Blog posts are still the go-to content for marketers, and for good reason. Did you know 9 of 10 marketers use blogging to hit their content goals? And it works—companies that blog get 55% more website visitors than those that don’t. It makes sense when you think about it. Most people would instead learn about a company through an article than an ad.
But here’s the thing: rushing out a blog post to meet a deadline isn’t the way to go. With so many options online, readers won’t stick around for half-baked content. Blog writing services know that quality is vital to keep their attention and make an impact.
Top Strategies to Captivate Your Blog Readers
Before you hire blog writers, keep an eye out for these best practices:
Write a Working Headline
Site visitors take eight seconds to decide if a blog is worth their time. A captivating headline can ensure they give your content a chance.
Start by brainstorming a working title. Think about your topic and how to make it more specific and exciting. This is where you narrow down what you want to focus on.
For example, if you’re writing about “blogging,” you need a more focused title. Your headline will also depend on your post’s format. Whether it’s a list, how-to guide, or explainer, come up with a few options to guide your writing.
Here is a simple example to illustrate this point: 10 Proven Strategies to Skyrocket Your Blog Traffic in 30 Days.
This headline works because it gets straight to the point—it’s all about strategies to boost blog traffic. If you’re a blogger or website owner wanting to grow your audience, this speaks directly to you. Plus, it doesn’t just tease; it promises specifics—10 strategies you can use in 30 days. That mix of urgency and practicality makes it feel doable.
It’s also nice and short, with no extra fluff, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. As you write, feel free to workshop the title.
Hook with a Killer Introduction
The introduction of your blog post is like the first impression. It’s the first paragraph that sits right under the title, usually visible right away without scrolling. This part is crucial because it needs to grab your reader’s attention fast and make them want to keep reading.
Your intro should also clearly tell the reader what the post is about. You don’t want them feeling misled—no one likes clickbait. So, make sure your content matches the promise of your headline.
Make those first lines count whether you use humor, a surprising fact, or ask a question. Think about what would make you keep reading and use that to craft an intro that hooks your audience and sets up the rest of your post. Keep it brief but engaging like this intro:
Deliver Value in the Body
Your blog post’s body is where you deliver value to your readers. Whether you write it yourself or hire blog writers, this is your chance to shine.
Here’s how you can make the blog body engaging for readers:
- Break It Up: Divide your content into sections with headers and subheaders. Use WordPress’s heading tags (H1 through H6) to keep things organized.
- Cover Key Points: Try to cover more points than your competitors, but only if they’re relevant. Don’t just add fluff—readers can spot that a mile away and won’t stick around.
- Add Visuals: Include images and videos where it makes sense. Visuals help explain things better and give readers a break from big chunks of text.
- Keep it within seven minutes – Ideally, aim for about 2,100 words, though this can change based on your topic. According to Medium, the best blog post takes no longer than seven minutes to read.
- Break up lengthy paragraphs – Break up long paragraphs to keep things readable and engaging. Each paragraph should be three to four sentences long.
Use Transitional Phrases for Flow
The main goal of each paragraph isn’t just to make a point or share info. It’s to get your reader to read the next paragraph.
Think of it like a “bucket brigade,” a term from copywriter Maxwell Ross. Before modern fire trucks, people would form a line to pass buckets of water to put out fires. If they didn’t pass the bucket smoothly, the water would spill.
In the same way, each paragraph should smoothly lead the reader to the next one, keeping them hooked throughout.
Here are some excellent examples:
- “Let’s dive into that next.”
- “Here’s where it gets exciting…”
- “Now, let’s explore this idea further.”
- “You might be asking yourself…”
- “Next up, we’ll cover…”
- “But there’s more to consider…”
Bring it Home with an Actionable Conclusion
Your conclusion is the perfect place to include a Call to Action (CTA). This is where you guide your readers on what to do after finishing your post. A CTA tells them exactly how they can engage further with your content or brand.
Here are some common CTAs blog writing services might use:
- Share on Social Media: Encourage readers to share your article with friends or followers. A simple line like, “If you found this helpful, share it on social media!” can go a long way.
- Leave a Comment: Ask readers to leave their thoughts or questions in the comments section. For example, “What do you think about this topic? Drop a comment below!”
- Bookmark the Article: Suggest that they save the post for later reference. For example, you might say, “Bookmark this article so you can easily come back to it.”
- Review the Article: Invite readers to leave a review or rating if your platform allows it. Something like, “Liked what you read? Leave a review!”
- Download a Content Upgrade: Offer additional value through a download, such as an eBook, checklist, or guide. “Get our free guide on [topic] by downloading here!”
A clear and engaging CTA helps keep the interaction going and adds value to your blog post.
These tips can help you in marketplace branding and stand out in a niche marketplace. Whether you hire blog writers or use these techniques yourself, crafting compelling blogs is key to standing out from the competition.
Your content style is their unique stamp. It sets your work apart and makes it instantly recognizable. Your unique approach and writing style can make your blogs more engaging and memorable. Experiment with these blog writing tips to find your unique blogging style.