Guide to a Successful Blog Post

Posted October 15th, 2009 / By Tim Smith in Tips & Tricks, Writing

There are so many ways to make an excellent blog post that it’s impossible to summarize them in one article. Furthermore, each article is going to be different and it’s reception will likewise be different. However, there are some vital steps you can take to make your next  blog’s article successful.

Research

One of the most important aspects to an excellent article, is all the research done behind the scenes. Find out a problem that your readers are having. How? Dig through e-mails and comments you’ve received. Some readers might tell you straight out, “This is maybe something you could write about.” However, they might not. This is where your research skills really come in handy. Research other blogs in your niche. It might give you a hint of what is a “hot topic” at the moment.

Now that you’ve done all that research. Write. You probably learned something new; write about it. Why is research a key to a successful article? Your readers will notice the effort you put into your articles and the passion you feel for the topic. This makes the information you offer them that much more valuable.

Be Opinionated

If you’re adhering to Formal English writing in the third person, we’ve got a problem. First, you’re probably being too formal. Second, that type of writing doesn’t allow your personality to shine through. Readers have to like the content of a blog and the one making it. Think about it: why do you like the blogs you subscribe to? You like the personality of the person behind the blog.

This is really useful when you’re writing about news or events. Also, when you write reviews. Explain what you liked and what you didn’t like. Be as honest as possible. Not only will the article be full of your personality; it will be useful to your reader.

Don't Be Shy to Share Your Opinion

When you’re consider buying something, don’t you research what other people have said about the product? The reviews of those people usually make or break the sale because, for some reason, you trust their judgment and decide whether to buy or not. Keep in mind that what you say will affect your readers either in a positive or negative way.

Make A Point

Do you remember that horrible word that was said constantly in English class? Thesis. For some, just the sight of that word gives them the chills. However, having a thesis is really important in a well written article. The point of the thesis was to make a point or statement. Then, the rest of the article supports and explains the thesis statement.

For example, the thesis of this article is: There are some vital steps you can take to make your next  blog’s article successful. Now, that thesis statement has to be supported. For example, this article has four main points: Research, Be Opinionated, Make a Point and Be the Reader. After that, those main points are then supported by sub-points and so on.

However,  this doesn’t mean your article doesn’t have to be long to explain a topic well. In fact, some long articles are rubbish more than anything. A good article makes a point; an excellent article explains it well. Make that half-baked idea into a well structured article that will help and inform your readers.

Be the Reader

Put Yourself in the Readers Shoes

This is the simplest yet most difficult to accomplish.  Ask yourself this question: “If I were the reader, would I find this article, resource, tutorial, review, useful?” If not, change it.

If you’re not happy with an article, don’t publish it. Maybe you should do some more research, inject personality into your article or make a point and explain it well? Michelle, Editor of Fuel Your Writing, wrote an excellent article on writing content that your readers will care about.

Now it’s your turn. What has worked for you? What do you do so that your articles are successful?

Tim Smith is a music loving blogger and designer. He’s passionate about blogging and loves to share his thoughts and experiences for the benefit of others. Find out more on his personal site. Follow Tim on Twitter: @timothybsmith.