How to Write a Perfect Blog Post That Attracts Massive Traffic in 2023 and Beyond
In this article, you’re in for a treat. Before you start your next blog post, read this article and bookmark it for later reference.
We unveil a repeatable process to create content that can consistently drive traffic to your website.
This process has been proven to yield top Google rankings and, as a result, more traffic and more revenue.
But it’s not just us who has achieved these results. All of our clients doubled their traffic and keywords by implementing this process to create high-quality content.
A blog post, dear reader, is essentially an article or piece of content you find in the blog section of a website.
It’s typically educational, centered around specific topics or questions, and filled with useful tidbits like images, videos, or infographics. Think of them as potions of knowledge ranging from 600 to 2,000+ words that businesses use to engage their audiences.
Only by tasting the unexplored you can learn the mystery of illumination.
Let’s dive in!
Guide to Writing SEO-Optimized Blog Posts for Consistent Traffic
Step 1: Choosing the Right Topic
Choosing the right topic for your blog post isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s a key step if you aim to create SEO-optimized content that gets traffic.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Identify your competitors and their topics: Frequent their blogs and see which subjects they often tackle. This can give you a content starting point. For instance, if they cover surface-level information on vegan diets, you can dig deeper into that topic.
- Select a topic you know: Writing about what you’re skilled at can lend authenticity to your content. Are you a pro at digital marketing or a whiz at frugal living? That could be your goldmine.
- Consider your audience’s relevance: You might be adept at baseball trivia, but unless your audience appreciates it, it’s moot. Align your interests with your readers’.
- Do preliminary keyword research: Having the perfect topic is useless unless there are people searching for it. Use a keyword research tool to find high-demand topics that match your expertise.
The foundation of a successful blog post is selecting the right topic.
Don’t waste your time on a topic that won’t drive traffic. Look for topics related to your niche, with decent search volume, and a chance to rank on Google.
Use free keyword research tools to find promising topics. Below is an example from Ahrefs. You can use any other tool.

For instance, I used WordStream’s free tool to find the topic “The Perfect Blog Post.”
Remember, the closer your topic alignment is with your audience’s needs, the stronger the blog post’s appeal.
Step 2: Understand Search Intent
Understanding search intent is crucial. When users search, they have a specific intent, such as informational, transactional, or navigational. Make sure your content aligns with the search intent. If users are searching for a product, your content should be transactional. For our Perfect Blogpost, we see that top-ranking articles follow a step-by-step format, indicating a strong informational search intent.
Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by identifying your blog topic.
- Google it and study the results. If articles and blogs dominate, your topic matches search intent.
- Steer clear if the results are mostly product pages or posts by big brands.
- Use aids like Ahrefs, SEMRush, Majestic, Sistrix, Moz, or Ubersuggest for more insights.
- Remember, a perfect blog post not only matches search intent but also solves a user’s query effectively.

Search intent is the reason behind a user’s Google search and it’s crucial to SEO because it determines if readers will find your content relevant. Recognizing search intent helps shape better blog posts that meet users’ expectations.
Step 3: Create an Outline
Creating an effective outline is the bedrock for crafting compelling, SEO-optimized blog posts.
It yields clarity and conviction.
And dictates how well your post will perform.
Here’s how to create one:
- Start by determining which type of post you’re developing (how-to guide, product recommendation, op-ed, and so on).
- Using key insights from your keyword research, draft keyword-rich H2s and H3s for your main ideas.
- Break down each H2 and H3 with sub-points to flesh out your post – think of them as your guide for scripting each section.
- Refrain from self-censoring, rewriting, or rearranging your outline.
- Lastly, use the PAS formula to kick start your intro: State the Problem, Agitate it, and offer a Solution.
To create an effective outline, analyze the top-ranking articles for your chosen topic.
You can use ChatGPT for this:

Your outline should encompass all the key points covered by these articles, making it a comprehensive resource.
Remember, perfection comes later – at this point, we’re just preparing the sandbox for your castle.
Step 4: Crafting a Compelling Title & Headline
Your blog post’s title and the first Headline are crucial. It should be keyword-optimized, engaging, and relevant.
“On the average, five times as many people read the headline as
David Ogilvy (Founder of Ogilvy & Mather, the father of modern advertising)
read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you
have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.”
Include your target keyword, preferably at the beginning of the title.
Add numbers, dates, or intriguing statements to entice readers.

Cracking the code for a winning blog title is critical for SEO and reader engagement.
A compelling title can make a difference in your content being discovered and read.
Follow these steps to craft your perfect headline:
- Start with your target keyword. Position it towards the beginning of your title to maximize SEO value.
- Next, convey your purpose clearly but engagingly. Make sure your readers understand what they can expect from your blog post.
- Highlight the value. Let your readers know why it’s in their best interest to read your blog post.
- Finally, throw in a bit of flavor. A snappy action word or a catchy adjective can make your title irresistible.
Remember, your title is for humans first, not just search engines.
So always ask yourself: “Would this make me want to click?“
Step 5: Write a Captivating Introduction
Build upon your headline/thesis, and focus on where you will take the reader to: the outcome (or the promised land).
In our case, we will take you to your first perfect blog post.
The introduction sets the tone for your blog post. Grab readers’ attention right away.
Avoid unnecessary explanations, and appeal to emotions.
Engage, educate, or even invoke curiosity.

Source: https://www.shortlist.com/lists/literatures-greatest-opening-paragraphs
Crafting a captivating introduction is key to enticing readers to devour your SEO-optimized blog post.
A strong intro is your best chance to hook readers and ensure they stick around for more.
- Start with a hook: Kick things off with a surprising fact, bold assertion, or provocative question. Grabbing the reader’s attention is pivotal.
- Identify the problem: In a couple of sentences, underscore the issue your post will tackle. Ensure it’s relevant and paint its significance.
- Present your solution: Hint at the insights your post offers to build anticipation and keep readers scrolling.
- Authenticate your source: Cite data-driven proof, creating trust.
Expert tip: Less is more. Keep introductions snappy yet persuasive, ideally under five sentences. Don’t lose your unique style; it’s your ace in the hole.
Step 6: Write High-Quality Content
Fill in your outline with well-researched, comprehensive content. Use Textmetrics to optimize your content based on top-ranking articles.
Include outbound links to authoritative sources. Write in a format that aligns with Google’s natural language processing algorithm.
Here are some quick tips:
- Skip fluff, focus on the quality, not the quantity of words.
- Include verifiable data, attributing sources appropriately.
- Improve your writing using tools like Power Thesaurus, ZenPen, and Cliché Finder.
- Make your content skimmable with digestible chunks.
- Use compelling visuals—images, graphics, or videos—for a fuller picture.
- Use Grammarly to catch grammatical slips.
Expert Tip: Use Hemingway Editor (Free!) to tighten up your words, making them more concise and impactful.

Step 7: Enhance Readability
Enhancing your blog post’s readability not only makes it user-friendly but also boosts its SEO ranking.
Make your content visually appealing. Use short paragraphs, headings, images, and videos to break up text. Format headlines appropriately and optimize images for faster loading.
To make your long-form content more digestible, follow these practical steps:
- Start by breaking up your post with H2 and H3 subheadings; ensure each reflects the content below.
- For broader sections, use bullet points or infographics to bolster reader understandability.
- Ensure mobile optimization; every element should be clearly visible on any device.
- Write short sentences (max two lines) and limited-length paragraphs (4-5 lines).
- Add relevant images to maintain reader interest.
- Be lucid and concise; say only what’s necessary.
- Post-writing, take a break before jumping into editing.
- During editing, delete unnecessary content; only retain the core message.
- Infuse your writing with passion and simplicity.
- Ensure each element of your write-up is interconnected and contributes to the topic.
- Make smart use of bold and italics to emphasize key points.
Again use Textmetrics (or similar tool) to check all elements and writing style.

Remember, the readers are mostly skimmers; keeping your content precise and well-structured can retain their interest.
Step 8: Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, colossal gains await you when you implement these SEO-optimized strategies discussed above. The ball is now in your court!
Examples to consider:
- What’s your first step? Decide on that and get started.
- I’d love to hear about your journey so far, so do leave a comment below.
- Is this post useful? Why not spread the love? Share this on your go-to social platform.
Summarize the key points and provide a clear call to action. What do you want readers to do next? In my case, I invited readers to learn more about SEO through my course or my agency.
And remember, consistency is key in SEO. Keep fine-tuning these strategies and the results will start pouring in.
Pro Tip: Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t see results right away. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience pays off, so hang in there!
Step 9: Content Length
There’s no need for excessively long content. Match your word count to what top-ranking articles in your niche typically have. Quality and relevance matter more than sheer length.
Understanding content length in your SEO-optimized blog posts is crucial. Here’s how you can nail it:
- The sweet spot for post length is somewhere around 1,000 words. Fewer leads to skimming, more can overwhelm readers. So, strive for this benchmark.
- Aim for clarity. Each sentence should build on the last, offering value without unnecessary fluff.
- Diversify your writing. Mix longer sentences with shorter ones, and limit paragraphs to 4 sentences max.
- Use images, bullet points, numbers, and stats to break down text blocks.
- Your keyword should appear once every approx. 200 words. However, avoid ‘stuffing’ – it’s unpersuasive and penalized by Google.
- Mobile optimization is key – Google ranks mobile-friendly content higher.
Remember, your post should address the reader’s questions and add value.
Step 10: Proofread and Edit
Proper proofreading and editing of your SEO-optimized blog post is crucial for attracting consistent traffic. Here’s how you can ace it to create credible, easy-to-read posts that resonate with readers:
- Start with a detailed read-through and edit of your post, preferably two or three times, to improve tone and flow, and fix grammatical errors.
- Use a free tool like Grammarly to spot any grammatical mistakes and get suggestions to enhance your writing.
- Leave your draft for a day or two, then return with fresh eyes to start the editing and polishing process.
- Break up long sentences into shorter, punchy ones for easy reading.
- Use formatting like images, GIFs, bullets, bold, or italics for improved readability.
- Get feedback from a third party to gain an impartial perspective on your writing. Ask someone who is not an expert or insider in your industry if they understand your article.
Remember, the editing process is the secret sauce of blogging. So, don’t overlook it!
Step 11: SEO Optimization
SEO optimization is integral for driving consistent traffic to your blog. Snagging a spot on Google’s first page can skyrocket your visibility.
To optimize your blog posts:
- Once done writing, start optimizing on-page elements.
- Don’t strain over keyword inclusion; keep it natural and reader-friendly.
- Write an engaging 150-160 character meta description, starting with an action verb like ‘Discover.’
- Fine-tune your page title and headers, keeping them under 65 characters.
- Be strategic while placing anchor texts, linking it to appropriate pages.
- Add specific alt text to all images correlating with the post’s topic clusters and keywords to help Google direct searches efficiently.
- Compress images to avoid lagging in load speed.
- Make sure your posts are mobile-friendly with over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile.
- Keep the primary keyword density to at least 1%, appearing once every 100 words.
- Add schema markup to your article to help Google understand your content better.
These steps will make your blogs SEO-friendly, enhancing your visibility online.
Conclusion
Well done, you’ve familiarized yourself with the secrets to writing SEO-optimized blog posts! Here’s a quick recap: Keyword research, writing useful and digestible content, and harnessing the power of meta descriptions and image alt tags.
Remember, consistency is key. You’ve got the knowledge; now, it’s time to take action.
By following this comprehensive blog post creation process, you’ll increase your chances of generating consistent traffic and achieving higher rankings on Google.
Quality, relevance, and user satisfaction are paramount in the world of SEO. Now, it’s time to put this process into action and start creating blog posts that drive results.
Go forth and revolutionize your blog with SEO today. Remember, your audience waits for your worthwhile content. Don’t keep them waiting!
More Tips for Writing a Perfect Blog Post in 2023
1. Identify Your Target Audience
Understanding your target audience is crucial when crafting the perfect blog post. Here’s how:
- Start by asking: Who are they? What intrigues them? Identifying their demographics, interests, and challenges sheds light on this. Use Sparktoro to research your audience.
- Investigate your niche competitors to catch a glimpse of their readership, especially if you’re new.
- Uncover your buyer personas by probing into their age, income, hobbies, and more. For example, if your audience is millennials, they might prefer topical, trend-driven content.
- Utilize survey tools like Paperform to discover your audience’s struggles. Tailor your content to address these pressures, making it resonate with them.
Remember, a post crafted keeping the audience in mind yields better outcomes.
2. Find Relevant Topics
Choosing relevant topics for your blog posts is crucial as they cater to your audience’s interests and help you stand out in search results. To write a perfect blog post in 2023, follow these steps:
- Start by noting down your niche topic ideas, which could be from your field of expertise or something you’re passionate about.
- Leverage Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer or similar tools to discover popular search queries related to your chosen niche.
- Make a list of 5-10 topics that have significant search traffic potential, ensuring they aren’t already saturated in existing content.
- Utilize Answer the Public, Google’s “People also ask” section, and Reddit, Quora and Pinterest’s prompts to identify unmet needs and related topics.
- Derive inspiration from top posts on other blogs, keeping a running list of interesting ideas.
- Regularly scan your competitor’s blogs to understand what sort of topics they are covering. Use Scrapebox to extract those.
- Use Airtable or a similar tool to organize your blog post ideas in an editorial calendar.
- Use AIPRM Plugin for ChatGPT prompts
Remember, the most effective blog posts are those that fulfill your audience’s informative needs in the most engaging way possible. Stick to these guides to ace your blogging journey.
3. Keep Your Posts Brief
Brevity is the essence of successful blog posts. Your readers, or more accurately, skimmers, crave information delivered swiftly and efficiently. Here’s how you can engage them effectively:
- Write concisely. Make every word count, ensuring each sentence builds upon the last one.
- Keep sentences and paragraphs short. Stick to two lines per sentence and 4-5 lines per paragraph max.
- Bullet lists are your friends. They break up text and make complex concepts accessible.
- Plain language wins. Complex sentences and sophisticated vocabulary only serve to confuse readers.
- Edit ruthlessly. Unclear message? Long-winded explanation? Chop it. Your aim is success through simplicity.
- Use tech aids. Tools like Hemingway, Textmetric and Grammarly can help trim down your text and improve readability.
Remember, your aim is to answer readers’ questions and solve their problems promptly – they’ll appreciate you for it.
4. Use Relevant Headings
- Using clear and concise headings is key to crafting perfect blog posts. They break up your text, guide readers, and help boost your SEO.
- Ensure your headings are keyword-rich and reflect the content beneath. For example, a subheading like “easy home cardio” should exclusively discuss cardio exercises at home.
- Expert Tip: Add a subheading every few paragraphs to improve readability. Avoid common pitfalls like boring labels, too much information or cryptic subheadings.
- Remember, your headings should align with your main topic and create intrigue. They embark, guide, and ensure your reader’s journey is enjoyable and informative.
- Remember, every heading must fulfill what was promised by your headline.
5. Include Images and Videos
- Images and videos are pivotal in boosting your blog’s readability and shareability. They break up lengthy text and keep readers engaged.
- A post peppered with relevant visuals every 75-100 words gets more shares, as found by Buzzsumo.
- Using a variety of visuals like graphs, screenshots, illustrations, and photos can highlight different types of information.
- Represent facts with graphs and examples with screenshots for clarity.
- Semrush data indicates that blogs with seven or more images attract 116% more organic traffic.
- Free sites such as Unsplash, Pixabay, and Gratisography can provide quality stock photos or screenshots.
- Compress your images to a convenient size without losing quality and add alt text for SEO. Use ShortPixel.
- Avoid overly artificial, stock images. Instead, seek natural and realistic visuals for a better reader experience.
- Use Midjourney to generate images with AI (like we do).
Remember, quality visuals aren’t just about aesthetics, they improve your blog’s ranking factors too.
6. Optimize Your Posts for Search Engines
SEO for blog posts is essential to improve visibility and drive traffic. Here’s how to maximize your blog’s SEO potential.
- Select an SEO-friendly title.
- Incorporate the keyword in your URL and opening sentence.
- Use keywords judiciously, aiming for natural integration rather than arbitrary density.
- Create engaging content with images and videos.
- Leverage social media for blog promotion.
- Keep content relevant and updated, covering industry news, how-to guides, etc.
- Review and optimize on-page elements post-writing.
- Write comprehensive and enticing meta descriptions.
- Strategically use keywords in your title and headers.
- Implement anchor text best practices for interlinking.
- Add relevant alt text for images.
- Compress images to enhance page speed.
- Ensure mobile-friendliness for over 60% of organic visits.
Remember, SEO done right will significantly boost your blog’s online presence.
7. Include a Call to Action
Your blog post isn’t complete without a compelling Call To Action (CTA). It directs readers towards what to do next, promoting higher engagement.
Here’s how to nail it:
- Always place CTA post-summary, linking it to your high-level targets like conversions or shares.
- Choose one action per post to avoid confusing readers.
- Tailor your CTA to trigger an emotion, emphasizing the benefits of their action.
- If promoting products priced above $1000, consider using CTAs to capture email IDs for lead nurturing instead of direct sales.
- To boost sign-up rates, offer highly relevant lead magnets or content upgrades.
Remember, an effective CTA keeps the reader’s perspective in focus.
8. Write with Your Target Audience in Mind
- To create a successful blog post, prioritize your audience’s needs and interests. Consider who your readers will be and research their demographics and preferences.
- Pose exploratory questions such as ‘What are their challenges?’, ‘What are their aspirations?’, or ‘What issues are they trying to solve?’. This understanding helps in delivering an impactful message.
- Maintain an engaging and conversational writing style. Write like you’re talking directly to the reader, making them feel valued and involved.
- Each paragraph should convey one idea supported by relevant details, anecdotes, or data. Sprinkle in expert quotes for that extra punch of authority and inspiration.
- Remember, no one enjoys jargon or difficult language. Keep it simple and upbeat. This increases the chances of your content resonating with the reader and thus fostering a loyal readership.
9. Check Your Posts for Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Checking grammar and spelling in your blog posts is a must. Why?
- It boosts credibility, so don’t overlook this process.
- Start by reading your post out loud to catch complicated phrases and run-on sentences.
- Go through your text 2-3 times. Use tools like Grammarly to spot grammatical errors and improve your writing.
- Expert tip: Don’t edit while writing, finish your post first.
- Try giving it a few hours before starting the editing process, you’ll have a fresher view.
- Ask a grammar-conscious coworker to proofread, it can make a world of difference.
10. Consistently Write High-Quality Posts
Hey there! Consistency and quality in blog writing are your keys to search engines’ hearts and readers’ minds. To tread this path of blog-writing success, follow these simple steps:
- Identify your unique strength – What sets your writing apart from others?
- Regularly write in-depth articles – Dare to write lengthy posts that outshine your competitors.
- Ride on your special skills – Use your extra abilities to enhance your content’s uniqueness.
- Aim for 1500 – 2500 words – Remember, lengthy blogs often perform better, try not to go under 1000 words.
- Invest time for quality – Dedicate a lot of time and effort into your pieces, prioritizing depth over volume.
Remember, slow and steady wins the SEO race! Aim for great content, not just more content.
Blog Post Writing Mistakes to Avoid
1. Lack of Focus on a Targeted Topic
- The most common pitfall in blog post writing is a lack of focus on a specific topic.
- Often writers think casting a wide net will attract a larger audience. However, broad topics are often over-saturated with content from high-traffic websites.
- Writing for everyone leads to reaching no one in particular. Your topic should cater to the wants and needs of your specific audience to resonate with them.
- Start by defining your buyer persona. Consider their age, income, hobbies, challenges, and goals. Create content that solves their issues and aligns with their aspirations.
- Choose “low-hanging fruit,” specific topics that serve a niche segment of your target audience.
- Use the topic cluster model to brainstorm ideas. Start with a broad subject and break it down into specific subtopics. Recall your unique experiences, successes, and failures related to this niche.
- Keep your topics in line with your niche for better traffic back to your website.
Expert tip: Avoid introducing yourself or your blog in the initial posts. Dive into the topic that will serve your audience right off the bat.
2. Lack of Concise Writing
Falling into the trap of lengthy blog posts? We’ve all been there, trying to say more, but lost in walls of text. Here are a few pointers to make your writing crisp:
- Embrace brevity. Short sentences are user-friendly and reduce waffling.
- Keep paragraphs short. The shorter, the better. It enhances readability and maintains interest.
- Adopt a fresh, upbeat style. Avoid academic rigidity and jargon. Simple phraseology wins the race.
- Keep a conversational tone. It offers a personal touch, builds trust, and avoids abstraction.
- Never repeat words or phrases. Find alternatives to enrich your text.
- Use writing helpers such as Power Thesaurus and ZenPen. They aid with diverse vocabulary and focus.
- Consistency is key. It builds reader trust.
3. Lack of Relevance to Readers
- Understand that most website visitors are skimmers, not deep readers. Focusing and tailoring your content to this reality helps engage your audience effectively.
- Ensure your content is relevant to your audience. Avoid discussing unrelated topics or providing unnecessary information.
- Keep sentences short, ideally two lines max. Paragraphs shouldn’t exceed 4-5 lines.
- Use bullet points to make the content easy to consume.
- Avoid introducing new ideas or tips in your conclusions. Stick to summarizing your points instead.
- Be cautious with your headlines. They should peak the reader’s curiosity, not offer the entire solution.
- Keep content unique and engaging by adding a unique perspective or twist.
For example, instead of blogging about common marketing strategies, discuss unconventional methods you’ve applied and see results.
4. Lack of Use of Visuals
Missing visuals in your blogs? Big mistake! Bloggers often overlook the powerful impact visuals can have on engaging readers. This oversight can render posts bland and daunting to read. For instance, a post with seven or more visuals get 116% higher organic traffic, according to Semrush. Visuals are not mere ornaments; they:
- Contribute to SEO through the use of alt text.
- Offer a refreshing break from a sea of text.
- Enhance understanding, especially for complex topics.
Choose realistic, relevant visuals – sorry, no random puppy pics unless they fit your topic! Remember this rule of thumb: visuals every three to five paragraphs.
5. Lack of a Call to Action
- Are you ending your blog posts without a clear call to action (CTA)? That’s a common mistake many bloggers make, and it’s costing them engagement and conversions.
- Let me explain: A CTA is a powerful tool used in your posts to drive your audience toward a specific action. This could be anything from subscribing to a newsletter, joining an online community, learning more with your downloadable content, or even making a purchase.
- Without a CTA, your reader may not know what step to take next—resulting in a lost opportunity for your blog.
- So next time, don’t just end your post with a conclusion. Add a purposeful CTA that encourages your readers to take valuable action for your blog. Remember, the key is to keep your CTA relevant and beneficial for the reader’s interests.
- Direct promotion in the post works best for products under $100. For more costly items, lead your audience to sign up for your email list where you can warm them up for bigger purchases.
6. Overusing Jargon
Overusing jargon in blog writing refers to the excessive use of industry-specific language that may confuse your readers.
- Aim to keep your content accessible by swapping jargon for everyday language wherever possible. Remember, your role is to educate, not to confuse.
- Repeatedly read aloud your work to find hidden jargon. If any sentence sounds confusing, simplify.
- Keep the use of complex terminology to a minimum. According to research, posts with less jargon rank higher and reach larger audiences.
- Lastly, avoid using your “crutch” word often. This improves the readability of your content, making it enjoyable for all readers.
7. Lack of Internal Linking
- Leveraging internal linking is a frequently overlooked aspect of blog writing. This neglect is a misstep, considering Google utilizes internal links for post ranking and indexing.
- To prevent this, aim to incorporate two to three internal links for every 1000 words of your text. However, be mindful to not cram links arbitrarily but where they add value.
- For instance, when mentioning a topic you’ve covered before, provide a link to that particular piece.
- Also, ensure your anchor text gives appropriate context to your link. Maintain relevance in your content and avoid overstuffing your paragraphs with links, as it can both confuse readers and appear deceptive.
8. Lack of Consistent Branding
- Breaching consistent branding is a common oversight in blog writing. Your brand’s unique voice and personality is like a familiarity beacon to your audience.
- Switching tones, styles or visuals haphazardly can throw off your readers. For instance, alternation from simple headlines like ‘How to Overcome Social Anxiety’ to a jargon-heavy ‘How to Brazenly Squash Agonizing Anxiety…’ will leave them baffled.
- Failing to uniformly exhibit brand assets, such as logos and slogans across your blog branding can obstruct brand retention. For instance, inconsistent logo placement from one page to another will cause confusion.
- Consequently, poor branding consistency can severely impede user experience and eventually, audience trust.
9. Lack of Self-Editing
Forgoing self-editing when writing a blog post is a common pitfall. Ignoring this crucial step can lead to flawed grammar, awkward phrasing, and weak coherence. So, avoid rushing to publish before refining your work. Here are some pointers for proficient self-editing:
- Write first, then edit. Avoid editing while drafting your post.
- Read your draft aloud to identify complex sentences and rhythmic flows.
- Use tools like Grammarly for grammar and spellcheck.
- Take time before reviewing your work, it allows a fresh perspective.
- Don’t shy away from restructuring parts for better flow and cohesion.
Remember, effective writing is a balance of creativity and meticulous editing.
10. Trying to Write a Blog Post in a Hurry
- Rushing through writing a blog can lead to sloppy work, a lack of structure, and a puzzling narrative, which can confuse your readers. Don’t fall into this trap!
- Before you start, plan your post. List down key points, a working title, and draw out a basic structure. Remember, adequate planning could save you time in the long run.
- Instead of writing in haste, try drafting your blog gradually, over several sessions. Maximize the amount of writing you get done in each session to avoid going off-topic.
- Resist the urge to edit while you’re writing. Writing and editing are two different processes. First, focus on getting the words out and then go back for edits. Repeat after me: writing first, editing later!
- Finally, remember there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ post. Aim for clarity, engagement, and quality over unattainable perfection.
Even More Blog Post expert Tips (we will repeat ourselves)
1. Headline Commandment
The ‘Headline Commandment’ is the rule that headlines should not deceive readers by over-promising or partially delivering. The headline of your post must fully deliver on exactly what it promises. “Thou shall not ever lie.”
Key features of the ‘Headline Commandment’:
- Never deceive or over-promise in headlines
- Always deliver on the promise made in the headline
- Do not give full solutions in the headline
- Write enticing headlines that invoke curiosity
Pros:
- Builds trust with readers.
- Increases reader engagement.
- Prevents readers’ disappointment or feeling deceived.
- Attracts a specific audience with a clear solution.
- Encourages readers to fully read the blog post.
Cons:
- Requires time and skill to craft effective headlines.
- Overusing ‘power words’ can make headline seem insincere.
- Inadequate delivery of headline promise can harm reputation.
- Withholding details in the headline could lose some potential readers.
- Overly enticing headlines could be mistaken for clickbait.
2. Word Count
Hello there, are you aware that the right word count can make or break your blog post? Just imagine digging into a delicious piece of steak, you don’t want it too rare or overcooked, right? It’s the same with your content.
Here’s the secret recipe:
- Scribble your first draft without worrying about the length.
- Ruthlessly cut down unnecessary bits from the draft
- Retain the meat of the content that answers your reader’s query.
- For detailed ‘How-to’ articles, aim for about 2,000 words.
- Should it be shorter or longer? Let your topic be your guide. After all, keyword-rich quality content is king!
Remember, the aim is satisfying readers, not just filling space!
3. Blog Topic
Choosing your blog topic is important as it forms the foundation of your entire blog and determines who your target audience will be. Picking the right topic can lead to increased traffic and engagement from readers who are interested in your chosen subject.
To choose a blog topic, follow these steps:
- Start by listing out all subjects that interest you.
- Narrow down your interests by brainstorming on more specific topics within your primary interest areas.
- Conduct research on your potential audience related to these niche interests.
- Check if your narrowed down topics are profitable and popular while remaining unique.
Remember, choose a topic you are passionate about and one that aligns with your audience’s interests. This ensures long term success and continued motivation for regular updating.
4. Introduction
“Ever stared at your blog draft wondering how to start? You’re not alone. Keeping readers hooked from the word go is an art. Want to ace it? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Produce an attention-grabbing hook: Go for a shocking statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a common notion challenge to pique your reader’s curiosity.
- Give a quick preview: Briefly outline what your post offers, reassuring your readers they’ve navigated to the right spot.
- Offer a dash of proof: Show your readers you’re their go-to expert. Use statistics, case studies, or a snappy author bio.
- Dangle the benefits: Spark anticipation by hinting at how your post can help them. Remember to tease, not reveal the whole plot.
Commit the art to memory: Hook, Preview, Proof, Benefit. That’s your magic formula to an intro that stick.”
5. Body of the Blog Post
Writing a blog post isn’t just about having engaging headers and sub-headers; the heart, or body, of your blog post is crucial. It’s where you can really shine and give readers the actual substance they came for.
Here’s a brief guide to crafting your blog’s body:
- Start with capturing your readers’ curiosity right out the gate. Your opening sentence should be as compelling as your blog post’s headline.
- Lay down your expertise concisely. Each sentence should pack a punch and provide valuable, clear insights. Avoid overdoing embellishments.
- Distribute your absolute best points throughout, placing emphasis on the first and final items on your list. This will ensure your readers start and finish your post feeling engaged and satisfied.
6. Subheadings
Subheadings act as mini-headlines to your blog post, keeping readers engaged and guiding their reading experience. For example, a good subheading could be “The Easiest Way to Reduce Daily Anxiety.”
Here are petite yet impactful tips on the efficient use of subheads:
- Sprinkle subheadings every few paragraphs to guide your readers.
- Avoid three common blunders: the plain label subhead, the spoiler subhead, and the cryptic subhead. Your subheads should invoke curiosity, not give away all information at once or confuse readers.
- Ensure each subhead supports your main headline. Every “pit stop” should lead to the final destination promised by your headline.
- Follow a consistent format for your subheads, especially when listing methods, ways, steps, or signs to enhance the polished look of your post.
7. Call-to-Action
“Ready to transform your daily routine? Join our subscription to get first-hand access to our best quality content. Here’s what you need to do:
- Click the ‘Subscribe’ button at the end of this post.
- Fill in your details.
- Confirm your subscription in your email.
By subscribing, you won’t just remain updated. you’ll be a part of a vibrant, like-minded community. Plus, you’re one step closer to discovering the secrets to a healthier, happier life. So, why wait? Subscribe today and keep your journey towards personal growth in full swing!”
8. Social Sharing Buttons
“Social sharing buttons” play a vital role in the world of blogging! They maximize visibility, encourage engagement, and can boost traffic to your posts by a substantial margin.
Here’s how to incorporate these magic buttons into your posts:
- Never miss out on adding social sharing buttons to your blog posts. The reasons? A study revealed that blogs with a tweet button receive seven times more mentions.
- Optimize your posts by using plugins like Social Snap, which conveniently adds the share buttons.
- Placement matters; add buttons at the bottom post or as floating elements to boost visibility.
- Show off the share count! It’s social proof that enhances your blog’s credibility.
- Also, experiment with image share buttons; they surprise you with increased shares!
Remember, social sharing buttons can ignite the snowball effect for sharing and bring the limelight to your much-deserving blogs.
9. Images and Videos
- Visual content, including images and videos, are integral for engaging blog posts.
- They offer an alternative to text-heavy content by breaking the monotony of words.
- These features can present complex concepts in a more digestible format.
- Posts with an image every 75 – 100 words earn more shares.
- Including visuals can increase organic traffic by 116%.
10. Blog Footer
A blog footer packs a final punch, driving reader engagement and boosting conversion. It’s the cherry on top of your fascinating content. Here’s how to ace it:
- Start with an engaging conclusion that’s tailored to your readers, summarizing your key points. Be sure to answer “What’s next?”
- Channel readers’ newly learned insights. Painstakingly visualize how their lives would be improved by your advice.
- Use a clear ‘Call to Action’ (CTA) that prompts readers to interact more with your blog, like newsletter sign-ups or product downloads.
- Finally, enhance your blog’s identity by incorporating a striking logo linking to your homepage. Remember, the goal is a recognizable, user-friendly brand. Reinforce this with useful plugins that uplift the reader experience.
Final Word
In conclusion, you’ve just unlocked the secrets to crafting SEO-optimized blog posts that will drive massive traffic to your website in 2023 and beyond.
Remember, your audience craves your valuable content. Now, it’s your turn to take action.
But this is just the beginning of your journey. As you apply these strategies, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
We’d love to hear from you and help you on your path to SEO success. So, don’t hesitate—comment now and let’s revolutionize your blog together!
Appendix
This mini guide is a compilation of various well-known copywriting frameworks.
Every effort has been made to attribute credit to both the original creator of the formula and the person who initially compiled the content.
If you discover that your method, template, or formula has been referenced without proper credit, please reach out to us, and we will promptly make the necessary updates.
Important: At the end of each section, you’ll find a “Source Name” that you can use to identify the reference.
General Copywriting Formulas
There exists a plethora of copywriting templates, each serving a distinct purpose, such as web pages, landing pages, or any content designed to persuade the reader to take action. Here are some of the most commonly used frameworks:
AIDA
This model has proven its usefulness for over a century, with advertisers in the 1800s understanding how to captivate the human mind.
- Attention (Awareness): Determine the message that will most effectively draw in our readers and make them consider our content.
- Interest (Inspire): Challenge conventional perspectives on the topic, exploring counterintuitive angles.
- Desire: Evoke emotions in the reader, building the allure of your topic or product by highlighting the significant benefits for them.
- Action: Don’t forget to prompt them to take action. Enticing headlines or engaging webinars are examples of where these techniques can excel.
Source: AIDA
AIDCA / IDCA & More
Several variations of AIDA are noteworthy, including AIDCA, which adds ‘Conviction’ to the formula:
- Attention
- Interest
- Desire
- Conviction
- Action
Conviction, based on credible results, transforms doubt into trust, often achieved through testimonials, endorsements, statistics, research, or guarantees.
IDCA, now that you have their attention:
- Interest
- Desire
- Conviction
- Action
If you’ve captured attention and interest with an ad, your landing page will perform better by focusing on desire and conviction, as the action should follow naturally.
Additional variants to consider:
- Basic AIDA Model: Awareness → Interest → Desire → Action
- Lavidge et al’s Hierarchy of Effects: Awareness → Knowledge → Liking → Preference → Conviction → Purchase
- McGuire’s model: Presentation → Attention → Comprehension → Yielding → Retention → Behavior.
- Modified AIDA Model: Awareness → Interest → Conviction → Desire → Action (purchase or consumption)
- AIDAS Model: Attention → Interest → Desire → Action → Satisfaction
- AISDALS Love model: Awareness → Interest → Search → Desire → Action → Like/dislike → Share → Love/Hate.
These formulas provide valuable guidance when you’re unsure how to proceed with your writing. Known in psychology as CAB (Cognition -> Affect -> Behavior), this is the secret sauce to connect with your chosen audience.
Source Name: IDCA
Danny Iny’s 6+1 Formula
Danny Iny of Mirasee (aka Firepole Marketing) offers a variation on the AIDA model:
- Consider the context
- Grab attention
- Move the reader swiftly to desire a solution to their problem
- Present the consequence of failing to act, which Iny calls “the gap”
- Present the solution, sharing only what is necessary to progress
- Call the prospect to act
Source : Danny Iny
PAS – Dan Kennedy
PAS was coined by Dan Kennedy as the most dependable sales formula ever invented:
- Problem: Present the problem your prospect experiences.
- Agitation: Agitate the problem until it becomes visceral.
- Solution: Present your solution to the agitated problem.
Another variation on PAS from Sean Mitchell:
- Problem
- Agitation
- Discredit: other solutions
- Solution
Source: Dan Kennedy
4 Ps (2 variations)
Henry Hoke Sr 4 P’s
- Picture: Create a vivid scene.
- Promise: State how your solution will resolve the painful scene or bring the aspirational scene to life.
- Proof: Support your promise.
- Push: Encourage the prospect to take action.
- Problem
- Promise
- Proof
- Proposal
Source: https://henryhoke.com/
ACCA
This formula is highly useful for motivating individuals or groups to unite:
- Raise awareness
- Increase comprehension of the problem (teaching)
- Inspire conviction to take action
- Rally to action
Source: ACCA
AAPPA (or PAPA)
- Grab the prospect’s attention.
- Show them the advantages of using your solution.
- Prove what you’ve just said.
- Persuade.
- Move them to action.
Source: AAPPA
QUEST
When broken down by letter, QUEST is an acronym that saves time and reduces miscommunication:
- Qualify the prospect
- Understand where they’re at (demonstrate this understanding)
- Educate them on a better way
- Stimulate their desire for that better way
- Transition them from where they are to becoming your customer
Source: QUEST
SLAP
SLAP is a handy layout for shorter pages or if you have something relatively inexpensive to sell:
- Stop the prospect
- Make them look (i.e., read)
- Make them act
- Get the purchase
Let’s set aside the fact that if you’re aiming for the sale, the action is the purchase, so “act” and “purchase” need not be separate.
Source: SLAP
AIDPPC
The legendary Robert Collier offers a valuable sales sequence ideal for sales letters or any situation where you’re trying to sell:
- Attention
- Interest
- Description
- Persuasion
- Proof
- Close
The first two parts of this copywriting formula mirror AIDA’s initial two points. However, desire is unpacked helpfully into three core elements:
- Descriptions, likely of the solution but also of the problem, the status quo, and the challenges of not switching—anything that fleshes out the story.
- Persuasive elements, like loss aversion and testimonials, future pacing.
- Proof (e.g., demos, testimonials, endorsements) that the solution can deliver on its claims and do so uniquely.
So if you’ve struggled with the “desire” part of AIDA, try AIDPPC instead.
Source Name: AIDPPC
5-Point Copywriting Formula
Jack Lacey deserves credit for this simple formula that’s ideal for lead generation and landing pages. It can also guide a one-page site:
- What will you do for me if I listen to your story?
- How are you going to do this?
- Who is responsible for the promises you make?
- Who have you done this for?
- What will it cost me?
Source Name: 5PCF
AICPBSAWN
- Attention: Highlight the most significant benefit, the most pressing problem you can solve, or your unique selling proposition (USP).
- Interest: Explain why they should be interested in what you have to say.
- Credibility: Give them a reason to believe you.
- Proof: Substantiate the claims you’re making.
- Benefits: Enumerate all the benefits.
- Scarcity: Create a sense of scarcity.
- Action: Instruct them precisely on what to do.
- Warn: Communicate the consequences of not taking action.
- Now: Motivate them to take action immediately.
Source Name: AICPBSAWN
Happy Writing!