How to Write a Good Blog Post and Gain Readers

I have been blogging  every week for the better part of the last year. Basically, I’ve made blogging 101 my main job.

I thought I’d offer up what I’ve learned in my quest to write good blog posts.

This equals hours and hours of my life, hunched over, staring zombie-like into a screen, learning tips and techniques. In other words, this is valuable information.

Remember, we teach what we most need to learn. Don’t blame me if I’ve failed miserably at all these tips.  🙂

1. No more than 1,000 words EVER. Truthfully, there is nothing you have to say that can’t be said in 1,000 words or less. You know we all scan to see how long something is and turn away if it’s too much. Short and sweet, my friend.

2. Cut 20% of what you write. We are not as interesting as we think we are. You can cut 20%. Do it, or lose readers.

3. Tell a story. Follow a story arc. Beginning. Middle. End. Aren’t stories just the best?

4. Make your posts relevant to your reader. There has to be some sort of value for me or I won’t engage in your writing. Blogging is a conversation. Engage me.

5. Blog about BIG ideas over daily diary entries. Your life is not that interesting. There are a million blogs. Why should I read yours? I will only read it if you have big or surprising ideas.

6. Surprise Your Reader. To do this, you must surprise yourself. Somewhere in your writing, you must share something unexpected. If not, no go.

7. Write catchy titles. “How to blank and blank” statistically make for successful blog posts. See the title of this post for an example. 🙂

8. Use Google “Key-Words.” You can enter your title into Google and see how many people are searching for key words in your title. If no one is searching for what you wrote, change your title. What good is your article if no one can find it? Look for “medium” level of searches, and for about 1,5oo local monthly searches.

9. Tell the truth. That doesn’t mean you have to divulge every little detail, but be honest in your writing. Your reader will know if you are sharing your truth.

10. Get Scared. If you aren’t scared to publish your post, it probably isn’t good. To really write great posts and gain readers, you should reveal honest details about you and your life. This is scary. If you’re not scared, there’s nothing interesting in your writing.