As a blogger, finding the right words can make all the difference.
And today, with 2.7 million blog posts published every day, that difference can determine your success.
While every blog post won’t be a home run, you will get better with each word you write.
When asked her secret to writing award-winning content, PD James, an English crime writer replied,
“Don’t just plan to write—write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style.”
So how can you develop your own style and write a powerful blog post that connects with your audience?
A recent Infographic by QuickSprout sheds light on the six critical elements of a powerful blog post.
If you’re ready to boost your blog traffic, read on for tips to writing the perfect blog post every time!
How to Write a Powerful Blog Post
1. Include Engaging Graphics
Visuals are a powerful tool. If you’ve spent any time on my blog or social channels, you know my commitment to creating visual appeal. Not only will the right visual brand your business, but it can also improve visibility.
In data collected by MDG Advertising, articles including a relevant image received 94% more total views on average than one without. This says to me that while you can write compelling content, posting it without a branded graphic leaves your blog at a disadvantage.
If you’re eager to gain additional traffic, don’t forget the value of visual social giant Pinterest. If you’re not creating a pinnable image within your blog post, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
Pinterest is now the #1 traffic driver on my blog. Want to know how I moved that needle from #6 to #1 in a matter of months? I consistently create branded images that are clean, easy-to-read, and simple to collect or bookmark.
Below is one of my top performing pins , “How to Create a Winning Social Media Strategy,” and one that continues to drive traffic to my blog, even though the post is nine months old. You can see the current social shares.
Here’s a few ways to use graphics:
- Offer a tip, advice or how-to
- Tell your business story
- Share a quote from one of your posts
- Promote an upcoming webinar
- Offer a solution to a top reader problem
2. Use a Clean Design and Layout
There’s a saying, “a confused mind won’t buy.” The same holds true for your website. A cluttered design causes confusion and overwhelm.
While the perfect blog design might be up for debate, there’s no denying the value in simplicity. Keeping your site uncluttered and easy to navigate is critical.
If you’re not converting enough buyers or selling your latest product, look to your website design. What surrounds your call to action? Are there bright buttons, confusing ads, too much text, all amidst a messy design?
If you want to improve credibility and build relationships with your readers, take the time to spruce up your site.
Here’s a simple to-do checklist:
- Declutter your sidebar
- Update your contact information and make it simple to find
- Simplify your navigation and menus
- Stick to the rule of one and create one main call to action on your home page
- Be clear in who you’re talking to and speak their language
- Update your content – add paragraphs, bullet points and other separators that make it easy to read
One of my favorite websites is “Born Creative,” the Sacramento design company spawned by Jennifer and Jason Bourn. The website makes an immediate impact, sharing their personality and talent for web and visual design.
3. Have a Unique Voice
With over 81 million new posts written on a monthly basis, it’s easy to see how your blog could get lost in the noise. This makes it imperative that you write what you know and share it in your unique voice.
Marie Forleo has been a longtime favorite of mine. There’s no denying her unique style. From her website design to quality videos and viral reach, it’s evident that Marie has found her rhythm and voice.
So, how can you find yours? It’s not as hard as you might think.
Too often bloggers look to other bloggers for advice. While this is a great place to gain inspiration, the downside is emulating what they do rather than learning through their example.
As Marie says, “create a brand you can smell from miles away.” In other words, just be you.
Write what comes naturally and you’ll quickly begin to set yourself apart.
4. Connect with Social Media
I might step on a few SEO toes here, but my feeling is this.
You can write a great blog all day long. In fact, you can write the greatest story ever told.
But without the reach, credibility and authority that social media can bring, you’re spinning your marketing wheels.
Now don’t get me wrong. Social media isn’t just about promotion. It’s about relationships. It’s establishing rapport and creating reciprocity.
It’s also hard work, just like building a blog. It requires that you do more than simply hop on and shout out your latest article. Take the time to build a tribe, one that edifies and supports your blog.
A great place to do this is Triberr. I’ve been a member/fan of Triberr for years and can attest to the power of aligning yourself with people committed to sharing your message.
Find a tribe, connect with active bloggers, and share content that’s relevant to your target market!
5. Use a Call to Action
Take a look at your latest blog post. How many comments did it receive? One or maybe none? Let me tell you why.
You didn’t ask. If you don’t ask for anyone’s opinion, they’re not going to give it. You must give your readers a reason to get involved.
“Call to action” isn’t just a marketing term. It’s a word that should live and breathe in all of your online copy. From your blog to social media, make sure you tell your readers what next step to take.
Coming soon! My new course, “The Smart Guide to Marketing Your Business on #SocialMedia.” Get a sneak peek! https://t.co/mH1pj1u3y8 pic.twitter.com/xGluQ6T1Xz
— Rebekah Radice (@RebekahRadice) June 19, 2017
With each post you write, determine what your call to action is. It can be as simple as asking a question or pointing towards another helpful article.
Whatever the case, don’t let that opportunity slip by.
6. Go Against the Grain
When was the last time you got angry? Whether it was at your spouse, child or the grocery store clerk, I guarantee they knew you were mad.
How did they know? They heard it in your tone of voice and saw it in your body language. They could feel the frustration that you willingly shared.
Think about that the next time you sit down to write a blog post. What about the topic was interesting to you?
Did it make you feel:
- Happy
- Angry
- Elated
- Overjoyed
- Enthusiastic
- Terrified
If you want people to stand up and take notice of your blog, you must take a stand. Let readers feel as if you’re talking directly to them and make them feel your words. Mark Manson, the author of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” has an incredible way with words.
The first time I read his 2015 post that turned into his best-selling book, I was mesmerized by his raw, direct, and brash communication style.
It shook me, and I suspect – it did the same for many readers who clamored for more of his writing.
You can take a queue from his style. If you find yourself editing your thoughts, stop today. Everybody does it, but here’s what happens when it becomes a habit.
Instead of writing as the words flow, you stunt your creativity. Second guessing each word that spills out of your head.
I encourage you to start sharing your opinions, the real ones, today. Not the ones you slide under the rug because you’re worried about what others will say.
I can tell you first hand that if you don’t have strong feelings around your topic, it will show. It will not only show in your writing, but also in your following, traffic and social shares.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to read a blog with ideas, visuals, and concepts that have been spewed a million times over.
They want to hear your take on a subject. They want to feel your words and most of all, they want you to draw them into the conversation.
How are you creating conversation around your blog?
Make a commitment to incorporating these six elements to write the perfect blog post every time!
Grab the Infographic
It is a good guide to start the powerful blog post. Thanks for your nice sharing.
Nice to learn. I will start to apply for my own personal blog now. Thanks for your sharing this.
Good article and infographic. I get the real things about writing a blog post
Thanks for the guide… CTA is must in the post
Well i really appreciate your efforts of explaining all these aspects with such love and enthusiasm. This atricle just cleared alot of my concepts about blog posts. But i have a question when i use images on my website it makes my site slower then before. Do you have any solution about it?
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Hi Rebecca,
What a joy to be here again.
Though I read this amazing post a few years back I could not make a feedback then,
I am so glad to read this again and thus this comment.
This is really an amazing share as usual but I am sure this will be an evergreen one.
A lot of tips you shared with this post, and am sure this will be a collectors guide.
I am bookmarking this.
Thanks for sharing
Keep sharing
Best
~ Philip
I love this… “Don’t just plan to write—write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style.”
In order words, don’t talk about it. Just do it.
It’s a great article. Need more article like this.
Thanks for the wonderful tips.
As a blogger, I always look for ways to improve my writing style.
People come to your blog for two reasons.
1. To gain knowledge from your blog
2. They visit your site because they love your writing style
I find the tips and the infographics.
-Tauseef
This is a great post with high quality tips! Connecting to Sociso Media is my biggest set back. I am not on Facebook. I know…gasp! I plan to join, as you state it’ll help with building a tribe, but I am certainly guilty of procrastination. Thank you for these ideas.
Hi Rebekah,
True it is – ‘a confused mind won’t buy’. So using a clear and uncluttered theme design can actually help the users in their buying decision. Also. ease of reading and a clear call to action are very crucial points to make a blog post powerful. Thanks for the share.
For Clean Design and Layout, I only use one column theme for my blog. So readers can focus on my content.
Very useful post! I love finding posts like these on Pinterest! Xx
Any ideas for a religious blog? What rules would you use?
awesome blogpost ideas.thanks
Wow! I LOVE this. It is so simple and to the point. You offered me so many things I had not yet thought of. I do the call to action in every post but still don’t get much interaction. I’m only a month in so I’m being as patient as I can! Social media is awesome..I learned how to use Twitter..still learning actually..
I need to put pictures but don’t want to clutter the article or make it seem too long…some of them are kind of wordy.
Quoting my blog post in a picture sounds seriously perfect. I can make one for every post as a teaser to put on social media since I have already posted the main picture..this can make them see into it before judging prior to reading based off of the title.
Thank you so much!!! Take care 🙂
http://makingmalissa.com/2016/01/28/how-i-survived-over-8-months-away-from-my-son/
Beautiful blog post! Thanks for the great information. I will be working on many of your ideas. : )
Hello Rebeca.
My name is Emilia and I come from Poland. I started my blog just half year ago. My problem is no commentator my post. I write my blog about sweet jewelery with polymer clay, and at time to time about volunteering. I try to always remember to ask a qustion in every post- but poeple dont answer me. I dont have facebook or another social media fanpage, but i always share my post in my provate facebook and my friend something write my something. I know that name my blog can be difficult to remember but i cant change it. Bloging is not easy for me: I make foto old camera, and I know nothing about photography, but I try. I started blog becouse my friend ask me to show them my jewelery and I thought that is te best solution. Can you help me? Sorry, my language is not perfect, but I try and do my best. I hope you understand and can give me more tips and some advice. Emilia ps. maby the problem is somwhere alse? Maby my blog is too colorfull?
Awesome advice Rebekah. 🙂 Great tips for beginners. It is true that if you want crediblity and to build a relationship with your readers, you should take time to spruce up your site. What I loved most is your idea that call to action isn’t just a marketing term but it’s a word that should live and breath in all of your online copy.
Thank you for writing so simply. I believe I can do this.
Thank you for this insightful post. I am working towards getting a blog going and this information is super helpful.
One of the things that jumped out most to me is that people skim most things instead of actually reading them. I know I do! I can get wordy, though, so it’s an excellent reminder.
I look forward to reading more from you. Thanks again!
Hey Rebecca,
That was an interesting and a well explained post. I liked how you emphasized on building a community. That’s a factor that can highly affect your success in the world of blogging. When you start focusing on creating a network instead of getting ‘followers’, you get loyal followers who would read whatever you write, who would listen to whatever you say. In fact, they would be your new pen friends. And the feeling of accomplishment you get is super awesome. So, one must start building a community and then see the magic! v
Don’t I love it? Absolutely! This is post that’s going to stick to my mind for many days to come. It puts the tenets in clear points, and in multiple ways (repetition by visuals, bullets, texts). Thanks a lot!
Glad you loved it Sandip!
Fantastic advice. The stats you shared were very interesting (and a little scary – that’s a lot of blogs out there). It seems a lot of people like the ‘idea’ of blogging, however don’t realise just how much work it is. There is a lot that goes into promoting your blog and building your tribe – there’s no point in shouting out on every platform that you have a new post up if you don’t have loyal readers who will click over to your site. It all takes time, and a lot of learning. Thanks for the insight.
You’re so right Krystal. There is a lot of work that goes into running a blog. I think there’s a honeymoon phase, but once the shine wears off, many people move on.
in this blog post you lived up to all the tips you shared = brilliant!
Thanks Joann!
This is a great article. Thorough. Fab advice. And lovely images and stats.
Thank you for writing this
Thanks Anna!
I really needed this advice. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome Jodi!
Hi Rebekah! I’ve spent already almost whole day reading your posts and so happy i found them right now, when i am only starting my blog. I’ve realized some mistakes i’ve already made, but now will keep all your tips in mind!
Thanks a lot!
Olga
Wow Olga – that’s wonderful! I’m so glad they’re helpful. And how exciting about your new blog. Congratulations!
Hi Rebekah! Thanks for the incredible post! I gained a ton of value from the information you shared. The resources you recommended was exactly what I was looking for.
Hi Rebekah,I totally agree with you on the graphics. Visual content has already been proven to be more effective than text. You are a great at sharing you post and messages through graphics etc.
Also, I couldn’t agree more about design and layout. Clutter is not our friend. It is very distracting and causes visitors to miss key parts of our content like our call to actions as you mentioned!
#3 is one of the most important aspects of it all to me. We have to be true to ourselves and share our message in a unique way. I think this is often over thought because each one of us is unique in our own way. So, being ourselves and finding our voice is an easy way for us to stand out from the other guys.Have great rest of the weekend Rebekah!
Hi Rebekah,
You’ve written the practical tips to create a powerful blog post. I would say that these ways can be easily followed by the bloggers. I’m on track with most of the tips which you’ve specified here and yes, I too drive traffic from Pinterest. Speaking with unique voice, clutter-free design, making use of social media and call-to-action are the sure fire ways to produce a dynamic blog post. Will follow the missed tips, thanks for sharing your awesome tips for us 🙂
Hi Nirmala! That’s great to hear that you’re seeing a benefit from Pinterest. It really is a missed opportunity for most bloggers.
Hi girlfriend! Great article! I have technical question for you. If you do not include the Pinterest graphic in your blog post, how do you link the post to a graphic you create and store on your computer? Hope that makes sense. Also, I’d love to chat about @BizWomenExperts. Please send me an email and I can fill you in;)) pepperminttopia@live.com. Thx so much!!
Hi Michelle! Great question. Just upload your image to Pinterest (click on the plus sign next to your profile pic and choose upload pin), then upload your image and add your description. Once uploaded you’ll need to edit the pin and add your URL. That’s it! 🙂
Hi Rebekah,
Finding your voice is critical to achieving the powerful results we are all looking for.
I love it when you said; ““Don’t just plan to write—write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style.””
That’s the first step. We find our voice through experience and time.
But I find that there are additional steps. Such as really doing the foundational work on your business and learning what business you’re really in. That forces you to look at your business the way your website visitors or blog readers do.
Do they understand and get you?
It sure makes your writing easier and more powerful when you know why you’re writing and who are writing for with each article.
I love that you encourage us to take a stand and be bold! That has been a means to end for me. Today’s article title was pretty bold by my standards, lol… But it’s really paying off in shares and engagement already.
I’m absolutely loving Triberr!!!! I just really started getting into a few weeks ago and I’m so impressed.
I really appreciated your post Rebekah. It’s a lot of fun writing articles that resonate with people when you help them solve their problems.
I hope you have a great end to your week!
~ Don Purdum
Hi Don! Great points. If you don’t understand your business, you’re definitely not going to understand the needs of the client/consumer.
I’m so glad to hear you’re loving Triberr. It’s a fantastic group of people!
Great tips here! I think I’m probably guilty of not going against the grain enough! Maybe I should start saving up my rage for a good blog post 😀
LOL Shikha..now there’s a thought! Every time you’re frustrated, start blogging. Take it out in an article and see what all of that bottled up frustration turns into!
Great tips. You’re pretty awesome at #1 🙂
And good timing. I’m doing a presentation tomorrow, and a launching an online course in October called “Set it and forget it: Connecting blogging, Videos and Email Marketing to attract clients on autopilot”.
And congrats on the new podcast!
You are surely on top of your game. Awesome and very powerful blog indeed. Rebekah your blogs are nicely presented.
That’s awesome Angelique! I love the title and am certain you knocked it out of the park today!
Great tips. You’re pretty awesome at #1 🙂
And good timing. I’m doing a presentation tomorrow, and a launching an online course in October called “Set it and forget it: Connecting blogging, Videos and Email Marketing to attract clients on autopilot”.
Hi Rebekah,
Write, write and write some more.Writing is a key to becoming a powerful blogger. Practice developing a skill and you will become more skilled in that area over time.
I recall reading yesterday that John Grisham, the best selling author with over 300 million copies of his books sold world wide, wrote every single day before start his work day as a lawyer.
Even if he wrote 10 minutes a day, he wrote, because he needed to develop the discipline to improve his skills. Well, 300 million books sold later I feel he’s on to something 😉
I publish three, 2500 word or longer posts weekly, create in depth comments and write for freelance clients. Not sure how many hours I write daily, but it’s probably 3 to 5, easy. Why? I’m an author, and blogger, so I write, and Blogging from Paradise’s quick growth is rooted in the fact that I write like mad each day.
Awesome mention of Marie BTW. She’s beyond brilliant. So funny, and yes, we can smell her brand from a mile away.
Thanks Rebekah. I’ll tweet this in a bit.
Signing off from Fiji.
Ryan
Hey Rebekah,
Excellent write. Top notch information. One of the biggest mistakes I done was not (always) writing in the language of my readers. Instead, writing my way.
Thanks for the knock on the head!