If you've ever read an effectively written blog post, chances are it left a lasting effect on you. Not only by giving you useful practical knowledge, but also by building in your mind a positive opinion about the writer or brand that produced the content.
Since you're here, I bet you're aware that you need to start blogging to grow your startup or business, but you don't know how. In a few minutes I will show you how to write content that people actually want to read and leave a great impression.
You will learn how professionals optimize their articles after writing them, to make them more relevant and attractive. Secrets what the pros pay for, and they'll only cost you a few minutes of your time.
Interesting content for your audience
Before writing the first word on a blog, make sure you have a clear understanding of your target audience, that is, those who read you or could read you. Ask yourself, what are you interested in knowing? How do I attract them to my content? What are they looking for?
For example, if your readers are millennials looking to start a business, you probably don't need to tell them how to get started on social media. It is assumed that the vast majority of them will already be clear about these issues.
But they may be interested in adjusting their networking approach to give them a business edge and assist them in networking (networking). So look for topics of proven interest to your audience.
If you know your audience well, finding compelling topics shouldn't be a big problem. But if not, what are you waiting for to get to know them better?
An irresistible title for readers
Do you want to know what is one of the biggest mistakes that are made when writing on a blog? Write the article without first thinking about the title of the entry. The title works as the roadmap of the article and, without a plan, your writing will move forward without a defined purpose.
After writing the article, you will try to create a headline that encompasses everything you have done. It is very likely that in the end you will end up with your readers confused and disoriented.
So if you want to write a great blog post, you should spend time creating a headline that sets a clear destination (a promise) that attracts your readers and leaves them eager for what you are going to give them. That way, when you start writing, you will know in advance what you have to deliver to them.
The correct title will allow you to know which route to choose and which ones to avoid in order to lead your readers by the hand, in the easiest and most efficient way possible, to the goal you have set.
An outline for your content
The hardest thing about writing is facing the blank page. Although the title is a map, even the best bloggers need an outline to start and stay on course. It is possible to sit in front of the computer for hours without writing anything. It happens to all of us.
Creating an outline can help you. An outline does not have to be long or detailed; just a rough guide to make sure you don't ramble off-topic.
For example, this is the outline of the article you're reading, the one I'm following right now.
- Introduction (Establish that good content leaves a good impression and that you can learn to write and optimize it)
- Tips before writing (Know your audience, research, set the title and create an outline)
- Tips when writing (Work in one session, maximize written words, concentration)
- Optimize content (Desktop Publishing Tips).
- Conclusion (Brief, encouraging to put into practice, writing is only learned by writing)
The purpose of the outline is to always keep in mind what you plan to cover, in what order the different sections will appear, and some basic details of what you will include in each section. What you see in this article may or may not resemble this schematic.
Having an outline when writing in a blog keeps you focused or focused on what you want to convey. You can be as full or brief as you like, you are free to do whatever you need to do to keep the focus.
The intro can wait, just sit down and write
There are two main approaches. You can sit down and write a full draft, or you can work your way up little by little.. There is no right or wrong way, just the one that works for you. Right now I'll take a break and come back, I promise.
already rested I recommend do as much as possible to write in one sitting. This will make it easier to focus on the subject, you reduce the chance of forgetting crucial points, and (very importantly) you will be able to finish work sooner.
Even if you work best in short sessions, try maximize the amount of text you type in each. Like most skills, writing becomes easier and more natural the more you do it. At first it will take days, but then it will only take hours.
Unfortunately, there are no "tricks" or shortcuts when it comes to writing: you have to spend time on it. Well, maybe there is a trick. Many people have a hard time writing introductions, so focus on writing the content and worry about the introduction later.
Don't forget the pictures
Often your readers will not have the time, will, or ability to focus on a long article without visual stimuli. Images help text flow effectively, thus avoiding the flight of your readers.
Before starting to read, many readers take an overview of the article. Inserting images within the text will make it look less intimidating and more visually appealing. “Breaking” the text makes it easier to read, as we will also see later.
Images convey information, and well chosen cause a positive reaction. For example, they can help lighten the tone of your article. This is a must if you're writing about a potentially boring topic.
On the other hand, the images facilitate understanding of complex topics. Diagrams, infographics, and any other visual aids can help your readers understand complex topics and understand the points you're trying to make.
The edition, as important as the writing
Many people assume that editing is simply removing sentences that don't work or correcting grammatical errors. But editing consists of seeing the article as a whole and sometimes being willing to sacrifice a part of what it took you so long to write.
Sure, it also has to do with spelling and grammar, but you have to do that anyway. Here I will leave you some desktop publishing tips and suggestions on how to improve your writing to keep your readers engaged.
Avoid repetitions
Everyone has "fillers", even writers. But few things are more unpleasant than reading repeated phrases or words.. This is the first thing to avoid when blogging, and the first thing to check in your draft.
Read your article aloud
Many writers learn this from experience, but others must pay for expensive workshops to find out. If an article is misread aloud, it will likely be misread in the reader's mind.. Reading aloud is effective in finding repetition and fluency problems.
Have someone else read it
Asking a friend or colleague to review what you've written is something you can always take advantage of. It's even better if it's someone with editing experience. Ask for feedback on the flow of the article and whether it makes structural sense.
Short sentences and short paragraphs
A wall of text is just as intimidating as a concrete one. Writing endless sentences and paragraphs is a common mistake for beginner bloggers. Sentences should be as short as possible. They are just easier to read.
Paragraphs should also be short. The shorter the paragraph, the more likely readers are to keep reading. Just try to keep individual ideas isolated in their own (and short) paragraph.
perfection is stagnation
Writing in a blog means never stop learning
There is no such thing as a perfect blog post, and the sooner you accept it, the better. Make each one you write the best it can be, learn from the experience, and move on. Don't be afraid to cut back, adapt as you go, and start over several times.
Blogging is one of those things that seems easy until you have to. Fortunately, it gets easier with time and practice. soon you will be blogging like a pro.