Let me start by saying, there is no substitute for good writing that is free of grammar and spelling mistakes. That should really go without saying. Your post should have original, fresh content that informs, interests, and amuses your readers. That is what will create loyalty.
That being said, there are a few key things that you can do within your body of work that will help your post get more views, show up higher in searches, and generally get more attention. Since we’re talking about a body of work, let’s talk about the anatomy of a great blog post.
Anatomy of a Great Blog Post
Great Headline
Section Headers
If your post is longer than a few paragraphs, use section headers to improve readability. They break up a longer blog post into eye-friendly sections, let your readers know what to expect in each section, and give you another opportunity to use your keyword within your post.
Introduction
Taking a paragraph or two to let your reader know what’s coming will encourage them to stick around. A brief introduction will welcome the reader, introduce the topic of the post, and, very briefly, let them know what they will be reading about. And, it’s another opportunity to use your keyword within your post.
Relevant photos
You post should have a minimum of one good quality photo. Two is even better since the trend is to create a “pinnable image,” which is long and narrow, in addition to a square(ish) photo that can be used in tweets and Instagram posts. Having a title on each photo will help it gain traction in social media. Be sure to use legally obtained pictures that are attributed properly if necessary, and to watermark your own photographs. Here are some free resources for photo editing, free photographs, and more.
Keyword
Use your keyword several times within your post. Make sure to use it naturally and remember that Google understands synonyms, so you don’t have to repeat the exact phrase over and over. For example, I don’t have to repeat anatomy of a great blog post multiple times, I can also say how to write the perfect blog post or even tips for writing a good blog post, all of which pop up in the first two pages of a Google search for anatomy of a great blog post.
Short paragraphs
Long paragraphs are hard to read. Shorter, concise paragraphs flow easily. There is no real set number of sentences per paragraph, but I strive for two to five, depending on the length of each. Too short and reading feels choppy, too long and people find the paragraph difficult to read.
Justify Left
Writing that is left justified (ragged right), not centered or full, makes for much more natural and comfortable reading. Our eyes naturally look to the far left to start each new line. Center justified is not as comfortable, as the reader has to find the beginning of each new line which forces the eye to work harder.
Relevant Links
There are a couple types of links that can help your blog grow. First, link to relevant posts and pages on your own blog. This will keep your readers around longer, improve your bounce rate, and allow them to get to know you and your blog better (and hopefully develop into fans). You should also link to outside articles that are relevant to your topic. Here’s a post that explains why outbound links are good for your own SEO. Make sure that your outbound links open in a new window or tab so that your readers can easily return to your post.
Closing Paragraph
The closing paragraph serves to tie everything together and to remind your readers that you fulfilled the promise of the opening paragraph. It doesn’t have to be long, and it can include the call to action (see next section). Just a sentence or two to end your post gracefully.
Call to action
What response do you want from your readers? Comments? Shares? Advice? The best and most direct way to get the response you’re looking for is to ask. Closing your blog post with a question for your readers to answer will make them more likely to comment. Would you like them to share your post? Then ask, leading to my next section…
Sharing Tools
Make it easy for your readers to share your content. At a minimum, you should have sharing buttons at the bottom of your post. You can also have them at the top or side (not my favorite, but many bloggers like them). Make your photos easy to add to Pinterest by having a hover-over Pin It button on each picture.
Comments
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Great tips! It’s so hard to read blogs that are centered rather than left justified. And colored font, while pretty, is so hard to read and makes me skip over a blog.
AWESOME info, Debbie!!! You should totally speak at Blogfest next year! You have so much great advice 🙂
I use co schedule and I had no idea there was a headline analyzer thanks again for the great tips!
Great tips Debbie !It’s funny though because when I did a blogger survey I got a few comments asking me to full justify my posts, so I started doing that instead.
You always have the BEST tips! I definitely think that short paragraphs are key… I know I hate reading anything that looks like a never ending post…
I really need to get better about my calls to action! I sometimes remember to ask questions to help my readers get engaged in the comments section, but I could do better. Also, do people really right-justify their blog posts?! That would drive me nuts!
Awesome Tips!
I need to write these down in my blogging binder so I never forget them 🙂
I have used CoSchedule for a year and never knew about the title analyzer. Great tips as always lady!
Great tips…definitely sharing these!!!
Great tips! Definitely have to start putting some of these to good use. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I haven’t done too many guest blog posts – Initially I did… But I just kinda stopped, lol! I am always willing to, but… I guess NO ONE wants me! lol!
You are awesome Debbie!!!!! Still not sure about blogging for me – thinking it thru with my life challenges right now. xoxo
As always, great tips for the blog! I really appreciate all that you share with us to make our blogs better.
I always love reading your blogging tips posts! Thank you for sharing!!
Excellent tips and I especially appreciate your use of examples.
This is such a helpful post Debbie. Thanks for helping us to improve our writing on Fridays Blog Booster Party #24
Kathleen
Great post. I had no idea Coschedule has a headline analyzer! I use it daily and had no clue!
Great tips Debbie! Perfect for post blogfest reminders!
I didn’t know that google understood synonyms for the keyword! Thanks!
Good tips and a great reminder of what we are aiming for. I always struggle with the keywords, but I’m working on it.
Great info! Simple things that really make a difference! 🙂
Thank you so much for joining #tiptuesday.
We had some issues with the post from last week, so I’m relaunching and promoting the posts now.
Thanks so much for all the tips, I love coming here and getting refreshers, I think I am mostly on track, these tips will help me keep on keepin’ on!!! Thanks so much.
Debie thanks for sharing these precise and very practical tips! I feel like I need to go back and check my blog:) Thanks again for sharing the knowledge on Wednesdays Wisdom. Continued success.
Debbie this post has so much good information . Thank you so much for sharing on #wednesdayswisdom, have a great week
Excellent post Debbie and very inspiring to write better. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with all of us at #WednesdaysWisdom
This post will be featured on this week’s Tip Tuesday link party.
Thank you for your contribution!
Great post Debbie! I loved all the points, want to add one more to make it 13 tips 🙂 I feel the width of a blog post should be maximum 10-12 words. From my experience, the blog posts width which are so wide, we need to find the next line, where it is?
Yes, you have mentioned keeping it left not centered or right, please add this point, it’s a great point.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
thanks for sharing of this article is very useful for the learner thanks for sharing.
Wonderful advice. Breaking up text is so important. I hate when I’m trying to read a blog post and there’s nothing but text on my screen. So helpful.
Hi Debbie, what an excellent post! I learned a great deal and I am really looking forward to using the Co-Schedule Headline Analyzer! Thanks so much for such great information! Blessings, Janet
Thanks for the great advice. I just read a blog post (on another site) and wanted to comment but there was no option. I really wanted to share it but no sharing buttons. Thanks again 🙂
Visiting you from the Saturday Sharefest at The Sits Girls.
This was great, Debbie. I really struggle with the “short paragraphs” thing. I know it’s how blogging goes these days (AND our attention spans) but some bloggers just apparently throw out everything they were taught in English class and go with two-word paragraphs. Not criticizing, really, just mourning a love of language and flow!