Setting up a personal blog has never been so easy. But coming up with ideas of what to write may not be as easy as you think.

A blog is a great way to express yourself online. I love my blog because it’s one of my creative outlet and acts as a great learning tool, encouraging me to improve the way I write.

I’ve been writing content online for three years now and have compiled a list of tips on ways you can write a better personal blog.

 

5 ways to write a better blog

1. Include a short, sharp eye catching title

As a Digital Marketer I know what’s needed to optimise the content I post online. I try to ensure that what I write and post has the best chance possible of being found.

One way to optimise your content is by having a catchy title. I admit I don’t always use a catchy title. But when I do I make sure to use the most relevant keywords towards to the start of the title. Make you blog titles short and sharp with no more than 55 characters.

2. Have a punchy introduction sentence and a subtle call to action

People consume more content than ever before. This means you have less time and more competition to get their attention.

Let your readers know from the beginning what your post is going to be about. Don’t rely on them skimming through your post to get an idea of what you are trying to convey. Your reader’s are time poor. So give them a reason to stay by writing a compelling introduction.

It’s nice from time to time to include a call to action. Examples of what a call to action could be include:

• Ending your post with a question to encourage questions and comments from your readers
• Asking your readers to click on a link to read a part two of your post. Here is an example of a post I wrote about Shoes of Prey which features more than one part
• A subscription form. Perhaps you want your readers to sign up for something to increase your database

Whatever you choose make sure it’s not tacky or salesy. There is nothing worse than ending a great post with a pushy call to action. It makes you come across as being a greedy and selfish and trust me, your readers will see right through it.

3. Use nice photos and stay away from crappy istock photos (like this one)

I can’t say this enough, but STAY AWAY from fake looking photoshopped photos. It’s so yesterday! There is nothing worse than seeing corny photos used on a website. Your audience is smart and can tell a fake photo from one that you have taken.

People appreciate photos that are natural and realistic, and that are taken by you. Stick with photos that are sharp and crisp. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your composition and lighting and try adding a caption under each photo.

4. Be yourself, come across as a real person who cares what they write about

People relate to other people’s real experiences and opinions. Be confident in what you write about and share with online.

5. Don’t forget to acknowledge people who leave comments

If people take the time to read your blog and leave a comment the least you can do is respond. I find it extremely rude when I leave a comment or ask a question and don’t receive a reply.

I thought I would end this post by sharing some links to two favourite bloggers of mine at the moment. These ladies do a lot of great things with their blog and over content online.

1. Shine By Three – Some of the most amazing, crisp, eye catching, mouth watering photos I’ve seen on any fashion blog. This chick rocks and I use her as an inspiration of what I’d like my photos to look like one day.

2. Lady Melbourne – I love how sincere and honest Phoebe comes across on her blog. She is genuine. I think the way that she poses in her photos has a cute and classy feel to it. It’s refreshing because she is clearly not influenced with other fashion and lifestyle blogs and has continued to keep to her unique look and feel.

Let me know if you have a lifestyle, fashion or beauty blog that you enjoy reading. I would love to take a look at it!