How to Write a Blog Post
I am not a naturally talented writer.
In fact, writing is something that I’ve had to work hard to be average at my whole life.
So, instead of telling you that there is a fast way to become a killer writer I’m going to share the process I use to write blog posts that don’t totally suck.
#1 Choose a Topic
If you have a content calendar, you probably already have an idea of what your blog post is going to be about. If you don’t, no worries.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to get the creative juices flowing:
- What information does my audience need?
- What do I know a lot about that I can teach?
- Is there anything seasonal coming up that I can share about?
Related: 9 more questions to spark your next blog post idea
#2 What is the purpose of the post?
This question will give your blog post the much needed direction that it needs. And it’ll help you take your writing from random blogging to content marketing.
Hint: That’s a good thing!
Before you start writing anything ask yourself this: What do you want readers to do with the post? What is the action you want them to take after they read your blog post?
You could want them to sign up for your email list through a content upgrade. Or have them follow you on Instagram/Pinterest. Maybe you just want them to comment with a question
Write this goal down at the top of your document and keep this in mind as you start writing in the next section.
#3 Outline
Yes, outline your post. Just like in school.
I typically write my main headings and the subheadings I need when I outline so that I can write when it’s convenient. I’d also recommend typing in any anecdotes that are stuck in your head into the document so you don’t forget them before writing.
Even if you think you’re someone that doesn’t need to outline writing, try it.
I outline a bunch of blog posts at one time so that I can dive directly into writing when I sit down to write. It helps me blow through writing faster.
It’s totally worth it.
#4 Fill in the body AKA Write the post
With the exception of the intro and the conclusion, it’s time to write the meat of the blog post. And since you already wrote an outline, you’re good to go.
When writing the body of your post, keep the purpose of the blog post that you wrote down earlier in mind. Then get writing.
#5 Write the intro and the conclusion
Why wait to write the conclusion and intro until the end?
I don’t know about you, but I’ve written enough to know that sometimes as you’re writing, ideas change. Then you have to rewrite your intro to match.
And it’s always good to have an intro and conclusion that work well together.
That’s why I always wait to write the two parts until I get to the end.
It makes for simpler and faster writing in the end.
Related: Choosing the best theme for you WordPress blog
#6 Do you have a Content Upgrade to go with it?
If you are at the point in your blogging journey that you are collecting emails from folks, this is an important step.
So, if you already have a freebie to go with your post: Awesome, use it!
If you don’t, keep it simple, give ’em a quick win, create it in Canva and get it uploaded.
#7 Proofread
This doesn’t have to take you a long time. But it is important for catching some of the little quirks in writing that aren’t caught by spellcheck.
Give it a scan and post! Or schedule it for the future posting.
What other blogging questions do you have? Ask me below!