- [email protected]
- Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 3:00pm (CST)
The Art of a Blog Post – Part 1
I’m writing this post rather late today. An unexpectedly later than usual as my computer just got back form the “computer hospital”. Missing out on precious work time sure makes one think about all the things that could have been completed earlier in case of such situations like the one I just experienced. Not only did I fall behind in work for clients and marketing items for myself, but I fell behind in my blog writing.
It’s not only important on the timing you allow for yourself to create you written piece and when you release/how you market said final post but even more so what’s in it and how it’s structured (re: laid out).
Hence the topic of today’s post … which I like to refer to as the “art of a blog post”.
Not only does adding relevantly interesting information (with personality and style) to your post create a positive connection with your readers but it can even help increase organic reach. With these important “art of blogging” details, you will learn how to craft the most masterful post that will gloriously captivate your audience, no matter the topic!
So, how does one go about capturing the audience with words?
Try using a catchy title.
Your blog title is just as important as the content within. This IS your opportunity to turn what I like to call a “window shopper” (something I’m very, very good at, LOL) into an avid reader. You want to ask a question or offer a solution to a problem someone may be having. You will want to use this opportunity to real the big ones in by creatively letting your reader know what the post is about but in a fun way that leaves them aching to know more.
Here’s the ULTIMATE formula: Number + Objective + Keyword + rationale + Promise = The Ultimate catchy Title
Still want to know more on how to craft yourself up a catchy title?
Then check out this research article.
Clearly define your topic … but with personality, not just words.
Now that you’ve got your catchy title using the ultimate formula (above – in case you were scan-reading) it’s time to choose a theme. You want your readers to feel as though your content was valuable. And not only that but fun and memorable way. Your blog topic should leave them with something they didn’t have before, whether it’s knowledge, a new trend, a new perspective or something in the realm of entertainment all within a pleasant 300-500+ words. Yes, blogging isn’t always easy and most definitely scary putting your words on the screen and out into the world for all to see. As humans, fear is hardwired into our brains. But, the fear of loss (re: not putting yourself out there enough, or at all) can also be a huge motivator. Use this fear, not only as a motivator for yourself but for your audience … Think of what they could gain from what you have to offer.
Use descriptive (yet fun) sentences.
The content you’re writing will solve a problem. Think about it … you struggle with certain aspects of business and/or life every day and so do others. What you have to say can help people. But don’t think of blogging as a written essay to your university professor. Think of it as if you were talking to your best friend … your other half … perhaps even yourself. You only have so many words to get your point across before you lose your reader (yes, we all know by now that most people are scan readers until they scan over something that “hits home”). Think of it this way … Instead of telling them, show them what your message means. And not just with words. Let your personality shine through (and yes, cuss words are acceptable now – within reason of course).
Be you, just on virtual paper!
Blogging is writing what extreme sports are to athletics: more free-form, more accident-prone, less formal, more alive. It is, in many ways, writing out loud. ~ Andrew Sullivan, Author, Editor and Blogger of The New Republic
Make the information easily consumable.
Keep things short and simple. Short paragraphs, short bulleted lists, short sub-headings, short (yet powerful) quotes, simple infographics and images. This is way more appealing to today’s readers, especially since most are reading on smaller devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Jazzle things up with colour and images.
You know it and I know it … the online world is becoming more and more visual every single moment of every single day. All the content that people read online is increasingly more focused on being visually appealing. Your blog post should not be the exception. Keep things exciting, even if you consider yourself a master wordsmith, by using images, infographics, videos as well as coloured (with your brand of course) headings and sub-headings. Engage your readers not only with your words but with a little extra jazzle and a splash of colour!
Don’t forget to include a CTA (call-to-action).
Okay, so you’ve seriously just written one kick ass blog post by walking yourself through all these steps. Only one more thing left to do … send your readers somewhere important. They have the information that need/want, now tell them what to do with it, or possibly even how to come back for more.
Not sure where to send them …?
- Have them visit a page on your website.
- Send them to one of your social media pages for more like-minded information.
- Encourage them to leave a comment on your blog or social media page/post.
- Ask them for a 5-star review (website or social media page).
- Guide them to a form to sign-up to receive more via email.
These are just a few good examples to keep in mind as you’re plotting their next move (hopefully). Just remember, you want to guide your reader to their next destination with a clearly defined clickable link or button. Not just off your post page and onto something else. Keep them coming back for more!
Well, that’s all for today folks. I truly hope you enjoyed today’s informative post which is only part one. Stay tuned for Thursday as it’s PART two!!!
Speaking of CTAs … Want to stay up-to-date and be inbox friends?
I’d love to keep you around a little while longer and trust me, your inbox is about to be a lot more inspiring … SIGN UP BELOW to get instant access to the most inspirational ride of your life. It is time to begin untangling your business so that you can live the life of freedom that you have always wanted. And … Let’s be friends!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL GLUE NEWSLETTER.
let's be inbox friends!
Each month we’ll send you a roundup of our hottest most popular tips and Digital Glue podcast episodes. Then a few virtual sprinkles of “untangling” articles and tips to keep your pain points at bay. NO SPAM! NO VIRTUAL GARBAGE! NO “PITCHY” SALESY-SALLY! Just pure tried, tested, and true DIGITAL GLUE INSIGHTS to help you own your space and run your business! So, why don’t you come join us … digital glue style!
Like this blog post?
If you found today’s blog post to be exactly the type of inspiration and know-how you were looking for, we would be very grateful if you would help this post spread
by sharing the LOVE with it socially, emailing it to a friend or dropping us a comment with your thoughts. You never know whose life you might change.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest
Crystal Kordalchuk
Crystal is an artist, a writer, an organizer, a dreamer, a doer, and down-right proud of it NERD!.
Struck with a love for #AllThings creative at a very young age, Crystal dreamed of a life fueled by her passion for creating and bringing the stories and images in her mind into reality.
As she worked toward her dreams, she earned a diploma as a Computer Applications Specialist then another in Graphic Design and from there began to develop her extensive background in multimedia and the arts. She began her worked in the magazine industry as a layout designer and had a succession of design jobs thereafter. It was her role as a graphic/web designer that gave her the first real glimpse of her future. Soon she began a side job as a freelance designer while keeping one foot in the corporate world. A spark was lit! She turned her freelance gig into a full-time business combining design work with her other passion: creating organization from virtual chaos.
Crystal is one of the most organized individuals on the planet. She is by all means a Zen master of her crafts. She excels at helping others become “untangled” and provides her clients with tools to run their businesses smoothly while she takes care of the details behind the scenes. Thus Virtually Untangled was born. A successful business where her work as a top notch creative in graphic and web — with a twist of virtual assistant — married into one amazing place where clients can come with their virtual messes and become magically untangled. Crystal can always make sense of even the most unorganized chaos and offers a virtual detox of order and peace, so her clients can get busy doing the work that they love the most.