7Tips to A GOOD POST

Pick a Topic

This might be the hardest part if you don’t use an editorial calendar or already know what your topic is. To keep ideas handy, create a list for every possibility that pops into your head at random moments. Keep it on your desktop, laptop, smart phone, or notepad. Jot ideas on a paper plate or napkin if you have to. Then transfer regularly to your POST CALENDAR. Try browsing through blog comments, emails, or previous posts if you’re drawing a blank. What do your readers need to know about? Call a friend, post in a forum or on Facebook, or even tweet the question What do you need to know about [your blog’s focus]?

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Working Headline

Crafting a headline keeps you focused on your topic and your purpose. Even if you end up rewording, a headline makes a promise you have to keep.

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Sooner or later you’ll get a few good ones

Having trouble? Write one sentence that describes the topic and the value you’ll provide. Now try variations in rapid succession for 5 or 10 minutes. Just let go and write freely..

Key Points Brainstorm, choose, and develop at

least 2-3 main points

Generate a list of every step, idea, concept, or element that comes to mind. What’s important? What’s not? Even if you’re not using a numbered list, you still need to make some key points. If you can only think of one or two, your topic might be too narrow. What’s the big picture? Can one of those points be developed into two? If you need to list 25 steps to be thorough, narrow it down or combine them. What part of the topic is complex enough for an entire post? Do some quick research, if needed, and use your headline as search terms. Then sketch out a rough draft that gives your readers the information they need to know.

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Introduction

Leaving the introduction for next-to-last or last is great because you’ve warmed up to your topic—how many times have you wrestled with beginnings? By now you’ve caught a rhythm and have your readers in mind. You’re talking to them, thinking of them, imagining what it’s like to be in their shoes. Your introduction should create a scenario that invites readers in. Show you care and understand the reader’s problem with lively, empathetic writing. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Just tell your readers what’s ahead and how you’ll solve the problem or provide some answers.

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Call To Action 5

Write a Conclusion or a Sum up your main idea, and tell your readers what to do next. Offer encouragement or tips on how to reach the goal. Or express hope that at least a few of your points struck a chord, resonated deeply, or seemed helpful. Even a sentence or two about your own struggles can be great: “You know, I’ve been there. It’s frustrating, but when you master these steps like I have, you’ll be free of that problem forever.” If the post is more about personal experience, sum up what you’ve learned and how readers benefit. You can even tell them to buy your product or download your free solution to the problem.

Proof and Repeat

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Check that you’ve given about equal attention to all your key points. Read out loud: Is it smooth? Lively? Be sure you’ve included all necessary steps or points and developed them sufficiently. Don’t forget to check grammar and punctuation! When you’re done writing, proofread carefully for spelling, capitalization, list numbers, extra spaces, and missing or doubled-up words. Nobody’s perfect, but many bloggers would have 100% better posts if they’d take time to edit and proofread.

Post It 7

That wasn’t so hard, was it? If you write your posts in a separate app like I do (I use Pages or Word), proofread again in The Post Place preview mode. In a different format, you’re likely to spot something you didn’t notice before. Be sure to double-check your formatting, text wrap for graphics, photo credits (if any),

RECAP 7 Tips To a GOOD Post

PICK A TOPIC

CREATE WORKING HEADLINE

WRITE A CONCLUSIO/CALL TO ACTION

DEVELOP 2-3 MAIN POINTS

WRITE INTRODUCTION

EDIT, PROOF & REVISE

POST IT