How to Write a Blog Post in 3 Steps
After looking at our blogs, I realized we didn’t have a blog on how to write a blog post- duh! That’s too simple for me to write, but let me still write it and get it under my “belt of expertise” (as I’ll explain later).
First off, we have different ways to blog nowadays. Blogging is another way of marketing you and your brand to others that don’t know you. This is their opportunity to “shop you” without interfacing with you. Ultimately, it’s good for your brand.
In our digital age, blogging can be done in different formats. That includes the following:
- audio podcasts
- images (infographics)
- images (galleries)
- videos (vlogs)
- regular text blog posts
There’s no one-size-fits-all model. Feel free to “blog” anything that makes you to be the expert. People want to be entertained, educated, and engaged. If you do 1 of those 3, you’ll be successful.
***** note: anything other than a text blog takes a bit more skill and experience. This “How to” guide doesn’t cover it, so don’t read the rest of this if you’re looking to do that fancy shmancy.
When writing a blog, there are 3 major steps you must follow:
Step 1: Create a Calendar Event and Don’t Miss it
One of the biggest issues with writing a blog is the time. An average blog takes me to from 2-4 hours to write. But it can’t be completed all in one sitting. I segment the time into (3) sections: 1) brainstorm, 2) making-it-my-own, and 3) writing.
I truly need time to think it thru. Going for a walk helps a bunch while I process the message I want to send to my readers. Eventually, my readers will become supporters and clients, which leads to our own tribe of followers.
My tribe are smart, sophisticated, high-energy, talented and educated individuals. They trust my input and perspective, so I can’t let them down. Therefore, I stay as authentic as possible.
In other words, the time you spend creating this blog could also be another way of having a meeting without meeting. When they read your blog, you’re sitting down talking to them about your niche, service, product or specialty. No one buys something without hearing a pitch. For example, this would be a blog pitching you (the reader) reading this post to write a blog. Is it working?
Let’s keep going!
Step 2: Write with Passion
You are the expert, so I want you to start writing with passion. Just let it flow. Don’t even worry about punctuation, spelling or flow. Just write. YES- write.
Let me help you out a bit. Here’s a structured template reduced to bullet points to start you off:
- Topic/Theme
- Paragraph 1: Opening Statement
- Paragraph 2: The “why” or significance of the topic
- Paragraph 3: Share any third-party references or make it compelling in your own words
- Paragraph 4: Closing Statement
- Your Signature
Again, just write this out. Don’t worry about length or validity. Remember you’re the expert. State your position/opinion and be done.
Allow your personality to be heard (give the reader your spunk, sass and swagger) as they read your blog. The blog title or image will capture their attention, so don’t let them down. Some may just scroll to see the bold statements or bullets, but others may read it word for word.
When they get to the end of the blog, you should have fulfilled their quench for knowledge. Think of it as a tool being added to your toolchest. Depending on the inquirer, your blog may be one that takes that big spot at the bottom or could be up top in their easy-to-access drawer. Either way, you added value (aka, tool) to help them in their journey.
Step 3: Proofread
I’m the worst at proofreading. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve read it outloud, I’ll miss an “of”, “it”, “is” or “the” somewhere. That’s why setting the necessary time aside to write a blog post from start to finish could be lengthy to all the above.
Being that this will go out to the whole world, I recommend to review older posts after awhile. I still find errors in some of my first blogs. In full honesty, I’ve never been great at writing but it’s getting easier.
Finding a good proofreader is the start to expanding your network base, which is probably why you wanted to blog in the first place.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Let me add a couple of quick tips. In addition to Rebekah’s blog, “How to Make a Blog Post” for the very beginners out there you need to have your blog work for you.
Click here to read the tips on the original blog.