In this post we are sharing one of our most popular slide decks published on SlideShare. It’s advice from the gurus that is not only really smart, it’s actionable.
PRO TIP: Once you scan through these, go back and choose just one to work on this month.
For example, you might want to put more attention on your headlines – great!
Go through your underperforming posts and rewrite the headlines using keywords (don’t change the URL of the post – just the headline).
17 Tips to Build a Better Blog
- Think: Long Road
Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes commitment, consistency, and a focus on long-term relationships rather than short-term wins to build a better blog.
- Build Your Avatar
Craft a detailed profile of your ideal reader. What do they want to learn? What are their pain points? How can you help?
This “avatar” is what helps you create targeted content that resonates deeply with your audience.
- Don’t Guess – Ask Them
You won’t understand your audience’s needs until you engage with them directly. You can do this in many ways—use surveys, social media polls, or feedback forms to uncover their preferences and pain points.
- Think Like A Publisher
Treat your blog like a content publication. The more relevant the content, the more it will be shared. Think of what’s most relevant to your readers at certain times. What do they need to know in December versus June?
- Do The Grunt Work
Success comes with effort. Use keyword research and trend analysis to inform your blog topics.
- Don’t Make It All About You
Your blog isn’t all about you. Include a good mix of guest posts, expert quotes, or case studies to keep things fresh and give readers new perspectives. Sharing the stage makes your content richer.
- Survive Your First Draft
Every great post starts as a rough draft. Write your first draft without overthinking it—just get the words out. Editing is where the magic happens, so give yourself room to be imperfect.
- Be A Name Dropper
“Name dropping” experts and big names in your industry gives your blog more credibility. Plus, it’s a strategic way to connect with people who might share your post with their audience.
You’ll notice authors and journalists doing this all the time, and you can, too!
- Solve Problems
People read blogs to get answers. What are the headaches your readers are experiencing, and how can your content cure them?
- Each Post Is A Product
Your blog posts act as mini-products—consider how you’re packaging them and marketing them. Think about what makes people want to buy your products, then perform that same process for your readers—what makes them want to consume your content?
- Give Readers What They Want
We’ve talked about not making your blog all about you, and this tip comes right back to that concept. Write blog posts based on what your readers want—not what you want to talk about.
- Great Headlines
Think of how many headlines your readers probably scan in a day. (Hint: it’s a lot) Now, think about what gets them to click on some and not on others. Experiment with different types of headlines to find out what works for your audience.
- Include Eye Candy
No one wants to stare at a wall of text. Break it up with eye-catching visuals like photos, infographics, or videos. Aesthetically appealing or interesting things keep people scrolling (and coming back).
- Make It About Them
Headlines with the word “you” in them perform better. This points to how important it is to make your content about your readers—not you. Use you, your, and yours to engage your readers.
- Use A Template
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel every time you write a blog post. Build a better blog by following the same six-step template proven to perform.
You can also get the Ultimate Free Writing Template here.
- Spread The Good News
As nice as it would be to hit publish and immediately have thousands of readers flocking to your blog, that’s just not how it works. Share your content everywhere—social media, email, and even in DMs if it feels right.
Read this next: How to Get Your Blog Noticed.
- Be Consistent
You might post a new blog every day, every week, or every month. Regardless of your approach, keep it consistent.
What’s Next?
Of course, the team at Blog Works is here to help you build a better blog, too. Start here to find out how.
Do you want to keep learning about building a better blog?
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