Are you already writing your blogs and wondering if the pieces of your article fit together?
Creating the perfect blog is more than words. It’s what you say, how you say it and how much you say it. But it’s also creating flow, making a great title, breaking down large portions of text with white space, alongside the sparing implementation of using numbered points and highlighting with bold and italics; that bring together and form the perfect blog post.
The anatomy of your blog post should be clear about who it’s writing to, what the call to action is and whether or not you include the complimentary addition of pictures, infographics, visual aids, vlogs and interactives. Let’s look at each essential anatomy part in more detail and see why you should include them in your blog…
1) Create good flow…
Creating good flow in your work means to create fluency for your readers. Avoid capitals where they’re not needed. Try not to have too many commas or other forms of punctuation if you don’t need them. Your objective is to get them to the end of your piece.
Don’t make your paragraphs too lengthy. Break down your paragraphs into 3-4 lines maximum. This ensures that there is not the appearance of too much bulk text for the reader to need to take in. Consider the use of bullet points, numbered points and subheadings.
Even think about adding a hint of colour for emphasis on certain points or headings. Only use it sparingly to create impact as too much can cause your reader to have too much to absorb. The chances of them then finishing the piece and any other work you print can be seriously reduced.
Having flow in your writing creates an easy to follow article for your intended reader to digest and engage with.
2) Make a good and bold title…
Carefully consider your title. It should say what your piece is about in a few words. Keep it short. Adding in numerals, emotive language, and questions within your titles helps to appeal to your reader.
You may find that trying to write the title after you finish your piece works better. It gives you time to compile your copy and think about what will fit best as your heading. The introductory text that directly follows the title should say what the piece is about and compliment your leading title.
Make your blog stand out: Keeping your introduction to one or two paragraphs will grab and maintain your readers attention and ensures you stick to the point of your piece.
3) Write for your audience…
Knowing who you’re writing for is a good place to start. Who you’re wanting your copy to speak to will dictate the language you use and how you write your piece. Think of the words to include and how you’re going to engage your reader in the point that you’re trying to get across. Use a style and voice that is natural-as if you were speaking directly to that person.
Always remember you’re speaking to another human. Think about writing how you speak. Don’t be unnecessary with words or sentences.
4) What’s your call to action?…
Your every piece should have a call to action within it and it needs to be clear for your reader to digest and easy to navigate. It could be that you want your reader to follow you on social platforms or you want them to share what you have written. Or you may want them to subscribe to your newsletter, take advantage of an offer or purchase a particular product etc.
Whatever your call to action is ensure that it is there in your copy as clear as day. If you don’t ask your audience they won’t know what you expect and want them to do.
5) A picture says a thousand words?…
Be original, a picture certainly does speak a thousand words. Use pictures to help break up your text and set the tone for your piece of copy.
Handy tip: Ensure you use relevant pictures to your piece or you could hinder your rapport and loyalty with your reader.
Consider video to accompany your piece to complement and enhance your message. Can you then use chunks of your text as short form copy on social platforms? Use your hard work in as many forms of content as possible to market you and your brand and to deliver your message.
Bonus tip: Break up large chunks of text
It’s important that you keep paragraphs short and as well as pictures to break up text, you can also take advantage of creating plenty of white space surrounding your copy. This allows your reader to read with focus, flow and less distraction.
The readers concentration is less overwhelmed when consuming white space whilst reading.
Combining all of these essential anatomy parts within your blog posts will ensure that you’re offering your piece every chance of success with your reader.
If you’re short on time why not liaise with and utilise a copywriter that can help your business market itself and progress forwards?
You can email me on ambersmith@simplyamberlou.com or visit me on Twitter @simplyamberLou and contact me through LinkedIn @Amber L Smith.