Do you take much notice of your blog post format? Are you even aware of how to format a blog post? Once you know the basics, you will be able to use the formula over and over until it becomes second nature. However, when you are first starting out, it may feel quite overwhelming and think that just putting words on a page is enough.
The format that you place on your blog post is just as important as the words that you are writing. You are aiming for engagement from your readers, and a poorly formatted post will have those readers leaving in seconds, never to return.
If you are focused on achieving a popular blog, you need to spend time concentrating on your blog post format.
Have you noticed what it is that draws you to other people’s blogs? What are the things in those posts that either make you cringe or feel at ease. If you want people to read past the first few sentences, you need to get that format right.
6 blogging tips for an awesome blog post format
1. Choose a great title
What is the first thing you see when you look at a post? That’s right – the title! If the title is engaging, readers are more likely to click the link and read what you have to say.
If it’s plain boring, you are going to put off those readers right at the door. Don’t let your hard work down by writing a poor title. Make sure that the title is relevant to your article.
You are looking for a highly engaging, interesting and exciting title. Easy right?!
2. Draw readers in with your introduction
What’s next on our blog post format list? It’s your introduction of course!
Your post introduction is like the preview to a book or a movie. You need to be telling people what they can expect from your post. If this isn’t good, then how can you expect anyone to read on!
Does your introduction provide an emotional reaction to the reader? What do I mean by that? Well, does your introduction draw your reader in to want to know more?
Have you given them enough that they are desperate to read what else you have for them? Remember that blogging is about providing information to people and regardless of your niche, your introduction needs to be strong.
Readers will asses your introduction immediately and determine whether it is worth their while staying on the page. The internet is full of information, so unless you grab their attention, they will definitely be going elsewhere.
3. Ensure your post is gentle on the eye
Regardless of whether your post is light hearted or business driven, readers should not feel over whelmed by looking at the page. Your post should include headings, bullet points and images to break up the mass of text.
Some bloggers are scared of using white space, but on the internet…white space is great! It is this white space that breathes fresh air into your content, so don’t be afraid of using it.
A blog post format that does not make use of white space is going to crash and burn pretty quickly.
White space gives readers a chance to take in what they have just read before moving onto the next thing. So remember…white space…and…..breath!!!!!
Try and ensure that your paragraphs are not too long. This also supports the white space! A long paragraph of writing can be very daunting and will put lots of readers off. You may have written awesome content, but what good is it if people are not inclined to read it!
4. Use Sub headings
It’s not uncommon for a reader to scan the page before they start to actually read. This is therefore incredibly important to take into consideration when looking at your blog post format.
Are you using sub headings on your blog?
The subheadings will grab readers attention as they are scanning down the page. If your content is hidden in paragraphs, how will your readers know it is there without actually reading the entire post? A subheading gives a glimpse of what is included and will help readers determine whether they want to stay and read or run to the next blog.
Subheadings can also be great for SEO, so use them wisely and they will look after you too.
5. Finish with an awesome conclusion
What is it that you have wanted your readers to have really gained from your post? Revisit it, to make sure that they have really got the point! You certainly don’t want to be repeating yourself, but a well rounded conclusion will sum up the entire post content in a paragraph.
Just like your introduction excites people, your conclusion needs to raise awareness to what has been learnt. This will ensure that readers leave your post feeling happy that they have gained something. If they feel this way, they are more likely to return!
A great blog post format will include an exciting introduction and a well rounded conclusion.
6. Leave a call to action
Ask your readers to comment on your post. It may sound silly, but often simply putting “please comment” will drive readers to do so. People love to respond to commands, so add it in your post and see what happens.
You may also like to ask readers to share your work. Sometimes stating the obvious is what provides you with the interaction and sharing. It is not always obvious to readers, so make it obvious!
Ignore your blog post format at your peril! Why waste the time and effort in getting all the information together, purely to throw it away with an awful post format. The more you do this, the easier it will become!
How do you normally structure your blog post format? Do you even spend time thinking about it or has it become second nature? Please share your thoughts with us below.
