You’re already planning on what your next blog post will be when the last one you published got little to no engagements. You spent so much time writing this same post and was thinking it will be well received once you hit the publish button. But to your utmost dismay, not even a cricket sound was heard.
So what could be the problem? It wasn’t like it this is happening for the first time, it has to be a regular occurrence yet, you just can’t seem to figure it out. Now, where exactly are you getting it all wrong?
Remember, other people had equally written about a similar topic before and it went viral, so you need to know that the problem is never on the subject.
Do you want to know what the problem is? Ok, I will tell you. Your writing format suck!
Your posts lack the ingredients that will make it accessible. That’s the ugly truth.
There are certain ingredients that often enhance a perfect blog post and make it digestible, and if you don’t have these things on your posts, the chances of them becoming successful will be very slim.
The good news is that these things are not difficult to implement, you just need to be aware of them and then, know how to integrate them into your post. Do it well and every post you publish henceforth will lead to traffic surge, such that will break down your server. However, before you start writing the blog post following the tips I’m about to share below, I believe you’ve already written down your outline.
In case you don’t know, creating an outline for your blog post is equally critical to the success of that post. There are lots of guides on the internet that teaches you how to do this.
So, with all that out of the way, find below all the necessary spices your posts must contain for a better result.
The Anatomy Of a Perfect Blog Post
1. Craft Magnetic/Attractive Headlines
Who cares how meaty your blog post is if no one reads it? It’s your headline that will decide whether your post will be read or not. In other words, your headline is arguably more important than the blog post itself.
According to Kissmetrics, 10 among 100 people who visit your blog posts will end up reading the entire article. It does not matter if you’re writing an email, copy, webinar, blog posts and eBook, you need a compelling headline, such that will make your readers experience loss of consciousness once they see it.
I’ve seen many writers who always give headline the back seat while writing and I stand to wonder if they’re under the influence of alcohol or what? Without a magnetic headline, your blog posts do not stand a chance in Hell.
According to Buffer, a perfect headline should include any/all of the following factors:
- Questions
- Negatives
- Curiosity Gap
- Surprise
- How To
- Numbers
- Specificity
- Audience Referencing.
Including these things in your headline will completely swoon your readers and believe me, they will not get their eyes off the post until they finish reading it all. Now, i know you’re already visualizing that for your next post 🙂
Lenka Istvanova from Koozai.com recently created a good formula for writing the perfect headline which she called “Ultimate Headline Formula.”
It goes like this: Numbers + Adjective + Target Keyword + Rationale + Promise
Source: Buffer
It’s obvious that you’ve been hearing this all the time, and you will still be hearing it until you start practicing it. So if you want to get more eyes to your blog posts, you will have to start practicing how to write better and sexy headlines…..Period:).
There are many other countless guides to learning how to master the art of writing compelling headlines. Some of my favorites are below:
-
19 Headline Writing Tips for More Clickable, Shareable Blog Posts
- How To Write Attention Grabbing Headlines That Convert
- 30+ Ultimate Headline Formulas for Tweets, Posts, Articles, and Emails
2. Write Attention Grabbing Introduction:
The function of the headline is to entice readers to click-through to your post, and your Intro is what will make them read the post.
The introductory paragraph of your posts is also as important as the headline because a good headline mixed with a lame opening is as good as nothing. It’s just like inviting someone into your house only to close the door right on their face as they’re about to enter.
This illustrates that if a visitor is enticed by your headline and then discovered that your introduction sucks, he will only close the tab and go elsewhere. Therefore, you must try as much as you can to capture the reader’s imagination and pull them deeper into the article. This will be achieved by the use of a compelling introduction.
Therefore, you must try as much as you can to capture your reader’s imagination and pull them deeper into the article. This will be achieved by the use of a compelling introduction.
3. Create Gorgeous Sub-heads:
Using large blocks of texts are always unfriendly to reader’s attention and can sometimes turn a reader off but with good sub-heads, you will be able to get your readers hooked on your posts. It will also make your blog posts more scannable which is perfect.
Without including proper Sub-heads in your posts, the post will be so boring and uninteresting to read because most times, your readers will find it difficult to know which section they are on. It will also make it easier for the search engines to understand what your post is all about.
Therefore, always break down your posts will sub-heads, you can’t ignore this.
4. Tell Seductive Stories:
There is always power in storytelling especially when it’s interesting. This will always make reading your content much more fun. Who doesn’t like reading good and funny stories?
Recently, Alex Turnbull and the Groove HQ team tested the best way to introduce a new post; they discovered that including interesting stories on their posts resulted to 300 percent more readers than posts without stories. These folks were not only reading the post, but they were also scrolling all the way to the bottom and spending a much greater amount of time on the page, 520% more, precisely.
The bottom line is that you should always start your post with an interesting story, try it and see what difference it will make in your page views.
5. Write The Perfect Amount of Words:
Now, if you’ve implemented all the tips mentioned above in your post then congratulations, your post is better off than the majority of the posts on the internet. The next thing is to determine how many words the post should be.
How many words a blog post should contain has brought about lots of debate on the internet. There have been lots of suggestions on this, but the truth is that there is no set length for a perfect blog post, it all depends on what you’re writing and how knowledgeable you are about the topic.
However, If you look around the web, you will discover that certain blog posts usually perform better when they reach a certain number of words. Typically, blog posts with 1500 and more often receive more shares than the ones below that number except if you’re Seth Godin.
Quicksprout backed this data up by quoting that “Posts on Quick Sprout that is longer than 1,500 words receive 68 percent more tweets and 22 percent more Facebook likes”.
Similarly, the engagement graph below from Medium supports that, people tend to spend more time on posts with 1600 words and above (7 minutes upwards to be precise).
Finally, you must understand that the longer your articles are, the more engagement and shares it will garner.
6. Use Persuasive Words:
When it comes to writing, certain words hold power over our decision-making process than others. It is now your duty to dig out and understand why these words are persuasive and, you must make use of them in the contexts that make sense for your audience and business.
7. Use Eye Catchy Images:
Relevant images are vital for your blog post to be interesting and not boring. 65% of the internet population are visual learners; therefore, you may be missing out on a good number of readers if you fail to include images to your posts.
We’ve all heard the saying that a picture is worth more than a thousand words so, I urge you from today to make it a duty to include quality and relevant images to every blog post you write if you didn’t add pictures to them, don’t hit publish.
For more resources on this, check out the links below:
- Pixabay Free Stock Images
- 4 Powerful Reasons To Add Images To Your Blog Posts
- Tips For Using Images On Your Website
- 8 Data-Driven Tips for Using Images in Blog Posts
8. Focus More on What They Stand to Lose:
Yea, I know this one might sound strange to you but from research, I’ve discovered that most people are always afraid and careful of losing what they have more than they are in getting new ones.
You might not believe this, but it’s true. The majority of the wealthy men out there are more careful not to lose the money they’ve acquired than they are in acquiring new ones.
For example, when you write a headline that says……. You will lose all your email subscribers if you fail to do this simple assignment and Do this little task, and you will get more people to your email list.
Now, do you know that in most cases, people will respond to the first headline more than the second? This is because they don’t want to lose the list they worked so hard to gain so, why not use this to your advantage while writing?
9. Add Social Share Buttons:
Every perfect blog post will need to be shared hence, the need to make it as easy as possible for your readers to share your posts with their friends. From experience, the best way to ensure this is by including the share button on the header, footer, and sidebar of your blog posts this way, it will be too visible for your readers.
Recent research by Bright Edge shows that contents with social share button are usually more spreadable than contents without it.
10. Include Link to Other Sources:
You need to think of your blog posts as a focal point of quality and useful information. One of the properties of a perfect blog post is that it often contains links to other valuable information that will further drive the lesson home for the readers.
If you’re writing about a certain topic and you know of any similar blog post that has previously covered that topic comprehensively, you need to cite that content this way; your readers will be able to understand it better.
It could be a video, an image, a SlideShare presentation, an article, just anything that will make the post more relatable. Mind you that it must not be your articles alone, you should also link to other external sources.
11. Always Close in a Grand Style:
The primary goal of effective writing is to take a reader to a vivacious information ride say from point A to point G. So the key to a successful ending is to be aware of exactly the direction you want to take the reader even before you write a word. Therefore at the end of your blog posts, your readers should already understand the information you’re trying to pass across to them.
Therefore at the end of your blog posts, your readers should already understand the information you’re trying to pass across to them and also learn the lesson behind it.
Conclusion
So you’re finally at the end of this post, congratulations for making this far.
I’m confident that you’ve learned the anatomy of a perfect blog post, and now, you’re set to hit the publish button. I urge you to commit all the tips mentioned here to heart and make sure your next blog post contains them. Trust me; it will not be like every other post you’ve published.
As always, I love hearing your thoughts on matters like this so, let’s further the discussion in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading and do not forget to share this post with your friends.
I. C. Daniel says
They do have these things in common however most people who share articles are loyal readers in my opinion.
Regarding images in posts, they are also very good for SEO if use proper alt atribute. Unique writing style, yeah definitely helps.
See you next time buddy!
Theodore Nwangene says
Thanks for your contribution Dan,
I agree with your point but, before someone becomes a royal reader, you must have worn his attention because of your writing style or something similar.
Harleena Singh says
HI Theodore,
I agree with all that you wrote – these are indeed the important ingredients that we need to create a perfect post, though some bloggers just don’t care as much as they are supposed to while writing their posts. I think the foremost is the killer headlines, which would drive readers to your blog, if you have those, half your battle is won. Yes, images can speak volumes, and if you are good in your selection, they can bring in a lot of traffic to your blog too. Pinterest is one such place that needs to be tapped for this. I used to get a lot of traffic from my Blogger blog long time back, thanks to the images I shared – more traffic because of that than my content surprisingly, though it all changed once I moved to WordPress – tables turned.
I think if you write for your readers, or things to help them, you get people flocking your blog too, and that’s another addition I think bloggers should keep in mind, isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Theodore Nwangene says
Hello Harleena,
I’m sorry for my late reply, i travelled. Coming to your comment, i think you’ve already said it all and i agree with your points. Using great headlines is indeed vital if you want your posts read.
Of cause you must also write for your readers. Its also important to be choosy on the images you use and, i know you’re very good at that:).
Thanks for your amazing comment as always Harleena:).
Miliee Cyrus says
Quite simple and much more understanding concepts.. tnx for the article
Theodore Nwangene says
Thanks Mate 🙂
Chadrack says
This is what I call preaching what you do! Your headlines simply says you know what you are talking about here!
I actually love #11 best, close in a grand style. The truth is that most readers will only read the introductory paragraph, skim the main content and then read the closing. So, if you can pack a punch with your closing you would have done a great service to your blog post.
Thanks for sharing.
Theodore Nwangene says
Hahaha,
Thanks for the compliment my man. I learnt everything from you:). I’m glad you agreed with that points, thanks for stopping by.
Emmanuel says
Yes boss! I sincerely do concur with all of those points you’ve raised. Channeling out great headlines are one of those things I very work upon as well.
With respect to how I channel out those seductive stories, I simply can’t tell. They just flow in. Hahaha! Thanks man, for the mention.
Theodore Nwangene says
You are the boss Emmanuel,
And i really love your writing style.
Thanks for the shout out and, do keep up the good work:)
Miliee Cyrus says
Well.. The presentation sounds like something new to me.. <3 nice works vro….
Theodore Nwangene says
You’re welcome Miliee,
Thanks for the visit
Jeevan Jacob John says
Great points, Theo!
I realize the importance of things like titles, headlines and intros, but I rarely spent much time crafting them…I just like to go with the flow. See what comes to my mind and use it (I have been more careful recently, especially with the titles).
I hate re-editing because it compels me to change entire paragraphs (like I mentioned, the flow). I am not sure whether it’s actually helpful, but it feels great (not to worry too much about these things), at least in my mind.
But, I realize the importance of these things…like you mentioned, titles are the first thing people look at…if they are not intrigued, they probably won’t check the post (no matter how useful it could be – then again, without reading the post, they would never know how useful it could be).
Anyways, thank you for sharing these wonderful tips 🙂 I hope you are doing well!
Theodore Nwangene says
You welcome Jeevan,
And of cause, I’m doing awesome. Hope you’re also doing well?
I understood where you’re coming from but while going with the flow, its also important to ensure that your titles and intro paragraph are good as to make the visitor to read of cause, you already know why this is vital.
I’m happy to see you around Jeevan.
Thanks for the visit and, happy new week :).
Amiti says
Hi Theodore,
Great post! I concur with you regarding the above points. The title is super important in order to grab the readers, attention, and all of the other keys you gave are a must to make sure readers read the entire post and and then go share the content.
Theodore Nwangene says
Thanks Amiti,
I’m happy you agreed with me here. Thanks for coming
Marc says
Thanks for the article Theodore. Making posts easy to read and scan is definitely important. Avoiding long paragraphs, using subheaders, bold text, and bulleted lists can help.
Theodore Nwangene says
Thanks Marc,
I’m happy you like the post
nikhil ganotra says
Hello Theodore,
Very informative guide designing your blog posts. You are very right that headlines and catchy images have a huge impact on it. Thanks for sharing these useful tips.
Have a great day 🙂
Laura says
Hi Theodore,
Sure all these are needed in a blog. Title is the number one attraction to any post and you have done it since yours ‘Top 11 Important Ingredients Every Blog Post Cannot Survive Without (You’ll Love #1 & 9)’ really pulled me. I had to read your post. then the introduction is another one. hoewever, any blogger should know that after title and intro message the body need some good nutrients for it to be better.
Thanks,
Laura.
Jahnavi says
Very nice!! there is so much information on this blog keep posting good information like this so that I can come back every day for some new info
varun says
I am new in blogging but i must say that this is a great article for me.. thanks for sharing this post with us.
Jayashree says
Hello Theo – Wow you have shared the important items that we need to focus on while writing a post to make it successful. I think the eye catchy headline plays an important role which is what the reader sees first and if we have magnetic title then you have invited the readers and to have them stay we need to focus on writing killer content. Thanks for sharing these awesome tips.
Janice Wald says
Hi,
Great article. I agree with all your tips. I am working on trying to improve my Call to Action.
Janice
Saurav Kumar Nayak says
Hi Theodore,
It has happened to me and most of other blogger that they have not received the appreciation as expected. We spent so much time and effort in writing beautiful post but did not get the attention. It is frustrating and many of Bloggers quit their job at this stage.
Yeah it is true that hundreds of articles may be already available on the same topic.
The headline of topic is important as it draws the attention of people. It should not be a common Headline otherwise it will not get attention.
Use of link to other website and intelligent use of graphic and images is also important.
Reader always likes to read interesting and funny stories thus reading your story should make them happy.
Thanks for sharing wonderful tips.
With regards,
Saurav
Theodore Nwangene says
Hello Saurav,
Thanks a lot for this thoughtful comment of yours. Yes, I understood where you’re coming from. Spending so much time writing a post only to get no one talking about it can be very demotivating. However, the best thing is to always make sure you cover all the holes to ensure your post will be well received.
Muhammad Tabish says
Wow. Thanks For The Awsome Informative Post, Fantastic Writing Blog Post,
It’s my First Visit Your Blog Good Stuff, and great Work, I like It
Keep Sharing Have a Nice Day Ahead,
Theodore Nwangene says
Thanks Mohammad,
And welcome to my blog
Jatin says
Hi Theodore,
Thanks for sharing such a useful post. I am new to blogging and i must say it will surely help me while writing for my blog. Keep posting such useful information.
Muhammad Ahmad says
Wohooo, Theodore!
Great tips indeed.
Thanks for sharing!
~ Ahmad
P.S. Please do read my latest blog post at MeetAhmad [dot] com, I would love to see your views there!
Kimsea Sok says
Hey, budy!
Today, I got your email, actually not the newsletter but some kind of proposal. Well, I replied the email and hope see it.
This is the nice post about producing content as you have make it wonderful and gave me related resources. It seem to me that you putted lots of ingredients to make you post much more delicious.
I agree headlines is most important for writing. it explained and persuade readers to came and read the article. However, most of the readers are too lazy hence to explain some information to make them stay. The introduction have to be genuise.
Sometime, I feel much worry about optimize the image of the post because I’m not a good creative image maker. Nonetheless, I have to say that image is significant important in attraction human motion.
Thanks for sharing
Ravi Roshan Jaiswal says
Hey Theodore,
Such a wonderful list of tips for perfect blog post. When we upset due to less traffic of site these tip may help to boost our site traffic very fast. Writing a valuable article for reader is the best tip for grabbing attention of reader. So, always write a valuable article with an effective headline of article.
The headline formula is awesome. Also, introducing very well about the topic compelled reader to wait for sometimes in your site. Also, eye catchy images is wonderful to attract reader forever. Each and every points are created according to blogger’s need and are really wonderful.
Thanks a lot for sharing such useful and beneficial tip for every blogger. It will really help to make popular our post along with our site.
Best regards.
– Ravi.
Vijendra Singh says
Really great tips !!!
As a bloggers, I keep in mind most of the things you have mentioned here but this article is surely going to add value to my writing skills.
Thanks for writing such informative blog.
Julian Ann says
Hi Theodore,
Blog Post seriously matte for a Blogger and How does a Blogger can Garnering on Blog Post this is well explained by you.
I honestly like the way you shared your view and experience for Blog Post.