individuals truly interested in your content, which in turns benefit your Google rankings.
Some popular formulas are “How to X” or “# Ways to X”; however, be mindful that the Internet is becoming saturated with these types of headlines. How you can you stand out?
#2 Beautiful Visuals
No one is interested in massive blocks of text, so you need to break it up with beautiful imagery. Websites like Bloglovin’ typically feature the very first image in a blog post; since people are more likely to click on an image that catches their attention, you want to make it your best shot! At minimum, if no one is reading your post word for word, they’re ogling over your photographs.
#3 Value-Added Content
We’re a fan of value-rich content - in other words, you must write! What’s a blog without words? Give your readers something to take away when they come to the end, whether that’s advice, an inspiring story or an entertaining one. Experiment with different types of content and see what your readers respond best to.
#4 Relevant Links
Be sure to include links to older posts that are relevant. It encourages your readers to revisit old, but great content (especially if they’re new). There are also major SEO benefits.
#5 Share Buttons
What’s the point of creating content people can’t see? Make sure all your images are pin-able and the article is shareable on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. You want to make this process as easy as possible for the reader, so consider its placement and ensure those buttons are visible.
Image Source Credits - Lobster & Swan, Design By Aikonik
You Should Also Read:
How to Brand Yourself (aka Why Branding is #1 in Blogging)
How to Get Inspired to Create Content Again
5 Things to Consider Before Starting a Blog
