Writing Content – Bloggingtips.com https://bloggingtips.com Start, Grow, and Monetize a Blog Wed, 12 Oct 2022 20:21:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Copywriting For Blogs: Why It Works & Tips For Creating Content That Converts https://bloggingtips.com/copywriting-for-blogs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=copywriting-for-blogs https://bloggingtips.com/copywriting-for-blogs/#respond Fri, 09 Sep 2022 11:47:15 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=95787 Read more]]> Bloggers who strive to monetize their content know precisely how crucial good web copy is.

When you offer snappy content, users are more likely to stick around, make a few clicks, and hopefully make a conversion.

However, if you’re new to blogging, you might not understand what copywriting is, why it’s so important, and how it differs from standard blogs and content creation.

Fortunately, we’re well versed on the topic.

So, stick around to learn everything you need to know about copywriting.

What Is Copywriting For Blogs?

vector graphic showing an illustration of copywriting for blogs

Copywriting for blogs is a bit different than the standard blog posts.

Instead of being informative, copywriting is meant to be persuasive.

You’re encouraging a conversion to generate revenue or more traffic.

What Is the Difference Between Copywriting and Content Creation?

Another type of web content that often gets confused with copywriting is content creation.

Content creators on social media make posts, videos, and images to highlight their brand and build an audience.

However, copywriting is strictly for marketing purposes.

In many cases, it assumes brand awareness and simply directs a user toward the right product.

Why is Blog Copywriting so Powerful?

Blog copywriting packs a punch because it’s a powerful and informative marketing tool.

Good copy will direct readers toward various areas on a blogger’s platform, such as a web store or paid channel.

Is Copywriting Good for SEO?

Copywriting is an excellent tool to boost your SEO while generating revenue.

If your copywriter is proficient with SEO, your web ranking will improve, placing you higher on SERPs.

Most importantly, it will give your users precisely what they’re looking for.

What Makes Good Copywriting?

“Good” copywriting is highly subjective, depending largely on your content, brand, and industry.

However, you can use the 4 Us to create the best content for your readers, no matter your field.

1. Useful

No matter your content, your copywriting should provide helpful information that leads to conversions.

Instead of using basic “click here” links, opt for anchor text that gives a clear picture of what you’re trying to convey.

2. Unique

Have you ever skimmed through a few websites on the same topic and found the same information regurgitated on each one?

Those bloggers fail to practice one of the most important Us–creating unique content.

You need to stand out from the crowd, which requires developing wholly unique copy.

3. Urgent

Good web copy conveys urgency in the best way.

You want your title, tagline, or subject line to snag readers’ attention.

However, of the four Us, urgency is the least important.

So, if you can only insert it into your title, don’t worry.

4. Ultra-Specific

Creating ultra-specific copy doesn’t mean you need to get ultra-granular.

Simply put, creating ultra-specific content will cause your readers to leave feeling satisfied.

They’ll know more about a topic and your product than when they landed on your site.

Website Copywriting Examples

Check out these examples of effective copywriting techniques you can try on your own website.

1. Do This With That

If you’re introducing a new or unfamiliar product, good copywriting can help ease users into it.

For example, an online grocery store might use the headline “Kick Taco Tuesday Up a Notch With Ground Bison.”

This taps into the familiar (everyone loves tacos) and the new (bison isn’t standard in most kitchens).

2. For Fans Of

A popular method of drawing new customers in is using a comparison.

For example, an author might market their regency romance story to “Fans of Jane Austen.”

This gives users a clear picture of what they’ll get when they purchase the book.

3. BOGO

If there’s one thing that draws customers into a web store, it’s a good sale.

Anyone who’s shopped in a store or online has seen the acronym for “buy one, get one.”

Placing “BOGO” on your site tells customers they’ll find great deals as soon as they start scrolling.

4. Answer a Question

A surefire way to get users to click on your site is by answering their questions in your title.

For example, if a user searches for “homeopathic headache remedies,” a blog titled “Check Out These Five Homeopathic Headache Remedies” will surely be an instant click.

Critical Copywriting Tips to Write Better Content

Copywriting is a skill that can take years to truly master.

However, if you’re just starting out or can’t afford to outsource, here are a few quick and effective tips for writing better content.

1. Create a Memorable Title

Your article’s title is the first thing users see when they land on your page.

However, to make it click-worthy, you need your title to be memorable.

For example, if you want to encourage readers to check out your content on beating writer’s block using your resources, use an alliterative title like “Give Block the Boot With These Five Tips.”

2. Get to the Point Quickly

An extended cold open works for movies and TV, but not so much in writing.

So, when you write your copy, be sure to get to the point quickly and succinctly.

Don’t use ten words when you can make your point in five.

Readers should know what your article is about, what your product is, and what question you’re answering within the first few sentences.

3. Leverage AIDA Formula

Finally, always consider the AIDA formula when writing web copy.

This acronym stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, Action, which are the four stages you want each site visitor to go through on your site.

Attention

First and foremost, you need to grab your reader’s attention.

If you want to craft content that goes viral, you’ll need to start by using bold language that appeals to one or more senses.

Look at your audience’s background and create a punchy, clickable headline.

Interest

Next, cultivate your audience’s interest.

You can do this by stating outright why your content solves their problem, or you can be more nuanced.

Show a deep understanding of your audience and offer a solution.

Don’t be afraid to use jargon to highlight how connected you are with your audience.

Desire

Once you’ve garnered interest, it’s time to amp up your audience’s desire for your product.

Take some time to demonstrate why your product is better than your competitor’s.

Use your expertise in your field to prove credibility, and tell your audience how you can help.

Action

Finally, you’ll offer a CTA to encourage a conversion.

A CTA could be a purchase, giveaway entry, newsletter signup, or other action that plants the seeds for brand loyalty.

4. Leverage PAS Formula

Another beneficial copywriting formula is the PAS formula.

This stands for Problem, Agitate, and Solution.

Problem

When a user searches for something on the internet, they’re looking to solve a problem.

Perhaps it’s something simple, like how to remove acrylic nails.

Or, it might be something more complex, like repairing a leaky drain.

Make sure you state the problem your content addresses in the title and first few lines of your content.

Agitate

Next, you want to get the user a bit riled up. Highlight a few specific points of frustration to agitate your reader.

Make sure your reader knows you can truly empathize, because that’s what will encourage them into reading more.

Solution

Finally, offer your solution.

Provide directions to your product, tool, or service, and tell the user why it’ll solve all their problems.

Then, when they click through to your product, add additional information in the product description that provides more detail.

Use Formatting to Drive Home Key Points

A great way to drive home the key points of your web copy is to format using bold, italicized, and underlined text.

However, avoid being too liberal with formatting usage, as it can become distracting.

Bold Words

Bold, or strong, text provides a strong emphasis on a word, phrase, or sentence.

You should use bolded text infrequently and only for critical points.

Underlined Words

When it comes to web copy, you should avoid underlining words unless you’re linking to another page.

Most readers have become accustomed to clicking on underlined text, so you want to maintain that standard.

Italicized Words

Italics are best reserved for definitions, book titles, or internal dialogue.

Italicized text offers emphasis like bold, only on a weaker scale.

Use Pictures and Visuals

Including great visual content in your copy is crucial to emphasizing ideas and illustrating your message.

For example, infographics help simplify complex topics, while fun images help break up text.

6 Best Copywriting Blogs to Follow for Inspiration

Copywriting is a complex but beneficial skill to possess as a writer.

Check out these six blogs if you want to find some copywriting inspiration.

1. Copyblogger

screenshot of the copyblogger homepage

Copyblogger is a blog dedicated to teaching content marketing.

You’ll find heaps of information about writing excellent copy and content to bolster your skills in other areas of digital marketing.

2. Copyhackers

screenshot of the copyhackers homepage

Copyhackers provides copywriters and marketers a valuable resource for polishing their skills.

You can check out Copyhackers blog or even enroll in a course or two to get some proper training.

3. John Carlton

screenshot of the john carlton homepage

When it comes to copywriting, you won’t find many more experienced than John Carlton.

He’s been teaching writing courses for several decades and is considered one of the most well-respected freelance copywriters on the market.

4. Contently

screenshot of the contently homepage

Another online content and marketing blog copywriters should check out is Contently.

You’ll find extensive resources on Contently’s site, including courses, case studies, and even writing gigs.

Whatever aspect of copywriting you’re looking to explore, Contently is worth a visit.

5. Grammarly

screenshot of the grammarly homepage

Grammarly’s blog offers invaluable advice for copywriters of all experience levels.

Whether you’re just starting or have been at it for years, you’ll find what you need on Grammarly’s site.

Pro Tip: Outsource Copywriting to a Professional

If you’ve read through this article and are wondering how your blog writing can be outsourced, you’re in luck.

Keep reading to learn where you can find freelancers for your content.

vector graphic showing an image relating to how to outsource blog writing

How Much Does an Outsourced Copywriter Cost?

Copywriters typically charge by the hour.

According to Upwork, you can expect to pay $19 to $45 per hour or page for a skilled copywriter.

However, prices can range upwards of $250.

Places to Find Outsourced Copywriters

Not sure where to begin searching for copywriters?

You’d be surprised how many websites exist that pair copywriters with bloggers.

Here are just a few of the best.

1. Upwork

Upwork is a site focused solely on freelance work.

You can find copywriters, editors, proofreaders, and more on Upwork’s job boards.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a one-stop shop where freelancers in all fields offer their services.

It’s an excellent place to look if you’re on a budget for copywriters.

3. ProBlogger

Similar to Upwork, ProBlogger is a job board designed for freelancers.

However, it focuses specifically on writers.

So, if you don’t want to sift through a lot of jobs, ProBlogger should be your first stop.

4. A Writing Agency

If you’re in the market for high-quality copywriting and don’t want to go through the trial-and-error of finding someone, you can reach out to a writing agency.

They can pair you with a freelancer who perfectly suits your needs.

5. AI Tools Like Jasper.ai

When you don’t have the budget for a freelancer but still want to get some help with your web copy, you can look to AI tools like Jasper.ai or Grammarly.

They’ll help polish your writing without the hefty price tag of a live writer.

Featured Promotion

Earn 10,000 free words in Jasper when you sign up using our Jasper referral link.

You're LITERALLY minutes away from having mind-blowing results that work.

It's only $29 to start AND if you don't like it for any reason, the Jasper team will refund your payment 100% - no questions asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to a few common questions about copywriting.

vector graphic showing an illustration of copywriting for blogs

How do beginners start copywriting?

The best place to start your career as a copywriter is the beginning.

Study the craft, work on perfecting it, then create a portfolio.

From there, you can start applying for jobs as a freelancer or full-time writer.

What are copywriting skills?

All copywriters have a crucial skill set that enables them to create perfect web copy.

They have nearly flawless grammar, understand digital marketing, and know how to tap into their industry and reach customers.

Wrapping Up

Hiring a copywriter for your blog can save you time while increasing your revenue.

If you have the time and inclination, learning how to create engaging web copy will be an invaluable skill.

Using the tips and suggestions in this article, you’ll be able to find a skilled copywriter for your blog or develop the skills yourself.

If you have any questions or want to share your experience, feel free to drop a comment below!

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/copywriting-for-blogs/feed/ 0 A Complete Guide To SEO Copywriting: How To Get More Traffic nonadult
How To Write A Pitch To Land You Killer Results https://bloggingtips.com/how-to-write-a-pitch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-write-a-pitch https://bloggingtips.com/how-to-write-a-pitch/#respond Sat, 20 Aug 2022 21:39:26 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=94050 Read more]]> Every new writer struggles with pitching their ideas to blogs, companies, and publishers.

Learning how to pitch is a standard rite of passage for writers, and doing so separates successful writers from the rest.

If you are looking to expand your writing, get new clients, or finally get published, then this is the post for you.

You will learn what a good pitch looks like, different types of pitches, and how to write a pitch to land you killer results.

How To Write a Pitch: An Overview

To write a good pitch, you first have to understand the basics.

vector graphic showing how to write a pitch

What Is a Pitch?

A pitch is a short explanation of a story or article that a writer sends to an editor, publisher, or producer to convince them to commission it.

A pitch is usually no longer than 500 words from start to finish.

You’ll know your pitch is successful when the company or person you’re pitching to jumps on board so you can write your story, play, or article.

Different Types of Pitches

It is important to note that there are different types of pitches.

You can write an investment pitch, a sales pitch, or a collaboration pitch, to name a few.

Each kind of pitch has a unique purpose.

For example, an investment pitch is written to ask investors to put money into an existing or upcoming business (think Shark Tank).

However, this post is about creative (or writing) pitches.

This pitch is all about asking your written work to be included in a website, blog, magazine, or publishing house.

This could be a guest post in a blog, an article on an investigative news site, or a novel idea.

The Importance of Getting a Pitch Right

Much as I love blogging there are frustrations and one of them is getting hundreds of bad pitches each week, mainly from wannabe guest bloggers, agency press releases and anyone with a new product or service.

Sometimes when you reach a certain level of blogging success it feels as if you’re besieged by strangers emailing you about their new blog, website, book or business and asking you to help them promote it.

The first time I got a pitch email I was pleased because it told me my blog was on someone’s radar.

That first time, and many times after that, I replied to pitch emails with a polite email like this:

 “Thank you for contacting me. Sorry, but I can’t help you because my blog isn’t about remote control cyborgs so I don’t think your product will interest my readers.”

Times have changed. Now a cursory glance is all an unsolicited pitch gets before I hit delete.

A lot of time, I only read the subject of the email before I decide to open it.

I no longer feel guilty about that because some pitch emails don’t seem to come from real people, or at least not from people with real communications skills, a real passion for what they do or a real idea about how to get people to say yes.

So I decided to update an old post about How to Write a Pitch.

But first, let’s look at what not to do when you write a pitch.

How Not to Write a Pitch Email

Let me show you a few samples of pitch emails I’ve received to give you an idea of the suffering innocent bloggers and business people like you and me are being put through.

Take this as an example of a pitch email that recently turned up:

“Hello Anne
Sir, I have tried to reach you about…”

Unfortunately, this company plundered the domain name registry to see who registered my blog address and came up with my name as Anne, which is my middle name.

Getting someone’s name wrong or misspelling it is bad, but reassigning their gender is worse.

If you don’t know their name find out what it is before emailing them.

If you really can’t unearth a first or last name, then you should either brush up on your detective skills.

Most people prefer to be called by their first names these days, but I try to respect my elders and if I want to be formal, which an unsolicited email pitch calls for, I’d use a title and start the email “Dear Mr. Dunlevie”.

Here’s another bad pitch email which shows that anyone can make mistakes.

A fellow web copywriter contacted me as part of a mass mailing via LinkedIn recently.

This interesting email pitch case study highlights the dangers of mass mailing.

Please bear in mind that I’m a professional web copywriter too and had connected with this copywriter on LinkedIn to support her endeavors.

Then she sent me this:

Email Subject: Your LinkedIn Profile Needs Help!

That got my attention, so I opened the email and read this:

“Why is your LinkedIn profile so weak?

I have to give this woman credit for being proactive in seeking work and her offer of $50 to rewrite a LinkedIn profile seemed like a reasonable deal.

So good in fact, I might have even forwarded it to a few people if I hadn’t felt so insulted at being told my profile was weak.

But my ego’s still intact because she probably hadn’t read my profile – for starters it wasn’t that bad (admittedly not a Pulitzer prize winner but at least average) and it did at least say that I was a writer, which would have been a red flag for her not contact me with her offer if she’d taken a moment to read it.

Even if she meant to contact me, I don’t think it’s a good plan to insult people and make them feel like idiots in a pitch.

To add injury to insult the entire email was in heavy bold lettering, with a lot of italics thrown in.

The final nail in the coffin came when, because I’m inherently nosy, I decided to check out her LinkedIn profile to see what was so good about her profile writing. Sadly there was no link to it so I’ll never know.

Writing a pitch seems to be a minefield but it should be an easy process.

If you’d like to know how to write a pitch that gets noticed read on.

How Do You Structure a Good Pitch?

Here is the basic structure to help you build a good pitch.

1. Outline

The outline of your pitch is for you and should not be sent with your pitch.

This will help you organize your thoughts and ideas and have your pitch flow more naturally.

Your outline should define your idea and help you generate ideas about it.

No pitch should be sent in on a half-baked, last-minute idea.

2. Subject Line

A subject line is the first thing the editor will see in their inbox, like an article headline.

Subject lines must be succinct and explanatory.

They should answer the question, “Why am I sending this email?

3. Beginning and Hook

The introduction to your pitch must hook the editor.

When writing your intro, making them want to continue reading should be your main goal.

Immediately introduce your subject.

Explain your knowledge of the publisher, why you wanted to pitch that specific story, and your angle.

4. Body

The body of your pitch should address why a reader would want to read about what you are writing.

Explain what your story would be about, why it matters, and how it fits into the existing blog or website.

Your body should focus on addressing the question, “Why would anyone be interested in reading this?

5. Conclusion and Call to Action

End your pitch by inviting the editor to reach out with any questions they may have.

Remind them that you are open to start writing the piece as soon as possible and reiterate why you believe your idea is perfect for their site or company.

6. Bio and Contact Information

Here is where you link your portfolio and add some contact information.

Ensure your portfolio showcases your best works, especially those relevant to your pitch.

What You’ll Need To Write a Pitch

Writing a pitch can be a simple and hassle-free task.

You simply need:

1. A Topic That Has Been Thought Out

Never send in a pitch with a topic you just happened upon.

Here is what you need to do:

  • Do your research into the publishing house, company, or website you are pitching.
  • After you research, pick a topic that fits with their brand.
  • Research the topic thoroughly to see if you can write a full article or story on it.

2. A Way To Turn That Topic Into a Story

If your pitch is accepted, you will be writing on it.

Before you send your pitch, ensure you can write a story on your chosen article.

  • Fully research different angles you can tackle the topic from.
  • Make several drafts on the topic and build a story.
  • Ask yourself which of the drafts is interesting enough to be monetized.

3. A Specific Desired Outcome

When pitching, ask yourself what your desired outcome is.

Do you want your pitch accepted or do you want to simply send a pitch so you can get comfortable doing it?

If you want your pitch accepted, are you willing to sell your idea and not write the story?

Open your mind to the different outcomes available and be specific with what you want.

4. A Way to Track Your Progress

After the huddle of sending the first pitch, you gain confidence to send more pitches.

Be sure you track your progress. You can use Excel, Google Sheets, or other free apps like Notion.

Here is what you’ll need to keep track of:

  • Who you sent the pitch to
  • The topic of the pitch
  • The date you sent the pitch
  • Your drafted story for each pitch
  • When you last followed up on your application
  • The response, if any, from the editor you sent it to

Step by Step Instructions: How To Write a Pitch

Now that you understand what a pitch is, here is how you write a pitch to land killer results.

vector graphic showing how to write a pitch

1. Understand Your Audience

You must understand who you are pitching to and how to pitch to them.

The best way to understand who you are pitching to is to understand their audience.

The key questions to answer are:

  • Who do they write for?
  • What language do they use?
  • What kind of content do they publish and,
  • Has the topic you want to write been covered already?

Once you know who you are pitching to, understand how to pitch to them.

Usually, most websites have clear instructions on how to pitch on their Submissions or Work With us pages.

If this is not provided, search “How to pitch X” on any search engine and you will probably find hundreds of results.

Use the successful stories of others to curate your perfect pitch.

Also, be sure to know to whom you are addressing your pitch.

2. Outline Your Pitch

Before you draft a pitch, outline what the key components are.

You will need your subject line, your interesting introduction, and your body.

You will also need a conclusion and a portfolio of work to add or link.

Having this outline of needed parts will help order your mind as you begin writing your pitch.

3. Draft Your Pitch

A draft is not going to be sent to the editor you are pitching to.

However, it will help you formulate the perfect pitch every time.

The same way you draft your stories before you write them, your pitch must also be drafted.

Create a Clever Hook

Remember that the majority of email recipients open emails based on the subject line alone.

Editors, especially, get tens, hundreds of pitches every week.

You hook your reader with the subject line and engage them with your introduction.

From your first line, your pitch should captivate the editor.

Do not write fluff.

Immediately highlight your knowledge of the publication or website then dive into your title and angle.

Write your hook to address what the key takeaway is for readers.

Write Your Story

Your pitch needs to be clear. Avoid general ideas and vague topics that have not been thought out.

Write a genuine story that readers of your chosen website or publication will engage with.

Show the editor that you have thought of the story by explaining why the topic would work on their site.

Include your plan of action to write a complete, engaging story.

Wrap Up Your Pitch

Conclude your pitch with a link to your relevant works and a way to contact you.

Include your availability and experience as well.

4. Edit Your Pitch

After you have completed the draft, it’s time to edit it.

  • Ensure Proper Grammar: Run a grammar and spell check and proofread your work.
    You can also have another writer or a friend look at the pitch.
  • Ensure Relevancy: Link your professional resume from sites like LinkedIn and also your portfolio. Include a short bio at the end to show that you know what you are talking about.
  • Ensure Brevity: The theme of a pitch is concise and precise.
    Keep it brief and without any fluff.

5.  Send Your Pitch

It is now time to send your pitch.

Ensure you have the correct email address and have addressed your pitch appropriately.

6. Remain Responsive

Be ready to interact with the editor.

They may have questions and need clarification before giving you the green light.

Remain responsive and be ready to expound on your idea and show why you chose it.

You may also get suggestions to refine your original topic once they accept it.

7. Don’t Overthink It: You Can Do It

Remember that pitching is a part of growing as a writer.

You will send many pitches and you may not always get a positive response.

Don’t let this stop you from sending your first, second or fiftieth pitch.

Persistence after rejection is how almost every writer got their big break!

Remember, what constitutes a good story is widely a matter of opinion, and what doesn’t interest one person may impress another.

Keep trying, don’t give up, and most importantly, be excited about the topic you’re writing about.

Your genuine excitement will propel you through times of rejection.

How to Write a Pitch That Works [An Overview]

I could share many more bad email pitch examples but let’s move on to how you should write a pitch:

  1. Never pitch strangers by email or any other way. Build a relationship with them first on Twitter or by putting a few comments on their blog. Unless you have some connection with them before you write your pitch, your email will be deleted straight away.
  2. Be sincere and personal.
  3. Get your facts right and show them you’ve read their blog. Most bloggers love to support and help the readers who support them.
  4. Mention something you’ve done for them – linked to their blog, left comments, shared it on Facebook, subscribed to their newsletter, or bought their latest product.
  5. At the least, find out the person’s name and spell it right.
  6. Use the normal language and abbreviations you’d use if you were speaking to someone so you don’t sound artificial.
  7. Be formal when you write a pitch and use Dear as the opening address. Unless you don’t know their name in which case you’ve not got much of a chance.
  8. Avoid using exclamation marks in pitches or emails. They never inspire confidence in a business situation.
  9. Don’t insult the person you’re trying to win over.
  10. Always include a link to your blog and other social media profiles like Twitter and Facebook.
  11. Don’t do a mass mailing – you’re wasting everyone’s time.
  12. Make sure the email isn’t all in a small font or bold lettering.
  13. Write a brief pitch. This isn’t the time to write an essay. Emphasize the benefits and let them know the best way to move forward.
  14. Thank them for taking the time to read your email.
  15. Don’t pitch at all.

Wrapping Up

Writing a pitch is an integral part of being a writer.

To compose a successful pitch, you need to focus on researching who your audience is, creating a clever hook, and curating an engaging story.

Your pitch should be short and precise without sacrificing the details of your desired writing topic.

Don’t fear pitching your ideas– it’s all part of the process.

As an author, I have had to pitch hundreds of sites and it is always a little unsettling to do so, but the results are worth it!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and if you did, send this article to a fellow writer and share your thoughts and questions in the comment section below.

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/how-to-write-a-pitch/feed/ 0
Write On Medium: 2022 Guide To Publishing On Medium https://bloggingtips.com/write-on-medium/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=write-on-medium https://bloggingtips.com/write-on-medium/#respond Tue, 16 Aug 2022 10:08:44 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=93639 Read more]]> It can be hard to get your work out into the world as a writer.

It often feels like you are competing with big publishers and authors to get your content onto the market.

Or, you could simply be someone with a lot to say about many things, and Twitter just doesn’t cut it anymore.

If you are wondering how to make your voice heard or where to share your stories and ideas, try Medium.

Medium is one of the biggest platforms for writers, readers, thinkers, and authors online.

If you are looking to curate content, start a blog, share some wild coincidences, tell stories or give nuanced and professional advice, write on medium.

I have put together a complete 2022 guide to publishing on Medium to take you through the entire process and make it as simple as possible to start earning money as a writer on Medium.

An Overview

So you want to write on Medium but have no idea where to start.

This post is for you.

Let’s go through the basics of what Medium is and how to get started publishing on Medium.

image showing an illustration of how to write on medium

What Is Medium?

Medium is a social publishing platform.

This means it allows for the publishing of content but also genuine and open interaction with the content.

It is an open space for sharing diverse thoughts, stories, ideas, and perspectives.

It is also a way for writers to post their work and get paid for it.

What Does it Mean To Write on Medium?

To write on Medium, you only need an account and something to say.

There are no prerequisites or checks, nor is coding experience required making it a popular option for writers seeking to make their voice heard.

Why Is Medium a Powerful Publishing Platform?

Medium is a powerhouse because it is accessible.

The minimalistic online publisher focuses on content and connecting people with similar ideas while pushing interesting ideas and stories.

This focus on reading and connecting readers to new content is what has made Medium a household name.

Who Should Consider Writing on Medium?

Anyone and everyone can write on Medium.

Medium prides itself on being an open platform for readers to find vibrant thinking, and for both specialist and amateur voices can share their writing on any topic.

So if you have something to say about any topic, say it on Medium.

Whether you have years of education, training, and experience in the subject or it was simply a thought that occurred to you while you lay in bed scrolling TikTok last night.

Getting Paid To Write on Medium

Writing on Medium is open to any and every person.

An added advantage is that there is some money to be earned.

The popularity of the content can determine how much a writer is paid.

Do You Get Paid Writing on Medium?

Yes, you can get paid writing on Medium.

Medium has a partner program where they pay writers on the platform monthly.

You have to join the Medium Partner Program and publish content regularly. 

How Much Money do Medium Writers Make?

How engaging your content is determines the amount of money you make as a Medium writer.

The Partner Program pays monthly based on time spent by readers on the writer’s stories.

If your stories are read for longer or by more people, then the more money you make.

How To Write on Medium

Medium can be a great way for writers to earn money.

To start publishing on Medium in 2022, follow this simple guide.

image showing an illustration of how to write on medium

1. Select a Bio: Your Name vs. Company Name

Before you create your account, have a brainstorming session for your blog.

The main question is: “Am I writing as me, or am I creating a brand?”

If you are going to write a blog on a specific topic like travel, reading, politics, finance, fashion, hair, etc, you may want to pick a company name.

This way, you get to build a company from your blog and have a brand.

If you already have a social media following as a company/brand, think of keeping it as it will make monetizing your Medium blog easier.

On the other hand, if you want to share about your life, general topics, or expertise from your line of work, you can choose to use your name.

This decision will link your blog to your qualifications or you as a person.

If you are an influencer, it may be best to write as yourself as well.

All in all, it does not matter which blog name you choose, but you have to stick to it.

2. Create a Profile

After you have settled on a name, it is time to set up your Medium account.

  1. Go to Medium, and on the upper right corner, click Get Started
  2. Choose an option to set up an account and follow the instructions
  3. Ensure you use the name you decided on for your account
  4. Finish the setup and remember your password

3. Write a Simple Bio

After you have set up your account, you will need to write a bio.

A bio is an important part of creating your identity as a Medium writer.

Your bio should be short, engaging, and let readers know what to expect from your content.

This bio will help your readers get to know you and determine if they want to keep following your account and reading your work.

4. Sign up For Medium’s Paid Program

You can’t get paid if you don’t sign up for Medium’s Partner Program.

To join the program, you must first publish your content on Medium.

There must be at least one story on your blog for you to qualify.

You also have to have at least 100 followers before you apply, so start promoting your content and gaining followers.

Once you have the followers and have maintained an active level on the platform, you can follow this link to sign up for the program.

How To Grow a Medium Audience

After you have written your first post, you will need to market your content and your profile.

Marketing will help you grow your Medium audience.

Here are some simple ways to grow your audience on Medium.

1. Join Relevant Publications

You should join and participate in communities and publications relevant to your chosen topic.

This means finding social media groups, online forums, and other publications to join and actively participate in.

Use your Medium name in these groups and keep a link to your account in your profile.  

2. Write Stories With the Goal of Getting Curated

Writing engaging content can be a challenge, especially for new writers.

But the easiest way to get better at it is to write more.

Write content with the end goal of having thousands of people read and share it.

Master how to write blogs and viral content with each post you put out.

3. Follow Other Authors and Engage With Them

Building community is critical for having online success.

The easiest way to build a community for your Medium is to engage with other authors and their content.

Most authors will connect with you, share your work, and help build your audience as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Medium.

Is WordPress better than Medium?

It depends on the goal.

If you want a blog that you own, want to customize, and monetize with ads, then WordPress may be a better fit for you.

However, Medium allows you to post content and share it and requires no installations or coding.

You can have a space in a minute without thinking of themes, fonts, or hosting packages.

Should I publish on Medium?

Yes, you should.

Publishing on Medium is straightforward.

Medium makes it simple for everyone to publish content.

Medium also makes it easy to share content and build a community.

The Medium Trap – Why Most Bloggers Fail to Succeed on a Thriving Platform

Each and every year, thousands of actors come to Hollywood to become the next big star.

Most of them come to find out the competition is too stiff.

They give up and move back to their hometowns with their tails between their legs.

I’ve seen the same situation occur with bloggers on Medium.

Most people publish a few posts on the site — without following the right techniques — then get frustrated and quit because their posts get few or no reads. Afterward, they blame the platform and make excuses for why it doesn’t work.

Medium works if you work Medium.

I felt frustrated with Medium when I first published on the website

After some reflection, I realized my strategy was wrong and observed what bloggers who were successful on the platform did to grow their readership.

Had I done the same thing the majority of would-be Medium bloggers do, I would have continued to get the same results.

Zero. Zip. Nada.

The saddest part?

The mistakes most writers make are so easy to fix.

By changing a few strategies and committing myself to finding success on Medium, I went from a writer nobody knew to gaining hundreds of thousands of views on my posts and adding 1,000 + subscribers to my email list directly from Medium.

The same can happen to you if you create a smart game plan.

The Quick and Simple Strategy to 10X Your Reach on Medium

Once I discovered this simple tweak the views on my posts skyrocketed.

See, most people publish their posts on Medium and leave it at that, but smart bloggers know this little trick to get exposure.

In order to get tons of views on Medium, you need to submit your post to a publication.

You know that publishing your work on “guest blogs,” is a great way to build traffic to your own blog.

Publications act as a “guest blog,” of sorts within Medium itself.

These publications have their own group of followers, with top publications having one hundred thousand or more.

When you publish a post on someone’s publication, it shows up on the timeline of every reader who follows that publication.

One of my blog posts in the “Be Yourself,” publication.

The strategies you use to pitch a potential publication are identical to sound strategies for guest blogging.

Some publications will have pitch guidelines like this:

Submission guidelines for the Be Yourself Publication.

In those instances, if you follow the submission guidelines to the letter, you’ll have an excellent shot at being accepted.

Others will require you to find the email of the publication owner and pitch them, just like you would an owner of a guest blog.

How to Pitch Publication Owners Like a Pro

Just like guest blog owners, editors who run publications on Medium are inundated with pitches sent to their inbox, most of which are bad or downright awful.

The best way to set yourself apart from the competition is to first familiarize yourself with the publication owner and the content they publish.

You can follow the sound strategies provided by Successful Blogging to build a relationship with editors of Medium publications and pitch them properly:

Never pitch strangers by email or any other way. Build a relationship with them first on Twitter or by putting a few comments on their blog. Unless you have some connection with them before you write your pitch, your email will be deleted straight away.

Be sincere and personal.

Get your facts right and show them you’ve read their blog. Most bloggers love to support and help the readers who support them.

Mention something you’ve done for them – linked to their blog, left comments, shared it on Facebook, subscribed to their newsletter, or bought their latest product.

At the very least find out the person’s name and spell it right.

These strategies take time and effort to execute, but success in blogging happens when you do what other bloggers won’t. The time you spend will pay major dividends.

If you’re new to the Medium terrain, take some time to read through posts of respective publications and know their content like the back of your hand.

How to Find Top Publications to Pitch

Here are some of the most popular publications on Medium who regularly allow contributors:

There are dozens of others just like these who accept contributors.

You can check the “Top Stories,” and “Editor’s Picks,” sections to find posts from top publications as well.

Here are more useful links on finding publications to follow.

Once you find a publication and build a relationship with the Publication editor you can pitch them.

Some publications will entertain a pitch, but others will ask for a full post.

Either way, you’re going to have to write an excellent post to be featured in the publication.

Here’s how you write a post that will knock both the editor’s and readers’ socks off.

Elements of a Successful Medium Post

The rules for writing a successful Medium post are the same as writing a successful post for any blog.

You’ll want to follow these tried and true blogging techniques to write captivating posts your readers will love:

  • Write excellent headlines – The headline is the most important piece of real estate for your blog post. Use elements of curiosity, intrigue, and “your language,” in your headline to draw readers in.
  • Provide a strong introduction – You have a few short seconds to keep readers engaged with your content. Write an intro that speaks to their desires and goals or pains and frustrations.
  • End with a motivational close – Your goal is always to inspire your readers to take action. Use an emotionally arousing conclusion to leave your readers energized.
  • Add a call to action – You want Medium readers to sign up for your email list. Make sure to add a compelling call to action with a link to your landing page and free incentive/lead magnet.

Elements of Style

In addition to these techniques, you’ll want to take advantage of Medium’s stylistic capabilities by using the following strategies:

  • Keep sentences short – Medium uses a crisp interface and short spaced out paragraphs make for eye-catching content.
  • Add a large photograph to your post – Posts with photos perform better than posts without them.
  • Make your words shine – Use headings, bold, and italics to give your content an extra visual edge.
  • Use the embed feature to link to other blog posts – Medium has an excellent visual feature which allows you to embed blog teasers into your post. See below:

Once you’ve learned how to write excellent posts for Medium, you can begin to build momentum and grow your influence on the platform.

How to Build a Loyal Medium Following to Skyrocket Page Views and Rapidly Grow Your Email List

Winning on Medium requires a marathon mentality. You won’t go viral with your first blog post.

Your follower count will build with each new post, which gives you further reach with each new post.

You also want to build a relationship with the readers of the community.

Medium has a feature that allows readers to “recommend,” your posts.

When readers recommend your post it shows up on the feeds of their followers.

You want to encourage readers to recommend your posts, and you also want to engage with them when they comment on and share your posts.

I usually respond to every reader who shares my post on twitter personally with a thank you reply.

I reply to people who provide thoughtful comments and engage in dialogue with them.

I share and recommend posts from fellow writers who I enjoy.

Relationships on Medium work the same as they do in the blogosphere. Connection is just important as promotion.

Speaking of promotion, you also need to take extra steps to get as many eyes on your posts as possible.

  • Promote Medium posts to your email list
  • Share Medium posts on social media
  • Retweet people who share your posts on Twitter
  • Add a teaser of your Medium post to your personal blog

I didn’t hit pay dirt on Medium until after I’d published more than a dozen posts.

It takes perseverance, but these smart marketing strategies will work given enough time.

Use Medium to Take the Blogosphere by Storm

As a fellow blogger, I know how tough it can be to stand out.

The most important thing I’ve learned is that patience, effort, and commitment lead to blogging success.

There are lots of “shiny objects,” tips, and tricks to wade through, but the most successful bloggers focus on being excellent at a few strategies.

Bloggers who fail spread themselves thin by trying a bit of everything.

I had zero followers on Medium and zero reads on my posts until I got out of my way and took smart advice.

Success is out there for you, but you’ll never find it until you get out of your own way and follow proven methods that work.

I’ve just laid out the blueprint for success on Medium. If you follow it to the letter, it will work.

You have a focused community of millions of readers dying to read excellent content.

Immerse yourself in Medium’s landscape, write your heart out, and watch the traffic and subscribers roll in.

Wrapping Up

Being a writer on Medium can be a paying and rewarding job.

You can share your thoughts, analysis, or stories and get paid a good amount of money as well.

Writing on Medium is easy and makes it simple for you as a writer to reach and grow your intended audience.

You simply must learn how to craft a good blog post, promote your work, and wait for the cash to roll in.

Of course, ensuring that you study writing techniques will help you write even better posts and thus bring more readers to your profile.

So what are you waiting for?

Start publishing content on Medium today.

If you have any questions or thoughts on this post, share them in the comment section below.

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/write-on-medium/feed/ 0
How To Write A Review: Tips For Great Online Reviews https://bloggingtips.com/how-to-write-a-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-write-a-review https://bloggingtips.com/how-to-write-a-review/#respond Wed, 27 Jul 2022 07:39:45 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=92062 Read more]]> As a blogger, I’ve found that knowing how to write a review properly is one of the best ways to drive traffic and sales, whether you sell your own products or promote affiliate products.

I’ve decided to put together this tutorial to help other bloggers write excellent reviews as well.

Even if you’re not a product review blogger, this is an important skill to hone and one that will serve you well in many different areas of digital marketing.

At the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to write engaging reviews that give your readers the exact information they want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we get into things, let’s get the basics out of the way.

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions I see from readers about writing reviews.

vector graphic showing elements of being a product review blogger

What Is a Review?

A review blog is a type of blog post that details your personal experience with a product.

A review explores the product’s pros and cons to help readers decide whether to buy it.

The best reviews are based on your personal experience and feelings about the product.

Writing reviews is one of the best ways to earn money as an affiliate marketer, as it allows you to recommend products and drive traffic to your links.

If you sell your own products, you can review your competitors’ products and recommend yours instead.

What Types of Reviews Can You Write?

You can write positive or negative review blogs and recommend that users buy the product or advise against it.

If it’s a negative review, provide a superior alternative product.

You can review an Amazon product, video course, online membership, software, etc.

What Should a Review Include?

A review must have several parts for it to be complete.

Simply saying you didn’t like the product and not explaining why is insufficient.

Here are the three main components of a good review.

1. An Overview

The overview should explain what the product is, what it does, and who it’s for.

It should explain the problem it is supposed to solve and how well it does that.

You should talk a bit about its creators, if relevant, and delve into the quality of the product.

2. Likes and Dislikes

Next, you need a likes and dislikes section.

You can also label this section as “pros and cons.”

You want to give an unbiased review of the product, which means presenting its good and bad sides, regardless of your conclusion.

3. A Personal Recommendation

Finally, wrap up with your personal recommendation.

If you liked the product and can recommend it in good conscience, explain why.

If not, explain why and give an alternative.

You may give several recommendations based on the reader’s needs and goals.

What You’ll Need To Write a Review

Before you write your review, it’s vital to ensure you have all the tools and information you need to give honest feedback on the product.

The three things you need are:

  • An experience or something you’d like to review
  • Positive or negative sentiment towards the reviewee
  • A platform to write the review on

An Experience or Something You’d Like To Review

First, you need something to review.

It could be a physical or digital product, including an ebook, membership, etc.

However, you could also review an experience.

For example, if you attended an in-person workshop or motivational getaway, you could review that.

If you traveled to a new country, you could review it as a travel blogger.

If you are a food blogger, you can review a restaurant experience you had.

A Positive or Negative Sentiment Towards the Reviewee

You must also have a positive or negative sentiment towards whatever you’re reviewing.

If you don’t have any opinion on the matter, your review won’t be engaging.

People looking for reviews about a topic want to see what you think about it – they don’t want an indecisive review that doesn’t answer whether the product is worth it.

A Platform To Write the Review On

Finally, you need a place to write the review.

Having your own blog is best, as you can be as unfiltered as you want in your thoughts, opinions, and expressions.

You can also post a review on your YouTube channel or on platforms like Medium.

However, when you post a review on a third-party platform, you may have to censor your language.

Step-by-Step Instructions To Write a Review

Finally, let’s get to the meat of the tutorial: how to write a good review, step-by-step, whether you’re expressing positive or negative sentiment.

image showing a man sitting at a computer and writing a review - for how to write a review post on bloggingtips.com

1. Try Out a Product or Service

First, you need to try out the product yourself.

If you rely on reviews that other bloggers or customers on Amazon have written, your review won’t be authentic, and readers will be able to tell that you simply regurgitate information from others.

By trying it yourself, you can also add a personal touch to your review.

Talking about your own experience rather than simply the product’s features is what will make your review unique and help you rank.

2. Organize Your Thoughts

Once you’ve tried the product, organize your thoughts.

Use a spreadsheet, notebook, or Google Doc to jot down notes.

How did you feel when using the product?

How was your experience signing up and figuring out how to use the software tool?

Did the product give you the solution you desired?

How was customer service throughout – did they resolve issues quickly?

3. Double-Check the Correct Company or Brand

This part is so important.

You need to make sure you’re reviewing the right company or brand.

Sometimes, two companies can release two very similar products.

The brands may even have similar names and logos.

However, the quality can differ significantly from one brand to the other.

4. Provide Specific, Useful Feedback

Try to always be specific rather than general in your feedback.

Saying something like “it’s not a good product” isn’t precise nor valuable.

The story is in the details.

What was terrible about it?

Why would someone want to avoid it?

Or, what was the best part about the product, and how did it help you solve your problem?

5. Discuss Various Elements of Your Experience

When talking about your experience, talk about various elements, both good and bad.

Rarely will you have a purely positive or negative experience, and readers will appreciate it when you tell them both the positive and negative elements.

A larger word count can make your review more authoritative, so discuss more elements of your experience.  

6. Be Concise, Yet Specific

You don’t want to go too much into how a product made you feel great.

Nor do you want to go on a long rant about how terrible the product is.

Readers want you to get to the point.

Be specific about what you did or didn’t like, but don’t go off on a tangent.

7. Be Honest, Yet Constructive

It’s essential to be honest and constructive.

If you have negative things to say about a product you recommend, don’t lie or hold back.

However, be productive in your criticism.

Present it as something that will make the product even better rather than a dealbreaker.

8. Avoid Including Personal Information

While you want to detail your experience, there’s no need to include personal information.

For example, if you’re talking about a bad experience at a restaurant due to a server being rude or unprofessional, there’s no need to spell out their name.

9. Be Friendly and Humane

Always be friendly in your review.

Talk to your readers as if you’re talking about your experience to a friend.

It will come across as much more natural.

In addition, be humane and considerate in your review.

Don’t full-on attack the product’s creators when they don’t deserve it (unless they are deliberately selling a scam or low-quality product).

Sometimes, a product might not be worth buying, even if the owners did their best to improve the product’s quality.

10. Proofread Your Review

Before publishing your review, proofread it for spelling and grammar errors.

Having an error-free review will make you seem more professional and trustworthy.

You may use a tool like Grammarly to check for grammar mistakes or Hemingway App to ensure your article is readable.

11. Publish Your Review

Next, publish your review.

After posting it on your blog or Medium channel, share it on your social media channels as well.

Watch for comments and questions on your blog, and respond to comments to encourage engagement.

Pro Tip: Update Your Review

It’s critical to continue updating your review as new information comes out.

For example, if you criticized a product for not including a particular feature, but it now does have that feature, it’s essential to update your review if you want to remain a credible source for future reviews.

Create a spreadsheet of your reviews.

Once a month, go through your reviews to ensure the information is still accurate.

If new information comes out – even if it’s just a price change – update your review.

Updating your review can also help you improve your rankings on Google.

On WordPress, you can edit the blog post’s published date, making it appear like new content in Google’s eyes.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read this tutorial on how to write a review from start to finish, it’s time to start working on your very first review.

As you review more products and see how reviews drive engagements or comments, you’ll learn what readers want to see in your reviews and adapt accordingly.

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/how-to-write-a-review/feed/ 0
Blog Post Templates: How They Work, Different Types & Which Are Best https://bloggingtips.com/blog-post-template/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog-post-template https://bloggingtips.com/blog-post-template/#respond Fri, 01 Jul 2022 19:35:29 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=90946 Read more]]> If you’re like most bloggers, you want your blog posts to be well-written, informative, and engaging.

But sometimes it can be difficult to come up with a good starting point for your post.

That’s where templates can come in handy.

There are many different types of blog post templates out there, and choosing the right one can make writing your post much easier.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top best blog post template options.

So whether you’re just starting or you’re looking for something new, keep reading for some helpful tips!

What Is A Blog Post Template?

image showing a generic blog post template in a browser window

Before starting, it’s important to understand what a blog post template is.

So by definition blog post template is “a model of a blog post that can be used as a starting point for new blog posts.”

A blog post template is simply a starting point for your blog post.

It can provide you with a basic structure and format to follow, as well as ideas for what to write about.

Templates can be general or specific to a certain topic or genre.

For example, there are templates for “how-to” posts, list posts, opinion pieces, and more.

Why Use A Blog Post Template?

There are a few reasons why you might want to use a blog post template:

1. It Helps You Specify Your Writing Format

When you use a blog post template, you can specify the format of your writing in advance.

This can be helpful if you’re not sure how to start or what kind of format would work best for your blog post.

Simply, it is a beginner’s guide to writing blog posts and step by step process for content creation with only a post title.

2. Templates Can Help You Stay Organized

Another reason to use a blog post template is that it can help you stay organized while you’re writing.

This is especially true if you’re working on a longer blog post with multiple sections.

Having a template can help you keep track of what goes where and ensure that your blog post flows well.

A blog post template is a step-by-step guide that helps you write your new blog post or write better blog posts.

It makes the writing process easy and more engaging.

Blog post examples and templates help you format your blog post so it’s visually appealing and easy to read.

3. It Provides A Starting Point For Your Writing

Finally, using a blog post template can provide you with a starting point for your writing.

This can be helpful if you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your blog post.

By using a template, you can get the creative juices flowing and start writing sooner.

You can find free blog post templates online.

How To Choose A Blog Post Template

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a blog post template:

1. Think About The Type Of The Post

The first thing to consider is the type of blog post you’re writing.

As we mentioned earlier, there are different templates for different types of blog posts.

For example, if you’re writing a “how-to” post, then you’ll want to choose a template that’s designed for that type of content.

On the other hand, if you’re writing a list post, then you’ll want to choose a template that’s designed for that type of content.

Your blog post topic is the starting point however, an expert roundup blog post will help you come up with blog post ideas.

2. Consider The Length Of The Post

Another thing to consider is the length of your blog post.

If you’re writing a longer blog post, then you’ll want to choose a template that’s designed for that length.

On the other hand, if you’re writing a shorter blog post, then you can choose a template that’s designed for that length.

3. Consider Your Blog’s Tone And Voice

Another thing to keep in mind is your blog’s tone and voice.

Not all blog templates will be a good fit for every blog.

For example, if your blog has a more casual tone, then you’ll want to choose a template that reflects that.

On the other hand, if your blog has a more formal tone, then you’ll want to choose a template that reflects that.

4. Keep Your Readers In Mind

Finally, when choosing a blog post template, be sure to keep your readers in mind.

Consider what kind of information they’re looking for and what would be most helpful to them.

By keeping your readers in mind, you can choose a template that will help you create the best blog post possible.

Top 10 Best Blog Post Template Options

Now that you know more about blog post templates and how to choose one, let’s take a look at some of the top best blog post template options.

image showing a generic blog post template in a browser window

1. The “How-To” Post Template

The “How-To” post template is a great way to engage your readers and provide them with valuable information.

This type of post provides step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish a task or achieve a goal.

The key to writing a successful “How-To” post is to be clear and concise.

Be sure to break down the steps into easy-to-follow instructions, and use plenty of pictures or diagrams to illustrate each step.

You can also include a video tutorial to accompany your post.

With helpful “How-To” posts, you’ll have your readers coming back for more!

2. The List Post Template

The list post Template is a great way to structure a post and make it easy to read.

This template includes a list of items, each with a brief description.

The template is perfect for posts that are heavy on content and light on pictures, making it perfect for concise, informative posts.

The template is also easy to customize, so you can change the order of the items or add new items as needed.

Whether you’re writing a post about your top ten favorite books or your five best tips for saving money, the list post Template is a great way to organize your thoughts and ensure that your readers will find your post engaging and readable.

3. The Opinion Piece Template

If you’re looking to write a blog post that expresses your opinion on a certain topic, then this is the template for you.

The List Post Template is a great way to structure a post and make it easy to read.

This template includes a list of items, each with a brief description.

The template is perfect for posts that are heavy on content and light on pictures, making it perfect for concise, informative posts.

The template is also easy to customize, so you can change the order of the items or add new items as needed.

Whether you’re writing a post about your top ten favorite books or your five best tips for saving money, the List Post Template is a great way to organize your thoughts and ensure that your readers will find your post engaging and readable.

4. The “How I Did It” Post Template

This blog post template is perfect for sharing your story and experiences.

It includes a section for introduction, followed by a step-by-step account of how you did whatever it is you’re writing about.

Plus, there’s also a section for the conclusion, so you can wrap up your story nicely.

5. The Interview Post Template

If you’re looking to write a blog post that features an interview, then this is the template for you.

It includes a section for the introduction, followed by the questions and answers.

Plus, there’s also a section for the conclusion, so you can summarize the interview nicely.

6. The “X Tips For Y” Post Template

This blog post template is perfect for list posts that offer tips and advice.

It includes a catchy headline, followed by several subheadings to help you organize your information.

Plus, it’s easy to scan, which is perfect for busy readers.

7. The “X Reasons Why” Post Template

This blog post template is perfect for writing blog posts that offer explanations and reasoning.

It includes a section for the introduction, followed by several sections that each offer a different reason.

Plus, there’s also a section for the conclusion, so you can sum up everything nicely.

8. The Case Study Post Template

If you’re looking to write a blog post that features a case study, then this is the template for you.

It includes a section for the introduction, followed by the case study itself.

Plus, there’s also a section for the conclusion, so you can sum up the case study nicely.

9. The Product Review Post Template:

If you’re looking to write a blog post that features a product review, then this is the template for you.

It includes a section for the introduction, followed by the product review itself.

Plus, there’s also a section for the conclusion, so you can sum up the review nicely.

10. The Tutorial Post Template

If you’re looking for a blog post template that will help you write a helpful tutorial, then this is the template for you.

This template includes a step-by-step format that will walk your readers through whatever process you’re writing about.

Plus, there’s also a section for the conclusion, so you can sum up the tutorial nicely.

These are just a few of the top blog post template options that you have available to you.

So, when you’re choosing a template for your next blog post, be sure to keep these in mind.

And, if you need some help getting started, then be sure to check out our blog post template library.

We have a wide variety of templates to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your needs.

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/blog-post-template/feed/ 0
Script Writing Templates: How To Format Them, Examples & More https://bloggingtips.com/script-writing-templates/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=script-writing-templates https://bloggingtips.com/script-writing-templates/#respond Tue, 31 May 2022 12:34:24 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=88481 Read more]]> Script writing templates are a handy tool for writers.

They provide a structure and framework that can be helpful in both the writing process and the finished product.

But what exactly is a script writing template?

And how do you effectively use them?

A script writing template is simply a document that outlines the critical elements of a screenplay.

This includes everything from character names and descriptions to scene locations and action beats.

Essentially, it’s a road map for your script.

What Is a Script?

A script is a written work by a screenwriter that contains all the dialogue and instructions for a movie, video game, or television show.

It is also the blueprint upon which the entire production develops.

Script Examples

What Is the Difference Between a Script and a Screenplay?

A screenplay is a specific type of script written for the screen.

It includes all the required elements of a story, such as exposition, character development, and resolution.

On the other hand, a script can be anything from a play to a movie.

A screenplay is a specific format used to write a movie or television script.

The primary difference between a script and a screenplay is the format.

What Are Script Writing Templates?

Script writing templates are documents that provide a preformatted structure for a screenplay.

This includes everything from character names and descriptions to scene locations and action beats.

These are pre-formatted documents used to write a script.

They include all the necessary elements of a script, such as the characters, setting, plot, and specific instructions for the camera work, sound, and other technical aspects of the production.

What Is the Purpose of Using Script Writing Templates?

A script writing template helps you organize your thoughts and plot points into a cohesive story.

It can also work as a guide during the actual writing process.

Another purpose is to save time and effort when writing a script. Using a template lets you be sure that all the necessary elements exist in your script and that the format is correct.

A common purpose is to make sure that the script is correctly formatted so that it can be sent to agents or producers.

Also, script writing templates help the writer format their script to be easy to read and understand.

You can customize templates to fit your specific needs.

Examples of Script Writing Templates

Characteristics of the Ideal Script Format Template

What makes a great script format template?

There are several vital elements that every writer should look for when choosing a template.

One element is convenience.

The template should be easy to use and simple to follow.

It should also be customizable to add or remove elements as needed.

Another element is flexibility.

The template should accommodate a variety of different story structures and formats.

Accuracy is also essential.

The template should be based on industry standards and should be up-to-date with the latest trends in screenplay writing.

Finally, the ideal script format template should be affordable.

There is no reason to spend a fortune on a template when so many great options are available for free.

What Is the Proper Format of a Script Template?

The proper script writing format of a template includes:

  • 12-point Courier font
  • 1.5 inch left margin
  • 1-inch right margin
  • 1 inch top and bottom margins
  • Approximately 55 lines per page, excluding page numbers
  • Parentheticals 3.1 inches from the left side of the page
  • Dialogue speakers 3.7 inches from the left side of the page
  • Capitalize transitions
  • Dialogue is indented 2.5 inches
  • Page numbers in the top right corner
  • No page numbers on the title page and first page

The best way to learn how to format a script is to find a good script writing template and follow it.

Important Features of a Script Template

The first item in a properly formatted script template is the scene heading or slugline.

Sluglines indicate the location and time of day of a scene – where and when.

Scene headings are all capital letters.

The next item is subheaders.

Subheaders transition between scenes or locations.

They are written in lowercase letters and are indented five spaces from the left margin.

Action lines come next. Action lines describe what is happening in a scene.

They are written in the present tense and should be no more than two lines long.

Dialogue is the next item.

Dialogue is the conversation between characters.

It is indented ten spaces from the left margin and should be in proper grammatical format.

Character names are written above dialogue to indicate who is speaking.

Character names are written in all capital letters and are indented five spaces from the left margin.

Extensions are next.

Extensions add additional information about a scene or character.

V.O. means voiceover, and O.S. means off-screen.

Parentheticals provide additional information about a character’s delivery of dialogue.

They are indented fifteen spaces from the left margin.

Finally, transitions move the story forward.

Transitions are written in all capital letters and are indented five spaces from the left margin.

CUT TO and DISSOLVE TO are common examples.

Where To Find Script Writing Templates?

There are multiple different places where you can find script writing templates.

The first is online.

Many websites offer free and paid script writing templates.

The second is in libraries.

Many libraries have various types of writing templates available for checkout.

The third is through software programs.

Some different software programs offer script writing templates.

You can use a template that is specific to the software you choose.

For example, if you are using Microsoft Word, there are many templates that are already available.

Free Script Templates

There are many free script templates available online.

Some good options are TemplateLab and Templates Supply.

Script Writing Template Using Word

You can utilize Microsoft Word to create a script writing template.

  • Open Microsoft Word and select “New”
  • Choose the “Templates” option
  • Search for “Script Writing”
  • Download a template

Script Writing Template Using Google Documents

  • Go to Google Workplace Marketplace
  • Search for “Screenplay”
  • Choose one of the options like Screenplay Formatter or Fountainsize
  • Install the tool and open Google Docs. You can find your new tool under Add-Ons

Best Script Writing Template for Students

There is no single best script writing template for students.

The template should be easy to use and be used with a variety of different software programs.

There are some excellent options available online.\Searching Pinterest for “Script Writing Template” returns many valuable results.

Wrapping Up

A script writing template can be an excellent tool for helping you to write your screenplay.

There are several different types of script writing templates available, and you can find them in various places.

The idea is to locate an option that fits the needs of your project, and that is easy to use.

When you are looking for script writing templates, keep in mind the purpose of the template and the needs of your project.

This will help you to find the perfect template for your needs.

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/script-writing-templates/feed/ 0
Jasper Recipes: The Key To Speeding Up AI Content https://bloggingtips.com/jasper-recipes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jasper-recipes https://bloggingtips.com/jasper-recipes/#respond Sun, 29 May 2022 23:09:40 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=88143 Read more]]> Jasper AI is an AI writing tool that can help you write faster and better.

It is fast, but did you know that it can be faster?

If you’re like me, you want to create a lot of high-quality content FAST.

Well, you’re in luck because today we’re talking about Jasper recipes!

And with the right recipe, you can create amazing content in a fraction of the time it would normally take you.

In this article, we’ll show you some of the best Jasper recipes out there – and how to use them.

So whether you’re looking to create blog posts, ebooks, or even just social media posts, we’ve got you covered.

What is a Recipe While Using Jasper?

A recipe is a set of instructions that tells Jasper what to do.

It’s basically like a template for your content.

And with the right recipe, you can create amazing content in a fraction of the time it would normally take you.

How do Jasper Recipes Work?

Jasper AI recipes help speed up the process of creating content.

For example, if you want to create a blog post, you can use one of the 5-minute blog post recipes to help you get started quickly.

In order to get the most out of your Jasper recipes, you will need to understand how the AI processes your commands.

Basically, you’ll need to provide Jasper with a set of instructions (in the form of a recipe), and then the AI will do the rest.

For example, let’s say you want to create a blog post about “How to train your dog.”

With a recipe, you could tell Jasper to generate an SEO-optimized list of “dog training tips” and then use that information to create a blog post.

Or, let’s say you want to create an ebook about “How to start a business.”

With a recipe, you could tell Jasper to research the topic and then compile all of the information into an ebook.

The Basics: Understanding Commands, Inputs, and Variables

In order to create a recipe, you’ll need to understand the basics of how Jasper works.

Here’s a quick overview:

  • Commands: Commands are like the building blocks of your recipe. They tell Jasper what to do.
  • Inputs: Inputs are the pieces of information that you give to Jasper. For example, if you’re creating a blog post, your inputs might be the title, topic, and keyword.
  • Variables: Variables are like placeholders for information. They help Jasper understand what you want it to do. For example, if you’re creating a blog post, your variables might be {title}, {topic}, and {keyword}.

Now that you understand the basics let’s take a look at some of the best Jasper recipes out there!

The Best Jasper Recipes

Here are some of the best Jasper recipes that you can use to create amazing content:

Now that you know some of the best Jasper recipes, it’s time to get started!

How to Use Jasper Recipes

Now that you know some of the best Jasper recipes, it’s time to learn how to use them.

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Open Jasper Recipe Page

To open the Jasper recipe page, navigate to the recipe tab in the left sidebar of your Jasper account dashboard and click on the “Jasper Recipes” button.

2. Select A Recipe

Once you’re on the Jasper recipe page, take a look at the recipes that are available and select the one that you want to use.

3. Follow The Instructions

Once you’ve selected a recipe, you can either choose to “run” the recipe, which will open up a brand new document with the recipe pre-loaded.

However, recipes often come with a set of recipe-specific instructions.

These commands are sometimes straightforward in the document itself.

However, it is recommended to view the instructional video that comes with the recipe.

You can find these videos by clicking on the “?” icon next to the recipe name.

Note: if you are looking to run a community recipe rather than running a Jasper-developed recipe, you may or may not find instructions with the recipe.

If you want to look through the Jasper community recipes, you can navigate to that page by clicking on the “Community Recipes” tab.

4. Input Your Information

After you’ve selected a recipe and followed the instructions, it’s time to input your information!

Remember, inputs are the pieces of information that you give to Jasper.

For example, if you’re creating a blog post, your inputs might be the title, topic, and keyword.

If you’re not sure what inputs to use, don’t worry! Jasper will often provide suggestions based on the recipe that you’re using.

Simply click on the input box, and a drop-down menu of options will appear.

Replace Variables

While Jasper is an incredible tool, it’s important to keep in mind that AI generations are only as good as the inputs.

For every recipe, you will find variables placed in the text, usually surrounded by brackets like {this}.

When you see these brackets, that is your queue to put in your specific information!

Add a Title, Post Focus, Focus Keyword, and Tone of Voice

Before you start writing, it is also important to fill out as much of the left sidebar of your recipe as possible.

This is where you will add your title, post focus, focus keyword, and tone of voice.

The more information you can provide, the better your results will be!

Run the Commands

To run the commands, simply highlight your completed command and then hit the “compose” button in the bottom left-hand corner!

5. Enjoy Your Amazing Content!

And that’s it!

Now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your amazing content.

Remember, if you’re ever not happy with a piece of content that Jasper has generated, you can always make edits manually.

However, we’re confident that you’ll be impressed with the results!

How to Create a Jasper Recipe

Creating a Jasper recipe is easy!

To get started, simply login to your account and click on the “create recipe” button in the top right-hand corner of your dashboard.

From there, you’ll be taken to the recipe builder, where you can start creating your recipe.

To learn more about how to use the recipe builder, check out this article.

Once you’ve created your recipe, it’s time to start writing your content!

To do so, simply click on the “compose” button in the bottom left-hand corner of your recipe.

From there, you’ll be taken to the editor, where you can start writing your content.

How to Maximize Jasper Recipes

If you want to get the most out of your Jasper recipes, there are a few things that you can do:

  1. Be as specific as possible with your inputs
  2. Follow the recipe-specific instructions
  3. Use high-quality content sources
  4. Use relevant keywords
  5. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating amazing content with Jasper recipes.

Use Boss Mode

To get even more value out of your Jasper subscription, you can upgrade to Boss Mode for an additional fee.

Boss Mode gives you access to premium features, including the ability to save recipes, use recipe shortcuts, and more.

Learn more about Boss Mode here.

Integrate Surfer SEO

If you’re serious about content creation, then you’ll want to integrate SurferSEO with Jasper.

SurferSEO is an SEO analysis tool that provides data-driven insights to help you improve your content.

By integrating SurferSEO with Jasper, you’ll be able to get real-time feedback on your content so that you can make improvements on the fly.

Think Outside the Box

The best way to get the most out of Jasper is to think outside the box.

Rather than using Jasper as a replacement for human writers, use it as a tool to supplement your content creation process.

For example, you can use Jasper recipes to generate ideas, do research, or create outlines for your content.

By thinking outside the box, you’ll be able to use Jasper to its full potential and create amazing content in no time!

How to Delete Jasper Recipes

If you’re not happy with a recipe that you’ve created, don’t worry!

You can always delete it and start from scratch.

To delete a recipe, simply click on the “delete” button in the bottom right-hand corner of your recipe.

Once you’ve deleted a recipe, it will be permanently removed from your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How good is Jasper AI?

Jasper is an AI-powered content creation platform that enables you to create high-quality content in a fraction of the time.

Like any AI system, Jasper creates based on the information you feed it.

So, if you give Jasper quality inputs from the get-go, your final result will be of the same high quality.

How can I use Jasper AI for free?

If you want to try Jasper for free, you can sign up for a 7-day trial, during which you’ll have full access to all of Jasper’s features.

Can I share Jasper recipes with other people?

Yes, you can share your Jasper recipes with other people by clicking on the “share” button in the bottom right-hand corner of your recipe.

From there, you’ll be able to generate a shareable link that you can send to anyone.

Final Thoughts

Jasper recipes are an incredibly powerful tool for content creation.

By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to get the most out of your Jasper recipes and create high-quality content for your blog or website.

Ready to start creating amazing content with Jasper?

Get started now!

Sign up for a free trial of Jasper today and get access to all of our features, including recipe creation, AI content generation, and more.

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/jasper-recipes/feed/ 0 How to Use JasperAI Recipes | 5 Minute Blog Post Recipe nonadult
How To Write A Compelling Intro For Your Next Blog Post: The Definitive Guide https://bloggingtips.com/blog-post-introduction/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog-post-introduction https://bloggingtips.com/blog-post-introduction/#respond Tue, 24 May 2022 17:32:58 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=87361 Read more]]> You stare at the computer screen.

Your mind is a blank.

You know you have only 3 seconds.

Then they’re gone. Forever.

Everything hangs on the Intro.

But knowing that just adds to the pressure.

Now you’re paralyzed.

Does this sound familiar?

If so, keep reading.

Because I’m going to show you exactly how to write blog post Intros that suck your readers in like a Dyson vacuum cleaner.

How Does an Intro Work?

A good intro is like a piece of magic – you feel utterly transfixed by it.

But you could watch that magic trick a hundred times and still not understand how it’s done.

To understand it and do it yourself, you need to go behind the scenes.

And it’s the same with a good Intro.

To understand how it’s done so that you can do it as well, you need to go beneath the surface.

And that’s what I did.

I sat down and analyzed the Intros of over 50 successful blog posts by well-known writers, including such masters of the compelling Intro as John Morrow, Brian Dean, Sonia Simone, and Derek Halpern.

I wanted to understand exactly how they do it.

This is what I discovered: most compelling Intros use one or other of the following two techniques.

Technique #1: The Pain and the Pleasure

  1. The Hook
  2. The Problem
  3. The Solution
  4. The Promise

This technique aims to trigger an emotional response, the fear of something and the promise of something else.

The Hook

The hook is the opening line of your article. It’s the most important part of your Intro, because you literally have only 3 seconds while your reader decides whether to stay or move on.

That’s why I’ve made it the focus of this article.

But in this technique, the Hook needs to be followed by three other vital elements.

2. The Problem

This is a problem your reader faces.

It’s something they’ve been grappling with and can’t seem to overcome.

It might be getting listed on page #1 of the search results, it might be reducing the weekly spend on groceries, or it might be getting rid of acne.

3. The Solution

This is where you tell them there’s a solution to their problem and you’ve got it.

You don’t have to go into details at this stage but you do have to say that you know how to solve their problem.

4. The Promise

This is the reason they are going to keep reading your post.

It usually looks something like this: “And that’s exactly what I’m going to show you in this article” or “And I’m going to show you exactly how to do that using a simple 3-step strategy”.

Examples

Technique #2: The Simple Transition

  1. The Hook
  2. The Transition
  3. The Thesis

This technique is usually shorter and more straightforward than the previous technique, as you are not trying to hit emotional triggers.

1. The Hook

In this Intro technique, the hook is simply a question that addresses a common need and to which the answer is almost always going to be ‘Yes’.

2. The Transition

The transition connects the hook to the thesis and usually hints at the solution.

In the examples below, the transition states very briefly how the tool mentioned in the hook can benefit the reader

3. The Thesis

The thesis sets out in one sentence what the article will address and why the reader should keep reading.

Examples

3. Back to the Hook

Now that you’ve understood the structure of a compelling Intro, let’s get back to the hook.

Because, as I said before, it’s the most important part of your blog post.

Ask a question

A question is always an excellent hook because it demands a response.

A question sets up an unfinished dynamic – you can’t leave it without seeing the response.

Examples are:

  • Has this happened to you?
    You spend hours writing a post, wracking your brains for the best ideas and then crafting your words on the page. And then it falls flat. (Mary Jaksch)
  • Have you ever wished you could peer inside the mind of one of the greatest writers in the world and find out exactly what makes them tick? (John Morrow)

But there are some questions that don’t require a response.

These are also very effective because they are actually making a statement:

  • What is it with interviews? All the top bloggers seem to do them. (Leanne Regalla)
  • How the heck do they do it? How do your favorite bloggers attract so many gung-ho, drum-thumping followers? (Katherine Di Cerbo)
  • Know what’s tougher than creating great content? Creating it at scale. (Glen Long)
  • You know you’re in a war, right? Ok, so no actual guns or tanks are involved, but you are indeed in a bloody battle for the eyes and minds of your readers. (Gary Korsiko)
  • Ever notice how some blogs seem to arrive out of nowhere? A few months earlier, you’d never even heard of the blog. (Brian Dean)

Then there are the questions that only have one answer.

These work well when used in the ‘Simple Transition’ technique:

  • Want to take your blog to the next level? (Aaron Lee)
  • Want to maximize sharing of your content on Facebook? (Dan Zarella)

Make a confession

A confession immediately intrigues us – what terrible thing are they going to admit?

It’s also a very clever way of drawing the reader into your world:

  • I’ve got a confession to make: I love reading about business owners who went broke… (Derek Halpern)
  • Can I tell you my worst nightmare? (Jon Morrow)
  • Blogging has been very good to me over the last twelve and a half years, but it’s come at a personal cost that I’m sure many can relate to. (Darren Rowse)
  • Before I became an inbound marketer, I once made $50,000 a month spamming Google. (Jeff Deutsch)
  • OK, confession time — when I was a kid I was a… (Sonia Simone)

Get inside your reader’s head

This technique is rather cheeky.

It works very well as a hook because it seems to get right inside the reader’s head:

  • Frustrating, isn’t it? You work tirelessly on your content – but no one reads it. (Imran Esmail)
  • Let me guess… At least one of your New Year’s resolutions relates to your writing. (Glen Long)
  • Annoying as hell, isn’t it? When a guy who launched his first blog a couple of months ago is already getting dozens of comments and hundreds of shares anytime he posts something new. (Will Hoekenga)
  • Infuriating, isn’t it? When a site loads so slowly you want to throw your computer out of the window. (Devesh Sharma)
  • Admit it. You’ve thought about writing an e-book. In fact, you’ve already imagined the front cover. (Ali Luke)
  • Be honest for a moment… When publication day rolls around, do you have a post ready? Or do you frantically scramble at the last minute to figure out what you’re going to write? (Sonia Thompson)
  • Don’t try to deny it; you’d love to write a book. In fact, you’ve been dreaming about it so much you can visualize it. (Cathy Presland)
  • You want it so bad that it dominates your waking thoughts. You’re even afraid to say it out loud, in case you sound plain crazy: “I want to make a living as a writer.” (Glen Long)
  • Strange feeling, isn’t it? Both exciting and terrifying at the same time. But that’s what it’s like, starting an online business. (Blaine Wilkerson)
  • Do you feel insecure, anxious and doubtful about your writing? (Jill Jepson)
  • A troubling thought, isn’t it? You’re slaving away at your blog, but you can’t help wondering if you have a shot in hell of getting anyone to read it. (Jon Morrow)

Assume something about your reader

This technique is very presumptuous because you’re assuming you know something about the thought processes of your reader.

But it’s also very effective because it creates an immediate bond between you and the reader:

  • You know exactly how it happened. (Mary Fernandez)
  • No doubt you’ve seen them. The eye-catching posts that promise to reveal the 5, or 10 or even 57 WordPress plugins you absolutely must use on your blog. (Adam Connell)
  • You’ve seen it… over, and over, and over again. “The only thing readers read are the headlines.” (Aaron Orendorff)
  • You’ve heard it countless time Know your readers. That’s the secret to creating a blog that thrives. (Meera Kothand)
  • You’ve heard the advice a million times, right? “To write better, study the writing of other great writers.” (Shane Arthur)
  • So you finally decided to take this whole social media thing seriously for your business. (Elna Cain)
  • As a marketer, you know the importance of strong search engine rankings. (Adam Connell)
  • I think you’ll agree with me when I say: It’s REALLY hard to convert ice-cold traffic into email subscribers. Or is it? (Brian Dean)

Give some bad news

This works well as a hook because we’re all primed to hear bad news (from the doctor, from the boss, from the tax man):

  • Blogging is hard. You’re forced to wear many hats – writer, editor, promoter, social media manager, even accountant. (Andy Libunao)
  • Getting traffic to your blog is a lot of work. In fact, more work than you ever imagined. (Chelsea Baldwin)
  • Can I be painfully honest with you for a moment? (Jon Morrow)
  • It hurts me to write this. (Jon Morrow)

Be controversial

This hook sets you apart from the crowd.

It tells the reader that you’re a maverick, a free-thinker, someone with a fresh point of view, or even an expert:

  • Some people tell you a story always needs to have a point, but I disagree. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to quit your day job to start your own business. (Jon Morrow)
  • So many online marketers and web designers will recommend that ‘every business should have a Facebook page’ but I disagree. (Eva Pettifor)
  • Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. (Unknown)
  • Can I be straight up with you? 95% of the advice on the web about how to increase your website traffic is totally useless. (Jon Morrow)

Contrast pain and pleasure

Everyone lives constantly with the prospect of pain and the prospect of pleasure.

Those are the two parameters that guide every decision we make.

So if you put those two things together in your opening sentence, it’s going to grab your reader’s attention:

  • Building your personal brand can lead to fame and fortune or it can cost you years of wasted time. (John McDougall)

Use the Title as part of the Intro

This is a very clever hook: the title is a question and the opening sentence is an answer to that question:

  • Title: Can I Trust You? The first line of the post: Everyone asks themselves this question. (Seth Godin)

Use Paired Opposites

Binary opposition or paired opposites are fundamental to human thought.

Examples are ‘good/bad’, ‘light/dark’, ‘winner/loser’ etc.

This hook is effective because it taps into a universal thought pattern:

  • There are two ways to go about business. The first is to have an idea and then frantically do a lot of stuff hoping some of it works. (Sonia Simone)

Use a statement that doesn’t make sense

Starting your blog post with a sentence that doesn’t make sense on its own almost forces the reader to keep reading:

  • It always begins with so much promise. (Sonia Simone)
  • Oh, the drama! (Sonia Simone)

Make a shocking statement

In your opening sentence, you really want to stop people in their tracks.

Nothing does that better than a shocking statement (or question):

  • I once wrote a newspaper story that killed a man. (Julie Neidlinger)
  • We’ve been telling you there’s no great secret to search optimization, but that’s kind of a lie, isn’t it? (Sonia Simone)
  • Could it really be possible that almost everything you are doing to promote your website is a waste of time? (Jon Morrow)

State a startling fact

We all love facts.

Maybe because it makes us feel we became a bit smarter in less than a second.

Whatever the reason, opening with a fact will draw your reader in:

  • In 1995, authors, experts, and influencers sold $10 million worth of eBooks through Amazon. 18 years later that number has grown to $1.6 billion. (Jeff Bullas)

Start at the end

When your opening sentence hints at the result, it does two things: it tells the reader where this is going and it forces the reader to start wondering how you got there. Very compelling!

  • When I started the 8-Week Fitness Challenge, I had no idea what the response might be.

Make a statement your reader will agree with

This works well because when you state something that your reader will agree with, it tells the reader “this is something I need to see”:

  • I think you’ll agree with me, it’s a constant struggle to engage your blog readers with new and interesting content. (Martin Nikleva)
  • I think you’ll agree with me when I say that building a start-up is hard. (Bill Wilson)

Make a statement that shows you understand your reader

Whenever you open with a statement, or a question, that resonates with your reader, you’ve hooked them because you seem to have a special insight into their problems:

  • Raise your hand if you’re a new blogger and you recently signed up for more free webinars than you can count on one hand? (Elna Cain)
  • As a blogger, you put your heart and soul into creating perfectly crafted posts, eye-catching images, and attractive leads. It’s a lot of hard work! (Christine C. Renee)

Tell a story

We’re storytelling creatures by nature and have been for tens of thousands of years.

We’re almost hard-wired to hear stories. So this is another powerful hook.

The story-telling hook almost always begins with a reference to a particular moment (as in “Once upon a time”):

  • In the early summer of 1976, my life was as any 7-year-old kid’s life should be – fun, making new adventures, and looking forward to a long, glorious school holiday. (Danny Brown)
  • About a year and a half ago, I almost moved to a tiny island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, Deal Island. (Janessa Lantz).
  • On a warm Spring morning in November of 2002, I started my first blog. (Darren Rowse)

Be short and direct

Getting to the point quickly is also a great hook because it doesn’t give the reader time to get think twice:

  • Want to maximize sharing of your content on Facebook? Here are seven tips that are sure to help. (Dan Zarella)
  • I’ve got three things for you today: A rant, a lesson about selling that will serve you well, and a quick request. (Derek Halpern)

Open with a teaser

Opening with a teaser leaves the reader wondering what it is that you’re going to tell them.

What is this ‘innate human behavior’ that I can take advantage of?

Well, you’ll just have to keep reading:

  • How’d you like to learn how to pull your audience into your content by taking advantage of an innate human behavior? (Derek Halpern)

4. Start Writing!

I hope you’ve realized now that writing a compelling Introduction is not that difficult.

Start your post with one of the following hook types:

  • Ask a question
  • Make a confession
  • Get inside your reader’s head
  • Assume something about your reader
  • Give some bad news
  • Be controversial
  • Contrast pain and pleasure
  • Use the Title as part of the Intro
  • Use Paired Opposites
  • Use a statement that doesn’t make sense
  • Make a shocking statement
  • State a startling fact
  • Start at the end
  • Make a statement that your reader will agree with
  • Make a statement that shows you understand your reader
  • Tell a story
  • Be short and direct
  • Open with a teaser

Then pick one of the two Intro techniques described above.

If it’s the Pain/Pleasure technique, describe the painful problem in clear, tangible, and excruciating detail.

Then hint at the solution and make the promise.

If it’s the Simple Transition, open with a “Would you like to know how to…” question. Make the transition.

Then state the thesis: “This article will show you how to…”.

A word of caution.

A powerful Intro will keep people reading your article.

But the body of your article must deliver on the promise or the thesis of the Intro. If it doesn’t, the reader will feel deceived.

One final tip: write the body of the article first and the Introduction last.

The reason?

Before you make the promise in the Intro you need to know what it is you are going to deliver.

Let me know how you go in the comments below.

I’d love to hear your experiences with blog post intros.

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/blog-post-introduction/feed/ 0
5 Best Ways to Find Your Voice for Writers and Bloggers https://bloggingtips.com/writing-voice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=writing-voice https://bloggingtips.com/writing-voice/#respond Tue, 24 May 2022 16:40:38 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=87335 Read more]]> After blogging for over two years and reading many great blogs I’ve made some determinations about what works… for me.

Let’s face it, the blogs we subscribe to and truly enjoy aren’t all alike.

What would be the point of reading five, ten or twenty versions of the same thing?

Exactly.

Like most new bloggers I struggled in the beginning to figure out what my blog was about and why I should continue to write.

It certainly wasn’t a ‘how-to’ blog because I would be the last person to suggest I had all the answers on any given subject.

But that doesn’t mean I don’t have my own opinions.

In fact I’m very opinionated and I get the most traffic and comments on my blog when I voice my opinions.

I discovered that while following ProBlogger’s book 31 Days to Build a Better Blog.

It specifically tells you on Day 19 to write an opinion post.

The post I wrote from that prompt is, to this day, the most read and shared.

I didn’t take that as a sign to just spew my opinions daily or even weekly.

I simply tucked it away and knew when something was really eating at me and I needed to vent it that was okay.

I learnt that even when you’ve found your way with your blog and narrowed down your niche you still need to mix it up once in a while.

My blog is the prelude to my memoir and my writing platform.

I tell stories on my blog.

People tend to like my story telling even when the stories aren’t pretty.

Discovering my difficult childhood stories were helping others deal with their own childhood demons was all I needed to keep going.

We can all help each other by simply telling our stories in an honest way.

vector graphic showing an illustration of writing voice

Here are my five best tips for finding your voice:

1. Speak your mind

If you think you should write a certain way or your voice should be tempered to appeal to a particular audience you’re not being true.

The old adage, ‘you can please some of the people some of the time but you can never please all of the people all of the time’, will always ring true.

You may discover, when you speak your mind, you actually speak for many who don’t have a platform but will support yours.

2. Mix it up

The reason I read a variety of blogs is because it keeps the experience fresh and interesting.

By the same token I love it when one of the bloggers I read writes something totally unexpected that makes me sit up and take notice.

Why is that interesting? Because it shows you another side to that blogger and makes you feel like you know them better.

I’m not a young girl but even at my age there are only so many stories to tell.

In between it’s good to share your humorous or creative side and, occasionally, it’s even better to throw your opinions out there.

3. Throw caution to the wind

Annabel Candy was interviewed here on Everyday Bright about how she likes to do something that scares her every day.

I think that’s admirable but I’m not that adventurous.

However, when I find something that stirs passion in my soul I feel the need to write about it and that can be scary.

This is how the process goes for me… I write like a maniac without any thought to editing.

Stream of consciousness all the way. It’s exhilarating!

Then I stop and walk away.

My internal dialogue usually goes something like this:

“Wow that really felt good!”

“Sure but you can’t publish it.”

“But I have to publish it. It’s how I really feel.”

“The world doesn’t need to know exactly how you feel!”

“This is important and I want my readers to know this is really me, this is how I feel and I’m not ashamed of it!”

Then with a knot in my stomach I go back and edit.

After that I pace some more and finally with a very shaky finger hit that publish button.

4. Accept the fact that not everyone will share your view

I admit that I love a good argument.

I’m open and willing to discuss every conceivable angle of any topic and respect your right to disagree with me.

What I can’t stand is someone disagreeing with me in an ugly way and posting anonymously.

I put myself out there and bared my soul the least people can do is share their name in their comment.

If you don’t have the courage of your convictions what have you got?

5. Be honest

We all have many facets to our life and if we are true to ourselves and our readers we will share them.

If you never take chances you’ll never fail.

If you never fail you’ll never grow.

None of us want that.

So if you want to find your voice speak your mind.

I’ve shared what helped me find my voice.

Now it’s time for you to be brave, write honestly and find out what works for you.

Have you ever written an opinion piece?

What was the response?

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/writing-voice/feed/ 0
What To Write: Ideas and Inspiration For Any Occasion In 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/what-to-write/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-to-write https://bloggingtips.com/what-to-write/#respond Sat, 07 May 2022 19:46:50 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=86105 Read more]]> Coming up with inspiration when writing can be challenging.

Many situations call for us to write down our thoughts or feelings, but translating those into words is tricky.

Rather than sit there and struggle about what to write, here’s a guide on what to write for any situation in which someone would need to jot down their thoughts.

How Do I Find Inspiration For What to Write About?

Inspiration can be a fickle thing.

Writing isn’t a craft that can be done on autopilot because each word and phrase has to carry your point forward.

So, when you find the idea well has run dry, reference materials and creative sources for inspiration will take you from stuck to better writing.

If you’re writing fiction, the easiest places to get inspiration are from other works you’ve seen or heard. Think about a book, movie, poem, or song and change some details about it.

Then, write about how those changes make a different story or convey a different meaning.

Those changes will naturally lead to a new, potentially exciting idea worth exploring.

For the non-fiction writers out there, search engines are your best bet.

While a basic topic search can be helpful, use things like Twitter’s hashtag autofill or Google’s auto-complete to see what other folks are looking up.

Think about how you would answer those questions and start pulling up reference materials.

You’ll have a good blog post or article before you know it.

Answering the Question “What Should I Write About?”

The writing process looks different depending on what you’re writing.

So here are some tips to follow along with based on what you need to write:.

vector graphic showing a hand holding a piece of paper and another hand writing on it, with crumpled papers on the side for the what to write header image

What To Write In Wedding Card

Given how important weddings are, you want to make sure you write something nice.

Here are some tips to do just that:

Is It Okay To Write the Term “Congratulations” in a Wedding Card?

While congratulations used to have some negative connotations, that opinion has largely passed.

Congratulating the bride and groom at a wedding is perfectly fine nowadays!

Just make sure that you have more to say than just that, or else it will ring somewhat hollow.

What Do You Write on a Wedding Card to a Friend?

The best way to connect with your friend on their wedding day is to congratulate them on the occasion and wish them well.

Friends love to get these kinds of messages from one another.

Plus, a funny joke or reference in the card can go a long way to lighten the mood and bring a smile to your pal’s face.

What Do You Say in a Wedding Card to a Coworker?

Unless you have a close relationship with your coworker, keep your message friendly and polite.

Some folks feel strange receiving emotional messages from people they just view as coworkers.

What Do You Write in a Card for a Wedding That’s Been Postponed?

Regardless of your relationship with the newlyweds, don’t mention the postponed nature of the wedding.

Circumstances cause these things to change, and those circumstances might be a sensitive subject for the bride and groom.

What Do You Write in a Card for a Wedding That’s Been Canceled?

When reaching out to someone that had their wedding canceled, the best approach is to be optimistic.

Even if the individual isn’t in a good mood, being supportive shows that you care and are there for your friend or loved one.

What Do You Write in a Religious Wedding Wishes?

Many families view their faith as central to their marriage ceremonies.

Try to keep that faith in mind when you write your wedding card, either by congratulating the couple in a neutral way or referencing their faith in a respectful and dignified manner.

What Do You Write in a Funny Wedding Wishes?

As long as you know the people you’ll be writing to, feel free to make any joke the bride and groom will laugh at!

Funny wedding cards are a great way to stand out and bring fond memories back to the couple when they go through their cards down the road.

What Do You Write in a Casual Wedding Wishes?

For more casual ceremonies, congratulate the newlyweds and thank them for inviting you.

Don’t stress too much about your word choice since the couple is just going to care about the message itself.

What Do You Write in a Formal Wedding Wishes?

For a more formal affair, you might want to take some time crafting a message more like what you would say at a religious service or other formal affairs.

Try to avoid slang or jokes.

What Do You Write in a Wedding Wishes for Your Son or Daughter And Son-In-Law or Daughter-In-Law?

When writing a wedding card for your child and new child-in-law, a great standby is to reference how happy you are to see your baby boy or girl grown up and getting married.

It shows how much your family has seen and done over the years!

What To Write in a Business Plan

Every company needs a business plan.

So, if you’re the one crafting these documents, here are some tips to keep in mind:

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan outlines what a company wants to achieve and how it will do so.

Being clear about objectives, services, and company ethics is essential when outlining this document, especially when investors are involved.

What Do You Write in a Traditional Business Plan Format?

For a traditional business plan, you’ll want to include key facts about the company’s operations.

Products and services, market analysis and strategies, financial plans, and annual budgets must be in the document.  

What Do You Write in a Modern Business Plan Format?

While modern business plans are similar to traditional ones, there are some extra details that you can include with them to show you’ve gone the extra mile.

Incorporating newer elements to your business, such as social media strategies and SEO optimization research for your web presence, can go a long way.

What to Write in a Cover Letter

Since covers letters are the first thing a hiring manager sees when they look your application over, follow some of these tips to stand out:

What Is a Cover Letter and Why Is It Important?

A cover letter is a document that goes with your resume to explain why you are a good fit for the job.

These letters give you a chance to explain how your skills and work history make you the best candidate for the job.

How Do You Write the Perfect Cover Letter and Get Hired?

The perfect cover letter concisely goes over your resume and explains why each part of it makes you great for the job.

It also contains tidbits about previous accolades that wouldn’t otherwise show up on a resume, like project outcomes.

What to Write on Sympathy Messages

While no written word can fix a grieving heart, these guidelines will help you write a heartfelt sympathy card:

What Are Sympathy Messages?

Sympathy messages are written messages meant to convey sympathy to someone who is grieving.

While everyone processes grief differently, we all know that the pain of grief is hard for everyone.

What Are the Examples of Sympathy Messages?

Sympathy messages might be sent to someone when a family member or loved one passes away.

What Do You Write in a Sympathy Card?

Sympathy cards will be read by someone in a somber state of mind, so it’s best to be brief and supportive.

Write something that shows that you care about the individual and want to help if they need any.

What Do You Not Write in a Sympathy Card?

When writing a sympathy card, try to avoid phrases like “everything happens for a reason” or similar cliche lines.

Also, offering unprompted advice doesn’t always land well with people grieving, so be short and sweet with your condolences.

What To Write in a Graduation Card

To celebrate with a graduate from anywhere, here are some tips for writing a stellar graduation card:

Graduation During a Difficult Time

While no one wants to have a graduation happen during difficult times, it does happen.

Be brief with your message, and don’t try to remind the recipient about the difficulties unless you truly believe they will be okay with it.

What To Write in a Graduation Card When You Can’t Make It

If you can’t attend a graduation, write down in your message that you wanted to be there.

Doing this will show the graduate that you support them and want to share in their success.

What To Write in a Graduation Card When You’ll Be There

If you will be there for the graduation, write about how excited or proud you will be when you’re there.

Much like with the tip above, writing this sort of thing shows how much you care.

What To Write in a Graduation Card for a Family Member

With family, the best practice for graduation cards is to bring up another fun or inspiring memory between you and the recipient.

Tying these two things together shows how much progress the graduate has made and reminds them of other fun times from the past.

What To Write In Thank You Notes

A thank you note goes a long way to express your appreciation to someone far away.

Use these guidelines to write a killer thank you note:

What Do You Write in a Baby Shower Thank You Card?

For baby showers, expressing how much you enjoyed seeing the expecting mother is a great place to get inspiration.

Don’t forget to include some good wishes for the new baby, too!

What Do You Write in an Interview Thank You Card?

As interviews are a formal affair, be professional and thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

Even if you don’t get the job, being professional goes a long way in maintaining a good relationship with those in your field.

What Do You Write in a Birthday Thank You Card?

For birthday thank yous, mentioning how much you loved seeing everyone is a great way to start.

If you received gifts, mentioning how much you enjoyed the gift will bring smiles to your note’s recipient.

What Do You Write in a Thank You Card for a Teacher?

Teachers love to hear how much their lessons have meant to their students.

So if you need some inspiration to write a teacher a thank you note, think about one of their lessons and how it opened your eyes or expanded your horizons.

What Do You Write in a Graduation Thank You Card?

The friends and loved ones attending your graduate will love to hear how much you enjoyed sharing the experience with them.

While you put in the hard work to succeed, your loved ones support you, so share how much that support means to you.

What Do You Write in a Thank You Card for a Hostess?

When receiving hospitality from someone, mentioning specific things done for you shows that you noticed the small details your hostess provided.

What Do You Write in a Wedding Thank You Card?

At weddings, appreciative words and compliments on the ceremony are a great place to start.

Newlyweds want their loved ones to enjoy the day as much as they do, so sharing that info with them will bring them a smile.

What To Write in a Personal Statement

To keep your personal statement in line with what admissions and scholastic fellows want to see, check out these tips:

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is an essay students will write about themselves when applying for things like scholarships and fellowships.

They give the student a chance to talk about themselves in a way that focuses on more than just their academic successes.

What Do You Write in a Personal Statement?

In your personal statement, explain your academic abilities and how you got to those successes.

Overcoming adversity tends to do well in these statements.

You can use this essay as a chance to put a positive spin on something that might have otherwise tripped you up.

What To Write on a Resume

In addition, to cover letters, resumes have their own set of writing tips to keep in mind:

How To Pick the Right Resume Format?

The best resume format is the one that matches what others in your field will use.

Don’t hesitate to check out resume templates from within your field and follow along with those.

What Is the Best Resume Layout?

The best resume layout is one that has a clear organizational pattern and is easy to read along with.

It should list your contact info, work experience, education, and other qualifications in a way that lets the reader find it easily.

How To List Education on Your Resume

Most hiring managers want your most relevant education at the top of the education section of the resume.

That way, the manager has your credentials right away.

How Do You List Work Experience in a Resume? (40 words)

Much like education, work experience should be from most relevant and recent to least.

Having a blurb under each entry to describe your role, responsibilities in that role, and skills needed to perform that role helps as well.

How Much Work Experience Do You Include in Your Resume?

While the exact number of jobs or time frame will differ for different fields, you should keep your resume forced on the last five to ten years of work experience.

With this practice, you quickly put relevant info in the hiring manager’s hands.  

How Do You List Skills in Your Resume?

In general, your skills should be part of your work experience blurbs or as part of a separate section of the resume.

Whichever you choose, ensure that you are clear on what skills you possess and how you will apply them to the position.

What Are Good Writing Topics?

While budding writers will create what they like, a better writer will go into their assignments knowing what the audience wants.

Here is how you can decide how to write what you need to before committing anything to paper:

What Are the Things to Write About for Blog Posts and Articles?

A good blog post or article grabs the reader’s attention with a title that explains what you want to talk about.

From there, the main idea carries through the entire piece, with relevant examples and proof backing up the ideas as needed.

Essentially, a blog post or article communicates solid information the whole way through.

Typically, the best practice for making a blog post or article is to answer a question or offer new information to the reader.

Give them something they can learn in an interesting way.

Tools like SEO research, trend data, and other search traffic measurements will help you find out what to write about day-to-day.

Ideas on What To Write About When You’re Uninspired?

Writer’s block is a tough spot to be in.

To get over that slump, you’ll want to fall back on your preferred sources of inspiration and some good, old perseverance.

Many writers like prompt generators to get topic ideas flowing.

Using a prompt generator as a fiction writer can lead to interesting results, but non-fiction writers can use these tools to see how their topic of choice might relate to others.

Crossover articles tend to do well because they get people thinking about ideas differently.

What Are the Things To Write About in Fiction?

In some ways, fiction writers have it easier than non-fiction ones.

A fiction writer can create any story they want, bringing new worlds or ideas to life without having to base it on the real world.

With that wide range of possibilities also comes the realization that only you can decide what to do next for the story.

That range of options is why fiction writers usually base their stories in some amount of reality.

It makes the story relatable to the reader, thus keeping the reader’s attention.

Outside of that, finding a topic or philosophical question and basing a story around solving that problem can make for a compelling story.

What Are the Things To Write About Yourself?

Not everyone likes talking about themselves.

If you’re one of those writers, there are a couple of ways you can make this process a little less painful.

For starters, talking yourself up can help put you in a better mood.

Write about a success story from your past and how it shaped who you are today.

These kinds of stories remind us about the positive parts of our lives, which tend to get overshadowed by the negative.

Or, think about something that makes you unique.

Whether it’s a niche hobby, a strange experience, or a different perspective, talk about that novelty and explore what it means to you.

What Are the Things You Write When You’re Bored?

For the professionals out there, it’s easy to forget that writing is more than just a way to keep the lights on.

Writing can be a joy, especially when you find a topic or story idea you love.

Finding one of those topics can keep you going when your mind is idle.

Otherwise, for a more creative spin, try writing a story about if one of the laws of nature changed to something cartoony or fantastical.

Get wild with that idea and see what wacky things come from your imagination!

How Can You Write for Fun?

Ultimately, writing for fun is about writing something you care about.

Writers tend to be people that enjoy communicating with others, even if only through the written word.

When writers can align their interests with the pieces they create, writing never feels like work and instead like a medium of expression.

Even if you can’t get a passion lined up with your writing, jotting down ideas and story concepts that interest you is an easy way to have fun writing.

Coming up with story ideas and story plotting can be just as fun as constructing a piece.

Wrapping Up

No matter the content of your writing, knowing what to talk about ahead of time is key.

Good writing matches its tone, word choice, and style with the situation.

No matter what you need to write, remember that others have had the same struggle!

Reach out to those folks through online and local resources and share your difficulties.

Writing is tough enough with colleagues, let alone by yourself!

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/what-to-write/feed/ 0
Things To Write About: Inspiration For Any Occasion, Big Or Small https://bloggingtips.com/things-to-write-about/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=things-to-write-about https://bloggingtips.com/things-to-write-about/#respond Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:10:44 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?post_type=growth&p=85403 Read more]]> When you first start a blog you have loads of ideas for new posts and the words seem to flow like water.

You have so many things to write about that you can’t get those thoughts from your brain to the keyboard fast enough.

But then the day comes that you sit down to plan your content and everything goes blank.

What do you do when you run out of ideas for your blog?

While there’s no hard and fast rule to get your creative juices flowing, there are several ways to refocus your mind and find new ideas.

Sometimes you just need to switch gears to tap into your passion from a new angle, and that’s what this guide offers.

The next time your ideas run dry, use these tips and tricks to spark your creativity.

Before you know it, you’ll have plenty of things to write about again.

Figuring Out What to Write About

Maybe you haven’t quite made it to a full-blown blog yet.

Perhaps your idea is a small nugget and a URL backed by immense passion.

How do you find inspiration for what to write about?

The number one tip for finding blog topics is to research current trends and what interests people.

While it might sound exciting to be the one person to create a brand new topic, that’s a fast track to failure.

That said, you can frame your passion to fit a current need.

  • Look within your niche and add your personal spin to popular topics.
  • Check out related hashtags on social media platforms and follow people with interests similar to yours.
  • Watch the discussions to see what topics gain the most interaction and use that to mold your blog.

What Are Good Writing Topics?

A good writing topic for a blog is something that hits on a current trend. That leaves you with a wider range of options than you might think.

As you head through the next several sections, keep a few things in mind.

  • You don’t have to be an expert to join the conversation, but back your claims with facts and link to reputable sources.
  • Solving problems is an excellent way to build a following, especially when it’s a pain point for many in your niche.
  • Share your life experience and be genuine so that people can relate to you.

Keep in mind that good writing topics might push you outside your comfort zone at times.

Focus on your passion and your voice to ease you through the tough points and deliver an outstanding post.

Things to Write About When You’re Fresh Out of Ideas

Writer’s block? No, you haven’t even gotten to the writing part.

This pit you’re feeling is far worse because you have nothing to work with.

When you are fresh out of ideas it can feel like you’re better off giving up and scrapping the whole project.

Don’t do it.

Take a deep breath, go for a walk, take a hot shower, or do something to get the creative juices flowing again.

While you do any or all of those things let your mind wander.

That’s right – when your ideas run dry, it’s time to daydream.

Daydreaming is essential to creativity. It’s the best way to work out the bugs and encourage your creative processes to take over.

Daydreaming allows us to explore new connections between ideas and concepts.

Okay, so you take a long, hot shower and daydream about what?

Don’t ruminate on your piece and your stunning lack of ideas. Instead, consider other aspects of your life and the world around you.

Where to Find Ideas When You’re Tapped Out

While a long, hot shower is nice, it’s not always practical.

It also doesn’t open your eyes to the world around you, which can limit your inspiration.

There are many alternatives, as long as you remember to let your mind wander a bit.

  • Head to your favorite local cafe, grab a drink, and people-watch. If it makes you feel less creepy, open a journal or laptop and make like you’re working.
  • Go for a walk and take in the sights along the way. Pay special attention to signs and conversations you might overhear.
  • Grab a bench at a park.
  • Stop in at your local library or favorite bookstore. You have people to watch and plenty of research materials at your fingertips.
  • Take a drive and listen to your favorite tunes, public talk radio, or that podcast you love.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to find ideas is to let go.

Focusing too hard on creating something typically leads to more frustration than stepping away to regroup.

You can also check out our 200+ blog ideas to get your brain engaged and thinking in the right direction.

Things to Write About for Blog Posts and Articles

The above tips work for anyone who needs writing inspiration, it’s all about tapping into creativity.

However, learning how to write a blog post or article is like a specialty niche that might require a little direction.

vector graphic showing an illustration of things to write about - people using writing items to write a blog post

Things You Can Write About When Writing a Blog Post or Article

You can always rework prior articles when you hit a wall, but with content marketing, you eventually need something new.

Consider some of these crowd-pleasing topics.

  • Interview somebody. Bonus points for starting a series where you interview somebody new every week or month.
  • Create a listicle.
  • Fill in the gaps you notice in your niche. What is nobody writing about but everyone talking about?
  • Write up a tutorial.
  • Share industry or niche-related jokes.
  • Open up about past experiences and reflect on how things could have been better (or worse).

Remember, answering questions and solving problems are excellent ways to garner attention for your blog posts and articles.

What We Write About When We Write About Food

Are you a food blogger struggling with what to write beyond sharing recipes?

It’s a good bet that your audience is almost entirely foodie-based, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix it up.

  • Do a restaurant review.
  • Tell your story and how you got to where you are.
  • Discuss the food culture where you live. If possible, compare and contrast with other places you’ve visited or lived.
  • Share a “day in the life,” including your meals and snacks.
  • Try something new and review it.
  • Write up a tutorial on something basic or share a special technique.

Of course, if recipes are your game, it’s a good idea to stick to your brand.

You can still get creative by revamping recipes or sharing an alternative, like making something nut-free or dairy-free.

Things to Write About for an Essay

Essay writing is one of the more challenging assignments, especially when you don’t know where to start.

Typically, you have a broad topic or area of study that you need to narrow into a cohesive essay.

Sometimes, you can find your way with a little research in your niche.

Listen to popular podcasts, read recent articles, and scope out your local library or bookstore for related literature.

You might want to try rephrasing the broader essay topic as a series of questions to find an interesting angle.

Consider the people, places, and events tied to that topic and find connections between them to explore.

vector graphic showing a header image for the best online jobs for college students blog post

A Note About College Admissions Essays

College admissions essays can make or break applications.

When you are up against dozens of other high school students whose transcripts and test scores rival your own, an outstanding essay could set you apart.

The most surprising thing is that the topic doesn’t matter as much as what you have to say and how you say it.

That said, common topics include:

  • An important lesson that helped you grow as a person.
  • The accomplishment you are most proud of and why.
  • Something you look forward to trying in college.
  • Talk about somebody you look up to and why you admire them.
  • Discuss a belief you once held and what changed it for you.

Whatever you choose, make sure you can write passionately about it and show introspection.

Remember that humor tends to get lost in translation.

What to Write About in Your Personal Statement

Personal statements should reflect who you are as a person, including your life goals and interests.

While that sounds easy enough, it’s not as simple as jotting down your favorite color and dream job.

Whether you need to write a personal statement for college or a new job, you should cover the same general guidelines.

It’s your chance to share who you are beyond your resume, and that means letting your personality shine.

Keep it positive and simple with a unique spin that reflects your voice.

How to Write a Personal Statement

Your personal statement doesn’t have to be your magnum opus.

It should have a few basic components, starting with an introduction that explains your interest in the school or job.

Next, highlight skills that apply to the situation that may not be listed on your resume.

Additionally, you could highlight or explain especially relevant bits from your application, like a special award or personal experience.

Include something about how you can help the institution or company. This is your chance to explain why you are the perfect person for the role.

Make sure you wrap things up with a crafty conclusion that leaves an impression. Summarize the main points and tie them back to your personal introduction.

Don’t forget to edit and have at least one other person look it over.

Things to Write About for a Story

Writing a story might be the format that requires the most experience with daydreaming.

It often takes more research than an essay and still relies on the author to use their own voice.

But, that all comes after you choose a topic and painstakingly craft characters, setting, and plot.

You can find inspiration for a story almost anywhere. Many writers carry around notebooks or record voice memos on their phones to track notes and ideas that strike them.

Some keep journals near their beds to jot down dreams when they wake.

Perhaps you see a story take shape around a person you pass in the park or on the subway.

Maybe you string that together with an interaction you overhear in the grocery store, then tie it all in with a current event.

Whatever you do, if you want to write stories, listen to one of the most prolific writers of our time, Stephen King.

He famously stated that writers must do two things, read and write a lot.

Pro Tip: You can use an AI story generator to help you when you get stuck. This type of software helps produce content automatically, helping you quickly work through writer’s block.

Pros of Writing Prompts

Writing prompts might make you groan as you recall the dreaded “what I did last summer” essays for middle school.

Push aside those fears and embrace a new age of writing prompts because they could change your life.

When you feel uninspired and can’t seem to think of things to write about, creative writing prompts can help.

  • They make you write something, meaning you still get some practice.
  • You can find free inspiration with several free online generators or AI writing software that fit various parameters.
  • The right prompt could spark new ideas and end your dry spell.
  • Writing prompts encourage you to look at things from different perspectives.

Writing prompts can boost creativity as you try to bring seemingly unrelated threads together to form a story.

What Are the Ways To Level Up Your Writing?

Writing takes practice and a lot of it.

If you need help getting a skill boost, there are several steps you can take.

  • Pick up a few grammar books and add Merriam Webster.com to your browser’s favorites.
  • Write a little every day, even if it’s in a gratitude journal or dream diary.
  • Read anything and everything you can find.
  • Take workshops and classes on writing.
  • When you find a writer you like, study what they do and how they do it.

Of course, you might also want to hire a legitimate editor to help you pare things down and clean things up.

Wrapping Up

Finding things to write about isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have tools at your disposal.

Remember to daydream to get those creative juices flowing and pull out some writing prompts if you need a boost.

Are you looking for more tips to boost your blog writing skills?

]]>
https://bloggingtips.com/things-to-write-about/feed/ 0
The Guide To Creating Great Blog Posts That Engage Readers https://bloggingtips.com/guide-creating-great-blog-post-engage-readers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guide-creating-great-blog-post-engage-readers Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:09:19 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=1947 Read more]]> In this guide, I will walk you on how to create a great post to engage readers and build loyal readers. But you might ask why is it so important to write great content?

Creating quality content is the most important strategy when it coms for growing your blog readership. When done correctly a great post will get you more email subscribers, great ranking positions, and more people will recognize you as an expert of your field.

A great strategy for attracting more visitors to your website is providing great pieces of content they will want to share with others. The next step is figuring out how to create content that visitors will be coming back for more.

Write Compelling Content Your Audience Will Love

How can you write compelling content for your audience?

The secret of writing compelling content is providing information that normally others in your field would charge a fee. When you write engaging content and provide solutions for a problem you will stand out from the competition.

The key in building an audience is by providing your visitors with epic content that nobody else is doing at the moment.

Are you struggling to get your blog noticed especially in a crowded niche? The main way to get instant attention in any niche is by writing compelling content.

Since I have address how to build an engaging audience let’s get started with how to stand out from your competition.

Finding Content Ideas

Are you worried that your message is getting ignored? A lot of us suffer from content creation. We all run out of ideas on what to write about or get a severe case of writer’s block at one point or the other.

I will explain in this guide various ways to help you find new topics to write about and share my strategies in creating compelling content.

#1 Writing List

A terrific way to get attention from your audience is by writing a great list.

Many people think writing informational post presented on a list are cliché. I personally think if you compose a terrific list post is a great attention grabber.

When writing a post list make sure you take the time to create a massive list of great resources your audience can’t find elsewhere. Many of my readerships love writing list because of the massive information they receive in just a single article.

An example of a post list headline would be:

20 Ways To Make Money Online

#2 Case Studies

Another great way to increase engagement in your existing blog is creating case studies. Case studies are a great way to expose your brand to a larger audience. And they’re practically essential when building a service-based blog business, or when trying to land more consulting clients.

Readers love when you can share your experiences through a case study since it provides a blueprint for them to follow. Case studies are also a great method in becoming recognized as an expert in your field. Being perceived as an expert is crucial to building and engaging your audience.

An example case study headline will be:

How I Made Money With Facebook Ads In 30 Days By Testing Different Ads, Details Inside

#3 Ultimate Resource List

Finding useful resources online on one easy spot is difficult task. By creating an ultimate master list of resources will help your audience save time from finding the resources themselves. The ultimate resource list should be compose of valuable content not found very easily online and usually information that is been charged by others in your niche. When writing a resource list make sure you take your time in coming up with the top information that fills your audience needs.

The ultimate resource list usually has headlines like the following:

The Ultimate Affiliate Guide List

#4 Writing About Influential People

On every field there are influential people that are expert on their niche. A great way to achieve credibility is building relationship with influential people on your niche.

If you do it right, a round up post can be part of a strategy that can give you credibility because you are writing about the different strengths of influential people. It is an effective way to build reputation among your readers.

An influential post headlines can be:

The Most Influential Bloggers of 2013

#5 Glossary of Terms

Developing a glossary of terms for your niche is a great way to help newcomers. The glossary terms will guide newcomers on terms they might be confused and help them become successful in their niche.

Taking time out to help your audience understand everything about your niche will help you gain credibility. Many people make the mistake of thinking that everyone understands the lingo of their niche.

It is important that you provide a place for your readership to learn everything possible on your niche and creating a glossary of terms is a great way to help. The glossary of terms will be greatly appreciated by your readership.

#6 How Value Affects Business

A terrific way to engage your audience is to show a clear expectation of your values.

I personally make it a point to tell others that my blog is a place where you can stop to find solutions for online marketing. I also make sure to have an about me page which focuses on telling my customer upfront what my site is about and what they can expect from me.

This helps my readership get to know me and build authenticity on my blog.

#7 Tell Engaging Stories

I love telling engaging stories about my blogging mistakes. By telling engaging stories it helps me instantly become more personal, conversational, and engaging.

The key is writing meaningful stories that will engage your audience to learn from your mistakes and not waste their time. This is key to developing a personal brand as a blogger.

#8 Interview An Expert

A terrific way to drive traffic to your website is by interviewing experts in your field.

Interviewing subject matter experts will help build credibility and drive more traffic to your website. Targeting an expert in your field will help you grow your readership audience and help you gain insight into the minds of some of the most successful people on your field.

Grow your blog with the power of experts!

#9 Multimedia Content

A very effective way to increase traffic is to give visitors a reason to return. Another way to drive traffic is using multimedia content.

There are many various types of multi media content. The multi media includes graphic image files, video clips (YouTube), and podcasting.

Podcasting has had an increasingly growth in the past year. In the podcast, you can add multi media presentation, picture perfect images, and video files.

I personally love listening to podcast since they are so personal and you can use at any given time. Podcasting is best when done in multiple stages and formats.

I suggest doing a whole series in small segments.

Pro Tip: If you’re building a blog to sell it at a later date, you’ll want to prioritize making the blog an authority in your nice.

#10 Answering Questions

I personally like asking my audience questions or concerns they might have about my niche. Listening to my audience and answering their questions helps me engage with my audience and build credibility on my field.

Learning how to listen to your audience will help you become aware of what they need and grow your blogger community. Another way to grow your blog is developing a relationship with your audience.

Pro Tip: to establish yourself as an expert in your niche, give Quora marketing a try. Don’t spam the forum, but give users helpful answers that they’ll love.

#11 Current Events

Another common way to drive traffic to your website is writing about current niche events. Write posts about events happening in your related niche. This will help your audience be up to date with any current events and help you gain a stronger readership.

A marketing strategy that works for me, it’s letting my subscriber list know of any special events happening in the related field by sending out a blast email. You can also create a special tab on your website with current events.

#12 Place A Contest

If you want to drive more traffic to your site and run more attention to your brand holding a contest or giveaway is another way to engage your readership.

When placing a contest is important to create hype and should be linked all over the place. Placing a contest will help you engage your audience and drive a few new visitors to your site.

When I place a contest on my site I like to add a sign up box where the reader must register to sign up for the giveaway. Make sure to keep the sign up process simple for example, enter your name and email address.

Why run a contest?

1. Encourage People To Visit Your Website
2. Word Of Mouth Marketing
3. Build Your Email List
4. Build New Relationships
5. Source Of Data

I want to address, “Source of Data” running a contest is a great way to collect data. The data will help you analyze where you receive the most interaction. This collective data will give you valuable information to learn more about your consumers and what social media outlets drove more traffic.

Related:

#13 How To Article

One of the most effective ways to bring attention to your website is writing “how to” articles. Writing an article that people actually want to read from start to finish can be quite challenging.

I personally love “how to” articles because the reader is aware of a problem and by the end of the post they find the solution. The “how to” articles will give your readership a blueprint of how to fix a problem.

A “how to” article headline will read:

How To Train Your Dog To Potty In 6 Simple Steps

Great examples also include informational articles such as:

#14 Survey Your Audience

Running a consumer survey on your website is a great way to know what you audience needs. It gives growing businesses the opportunity to capture real-time customer feedback.

There are many tools you can use to collect feedback from your website visitors. The surveys will help you improve your audience experience and develop a successful website.

Insights from customer surveys support increased levels of customer loyalty satisfaction and are effective means of communication and identifying trends.

Advantages of Customer Satisfaction Surveys

1. Up To Date Feedback
2. Benchmark Results
3. Show That Your Care

These are 14 ways to create engaging post that will engage readers. If you have any additional ways you engage your audience please share in the comment area!

]]>