In today’s internet, content arrives in HIGH volume. Millions of new blog posts go live every day.

How do you make yours stand out from the crowd? A combination of skill, timeliness, and a bit of luck. I can’t help you with the luck. But skill and timeliness? I’ve got a few tips.

In this guide, I’ll share some strategies for writing high-performing blogs that command reader attention. Let’s dive in.

1. Select a Topic You Know Well 

Dedicate your blogs to topics you know like the back of your hand. This will make your retelling of the information more complete, more compelling, and far less effort to write. Besides, topics that may seem ordinary and easily accessible to you may very well be fascinating to your audience. 

For example: Blogging about the evolution of AI’s impact on professional writers or creating a how-to guide for installing solar on your camper van would be second nature (maybe even a little ho-hum) to me. But for the right readers, those are going to be exciting must-reads.

2. Take Advantage of Timeliness

Draw inspiration from top headlines, timely topics, and current events. Weaving trending topics into your content keeps your blogs fresh, relevant, and more likely to grab attention. It may also help you on search engine results pages (SERPs), since recent, well-written pieces on high-volume search words are often prioritized as top results. 

For example: If a hot topic of conversation lately is related to an upcoming election, you might write a blog about how your data visualization platform works and use election statistics to demonstrate it. That way, you attract attention based on the election relevance, but focus on your solution through that lens.

3. Embrace Authenticity

Lately, connection is  a marketing trend as much as it is a deep, human craving. And we connect more easily to stories that reveal vulnerability, humanity, weaknesses, hopes, and dreams. Your blogs will be instantly relevant when you include revealing details, personal admissions, and an authentic voice in your retellings.

For example: If you didn’t see yourself in the professional role you have today, you might admit that in the first few sentences of a blog post. It would hook readers right away. It would also set you up well to explain how the field caught your eye. Or what convoluted sets of expertises you acquired to get where you are. 

4. Get SEO-Informed

Encourage the success of your blog in the SERPs by researching and including SEO-rich keywords from the get-go. By including them in your posts as you write, the blog automatically stands a better chance of earning a high rank and better visibility in search results. 

Wondering how? Read SEO Secrets Revealed.

5. Use a Compelling Headline

A catchy and intriguing headline is crucial for grabbing the reader's attention. It should be clear, concise, and promise value or solve a problem for the reader.

For example: Notice the difference between "Ways to Improve Your Time Management Skills" and "Unlock Your Productivity Potential: 10 Surprising Strategies to Master Time Management Today"?

6. Write a Strong Introduction

Hook your readers from the start with a compelling introduction that outlines what they can expect from the post. Pose a question, share an interesting statistic, or tell a story to captivate their interest. Hopefully we shared an example of a strong intro in this blog post.

7. Set a High Bar for Content Quality

Content is king! Make sure your blog post provides information that’s valuable and relevant to your target audience. Make it engaging, well-researched, valuable, actionable, and easy to read. 

Looking for specific advice? Check out our ebook: The Complete Guide to Content Marketing for Startups.

8. Mind Your Formatting

These days, the average attention is just a few seconds. Our brains have grown accustomed to quick-moving imagery and points that are swiftly made. Help your reader engage with your material with formatting that easily guides the eye from thought to thought. Make good use of hierarchical headers, short sentence structures, single-thought paragraphs, and visuals that support your take-home points.

9. End with a Bang

Finish strong with a memorable takeaway or call to action at the end of your blog. 

For example: 

• “Enjoyed this article? Share it with your friends and colleagues!”

• ”Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments below."

• “"Have questions? We'd love to hear from you! Email XYZ@Fakebusiness.com for more.”

10. Promote and Distribute Your Blog

Don’t let your blog gather dust. Actively promote it across your social platforms, newsletters, and online communities. Encourage engagement and sharing to expand your reach. 

To learn how, read: 6 Steps for Creating Content With a Distribution Strategy.

With these insider tips, you’re well on your way to crafting blogs that dazzle and delight. And if you like help, remember our whole team is an email away. 

Happy blogging!