This is based on what I personally love to read and write. There is no definitive right or wrong when it comes to blog content but this is a list I’ve compiled based on feedback I’ve received on my own blog and what I’ve enjoyed reading on other people’s.
Write useful content
Some really successful bloggers primarily use their blog as a journal, charting everyday life etc, and that works well for them. But personally, I would rather write, and read, posts that focus on either a specific topic, are opinion-led, thought-provoking or helpful to readers. For example, I would find “Ten Steps For Easy Weaning” more interesting and useful than “An update on my baby’s weaning.” if that makes sense.
Use evocative content and titles
Some may criticize this but I find that if I title my posts to be a little controversial (or write about something a little controversial) I get more hits. My post “Do I Love My Baby?” was read a lot because of the surprising title. Everything in it is completely true and from the heart but, the unfortunate fact is, I could have called the post “Bonding Difficulties” instead and it probably wouldn’t have gotten the same amount of views. I would never sacrifice honesty for click-bate but sometimes a good title helps you share your story further, often for the greater good.
Numbered lists and bullets
People love a list. In our time-starved world, they are so much easier to read than long prose and therefore more likely to get clicked on. My most popular post from last year was 10 Ridiculous Things I Said Before Kids and I’m sure the list format has a lot to do with that. Obviously not all posts lend themselves to the list style and several of my most read have been long and chatty but lists are good to include regularly. Plus, they tend to be easier and quicker to write too.
Spell check
This is very much a “do as I say, not as I do” situation as I’m terrible for typos. One of my goals for this year is to correct errors from earlier posts and take more care with future ones as mistakes are a little frustrating when you’re reading.
Variety
Again, not everyone is going to agree with this. I really enjoy blogging about lots of different areas of life – cooking, reading, parenting and, of course, mental health advocacy. A lot of successful bloggers will advise that you need a niche to really be successful, and that may well be true, but the one thing I want to get from blogging more than anything else is enjoyment, and being varied gives me that.
Be honest
Personally, my favourite posts are always the most raw, honest and from the heart. Sharing my fears and worries about being a parent is so cathartic and I believe it helps others too.
I’d love to hear what you think? What are your favourite types of post and why? Do you like variety or niche? Do you like emotive, funny or factual pieces? Please leave your thoughts below.
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Being a content developer, I can relate with this post perfectly. It’s very easy for readers to get distracted when a blog post isn’t properly crafted.
To add to your point Laura, spacing is equally important. Long block paragraph would make the post very boring, but if paragraphs are split into three of four sentences (at most), then it becomes very easy to speed read through the post and not miss out on the salient point.
Thanks for the tips.