The key to having a successful blog lies in creating appealing content, right?
After all, that is what makes people hit that ‘follow’ button and ultimately a Kick-Ass blog post is what will make people want more and keep coming back.
As a result of a few agony aunts I’ve received about blogging and advice on blogging and also because I totally consider myself a professional in this field I’ve decided to give some advice on what consists of a good blog post.
1] Plan
ALWAYS ALWAYS have a plan. I mean sure it’s good to be impulsive and spontaneous with your content sometimes however, quality content comes out when you have a basic plan or a general outline of where you’re heading.
Planning is as simple as jotting down things in your notebook or as complex as scheduling your posts for the next two months. Whatever floats your boat and whatever calls for the situation.
Just remember, people will appreciate you having put some thought into your post before hitting that ‘publish’ button.
2] Keep It To The Point
This is pretty self explanatory but say for example, you were writing a review post about the book Pride & Prejudice, as tempting as it might be, don’t go off topic and write two meaningless paragraphs about how hot Mr. Darcy is (meaningless as in meaningless to the post, I’m not attacking your feelings okay). Keep it to the point, what did you like about the book? what did you not like? why?
Having a purpose in mind and reminding yourself of this purpose as you write the post will help you from wandering off. In the case of my example the purpose would be to inform people about your views on Pride & Prejudice.
3] Less is More
Having a post that is straight to the point and minimal wandering off topic will ensure this. Here’s the truth, NO ONE has time to read six long paragraphs about your thoughts on Pride & Prejudice okay. Come to think of it, it doesn’t look appealing either.
First impressions are everything. In a short amount of time you have the task of grabbing the reader’s attention, keeping it and ideally by the end making them wanting more.
Use dot points, Use a few pictures, avoid clutter.
A neat, tidy blog post never hurt anybody.
4] Format
This ties in with the last tip.
FORMATTING IS EVERYTHING. Not really but.
Present your blog post in a neat fashion by avoiding huge chunks of information or like ten consecutive GIFs.
As I said before:
- Dot Points
- Pictures/GIFs
- Highlighting important points by making them bold or italic
- Using appealing colours
Which reminds me, it is HIGHLY IMPORTANT that your blog is easy on the eyes, I mean white writing on a neon green background? hurts to even think
5] Proof-Read
PLEASE PLEASE proof read. I personally cannot stand spelling errors. I mean blogging is about self-expression so it’s okay to skip punctuation altogether however, all I ask is you don’t butcher the words.
Proof-reading also ensures you’re getting your point across correctly, which is important.
I hope that helps and that now we’ll all be writing kick-ass blog posts!
Infinity Reads 