What are some greAt ideas for blog posts?

To write effective blog posts there are many things that you can do, but there are a few basics that will always hold true. At the end of the day, writing is story telling … be open, honest, and share what is important to you. Even when writing about things that are impersonal, similar to this blog post, you can share your experiences, thoughts, and vision. Everyone loves a great story, so give them one.

My first career was as a newspaper journalist, and the thing that I loved about that job was giving someone a voice that might not otherwise have one. Maybe you are writing about a national monument that honors Native Americans, maybe you are writing about someone that completed a kayak race around the Cape of Good Hope, or maybe you are sharing how a change in a state’s medical coverage will affect a disabled child, or maybe you are telling a new business owner’s journey. Regardless, as a writer you get to share a part of our world that others may be unaware of or are interested in.

What are some ideas for blogs that can help you tell your story in an effective manner?

Images, personality, headlines, an understanding of your audience, a strong lead, a clear structure, and a call to action are several things that will help every blogger. Keep reading below to find out how each of these things can be accomplished.

How will images, graphics, and videos impove a blog?

In the world of social media, hundreds or streaming services, and millions of web sites, grabbing someone’s attention even for a second gets more difficult each day. We are bombarded with messages asking for our time. While Words Get You There, the old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words still holds true. As humans we are led by visuals … we even eat with our eyes first. So, take the time to find an image, video clip, or graphic that will draw the reader into your text.

Should you interject your personality into a blog?

Yes, you should add personality to your blog. Your personality, or voice, will resonate as authentic and create trust with the user. I do think that it is important to say that while writing for a company you should make their voice heard, not yours. Each word that you write is representative of someone or something, so feel free to shout that voice, that message with as much excitement as they would. If you are writing a blog post about bolts and screws know that those bolts and screws mean a lot to the people that make them and the people that use them. Dig deep and find that passion and excitement. If you don’t then you are wasting your time and energy.

Are headlines really that important?

Emphatically, YES, YES, and YES! 100-percent of the time headlines are read, but only a small fraction of the time will readers move past the headline. This is your one chance. Period. Headlines should be clear, specific, and draw the reader in out of curiosity for more. The headline is your hook, and if the bait doesn’t look tasty you won’t get any bites. There are a few things that you should avoid including misleading headlines, false statements, and sensationalism that misrepresents the gist of your story. If the reader feels deceived, they will stop reading, and your message will be lost due to the loss of trust.

Is knowing your audience the most important thing?

Yes. I think that a simple example here will explain this. When writing for a punk rock zine, chaotic sentences and aggressive words will work. When writing for a publication that caters to senior, simple and clear sentences will be needed. Swap those two styles and you will be doomed to failure.

What is a strong lead and how does it help?

A lead refers to the opening paragraph. Your headline got the read’s attention, and the lead will be what develops their interest in continuing. Grab their attention fast by asking a question, using a bold statement, or sharing a quick story. Leave the reader wanting, desiring more.

What does a clear structure offer the reader?

As humans, we are creatures of habit. We like comfort and structure in our lives. Reading should be easy and enjoyable. When writing, a consistent and easy format is what everyone wants. If you want to experiment, try putting the headline at the bottom of the story? It will not work. Find a consistent format and stick with it,

Does every story or post need a call to action?

No, not every blog post needs a call to action. A call to action is a method to get the user to continue engagement. Click here for more information. Buy Now. Sign-up for our newsletter. Donate here. These are just of a few common calls to action. Of course we can post information for the sake of information, but in most cases, we have a motive for writing. We want to make or raise money, further a cause, educate, entertain, or sway opinions. If you have a reader make it through one blog post, why wouldn’t you want to offer them more?

pulling writing tip from words get you there can help create interesting and effective blog post!

A marketing 101 principle is AIDA … attention, interest, desire, and action. We generally write with a purpose, and it is not always to sell something. Still, by using the tips above to create compelling reading and adhering to these marketing principles you will have effective blog post. You will reach your goals. To learn more about how Words Get You There, click to read more of our helpful blogs or to learn about our writing services.