How to Write the Perfect Blog Post: A Step-By-Step Guide to Blogging Success
Get More Traffic Through Blogging
So, you’ve decided to start blogging as a marketing strategy and are wondering how to write a blog post. Good for you! Marketing speaker Andy Crestodina states, “We found that 77% of bloggers report an increase in results due to blogging.”
Blog posts are a simple way to drive more traffic to your website and business. Maybe you’ve got insights to share, a brand to build, or products to promote. But here’s the challenge: how do you get readers to click and stick – click on the page and stick around long enough to engage?
In this blog writing guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to write a blog post that is part art, part strategy, and a whole lot of fun. Get ready, because we’re about to embark on a creative journey through writing, structuring, and optimizing your blog for ultimate marketing impact!
Key Findings
- Keyword Research is Essential: Using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush allows you to target relevant keywords that improve SEO and help your blog get discovered by the right audience.
- Subheadings Improve Readability & SEO: Subheadings (paragraph headings) break up your content, making it easier to scan and enhancing user experience, which is also a key factor for better search engine rankings.
- Featured Images Matter: A relevant and eye-catching image at the start of your blog not only grabs attention but can also increase engagement. Tools like Canva make it easy to design the perfect visual.
- Tweetable Soundbites Increase Shareability: Including short, impactful quotes or stats that readers can easily share on platforms like Twitter helps to extend the reach of your content. Use tools like Click to Tweet to integrate this feature seamlessly.
- Longer Content Ranks Better: Blog posts between 1,500-2,000+ words are more likely to rank higher in search engine results, offering depth and increasing the chances of reader engagement.
How to Write a Blog Post Like a Pro – Start at the Beginning
Before you can wow your audience or drive conversions, you need to master the basics—think of it like building a house. But instead of bricks, we’re laying a foundation with targeted words, compelling stories, and solid data. In marketing, this begins with finding your niche. Narrow down your focus to speak directly to the right audience. Instead of casting a wide net, zero in on specific topics that resonate with your target market. This solidifies you as an expert, strengthens your brand, and optimizes your content for SEO.
A blog that tries to cover too much gets buried in a crowded marketplace. Instead, ask yourself:
- Who is my target audience?
- What specific problems can I solve for them?
- How can I stand out in my niche?
By narrowing your focus to a few key topics, you position yourself as an expert. This helps search engines categorize your content making it easier for your audience to see you as a trusted source. It can lead to higher engagement and conversions. Specialize, and you’ll become the go-to expert in your field.
Let’s Talk Keywords (No, It’s Not Boring)
Now, don’t run away because I said keyword research. This is the fun part that makes sure your blog doesn’t turn into a digital ghost town. Think of it like being in the right place at the right time—keywords help your blog get discovered by people searching for exactly what you’re talking about.
Here’s how to write a blog post using the right targeted keyword phrase:
- Start with a Brainstorm: Think of all the terms your audience might be typing into search engines. What problems are they trying to solve? What questions might they have? Start broad and don’t worry about being perfect yet.
- Use Tools for Research: Once you have a list of ideas, plug them into tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush. These tools will show you search volume (how many people are searching for a term) and competition (how hard it will be to rank for that term).
- Target Long-Tail Keywords: The magic often lies in long-tail keywords (and voice search keywords). These are specific phrases with lower competition but higher relevance to your audience. For example, instead of using “SEO tips,” you might want to focus on something like “SEO tips for small business blogs in 2024.”
- Look for a Sweet Spot: Aim for keywords with a decent amount of search volume, but not so much competition that you’re going up against massive sites. Long-tail keywords like “best knitting patterns for beginner poodle sweaters” might seem niche, but they’re pointing directly to an audience who wants what you’re offering.
- Spy on Competitors: Use these tools to see which keywords your competitors are ranking for. If they’re succeeding with certain terms, you can identify gaps or opportunities where you can stand out.
7 Must-Haves for a Blog Post that Readers Can’t Ignore
You’re not just writing blog posts—you’re creating a reader magnet. Here’s how to write a blog post that is irresistible.
1. Use Headlines That Pops (and Stops People in Their Tracks)
Your headline is clickbait. It needs to be intriguing, concise, and packed with promise. Think of it as the six-word elevator pitch that will decide whether someone scrolls past or dives deeper into your article. Something like: “5 Fun Ways to Rank #1 on Google – No Boring SEO Needed” or “How to Knit a Sweater That’ll Make Your Poodle Famous.”
2. Kick Off Your Blog Post with a Story
Everyone loves a good story—so start your blog post with one. Did you have an epiphany in the middle of knitting? Did you try a “foolproof” SEO trick and fail hilariously? Whatever it is, let your personality shine. People connect with people, not robots. Check out the kick-off story that Yoast uses on their Storytelling blog.
3. Use Fewer Characters Per Line (Keep It Snappy)
Keep the word count low, as if it is less than it is. Don’t overwhelm your reader with large blocks of text and characters. Here’s a sneaky little trick: by aligning an image to the right of your opening lines, you can automatically shorten your text, making it easier for people to read. Why does this work? Because no one likes the endless text wall. Make it feel breezy.
4. Incorporate a Featured Image (AKA Eye Candy)
Speaking of images, let’s not forget your featured image. This is the face of your blog post and the first thing your reader sees. Make sure it’s not just pretty but relevant. If you’re talking about the best knitting patterns, a cute poodle in a stylish sweater might just do the trick. A great example can be found on the Canva Learning Blog where a relevant and simple featured image greets the reader.
5. Subheadings are Your Best Friends
Let’s face it: most people don’t read every word of a blog post—they scan. Subheadings (paragraph headings) act as guideposts, directing readers to the sections that interest them most, like road signs steering you along a highway. Subheadings help break up long blocks of text, making the post more digestible, and improving both readability and SEO.
A website like Backlinko is a great example of how to effectively use subheadings. Their blog posts are often long-form and packed with information, but the strategic use of subheadings ensures that readers can easily find specific topics without getting overwhelmed.
6. The Magic Number: 1,500 Words
When writing a blog post, the sweet spot for length is about 1,500 words. Long enough to cover a topic in depth but not so long that you bore your readers to sleep. Research shows that longer posts tend to rank higher in search engines and get more social shares. If you can, aim for 2,000 words—but only if you have valuable content to share. It needs to be fluff-free, please.
7. Soundbites for Sharing (Because We Love to Share)
In today’s fast-paced digital world, making your content easy to share is key to expanding your blog’s reach. That’s where tweetable soundbites come in handy. These are short, impactful quotes or phrases that capture the essence of your content, making it easy for readers to share your insights with just a click. Tools like Click to Tweet let you embed these soundbites right into your blog post, making sure readers can quickly share your golden nuggets of wisdom on social media platforms like Twitter.
For example, in a blog post about productivity, you might include a tweetable quote like, “A well-structured day boosts productivity by 40% — start with clear goals and break them down into small tasks. #ProductivityTips.” This makes it incredibly easy for your audience to amplify your message without leaving the page.
Take a look at Neil Patel’s blog—he frequently uses tweetable soundbites in his posts. Not only does this make his content more interactive, but it also encourages social sharing, ultimately driving more traffic to his site. Here’s an example of how a tweetable soundbite might look in a blog:
“Tweet this: *’A well-optimized blog post can increase traffic by 75%. Make your content shareable with just a click! #SEOTips’ Click to Tweet”
By sprinkling these soundbites throughout your blog post, you not only make it easier for readers to engage with your content but also give them a chance to share it with their network, boosting your post’s visibility and reach.
Create Engaging Content – Where the Magic Happens
Now that you’ve got the structure of how to write a blog post, let’s talk content—the thing that will keep your readers glued to the screen.
Write Like You’re Talking to Your Bestie
Nobody wants to read a blog that sounds like a textbook. Write like you’re having coffee with a friend, cracking jokes, and dropping truth bombs. This is how you build trust, engagement, and (dare I say) fan loyalty.
Break It Down with Lists
We all love lists. Lists make everything feel manageable. Whether it’s a list of tips or a step-by-step guide, breaking things down into bite-sized pieces makes it easier for your readers to follow along—and keeps them coming back for more.
Use Data Like It’s Gold
Everyone loves a good fact, and if you can back up your points with data or examples, even better. Stats like “80% of readers only read the headline” or “Knitting reduces stress by 68%,” give your content credibility and make you look like a pro.
Sprinkle in Some Visuals
A picture’s worth a thousand words, right? Well, in the blogosphere, images, infographics, and charts make your content pop. Not only do they break up the text, but they also make the whole thing more digestible.
How to Optimize Your Blog Post for SEO
SEO doesn’t have to be the monster under your bed. It’s more like a friendly dragon that can help your blog soar—if you know how to train it. Here’s how:
Keywords Are Your Friends, Not Foes
Remember those keywords you researched? Sprinkle them naturally into your content, subheadings, and even in the meta description. But don’t go overboard. Nobody likes a keyword-stuffer.
Still looking for keywords? Check out Backlinko’s free Keyword Idea Generator.
Link Like a Pro
Follow Internal Linking Best Practices. External links are also essential. Link to other relevant posts on your site to keep readers exploring your content, and use external links to reputable sources to give your blog credibility.
Pro Tip: Reach out to the person or company you backlinked to and shoot them a quick email. Here is an example:
People are flattered when they receive a backlink from you and more than likely will share your post. Not only will you get more views but this will also make them look good.
Meta Descriptions Matter
The meta description is your blog’s elevator pitch in search engine results. Make it compelling, include your keyword, and keep it under 155 characters. Think of it as your chance to convince someone that your post is worth clicking.
Share – Getting the Word Out (Promote Your Blog)
You’ve written a masterpiece and what you think could be a successful blog. Now it’s time to share it with the world!
Social Media: The Amplifier
Post your blog on every relevant social media platform you can think of. Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram—each has its own vibe, so tailor your message to fit each platform’s style.
Email Newsletters: Old School, Still Cool
Send out your blog post in your next email newsletter. Your subscribers are already interested in what you have to say, so keep them in the loop. Not sure how to get started on a newsletter? There are many free resources to help you automate this process. Check these out!
- Mailchimp
- Free Plan: Up to 500 subscribers and 1,000 emails per month.
- Link: Mailchimp Free Plan
- Sendinblue
- Free Plan: Unlimited contacts, 300 emails per day.
- Link: Sendinblue Free Plan
- MailerLite
- Free Plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month.
- Link: MailerLite Free Plan
Get Creative with Repurposing
Why not turn your blog post into a video or an infographic? Repurposing your content is a great way to reach a wider audience and squeeze the most juice out of your blog post ideas.
Update & Improve Older Blog Posts Because Greatness Evolves
Just because your blog post is live doesn’t mean it’s done. The best blogs keep evolving.
Refresh Existing Blogs with New Info
Make it a habit to revisit older blog posts and update them with fresh data, new examples, or recent trends. Not only does this keep your blog content relevant, but it also boosts your SEO.
Use Google Analytics to track your blog’s performance. Check how long people are staying on your page, where they’re coming from, and which posts are driving the most engagement. Not sure how to read Google Analytics? Our SEO experts can help you with analytics reporting.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate guide on how to write and optimize a blog post that readers will love and search engines will adore. From storytelling hooks to soundbites that spread like wildfire, your blog post can be a powerhouse of engagement and SEO magic. So get creative, stay consistent, and remember—every blog post is another chance to connect with your audience, one post at a time.
Now, go out there and write your next blogging masterpiece!
Contact 1st on the List with all your questions! We’ll be glad to help.
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FAQ-How to Write a Blog Post
1. How do I discover the right keywords for my blog content?
Don’t let keyword research scare you—it’s like treasure hunting for the perfect gems that make your blog shine. Start by brainstorming what your audience is typing. Write something in the Google search bar and see what word combinations pop up. Then dive into tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush. Look for golden long-tail keywords—those specific, less competitive phrases that speak directly to your niche, like “how to start a blog on a shoestring budget.” You’ll find that it’s easier to get noticed when you niche down.
2. Why are subheadings such a big deal in a blog post?
Subheadings are the unsung heroes of your blog. Think of them like friendly road signs on a winding road, keeping readers from getting lost in your words. Most people aren’t reading every line—they’re scanning! So, make your subheadings clear, engaging, and packed with keywords. Imagine a blog post on productivity that guides the reader through sections like “How to Prioritize Tasks” or “The Power of Time Blocking.” Boom! Now you’re keeping them on track, and Google loves that structure too.
3. What’s the deal with featured images, and do I really need one?
Oh, absolutely! A featured image is like the cover of a book—make it captivating, relevant, and irresistible. It’s the first thing your reader sees before diving into your post, so make sure it sets the mood and aligns with the content. For example, if your post is about creating the perfect marketing strategy, a clean, dynamic image that screams “strategy” will work wonders. Check out Canva to find and design visuals that pack a punch!
4. What are tweetable soundbites, and how can I use them to my advantage?
Who doesn’t love a shareable, bite-sized piece of brilliance? Tweetable soundbites are your best friend when it comes to spreading your content like wildfire. Use a tool like Click to Tweet to sprinkle short, memorable quotes or statistics throughout your blog. Imagine you’re writing about productivity: “A 10-minute break can boost your focus by 20%—don’t skip it! #ProductivityHack [Click to Tweet].”
5. How long should my blog post be for SEO?
Forget about the old “less is more” when it comes to blog posts. For SEO, 1,500 to 2,000 words is the sweet spot. Why? Because Google loves content that dives deep into a topic, showing you’re an expert. Long posts give you more room to cover all angles, answer questions, and provide value. But remember, it’s not just about word count—you need to make everything count.
6. Why does storytelling matter in blog posts?
Think of your blog as more than just a collection of facts—it’s an experience. Storytelling makes your content relatable and human. Readers are more likely to connect with personal anecdotes and journeys. Did you fail at your first SEO attempt? Did your first marketing campaign tank? Share that! People love to hear not just the success, but the struggle. It makes you more relatable and keeps them hooked.
7. How do I make my blog irresistible for sharing?
Make it easy for readers to spread your post! Incorporate social share buttons and ensure your tweetable soundbites (remember those?) are front and center. You want readers to effortlessly share your brilliant insights with their network. A blog post about productivity, for example, could feature quick, snappy takeaways like “The 5-second rule helped me overcome procrastination—try it today! #ProductivityTips.”
8. What’s the role of images in my blog posts?
Images are the visual candy that keeps readers engaged. They break up the text and make your content more digestible. Include infographics, charts, and relevant visuals to drive your points home. If you’re discussing SEO, for example, an infographic showing keyword trends or a chart breaking down traffic growth can make your content stand out.
