Writing a blog post for the first time can be daunting – particularly if writing isn’t your day job.
You realise that regularly posting a blog on your website will provide a platform for you to solve your target audience's problems and will give your SEO a boost, so you'd like to give it a go. But where to start?
1. Plan
First choose a topic and think about what you want to achieve. Why are you writing the blog?
The most popular reason to write a post is to answer a question. Answering a question your readers and customers may have is a great way of generating ideas for content but is also the most effective way of engaging with your customer. By answering a customer’s question in a free blog post you are not only providing a service but you are building trust.
Another good reason for writing a post is to sell your product or service. A blog can go into more detail and answer more questions than a product description or web page - but beware of making your copy too salesy or over-the-top. Inform, engage and motivate the reader but don’t hit them over the head with your pitch. Be persuasive, not pushy.
Before you start writing, h
ave a good, old-fashioned brainstorm. Write down your topic in the centre of a piece of paper, let your mind wander and write down all the related words you can think of. This should give you plenty of content for your blog.
Now you should conduct research and check your facts. Researching your subject is important – particularly if it is unfamiliar – and consider keywords if you want your blog to rank highly in Google.
Writing a blog is a brilliant way of establishing your business as an expert in your field. To do this you, or your copywriter, will need to create a series of blog posts to showcase your knowledge and establish credibility.
2. Headline
Write a headline that is informative and will capture the reader’s attention. You may start with a working title or rough draft before you arrive at the perfect headline.
Make your headline as exciting as possible but always bear in mind what will resonate with your target audience.
Alliteration and strong language are good ways of drawing in the reader but make sure your headline is accurate.
Keep it short – focus on keeping the headline under 70 characters so it doesn’t get cut off in search engine results. Include keywords which you know your audience is searching for and try to place your main keyword as close as possible to the beginning of the headline to catch your reader’s attention.
If you’re not sure if your headline works – get a second opinion.
3. Write
Before you start, turn off your phone and remove all distractions. Set aside a block of time to work on your blog and take regular breaks to allow your creativity to flow.
Write your post in a single draft or write separate sections and later weave them together.
Keep sentences and paragraphs short and use simple, uncomplicated language.
Don’t be too salesy otherwise the reader will be put off. Better yet, delegate the task to a freelance copywriter who will write the blog in a fraction of the time.
4. Images
Use images to enhance your post, improve its flow, add humour if appropriate and explain complex topics.
If you don’t have your own images, get them from a free site such as Canva or Pixabay.
Remember to include an alt tag containing your main keyword.
5. Proofread
Reading through your post is crucial and takes longer than you think. Ideally read out loud so you can hear how the copy flows together.
Ask someone else to provide feedback too as it can be difficult to spot your own mistakes.
6. Edit
Once you’ve weeded out any typos, spelling mistakes or punctuation errors, make sure the blog will be easily understood by someone who isn’t an expert in the topic. Remove any industry jargon and avoid repetition.
Don’t be afraid to cut down the copy, move paragraphs or change the tone if it doesn’t fit.
Once you’re happy, give it one last read, add a call to action and you’re good to post.
Congratulations – you’ve written your first blog! Now don't forget to promote it on social media.
Need more help?
Check out my guest blog post on 5 ways a blog will help grow your business.
If you’d like me to write blogs for your business, book your free 15-minute discovery call.
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