August 3

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist

Updated Mar 23rd2024 with most current information

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist: Tips for Crafting Perfect Posts

Do you want to write perfect blog posts that engage and inform your readers? Whether you’re a beginner or experienced blogger, following this checklist can help you produce high-quality content that will keep people coming back for more. In this post, we’ll cover everything from topic selection to headline writing to SEO. So whether you’re just getting started or looking for ways to improve your current blogging process, read on!

Choosing your topic

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 1

Assuming you already have a blog (and if you don’t, that’s the first step!), the next thing you need to do is come up with ideas for what to write about. This can be tough, especially if you feel like you’ve exhausted all of your go-to topics. If you’re stuck, here are a few places to look for inspiration:

  • Your industry news: What’s happening in your field that you can share your thoughts on?
  • Your company news: Are there any new developments or announcements at your company that you can share?
  • Your personal experiences: Have you recently tried a new product or service related to your industry? Share your experience!
  • Your competitor’s blog: Not sure what to write about? Take a look at what your competitors are blogging about and see if you can add your own spin.

Choose a topic that interests your readers

The first step in writing a great blog post is to choose a topic that will interest your readers. If you’re not sure what to write about, try brainstorming a list of potential topics or looking at popular blogs in your industry for inspiration. Once you’ve selected a topic, it’s time to start crafting your headline.

Pro tips for choosing interesting topics

Here’s some advice from the pros on how to choose topics that will engage your readers:

  • Think about what you would want to read: If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, think about the types of posts you enjoy reading. What topics are you most interested in?
  • Keep it specific: General posts can be tough to write and even tougher to get people to read. Instead of writing a post titled “How to be a better blogger,” try something more specific like “How to come up with ideas for blog posts.”
  • Make it timely: No one wants to read outdated information. Write about something that’s currently relevant and useful to your readers.
  • Think outside the traditional blog post: If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, try thinking outside the traditional blog post format. You could write an interview, host a Q&A, or even create a video tutorial.
  • Keep it short and sweet: Long posts can be overwhelming for readers. If you have a lot to say on a topic, try breaking it up into smaller posts or creating a series.

Do your research

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 3

Once you’ve chosen a topic, it’s important to do your research to ensure that your content is accurate and informative. By gathering information from reliable sources, you can provide your readers with valuable insights into the topic at hand.

Here are a few tips for doing your research:

  • Start with a general search: Use Google or another search engine to find articles, videos, and other resources on your topic.
  • Check the date: Be sure to check the publication date of any sources you’re using to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
  • Look for reputable sources: When you’re looking for information, be sure to check that the source is reputable. Wikipedia can be a great starting point, but always look for other sources to corroborate the information you find.
  • Cite your sources: If you’re quoting or referencing another piece of content, be sure to include a link to the original source. This helps your readers find more information on the topic and shows that you’re using reliable sources.

Your headline is critical

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 5

Your headline is the first (and sometimes only) thing people will read, so it’s important to make it count. A great headline should be attention-grabbing and give readers a sense of what your post is about. Here are a few tips for writing headlines that pack a punch:

  • Make it clear: Avoid ambiguity or vagueness in your headline. Be as specific and clear as possible.
  • Use active voice: Headlines that use active voice are more likely to engage readers. For example, “How to write a great blog post” is better than “Ways to improve your blog writing.”
  • Include keywords: If you’re optimization your post for SEO, be sure to include relevant keywords in your headline.
  • Keep it short: A good rule of thumb is to keep your headlines under 60 characters. This can be a challenge, but shorter headlines are more likely to be read and shared.

Pro tips for writing killer headlines

Here’s some expert advice on how to write headlines that will grab attention and get results:

  • Use numbers: Lists and statistics are a great way to get attention. For example, “15 tips for writing better headlines” is more likely to be read than “How to write better headlines.”
  • Ask a question: Questions are a great way to engage readers and get them curious about your post. For example, “Are you making these headline mistakes?”
  • Use strong adjectives: Adjectives like “amazing,” “incredible,” and “essential” can make your headlines more clickable.
  • Include a call to action: Calls to action like “read now,” “find out more,” or “learn how” can encourage people to click on your headline.

Your headline should be catchy and accurately reflect the content of your post

Your headline is one of the most important elements of your blog post because it’s what will first capture a reader’s attention. For this reason, it’s important to spend some time brainstorming headlines that are both catchy and accurate reflections of the content of your post. Once you’ve settled on a headline, it’s time to start writing your post.

But before you start typing away, there are a few more things to keep in mind.

Battle tested headline formulas

Here are some tried-and-true formulas for crafting headlines that will grab attention and encourage people to click through:

  • The Number Hack: Start your headline with a number (e.g., “25 Ways to Improve Your Blog Posts”)
  • The How-To Headline: Write a headline that promises the reader they will learn how to do something by reading your post (e.g., “How to Write Perfect Blog Posts: The Ultimate Checklist”)
  • The List Post: People love lists! Start your headline with a number and promise the reader a list of things related to your topic (e.g., “50 Blog Post Ideas for When You’re Stuck”)
  • The Shock Factor: Use words that evoke emotion or surprise to pique the reader’s interest (e.g., “The Shocking Truth About Blog Post Writing”)

Start with an introduction that grabs attention and introduces the topic

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 7

Your introduction is essential in grabbing people’s attention and introducing them to the topic at hand. Make sure to write an introduction that is concise and informative, while also being interesting enough to keep people reading. Here are a few tips for writing introductions that pack a punch:

Start with a hook

A hook is an attention-grabbing opening that will entice people to keep reading. Statistics, quotes, and questions are all great ways to start a piece of writing. They provide an immediate way to engage the reader and set the tone for the rest of the piece. A hook can be a powerful tool for grabbing attention and drawing people in. However, it’s important to make sure that the rest of your writing is just as strong. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing your reader’s interest. Therefore, starting with a hook is just one part of creating a successful piece of writing. The rest is up to you.

Get to the point

One of the cardinal rules of writing is to “get to the point.” In other words, don’t beat around the bush; get straight to the heart of the matter. This is especially important in introductions, where you need to grab the reader’s attention and give them a taste of what they can expect from your post. By getting straight to the point, you’ll hold their attention and give them a reason to stick around. So if you want to hook your readers from the start, forget about flowery prose and lengthy introductions; just get to the point.

Include keywords

People are always looking for new ways to improve their search engine ranking. However, one oft-forgotten method is also one of the simplest: including relevant keywords in your content. If you’re writing about a particular topic, be sure to use relevant keywords throughout your post, including in the introduction. This will help search engines understand what your post is about and index it accordingly. In addition, including keywords early on in your post will help to catch the attention of readers who are scanning titles or descriptions looking for something specific. So if you’re hoping to improve your SEO, don’t forget the power of simply using the right keywords.

Write body paragraphs that support your thesis statement

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 9

Once you’ve introduced your topic, it’s important to write body paragraphs that support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should include specific information that backs up your main argument, while also being easy to read and understand.

When writing body paragraphs, it’s important to keep in mind the following tips:

Use evidence to support your argument.

When writing about a topic, it’s important to use evidence to support your argument. This could be in the form of facts, statistics, expert opinions, or personal experiences. Whatever you choose to use, make sure it is relevant and helps strengthen your point of view.

For example, if you are writing about the benefits of exercise, you might include statistics about how many people in the United States are overweight or obese. You might also include an expert opinion from a doctor or fitness trainer about the importance of staying active.

Personal experiences can also be powerful evidence. Perhaps you have a story about how exercise helped you lose weight, gain energy, or improve your mood. Whatever you choose to use, make sure it is convincing and will help your readers understand your perspective.

Make your points clear and concise.

As any writer knows, clarity is essential for effective communication. Your readers should be able to understand your points without struggling, and they should be able to follow the flow of your argument easily. One way to achieve this clarity is to keep your sentences and paragraphs short. This will make your writing more digestible and easier to follow. In addition, use simple language that can be easily understood. Avoid jargon and acronyms, and explain complex concepts clearly. By making your points clear and concise, you can ensure that your readers will be able to follow your argument easily.

Use transitions between paragraphs.

Transitions help to connect one idea to the next, making your argument flow smoothly. Without them, your writing can appear choppy and difficult to follow. When writing body paragraphs, be sure to use transitions to smoothly move from one idea to the next.

Some examples of transition words and phrases include:

  • moreover
  • furthermore
  • in addition
  • additionally
  • nevertheless
  • nonetheless
  • notwithstanding

Stay on topic.

In order to write an effective body paragraph, you must first have a clear idea of what the paragraph is supposed to be about. Once you know the topic of the paragraph, you can then focus on adding supporting details. These details might include examples, quotes, or statistics.

Whatever information you include, make sure it is relevant to the topic and helps to strengthen your argument. If you find yourself including irrelevant details or straying from the main point, take a step back and reevaluate what you are trying to say. By staying on topic, you can ensure that your body paragraphs are clear and concise, and that your readers will be able to follow your train of thought.

Use strong adjectives and verbs.

When writing body paragraphs, it’s important to use descriptive language that helps paint a picture for your readers. Strong adjectives and verbs can help do this, while also adding interest and clarity to your writing. Some examples of strong adjectives include:

  • amazing
  • astonishing
  • bewildering
  • fascinating
  • incredible
  • stunning

Some examples of strong verbs include:

  • accelerate
  • boost
  • captivate
  • elicit
  • enliven
  • enthral
  • intrigue
  • liven up
  • provoke
  • spark
  • stimulate

Use clear and concise language throughout your post

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 11

It’s important to use clear and concise language throughout your post to ensure clarity for your readers. Avoid using complex terms or jargon unless necessary, and make sure all of your sentences are easy to follow. This will help you keep your readers engaged and informed of what you’re saying. Additionally, by writing in a clear and concise manner, you’ll be able to pack more information into each sentence, which is always a good thing. So if you’re looking to improve the clarity of your blog posts, follow these tips:

Use simple terms whenever possible.

In general, it’s always a good idea to use simpler terms instead of more complicated ones. Not everyone knows all the jargon and technical language in every field, so using simpler terms will help ensure that your readers understand what you’re saying. Additionally, using simpler language can make your writing sound more clear and concise. Even if you’re an expert in a particular field, try to use simple terms whenever possible to make your writing more accessible to a wider audience. After all, why use ten words when five will do? By keeping your language simple, you’ll make your writing more relatable and readable for everyone.

Break up your paragraphs into manageable chunks.

Breaking up your paragraphs can be especially helpful if you tend to write lengthy posts. By dividing your content into smaller sections, you can give your readers a much-needed break from all the information. This will help them process what they’ve read and retain more of it. Additionally, it will make it easier for them to find specific information that they’re looking for. So, if you’re looking for ways to make your posts more readable, consider breaking them up into smaller paragraphs. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.

Use short sentences whenever possible.

Use short sentences whenever possible. Not only will this make your content more readable, but it will also make the overall reading process less daunting and more enjoyable. Plus, short sentences can help to break up large blocks of text and make complex topics easier to understand. So next time you sit down to write, remember to keep your sentences short and sweet. Your readers will thank you for it.

End with a conclusion that summarizes your main points

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 13

Once you’ve made your argument and backed it up with evidence, it’s important to conclude your post in a way that summarizes your main points. A good conclusion will leave your readers with a clear understanding of what they’ve just read, and perhaps even provide some food for thought. It’s also a good idea to end on a strong note, such as with a call to action or an interesting quote.

When it comes to writing conclusions, there are a few things you can do to make sure yours is effective:

Restate your main points.

Summarize the main points you made in your post, and remind your readers of what they just learned. This will help them to remember what they read, and leave them with a clear understanding of the main takeaways.

Offer your thoughts on the topic.

After presenting all the evidence, it’s important to give your readers your own thoughts on the topic. What are your feelings about it? What do you think the implications are? This will help to further engage your readers and get them thinking about the issue at hand.

Leave them with something to think about.

As a blog post wraps up, the goal is to leave readers with something to think about. What questions does this post raise for them? How will they apply what they’ve learned? provoking thought and discussion is a key component of effective blogging, so don’t be afraid to ask your readers to ponder some big questions. By doing so, you’ll not only encourage them to keep engaging with your content, but you’ll also deepen their understanding of the topic at hand. So next time you sit down to write a blog post, make sure to leave your readers with something to think about. It just might be the most important part of the whole post.

Edit and proofread your post before publishing it

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 15

It’s always a good idea to edit and proofread your post before publishing it online. This ensures that there are no errors in your writing and that the content is presented in a polished manner.

Editing involves checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes, as well as ensuring that the content flows logically from one sentence to the next. Proofreading is the process of checking for mistakes in terms of accuracy, such as wrong facts or figures.

Both editing and proofreading are important steps in creating high-quality content, so make sure you take the time to do them properly. Here are a few tips on how to edit and proofread your posts like a pro:

Read your post out loud

One of the best ways to catch mistakes in your writing is to read it out loud. This will help you to catch errors in terms of grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t make sense. Reading your work out loud can also help you to get a sense of the rhythm and flow of your writing, and whether or not it sounds natural. So next time you’re proofreading your work, make sure to give it a read-through aloud – it could make all the difference.

Use a spell checker

A spell checker can be a lifesaver when it comes to catching errors in your writing. It’s especially helpful for catching words that are spelled correctly but used incorrectly, such as “affect” versus “effect”. By running your writing through a spell checker, you can be confident that you’ve caught any mistakes and that your writing is error-free. Additionally, spell checkers can often suggest alternative words or phrases that can improve your writing. So, if you’re ever unsure about a word choice, running it through a spell checker can give you some guidance. Ultimately, using a spell checker is a simple way to make sure your writing is as polished as possible.

Use a grammar checker

A grammar checker is a great tool for finding and correcting mistakes in your writing. By identifying incorrect verb tenses, incorrect use of pronouns, and other grammar mistakes, a grammar checker can help you to improve your writing skills. In addition, a grammar checker can also help you to avoid making common mistakes in your writing. By using a grammar checker, you can ensure that your writing is error-free and easy to read.

Get someone else to edit your post

If you want to ensure that your post is error-free, it’s a good idea to have someone else edit it for you. This can be a friend or family member, or you can hire a professional editor if you want someone with more expertise. Having another set of eyes look over your work can help to catch any mistakes you may have missed, and can also give you some feedback on your writing. In addition, having someone else edit your post can also help to improve the overall clarity and quality of your writing. So if you’re looking to take your writing to the next level, be sure to get someone else to edit your post for you.

Check for style inconsistencies

One of the most important aspects of creating well-designed content is to maintain a consistent style throughout. This means making sure that all of your headings, subheadings, and paragraph styles are in harmony with one another. By doing so, you will help to give your content a polished and professional appearance. Of course, this is not always an easy task, but it is well worth the effort. Remember, the little details often make the biggest difference.

Add images and multimedia content

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 17

Images and multimedia content can help break up the text and keep your readers engaged. Make sure any images you use are high quality and relevant to the article, and be sure to add captions for extra context. You can also add videos, infographics, or other types of multimedia content for a more dynamic post.

When it comes to images, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Use high quality images whenever possible.

As any blog owner knows, images are essential for making your posts stand out. Not only do they add visual interest, but they can also help to convey a message or tell a story. However, it’s important to use high quality images whenever possible. Poor quality images will look unprofessional and can actually hurt your blog’s credibility. If you don’t have access to high quality images, there are a number of free stock photo websites you can use. Just make sure to read the licensing agreement before using any photos so you don’t get in trouble!

Add captions for extra context.

When adding captions to images, be sure to include keywords that describe the image and its content. This will help Google index the image properly and may even improve your website’s ranking in search results. Be sure to keep your captions concise, as too much text can be off-putting for readers. A good rule of thumb is to keep your captions under 100 words. Lastly, don’t forget to proofread your captions for grammar and spelling mistakes. A few errors can damage your credibility and make you seem unprofessional. By taking the time to add captions to your images, you can provide more information for readers while also improving your website’s SEO.

Use relevant images whenever possible.

In today’s world, a picture is worth a thousand words. As such, it’s important to use relevant images whenever possible to help illustrate your points. Nothing is more frustrating than reading an article that is full of dry, text-only information. Adding an image can really help break up the monotony and add some visual interest. Just make sure that the image you choose actually adds something to the article. There’s no point in including an irrelevant image just for the sake of it. If an image doesn’t help illustrate your points or add anything to the article, it’s not worth using. So whenever possible, try to use relevant images to help bring your articles to life.

Optimize for SEO

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 19

To ensure that your post reaches as many people as possible, optimize it for SEO. Use keywords throughout the article, add links to other related posts on your blog, and utilize other SEO best practices. This will help improve your blog’s visibility online and attract more readers in the long run.

SEO is important, but don’t sacrifice quality for keywords

As you’re writing your post, it’s important to keep SEO (search engine optimization) in mind. This means using keywords throughout your post and in your headline to help your content rank higher in search engine results. However, don’t sacrifice the quality of your content for the sake of keywords. Stuffing your post full of keywords will not only make it difficult to read, but it will also turn off potential readers.

SEO basics for bloggers

One of the most important things to remember when blogging is that SEO should always be top of mind. After all, if people can’t find your content, they can’t read it! Here are a few basic SEO tips for bloggers:

  • Choose keywords carefully: When you’re choosing keywords for your post, think about what people might be searching for on Google. Try to choose keywords that are relevant to your topic and that have a high search volume.
  • Use those keywords throughout your post: Make sure to include them in the title, in the body of the post, and in the tags and keywords section of your blog platform.
  • Link internally and externally: When possible, link to other blog posts on your own site as well as to external websites with relevant information. Not only does this help with SEO, but it also provides valuable information for your readers.
  • Optimize images: Whenever possible, include an image with your post and make sure to optimize it using keywords and alt text. This will help improve your SEO ranking and ensure that people can see your images even if they’re not connected to the internet.
  • Publish regularly: The best way to improve your SEO ranking is by publishing fresh content on a regular basis. This tells Google that your site is active and worth ranking high up on their search results pages.

Final thoughts on our ultimate blog post writing checklist

The Ultimate Blog Post Writing Checklist 21

As we come to the end of our blog writing guide, we wanted to leave you with a few final thoughts. By following the tips in this guide, you can be sure that your blog posts are of the highest quality possible. From coming up with ideas to writing headlines and proofreading your work, take the time to craft perfect posts that will engage and inform your readers. And don’t forget to optimize for SEO to ensure that as many people as possible see your content. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to becoming a top-notch blogger. Thanks for reading!


Tags

Blogging, Content


You may also like