This is my way. It’s one way. Hope you pick up a few tips to improve your posts.
BLOG POST MECHANICS
1. Pick your topic
Narrow it down. For example, I don’t write a “marketing” post. I choose a specific topic within my Four-Spot Marketing Model.
2. Decide on “1 Thing.”
What’s the one thing you want your reader to get from your post? Write it down at the top of your blank page before you begin writing
3. Write at least three headlines.
Writing possible headlines before you write your post will help focus your writing. You can always change it later.
4. Write down your first thoughts on the subject.
Before you start crafting the post, write down what you think about your topic. This will be the meat of your post.
5. Research and read, if necessary.
Blogs, publications, reports. See what other people are saying on the subject. You may want to link to them.
6. Create a metaphor.
It will add personality to your post. I’ve used metaphors such as fairy tale, a translator, a pinch and many more.
7. Write the post.
At some point you have to write the post. Don’t agonize, just write.
8. Review. Review again in preview mode.
Read, proof. Read, proof. Then read you post in the preview mode so you can see what it will look like when you publish.
9. Re-write the headline.
You’ve probably thought of something more descriptive or clever while you were writing the post.
10. Don’t be too clever with your headline.
Make it alluring but understandable. Sometimes a plain-speak, descriptive headline works best.
BLOG POST STYLE
1. Give your opinion confidently.
Write with authority. Your opinion is just as valid as anyone else’s. Don’t be wishy washy, take a stand.
2. Open swiftly.
Don’t use three paragraphs to set up the post. Don’t even use three sentences giving background. Dive in!
3. Break it up.
Readers don’t want a sea of words. Use graphics, pictures and sub-heads. My rule is no more than three paragraphs before I break it up.
4. Stay on the “1-Thing.”
Remember that one thing? The key word here is “one.” Stay focused. If you have more to say, write another blog post.
5. Get a visual.
Vision is our strongest sense. Combine your information with pictures, if possible.
6. Use your voice.
Write like you. Don’t try to copy other bloggers.
7. Forget grammar.
Well, not totally. But it’s OK to use one word sentences and end your sentences with prepositions. Occasionally.
8. Remember spelling and punctuation.
But spelling and punctuation boo-boos are not OK.
9. Use “I” but don’t be a narcissist.
After you write your post, look for the word “I.” It should be in your post because you are writing it. When you find the I’s, eliminate half of them.
10. Use “you.”
This post is for you, meaning your readers. Talk to them.
11. Be oblivious.
Don’t worry about what people will think about you. If you can’t find someone who disagrees with you, you’re not very interesting.
12. Leave them with something else to say.
If you say it all, you won’t have any comment fodder. Leave out one thing, and then ask a question at the end of the post.
PUBLISHING A BLOG POST
1. SEO the URL
Search experts tell me the web address may be the most important search engine factor. Put your keywords in the URL.
2. SEO the title tag.
Put your keywords in the title tag. That’s the words you see in the title bar of your web browser.
3. Don’t stuff keywords.
Opinions vary, but you should max your keywords at 3-5 times per post. Search engines don’t like more than that and readers don’t either.
4. Use social sharing.
Give readers a button to push to share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
5. Link to previous posts.
It’s called “deep-linking.” It gives your readers something else to read and keeps them on your site, plus it directs search engines to your other content.
6. Link outside your site.
Spread the love, don’t be all about you. It builds your network with other bloggers and helps your search engine authority.
7. Schedule the post.
You don’t have to publish immediately. Write posts in advance and then schedule them when they will have the most impact.
8. Schedule your feed.
Subscribers won’t necessarily get your post when you publish. Use a service like Feedburner and schedule your feed when it will have the most impact.
9. Move on to your next post.
Take about 10 minutes to admire your post and then move on. Having a blog is like having a baby. It must be fed constantly.
So, would you add anything to this list?
Now What?
This is what do do. On June 26th I’ll show you how to do it with my premium webinar: How to Create, Write, and Leverage a Blog. Check it out.
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