How To Write a Blog Like A Professional (Even if you are a beginner)
- Last Updated: 29th July, 2021
- Reading Time: 11 mins
If you ask me “Is it difficult to write a blog?”
I won’t be able to give a yes or no answer.
I will say it depends.
It depends on what you want to achieve by writing a blog. It depends on how much time and research you want to invest in developing it.
If your only goal is to post a 500-word article on your website 4 times a week without much thought into the depth of the blog, it’s pretty easy.
But, if your goal is to..
- Educate your audience
- Solve a specific problem of customers
- Help people understand a complex topic
- Help visitors make a decision
- Give an in depth review of a tool/book/etc
It’s a completely different scenario
In either of the above cases, you will need to first understand the topic in depth. Then provide elaborate information that makes it worth reading. A writing style with personality is an added bonus.
This process can take a couple of days, weeks, or even months. The more amount of time you dedicate to research and write, the better it’s going to be.
It’s when you write well-researched, valuable information in an interesting way, people will enjoy reading & search engines will reward you with more visitors.
Google has stressed the importance of high-quality content multiple times.
In this blog, I will share with you “How to write a blog post” in 10 simple steps. You may be a beginner or you may have never written a blog, this guide will show you the tiny details you need to focus on that will make your blog outstanding.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Step 1- Choose a topic
Topic selection is crucial. You want to write a blog your audience will enjoy reading.
Before you open your word document and start typing, you need to think and clear your thoughts on
- Do you know enough about the topic
- Have you used/experienced the product or service personally
- What is your opinion on the topic
- How much time do you want to invest in research
- Decide the length of your article
I personally recommend you write on topics you have command, done enough research or have personal experience.
The internet is filled with blogs. Chances are, more than 1000 people have written on the same topic you are writing about. How are you going to be unique and why should people prefer to read your blog?
Well, it depends on a number of factors. But, it begins with choosing a topic you are confident about.
Step 2- Research
Once you finalize the topic, dedicate yourself to discover and learn more about the subject. You may already have fair knowledge, but it’s always wise to check out the latest developments.
Research for writing a blog doesn’t mean you do a Google search on the topic, read two articles and start writing.
Successful bloggers have a very strategic approach to dig deeper into a subject. If you don’t have a plan you might get lost in the web of information and lose precious time.
Here are some best practices you can follow
- Read most popular articles on the topic
- Identify influencers in your industry and know their opinion
- Find out statistics on the subject to back your opinion
- Read reports written by thought leaders
- Read a book on the topic
Decide the amount of time you want to spend on doing each of the above activities. An organized approach to your homework will help you write effectively.
Step 3- Create an Outline
Crafting a perfect blog is no less than preparing for an attack on enemy. Without a master plan you will get confused, trapped in opponents plot and loose the battle.
But who is the enemy when you want to write a blog?
The enemy is your random thoughts, abundant information and eagerness to publish as quickly as possible.
It’s important that you know exactly what you want to say in which section of the blog. You need not prepare a script, but you should have a rough sketch or flowchart.
Here’s an interesting fact: 80% of people do not read the entire blog, they just glance through the headlines. To help every kind of visitor get value you have to deliver your thoughts in a very structured way.
A basic outline of your blog will look like this
- Headline
- Sub headline
- Introduction
- Content in every section
- Conclusion
The goal of creating an outline before you start writing is to help you stay focussed. So that you know the things you should include and exclude.
Step 4- Write a Headline
Think of headline as banner outside a restaurant. A display of the delicious food inside, an honest attempt to lure visitors to choose your food compared to the other options.
Headline of your blog does the job of a good banner. You need to present your idea in unique way that looks attractive and catchy but not desperate.
Don’t over sell; stay practical with your promise. Focus on fulfilling dreams, wish and desire of customers. You can also show an interesting data to make your point.
Step 5- Compose an Introduction
Yes. You need to compose a killer introduction that captivates your readers.
The introduction is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the article and tells the readers what they can expect in detail.
One of the blunders, people do while writing a blog is by writing the introduction after completing the post. That’s a huge mistake unless you are writing a textbook for academic purposes.
Here are few popular templates you can follow to start your blog with a bang
- Ask a question
- Narrative style storytelling
- Use a quote
- Interesting fact/data
- Anecdote
Step 6- Create the first draft
Now let your thoughts flow and record with words.
Instead of trying to be perfect, document your idea with its flaws. The first draft is meant to be filled with mistakes. Add easy to implement advice in your list and target emotions.
Remember to continuously encourage and motivate your readers so that they feel connected.
After you complete writing, read again to cross check the facts and information you just provided to your audience.
Step 7- Ending
Close strong. Make the ending powerful by motivating your audience.
Thank them for the attention, tell them that they have consumed great knowledge and deserve a pat on the back.
Then Make them believe of their capabilities. Encourage them to take action and make life better.
Step 8- Edit
“Kill the darlings” – Stephen King
Editing is the most understated part of blogging and editors the unsung hero.
Self-editing has its own limits. By the time you complete writing a blog, you will be too close to find out errors, mistakes you have made.
All great posts are edited multiple times by professionals before getting published. If you cannot afford an editor, get it proof read by friends and colleagues.
If you are doing it by yourself, here are some tips
- Use short sentences
- Divide your thought into paragraphs
- Use Grammarly to correct common grammatical errors
- Avoid passive voice
- Use action verbs
Step 9- Add Images, Quotes and Info graphic
Research has shown that people respond more quickly to visuals.
An appropriate image that either highlights a point or supports an emotion in the content increases the overall appeal of your blog. Similarly relevant quote or info graphic dazzles up the presentation.
If you are talking about a complex subject or suggesting a radical change to your readers, follow it up with a light joke, funny gify or meme. This will create a rhythm and they won’t get bored while reading your blog.
Tweak the pattern to create your own style or as per the need of content. The goal is to hold the attention of visitors and enhance the reading experience.
Step 10- Call to Action
After you complete the blog, ask your audience to take action. It can be a sign-up form for a newsletter or a guidebook. You can also motivate them to read more or solve the problem you talked about in the bog.
A great blog builds the platform for a CTA at the end that you need to leverage. Your readers might feel lost at the end if you do not ask them to do something.
The best CTA ideas include the following
- Newsletter sign up request
- Download a guidebook
- A video tutorial course
- Links for further reading
To write an outstanding blog post, you need to build your knowledge and write from the heart. The best blogs are able to connect with the audience at a personal level.
Written By Surojit Mahato
Surojit is a writer, marketer, and a storyteller. A renowned digital marketing professional, trainer and a speaker at industry events and colleges. Co-Founder of GrowthDish and author of 27+ business case studies published and sold globally.