How to Write a Blog Post

‘Set up a blog’ is one of the usual pieces of advice for marketing a business online. However, writing good blog posts is a skill in and of itself, and if you have not done so before, getting started may be intimidating.

Pick a Topic
Create a list of things you know about or are interested in. You don’t have to be an expert in the topic already, but if you’re not, you should be willing to do the research and legwork necessary to speak authoritatively on the subject. For some topic ideas, think about things that people ask for your advice or help with. The most popular blog posts get shared, liked and tweeted because they offer a solution to a problem. Great ideas for topics will hit you at the most inopportune times so keep a running list of ideas in a small notebook, Word document or on your tablet or smartphone to refer back to.

Create an Outline
Once you have a topic in mind, the next step is to create an outline. The easiest way to do this, especially if the purpose of your post is to offer a solution to a problem, is to go through the steps in chronological order. If your topic doesn’t lend itself to a list, highlight the main points you want to make along with a few supporting details. If you don’t like outlines, try mind mapping the topic to determine your subheadings.

Write Your Post
You’ll find that once you have an outline or map to go by, the writing goes fairly quickly. If you have an outline, you’re just filling in the blanks with the details. Use research, statistics and sources to support your opinions. Tell a story. Don’t worry about editing at this stage. Just get all of your ideas out until you’ve said all that you have to say about the topic. Trying to edit as you write will only slow you down, or worse, make you lose your train of thought entirely. The title of your post is one of its most important elements. It should adequately describe the topic you’re going to cover in order for the search engines to find it, yet be short enough that it grabs the attention of your reader.

Edit Your Post
Once the first draft is completed, it’s time to edit. Start by reading your post out loud. This is better than going over it visually the first time because it’s easier to identify awkward phrases, incorrect words and problems with the flow of your content if you can hear it. Once you’ve read it aloud and made any necessary changes, go over it again. It can be a visual once over this time to spare you the time of reading out loud. It never hurts to do a grammar and spell check in your Word program either, but don’t depend on these tools.

Add an Image
Your post should have a compelling image that helps tell your story. An image sets the tone for the post and can draw readers in or turn them away. Stock photographs can be purchased or you can find images through sites like Wikimedia Commons or Flickr Creative Commons. Attribution is usually required.

Post and Share Your Work
Once the post is written and edited, has an attention-grabbing title and a compelling picture, it’s ready to share with the world. After you’ve posted it, share it on your social networks including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and any other sites where you have a profile. Remember not to spam your family and friends with links. Share the post 1-2 times.

For help with blogs and other online marketing, speak to Infintech Designs and their professional team.

Infintech Designs
3110 Magazine St., #120
New Orleans, LA 70115