Writing effective content for a blog post or article can be challenging and intimidating. But with the right knowledge, guidance, and tools, you can learn how to create well-written and engaging posts that will draw in readers. In this article, we’ll discuss key tips and techniques that can help you write more effective articles or blog posts.
We will look at the key parts of your article, as well as some of the concepts you should incorporate into your article to increase the readability.
Title
Writing a great title for your blog post or article can help draw readers in and give them an idea of what the content is about. Here are some tips to help you write effective titles:
- Keep it short – Aim for five words or fewer, so that the entire title is visible in search engine results.
- Be descriptive – Use keywords that accurately describe the contents of your post or article.
- Include key information – Make sure the title includes important phrases related to your topic, such as location or time frame.
- Make it memorable – If possible, add a bit of creativity to make your title stand out from the competition.
Introduction
The introduction of a blog post or article is the first impression that readers will have of your content, so it’s important to make this section as informative and engaging as possible. Here are some tips to help you write an effective introduction:
- Start with a hook – Open with a catchy phrase or sentence to draw in readers. Ask a question, give an intriguing fact, or cite an interesting quote related to your topic.
- Provide background information – Give some context on your topic and why it’s important or why readers should care.
- Summarize the main points – Outline the key points that will be discussed in the body of the article or blog post.
- Keep it short and sweet – Brevity is key when writing introductions; aim for no more than two paragraphs.
Headlines
Headlines should be direct, punchy, and create curiosity. They should be written in a way that stands out from the other content and captures attention when scanning the newsletter. If appropriate, try to use some humor as well! Additionally, consider using keywords that are relevant to your readers and draw them in with powerful language.
- Keep it short and sweet – aim for a couple of words or a short phrase that summary the topic
- Use powerful language to draw your readers in
- Research and use keyword tools to find relevant keywords related to your topic
- Incorporate hyperbole, or though provoking ideas or imagery to grab attention
The Big Idea
Start off each story with one or two sentences that sum up the overarching concept or point of the article. This sets up a clear direction for where you plan to take the piece and gives readers an idea of what they will get out of reading it. Additionally, add bullet points to elaborate on key factors relating to this big idea.
Subheadings
Throughout the body of your email, use subheadings liberally. This is especially helpful if some sections get particularly long so you can break it up into smaller chunks and make it easier to read. They also act as signposts and guide a reader through your story in an organized way. Add bullet points here as well to highlight main topics further down in the page.
Content
Writing good quality content for a blog post or article requires careful planning and preparation. Incorporate thought provoking questions the reader may have. Also use data and statistics from reliable sources to make your argument. Interesting stories based on yours or others personal experience also help to draw the reader in and make your content ‘sticky’.
Here are some other techniques to keep in mind:
- Research: Researching your topic is essential for providing insightful, accurate content. Make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the subject before you start writing.
- Outline: Once you know what you want to write about, outline the main points and arguments. This will help guide your writing and provide structure to the post.
- Organization: Use clear formatting, such as headings and bullets when organizing your post or article. This will improve readability and make it easier for readers to find relevant information quickly.
- Proofreading: Proofread your work for typos, grammar mistakes, and incorrect facts before publication. This ensures that readers have access to the highest quality content possible.
- Citations: Properly cite any sources used throughout the blog post or article to give credit where it is due and avoid plagiarism.
- No More Commas: According to Brian Dean of Exploding Topics, he suggests quit using commas. Rather end the sentence and move on to the next idea.
Bullet Points
Bullet points help draw attention to important pieces of information within each section of text by acting as mini headlines that break out the most important bits from surrounding paragraphs. They also make it easier for readers to quickly comprehend complex topics without having to read entire sections of text all at once. Additionally, use bullet points at the end of stories or sections for easy-to-remember takeaways or calls-to-action (CTAs).
Takeaway & Last Word
To write an effective summary or last word, focus on the main idea and arguments presented in the article. It should be concise and engaging. It should give readers a sense of closure, summarizing the main points discussed without introducing new information. At the same time, it should also leave readers with something to think about, prompting them to reflect on what they have read and perhaps even encourage further exploration.
Use these techniques for a powerful summation:
- Summarize the key lessons from the article
- Encourage readers to implement what they learned
- Offer a practical CTA or actionable advice
- Include bullet points for emphasis and clarity
Write a concluding sentence (the “last wordâ€) that caps off the story nicely by presenting something memorable that readers can say at work – like an expert – about what they just read!
Writing effective blog posts and articles can help draw readers in, build trust with your audience, and build your reputation as an expert. You start with a great title and then write a captivating introduction. Followed by solid content and using several techniques to keep the reader engage all the way through the article. Finally, an excellent article has a great takeaway or last word. By following these practices, you can craft great pieces of content that will engage your audience from start to finish.