8 Steps for Writing the Perfect Blog Post
In this post I will illustrate how to write the perfect blog post. Following the eight (8) goals in this post will get you very close to near perfect search engine optimization (SEO).
Step #1: Writing the Perfect Blog Post Needs an Attention Grabbing Headline
First of all, you’re probably competing with many other Web sites for eyeballs, therefore, writing the perfect blog post starts with a little showmanship, as a result, you need an attention grabbing headline.
Example: “Today, SEO Needs to be Both Strategic & Tactical”.
Step #2: Create an Opening Statement (Key Insights) Using both Text and Images
Key Insight
Using a half-width image reduces the amount of text in your opener, increasing the likelihood that someone who is text adverse will continue reading.
Because of limited reader attention, if you get people to read your first 3-4 sentences, they’re more likely to read your entire blog post, and maybe more.
- Key Insight #1 Our services include the latest methodologies and tools used to analyze and implement best practices, as well as an analytic approach to the science of SEO.
- Key Insight #2 SEO Intelligence. We will built your Web solution in a way that helps you to search engine optimize your site. Very few content management systems have been developed with such an SEO-centric design.
- Key Insight #3 Data-Powered SEO. Interested in content that is SEO-optimized for every page on your site? Need a SEO-friendly page of content for every product offered? Our WordPress solutions for website content allows you to intelligently generate this content with minimal effort, leveraging great content writing and great database-powered technology to efficiently create high-quality web content.
Step #3: Write a Sub-Heading with a Big Promise “Here’s What You’ll Learn”
Use a sub-heading at this location on the page making a “Big Promise” to your readers enticing them to read your first piece of content. Making a promise to your readers at this point gives them a benefit for reading more.
Step #4: Connect Emotionally Trigger Emotions in Main Content
Your first piece of content needs to trigger a strong emotion (Pathos). More than 2,300 years ago, Aristotle identified the 3 tenets of persuasive communication:
Ethos
Before you can convince an audience to accept anything you say, they have to accept you as credible. There are many aspects to building your credibility:
- Does the audience respect you?
- Does the audience believe you are of good character?
- Does the audience believe you are generally trustworthy?
- Does the audience believe you are an authority on this speech topic
Pathos
Pathos is the quality of a persuasive presentation which appeals to the emotions of the audience, therefore, use words and imagery to strike an emotional chord
- Do your words evoke feelings of, love?, sympathy?, fear?
- Do your visuals evoke feelings of compassion?, envy?
- Does your characterization of the competition evoke feelings of anger?, contempt?
Logos
Logos is synonymous with a logical argument, as a result, your message need to, first of all, be factual and also make sense .
- Does your message make sense?
- Is your message based on facts, statistics, and evidence?
- Will your call-to-action lead to the desired outcome that you promise?
Step #5: The Soundbite
Get people to share your quotes.
At this location in your post add a quote and a way for the reader to Tweet your quote because people love to Tweet authorities. Enticing people to share your quote positions you as an authority. This will generate more traffic from social media which today is important for Google search.
Step #6: Deliver the Big Promise
Maybe, while writing the perfect blog post you need to make a big promise. Add a sub-heading ex. “Follow these Steps”.
Here’s where you’ll deliver on your promise (the reason why someone wants to read your entire post) by telling your reader exactly what they’ll learn. Most noteworthy, the step-by-step method of doing something, the how-to. So, at this point you’ve gotten their attention, now it’s time to get them to take action.
Step #7: The How-To Section
In addition, add a nice mix of media to keep things interesting.
Most noteworthy, this is where your main content goes. Since it’ll probably be lengthy use text, images, video, audio, and interactive applications to keep things interesting for your readers.
Step #8: Call-to-Action (CTA)
Finally, end your post with a call-to-action (CTA) based on your marketing objectives. Also, you probably will want to provide a CTA like a “Buy Now” button or “Subscribe” link to a form to close the deal. While, at this point a CTA is especially relevant at this point. In conclusion, probably one of the biggest mistakes made is failure to ask the reader to take some action.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post.
You also may be interested in: Improve your Website’s Search Ranking using Social Media
Ross Capaccio
Founder / Chief Information Officer of röös design + consulting
Ross Capaccio is the founder and CIO of röös design + consulting. Ross is a former urban planner, and is the design principal at rd+c. Ross is an adjunct professor of computer information systems at Oakton Community College where he teaches web design including WordPress. You can find Ross on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Ross Capaccio
