Here’s the thing… I don’t follow a blog writing formula and haven’t for years. In fact, I’m not sure I ever did. But if you’re just getting started, following a formula can be a great way to learn how to blog. You’ll write faster and more confidently. And you’ll probably post more often too.
If you already feel confident with blogging, just ignore this and write however you like.
But if you’re staring at a blank page and not sure how to get started, copy and paste this formula onto your page and start filling in the sections. Once you’ve done that, all you need to do is link each section together so that the ideas flow smoothly, and you’ll have yourself a blog!
A simple blog writing formula
Introduction
- Say what you’re going to say: what’s the main point you want to make or problem you want to solve? Hint: just rewrite/expand on the title you’re working off.
- Share a relevant story or personal anecdote if you have one.
- Say how you’re going to say it: what are three ways you can talk about it or support your argument
Supporting idea #1
- What is it?
- How is it relevant?
Supporting idea #2
- What is it?
- How is it relevant?
Supporting idea #3
- What is it?
- How is it relevant?
Conclusion
- So, what did you say again? Summarise it.
- What should the reader do next? For example, leave a comment, make some change to their life, or share the blog with a friend.
Things to add to your blog
So, you’ve written your blog. Now what? You can keep it as is… it’s fine to post. But you can make it even more engaging, readable, and useful if you add the following extra features:
- At least one image (a featured image)
- Bullet points and numbered lists
- Headings
- Links to supporting/relevant articles (on your own site or on others you trust)
Blogging advice I don’t follow
As you can see from this blog (and nearly all my other blogs), I don’t follow a blog writing formula. When I write, I mostly just think about what’s useful to my reader and how to write it in a way that’s engaging, interesting, and easy to understand. But I do nearly always include some kind of introduction, conclusion, headings, a call to action, and a featured image.
If you focus on your reader and make the blog about their needs, you can forget about blogging formulas and just go with the flow.
Over to you…
Do you follow formulas when writing your blogs? Or when writing other types of copy? If so, let me know in the comments!
🙂 Angela
