We aren’t all born masters of the written word, but as entrepreneurs and small business owners, we are often tasked with having to write about our business, products, services, etc. This can be scary if you’re not used to writing for public consumption. Fear not, in this article we’ll cover the basic framework on how to write a blog post and get you on your way to becoming an expert blogger.
Before you start writing
1. What is the messaging goal for your post?
What do you want to achieve with this article? Do you want to:
- build awareness around your brand;
- create interest in your product;
- submit your services for consideration or
- call your audience to action?
2. Who are you writing for?
You have determined your target audience(s). While writing your post remember who you’re talking to.
3. What is your post about?
Once you’ve chosen your topic, list the main points you want to cover in your article. This will keep you focused while writing and could be used as an outline for your article.
If you’re using facts or statistics in your content, double check to make sure they are correct and accurate.
4. What type of post are you writing?
There are different types of blog posts:
- News: sharing facts and current information
- Instructional: can be step-by-step “how to” articles, or general information articles
- Personal Spotlight: put a spotlight on one of your employees or one of your clients
- Cheat Sheet: checklists which prepare a reader for a specific action or event
- Media: eg. Infographics, high-quality images, and short videos
- Entertaining: provide amusement while sharing something of value to the reader
5. Be human
All of this will set the tone for your blog post. The most important thing to remember about writing your blog posts is to be yourself. Show your personality. Not how colourful your language can be, but what you’re passionate about! Let your audience get to know you as you represent your brand and product. If you want people to connect with you, you have to be human.
Writing Your Blog Post
1. The Headline
Your title should:
- inform the reader what the topic of your post is,
- set the tone for your article
- include keywords or phrases that relate to your topic
- catch the readers interest
Decide if your headline will be a statement of the conclusion, a description of the article (that does not give away the conclusion) or will it introduce the subject through a question.
Keep your title short (10 words or less).
2. The Opening Paragraph
The first paragraph should attract the reader’s attention and clearly identify what your topic is.
You could attract attention by opening with startling information (verifiable facts), an anecdote (relevant to your topic) or a summary of your topic. In a summary, you could start by explaining your topic in general terms and then narrow it down to the subject of your article.
Keep your attention grabber short and then add one or two sentences to introduce your article. Close the paragraph off with a statement: the topic and point you want to make with this article.
The opening paragraph of your article may also be used as an excerpt by search engines. Make sure it includes keywords or phrases that relate to your topic.
3. The Body
You could start with your main points and elaborate on those. Remember to stay on topic and to support your conclusion.
A few writing tips:
- Use the words “you” and “I”. It’s a conversation.
- Keep paragraphs to five or six lines and keep sentences short.
- Use sub-headings.
- Site your sources.
- Be thorough.
- Include useful information that the reader can take action on.
4. The Conclusion
Keep in mind that many readers will read your conclusion before they read your article. It could be a summary of the main points made in the article, your opinion on the topic or an anecdote (avoid an anecdote if you started with one in your opening paragraph).
The conclusion should be strong but short, three or four sentences.
5. Engagement
Close your blog post off with a question. Remember one of the main reasons you started your blog was to engage with your audience. As a question that relates to your topic and encourages the reader to share their experience or questions with you in the comment section.
Your comment section is a valuable way of engaging in conversation with your audience and to show that you are available to them to answer any questions they may have.
6. Finishing Off
Review. Edit. Review. Edit.
When you’re done writing your article read through and remove any content that is off-topic or repetitive. You may also find areas where you need to elaborate.
The Write Life shares more tips on editing your blog post.
The most important thing to remember about writing your blog posts is to be yourself. Show your personality. Not how colourful your language can be, but what you’re passionate about! Let your audience get to know you as you represent your brand and product. If you want people to connect with you, you have to be human.
7. Last but not least, add an enticing Feature Image to your blog post.
Use high quality, consistently styled featured images on your blog. Your images should relate to your topic and entice your audience to read your article.
Feature images are shared on social media, having an easily-distinguishable look can help build brand awareness and recognition.
Here are some of my favourite free stock images sites:
You could also use your own high-quality images.
Conclusion
Using the framework and tips I have shared in this article should make it easier for you to get started on your blogging journey. Good luck!
Do you have any tips on writing that I may have missed? Please share in the comments section.
