Many bloggers have those basic skills, yet their posts are routinely ignored. What’s wrong here? Let’s take a look at what happens after a post is published.
You finally hit the publish button on an article you spent hours writing. When the post goes up online, you eagerly check the stats. It doesn’t seem to be making a dent. Not one comment. No one is sharing it. No one notices it.
Let’s back track to the start
Research proves that many readers do not make it past the title of your post. Was your title too long or ambiguous? Did you hook your readers by making them curious or evoking an emotion response?
Usually the first 3 words and last 3 words of your title are all that will register with your readers. Did you put the most important words near the beginning and end of your title? The beginning of your title is also more weighted for SEO, so it is a good idea to fit your key words into the title.
Think about using numbers because they do a good job at evoking emotions and curiosity, and use no more than 6 words to make sure the entire title is read by readers.
Are Your Paragraphs Hard To Read?
Let’s explore that awesome blog post you just finished writing. Did you write it as though it were a novel?Not a good idea.
In the online world, the most important factors are the ease of reading and the ability to scan a post. You should use paragraphs that are 1 to 4 sentences long. It might seem absurd but it works.
Your readers may just scan all the way through your post if you use this approach.
Visuals are KEY to Your Blog
Photos are essential in your blog post.
If you’re not the best at photography, there are great service like Dollar Photo Club so you can still fill your blog with eye-catching visuals.
At the very least, your blog post should be equipped with a header photo or featured image at the top. Visuals throughout the post will keep attention and help to convey your message.
Interlinking Works Wonders
Your blog post can have embedded links to multiple other posts. If you do this skillfully, you hardly notice that the links are there because they mesh so seamlessly with the message. At the same time, your readers can’t help but to click on them and read further.
Link to Valuable Resources for Credibility
You may be worried that linking to other pages will steer the traffic away from your page. True in some cases, but in reality, Google loves relevant links.
Your readers will like that you provide helpful content and won’t be afraid to share it. Share resources that are useful and your readers will come back for more.
Detailed is the New Short
Recently, some studies show that longer posts are better than short.
Google loves helpful, detailed posts that provide good resources for readers because they love sharing useful posts.
700 to 1500 words seem to be a sweet spot for getting more attention from Google and more shares. Sometimes short witty posts are all you need as long as you can fit in SEO keywords and relevant information. Cater to what your readers like.
Make Your Content Really Easy to Share
Add sharing buttons in every place that seems relevant. Make it easy for others to share!
Compel Action!
Ask for your readers’ thoughts on the post and ask if they want to share them in the comments. Maybe you want them to sign up for your email list to gain more resources that go with what they’ve just read. Either way, give your readers some steps they can take next after reading your post.
Use Headers and Sub-headers to Make Your Post Easier to Navigate
These are crucial for making it easy for the eye to scan down the page.
You can use the <h2> and <h3> tags when you write. The larger titles can be done with the <h2> tag.
Bullets and numbering are also an easy way to organize your post better.
Keys to Assembling an Awesome Blog Post
- Title – 6 Meaningful Words
- Many Short Paragraphs
- Feature Photo
- Interlinking to relevant posts
- Link to Helpful Resources
- 700-1500 Words to Maximize Sharing & SEO
- Social Media Buttons for Sharing
- Call to Action
- Sub-headers