How to Write a Blog Post that Sizzles (& Win Legions of Fans)
June 4, 2023 by Barbara Elder
It’s your golden ticket to user engagement and online success …
Learning how to write a blog post that knocks ’em dead, pierces your reader’s soul, and offers encouraging solutions to her darkest fears.
One that hooks your reader from the get-go, and draws her in – like a fisherman’s net – with each tantalizing snippet …
She feels compelled to read on.
To feast on each delicious slice of seasoned advice that, incredibly, seems to speak directly to her …
Until the lip-smacking taste of the ultimate solution is gloriously revealed!
Want to discover some of the magic?
Let’s dig in.
1. Craft a Savory, Tantalizing Headline
So, what ingredients do I bake into a slam-dunk headline? Glad you asked.
Turns out … not only are they super easy, but essential for success.
Here are the key elements …
- Your headline must tease, never satisfy. A fragrant whiff of what’s ahead is all you need.
- Your headline must immediately connect with your reader, and address a nagging issue she had no idea you knew.
- It must promise your reader a solution to that bugging problem that keeps her up at night.
- Never, ever, over-promise. Keep it real.
- Use sensory words in your headline. Imagine what your reader can see, smell, taste, hear… and feel.
- Eliminate all unnecessary, head-scratching words, and only write words that add value, power and punch.
- Keep it short, according to Gogle stipulations (around 60 characters). Otherwise, Google will cut you off in mid-sentence.
2. Make Your Intros Smooth, Seductive, and Laced with Empathy
Want your reader to stay intrigued?
Now that you’ve got her hooked, the last thing you want to do at this point is bore her with starchy, holier-than-thou prose.
Remember, readers are fickle. They’ll tune out and log off faster than a pesky mosquito.
Instead, stay rooted in their mind and heart, as you continue to ignite their imagination and curiosity.
Here are some great tips to write engaging blog posts that capture your reader’s trust … and soul …
- Make your empathy palpable. Show your reader you’ve been there, done that … you get them completely.
- Think of the emotions you want to trigger in your reader – fear, shame, sadness, hope, courage, joy – and write with effortless authenticity.
- Use crisp, efficient sentences, each one flowing naturally to the next. Set a comfortable rhythm.
- Bring your reader’s worst fears to the surface. Expose them. Feel them with her.
- Finally … hint at the solution at hand.
- A word of wisdom … make sure your introduction satisfies search intent, i.e. the reason your reader clicked your headline in the first place.
3. Deliver Heartily on the Promise of Your Post
You’ve done a great job so far … earning your reader’s trust, and leading them along on your journey.
It’s critical to keep them riveted, to love what they’ve read so far, and to trust you implicitly.
So, it’s up to you to not simply deliver, but over-deliver, on your promise.
Keep them engaged, alert …
And invested in your every word.
Here’s how …
- Deliver advice that’s valuable, easy to consume, and impossible to ignore.
- Make yourself indispensible.
- Make your reader’s experience seem effortless, easy, and fun.
- Divide your advice into easily scannable subheads, each one invoking curiosity.
- Add a unique, refreshing twist to a few of your advice nuggets. Avoid regurgitation of the same-old, same-old.
- Don’t be skimpy with your readers. Give them detailed solutions and generous advice.
- Save your best tips for the start and ending of this section. Make your reader finish with a feeling of delightful satisfaction.
4. Close with an Empowering, Motivational Fist Pump
Now that we’re at the finish line, it’s time to end your post with a generous dose of inspiration.
Make your reader share your excitement and feel your confidence.
Assure her that she’s got this, now that she’s heard your sage advice … and success is well within her grasp.
Allow her to savor the sweet scent of success and then take action … with gusto.
Try these tips …
- Make your reader believe that, regardless of her past struggles, her time is now.
- Use passionate encouragement, and let your reader know that you believe in her.
- Never insert new material in your closing. This is jarring and off putting.
- When writing your conclusion, put yourself in your reader’s shoes.
- The more you can imagine how she is feeling at this point of her journey, the more you can inspire her to take action with confidence.
- Give your closing headline as much attention and creativity as all your others. Never disappoint with a bland In Conclusion.
- Don’t waste this final opportunity!
5. Polish Your Blog Post Till It Sparkles With Perfection
That’s right … your work isn’t done once you’ve finished writing your post.
Proofreading and editing for spelling and grammar errors, awkward turns of phrase, illogical sequencing, are all important and necessary skills to get your post ready to publish.
It’s also a great idea to read your post out loud to yourself. You’ll be amazed how the sound of your words, as well as the rhythm of your text can prompt you to make all those little tweaks that’ll turn your post from okay to per-fect!
Here are some tips to bear in mind as you do your final edit …
- Use bullet points to list related ideas in each section. This makes your post far easier to scan and digest.
- Make sure your tone is natural and authentic. Remember… this is a friendly conversation, not a professorial lecture.
- Avoid weak, flimsy terms when giving advice, such as might, maybe, perhaps. These will make you sound anything but confident.
- Season your text with passion and energy. If you can’t resist a yawn when reading it over, chances are neither can your readers.
- Pay attention to the appearance of your page. Make sure sentences and paragraphs are short and crisp, and there’s plenty of white space to make your reader relax and enjoy the experience.
- Make your page attractive by adding images where appropriate.
- Speak the language of your reader by adding metaphors or examples to simplify complex ideas.
Your Legions of Fans Are Counting on You
Now that you know how to write a blog post like a pro, it’s your turn to enter center stage … with poise, confidence, and joy.
All the experiences that have enriched your life can now transform the lives of all the eager searchers who happen upon your page.
Rise proudly to the occasion, and make them excited to have discovered you, and your awesome take on all things life related.
Just remember … your readers are counting on you …
Your ideas are counting on you …
And both are worth it!
A Special Surprise Before You Go …
It’d be cheeky to mention cool blogging tips without giving props to blogger extraordinaire, Jon Morrow.
Jon is the founder of Smart Blogger, who has made his mark by writing viral blog posts … posts that smash through all expectations, and surge relentlessly towards millions and millions of adoring fans.
When asked, What makes your writing so great?, Jon’s answer is simple …
Empathy.
If you can’t ride in your reader’s skin, he says, you’ll never be a great writer.
Here are two of his viral blasts … the first, guaranteed to move you to outrage, wonder, tears, and awe, as you can’t resist reading over and over again …
On Dying, Mothers, and Fighting for Your Ideas
… the second, offering you three tantalizing life-changing options, each one more deliciously tempting than the other …
How to Quit Your Job, Move to Paradise and Get Paid to Change the World
Both posts are compelling, inspirational, and evoke explosive emotions.
You read them … and you are never quite the same again!
| Target Keyword | How to Write a Blog Post |
| Secondary Keywords | Blogging Tips Blogger Writing Viral Blog Posts |
| Searcher Intent | The searcher is a blogging enthusiast looking to learn about ways to improve the quality of their articles. They are searching for a comprehensive list of smart blogging tips with enticing descriptions and inspiring images, in the form of a list post. |
3+ Priceless Copywriting Secrets Exposed in a Classic Piano Ad
June 8, 2023 by Barbara Elder
They snickered as I approached the piano … exchanging glances of thinly veiled mockery as I took my seat.
The room echoed with their murmurs of contempt.
But when I adjusted my posture, and positioned my fingers over the keyboard …
I could hear gasps of hushed excitement.
And then the room suddenly grew silent …
The Secret of Storytelling …
We’re all captivated by a riveting story, aren’t we? Curiosity always gets the better of us, and we feel the urge to press on.
- So… what happens next?
- How does it end?
- Does the poor guy manage to silence his critics and win the day?
- And what’s the back story to all this contempt anyway?
Copywriting Secret #1 … Begin with an Intriguing Hook
Before we even get into the nitty-gritty of the story, consider what was it that made you read on in the first place?
Some feature that compelled you to pause, possibly think Hmmm, and then open the link to your story.
That feature, of course, is an irresistible headline … one that fascinates, and is unique, intriguing, and, for some reason, urgently compelling.
Copywriting Secret #2 … It’s the Story that has the Powerful Emotional Pull
That’s right. The secret sauce that’ll captivate your reader lies in the story! A story that connects on a personal, emotional level. You feel for our piano guy because you’ve been there.
We’ve all been there.
You’re all too familiar with that sense of anxiety and awkwardness as you struggle to prove your worth. You’ve felt the pain of rejection. And the crushing insecurity that follows.
We all have at one time or another in our lives.
His story resonates with you. It touches you. You’re emotionally invested in it. And you’re rooting for him all the way.
We all love a touch of drama and excitement in our lives, don’t we? Not too much, mind you, but just enough to fire up our imagination.
And it’s no different from whipping up your prospects’ enthusiasm for the goods and services you’d like them to buy.
So … consider this …
If you are marketing, say, an online Master Class in piano lessons, would it not be far more compelling to engage your reader with a fascinating story – a story that creates a bond of empathy between you – rather than simply listing the features and benefits of your course?
As impressive as they might be?
The answer … absolutely!
Copywriting Secret #3 … Only Then, Allow Reason and Logic to Make Your Case
To be sure, you will move on to explore the outstanding features and benefits of your services.
You will underscore your company’s unique value to your prospective readers.
And how your product surpasses the competition in fulfilling their needs and expectations.
But … just not in your lead.
Logic, reason, and common sense have a powerful role to play, as you clinch the deal.
These are the elements that justify your prospects’ decision. The ones that reinforce their clarity of thought and good judgment …
But only after you have tapped into their emotions.
The rational segment is where you underscore your product’s features and persuasive benefits. In our piano lesson example, these might be …
- All those memories of the awkward, bullied teenager will finally be put to rest by learning this new confidence-building skill.
- Your kids and spouse will now consider you their hero as you master the art of piano playing.
- Maybe you’ll even be able to earn a supplementary income from weekend gigs as you become increasingly proficient.
And, by the way … have you noticed here that we’ve listed the benefits first before the features?
You want your prospects to see themselves benefiting personally, and in significant ways, even as they check out the amazing features.
Great Content Strengthens Your Hand …
Regardless of how you decide to hook your reader, and tug at his emotional heartstrings, consider always that relevant, sales-focused content is key. Content that articulates:
- A Big Idea with a clear Promise. Our emotionally charged lead story paints a compelling picture and suggests to your prospect that the ultimate reward of pride and confidence can be achieved by pursuing this course.
- A Unique Selling / Solution Proposition … one that convincingly answers the question, So What? What’s In It for Me?
- A strong, appealing Call to Action. This is our closing salvo, offered after all the elements have been presented in compelling fashion.
And the Bonus Copywriting Secret?
This one’s quite simple. Weaving stories into your sales pitch is your digital marketing superpower.
Stories get you right where you want to be … in your prospects’ hearts before you make your way to their heads.
Which is why the ability to tell a good story is an essential skill for any copywriter.
So … What Happened to Our Piano Guy? How Did His Story End?
You just had to ask, didn’t you?
After all, curiosity will always win the day.
So, let’s consider this …
To make your sale richly rewarding … your story must have an implied deeply satisfying ending.
An ending that is sure to make your reader feel good.
An ending that makes him smile with satisfaction, as he readily responds to your compelling Call to Action.
Time to Get Cookin’
Now that you have all your savory ingredients, and your pot lies ready and waiting on the stove …
It’s your turn to whip up your magical sauce.
Just take a slow, deep breath, and wow your readers with your unique copywriting secrets … your intoxicating dash of ingenuity, together with your alluring dollop of excitement ..
You’ve got this, and it’s time to show ‘em …
How your awe-inspiring creation can be doggone life-changing!
| Target Keyword | Copywriting Secrets |
| Secondary Keywords | Storytelling Digital Marketing Copywriter |
| Searcher Intent | The searcher is a blogging enthusiast looking to learn about ways to improve the quality of their articles. They are searching for a comprehensive list of smart blogging tips with enticing descriptions and inspiring images, in the form of a list post. |
On Mothers, Babies, and the Triumph of Hope
… The Miracle of Birth, The Fragility of Life, and The Power of Survival
June 11, 2023 by Barbara Elder
I gripped the seat handles and stiffened as I always did once the turbulence began. I hated flying.
Just then, as if in response to my panicked mind, I felt it. A tiny little nudge within me. Faint and gentle at first, and then more palpable. And unforgettable.
Pregnant with my firstborn, this was the first time my baby had stirred.
But I knew exactly what it meant. This little kick of reassurance was my little boy’s way of saying: Hey mom, we’re in this together and we’ve got this.
And, just like that, I felt instant peace of mind.
The significance of that wee connection was powerful. I sensed somehow that our ride together was sure to be exciting and memorable … I just had no idea how much.
Preparing for a Safe Landing
I chose a Peter Rabbit wallpaper theme for my baby’s nursery.
Playful bunnies scampering in pastel meadows along the walls, anchored by the soft, cream carpet.
And, next to the crib, lovingly restored, with memories of time etched in the antique oak, stood my grandmother’s comfy old rocker… her gift to me as we awaited the arrival of our firstborn.
I had created a cozy, nurturing space for our eagerly anticipated occupant. Every little detail had been crafted with love and care. I was super excited.
One project remained. It was a little patchwork quilt that I was painstakingly piecing together. I had left this to the end, just to be sure that the colors coordinated perfectly with the tone and texture of the room.
Yes, there I go again… perfection in everything!
After all, I had a month left, to the day. So, no biggie. Or so I figured.
Coming Ready or Not
My doctor sounded cheerfully casual as I went for my usual checkup. “Well, we’re a month before your due date, but seems like this baby’s coming today.” He seemed to sneak in another look, just to be sure. “Yep. Congratulations… you’re in labor!”
I choked on the mix of emotions churning in my throat. Perplexed irritation at his offhand tone was certainly one of them. How the heck could he be so darn blasé when I’m feeling such raw panic?
The truth is … my usual super organized, disciplined brain had been jolted off course, and harsh reality was hurtling my way.
In the flash of an instant, memories of my idyllic nursery became shrouded in wisps of mist, until there was no trace left.
Just naked fear and anxiety.
Cruise Control … What’s That?
My doctor estimates that the baby will probably arrive at four o’clock that afternoon. It’s only eleven in the morning, so I bravely dispatch my husband, assuring him that he’d have ample time to be there for it all later in the day.
As I settle into my room, I have vague recollections of a nurse bustling about with crisp efficiency, plumping pillows, offering me sips of water, checking my vitals.
I hardly take notice as I’m now starting to freak out… and ask myself what had possessed me to dismiss my husband at this, my most precarious hour.
My habitual self- discipline — a proudly worn badge of honor — has now completely vanished, and I begin to realize that my life will probably never encounter that component again.
My husband calls to check in. He’s busy at the office. No sense in sharing my angst with him, I figure.
“Everything’s cool,” I assure him. “No great pain, no great development.”
We chat for a while, and he assures me he’ll be there at four as promised.
Little Stu Bursts on the Scene
As he hangs up all hell breaks loose. Waters break, pain intensifies. By now the nurse has popped outside.
“Oh, my God!” I cry out. “Nurse, nurse, come back quick!” I’m in agony and trying hard not to panic. “Just breathe,” I tell myself. “Breathe, exhale, breathe, exhale.”
I seem to have a dim recollection that you should start panting to overcome the urge to push, so I start panting wildly instead.
The nurse bustles in with her cohorts, unflappable efficiency still intact, and I am rushed to the delivery room.
There, amidst a blur of anticipation, excitement, pain, fear, exhilaration, where the heck is my husband when I most need him angst, I hear my doctor utter the precious words…
“You have a beautiful little boy!”
And Baby Makes Three
When my husband finally makes it and learns that our baby has already arrived, he doesn’t know whether to laugh, cry, scream, or sing. He’s confused, happy, and excited, but clearly pained that he wasn’t there for me and our little son.
I assure him it’s not his fault. This was our first delivery, we trusted the doctor’s estimate, my husband had done everything that we had agreed he should do.
We simply had not banked on one little factor…Babies Rule. They reverse the natural pecking order. They call the shots the moment they arrive!
A Heartbreaking Turn
Our little boy is under the 5lb ‘safe’ limit, so is immediately put in an incubator and we are all prevented from going near or holding him.
He is called a ‘preemie’ and I gaze anxiously through the window of the NICU as the nurses handle him with calm, kind, gentle proficiency. One of them cups him in the palm of her hand to show me how tiny and fragile he is.
I am in awe. He is beautiful, with fine, delicate features, watery-blue eyes, and soft, auburn curls. I try to take it all in, this surreal scene.
Then I learn that we have a problem. He has what is called a meconium plug. Simply put, he’s bunged up and cannot ‘go’.
We spend agonizing days waiting for this first crisis to pass. He’s twisted and bent in every position to try to gently coax it out. I can sense that the doctors are getting increasingly concerned.
A Mother’s Anguish
The next day there is still no progress, and our little son is rushed from the NICU to have x-rays taken of his gut to ascertain the problem.
I wait in my room, my stomach in knots, incredulous at the events of the last few days.
I still haven’t been allowed to go near him, and my heart is breaking.
On the way back to the NICU from x-rays the nurse comes quietly into my room, hands me this precious little bundle, and says, “I know how you must feel. Give him a quick hug before I take him back. I shouldn’t even be doing this!”
I cannot adequately describe the joy I feel on finally being able to hold my little boy, to hug him, and kiss him, to feel those tiny, soft fingers wrap instinctively around mine, to smile in amusement at his little ‘embryonic’ toenails, as I called them, to softly soothe him, and reassure him that together, we would get through this crisis.
He is perfect in every way… just fragile and miniature. I have no doubt that we will make it. It simply makes no sense that a soul that has burst on the scene a month early with such determined spunk would plan to exit any time soon.
He is just even more special, because he has suffered, as he struggles to survive.
I want to cry, but I feel so much joy and pride in the moment. “In my lifetime,” I whisper to him, “I will always be there for you!”
I hand him back to the nurse and say a quiet prayer.
And Finally … Success
The next day it happens! All systems clear takes on a special, triumphant meaning.
I am ceremoniously rushed into the nursery where my son has been transferred, and am finally at liberty to hold and hug our exhausted, relieved, gritty little bundle. My parents, sister, and brother-in-law are there in no time to join our exuberant family.
It dawns on me that I, too, have cleared my system of so much irrelevant clutter. Of preconceived notions of the way things should be, rather than allowing the magic and excitement of the unexplored to enter our lives.
It dawns on me also that I have come full circle in a matter of days … from excited anticipation to painful reality, then gut-wrenching anxiety … and now, to the awesome power of survival.
And what a ride that has been.
And So It Goes with Our Ideas …
Today, as I relive this exhilarating yet tumultuous chapter of my life, I realize that my little boy’s struggle to survive, and triumph against all odds, is the perfect metaphor for our lives as creators of content.
As our ideas stir, grow, and ferment passionately within us …
The demons of fear, self-doubt, and panic waste no time in mocking our inspired creativity.
One moment, you feel pride in your polished perfection.
The next … disheartening demotivation.
It just sucks, right?
But here’s the thing …
Just like my little infant son …
You need to fight like hell against all the despair that rejection, brain block, and crippling insecurity throw your way.
You need to face your writing challenge, squeeze every ounce of creative energy from your exhausted mind, and go beyond what you ever thought possible.
Because it is possible. And it’s worth it.
And, just as your life is precious and fragile, and should never be taken for granted …
So, too, should your ideas be encouraged and valued.
Because they, too, deserve the dignity and opportunity of thriving success.
And they’re counting on you to prove their worth to the world.
Now that’s the triumph of hope.
And, By the Way …
I have learned, too, that a splash of humor should never be discounted.
As we discovered that day back in the nursery, when my father cheekily produced a bottle of champagne, that he’d somehow managed to conceal under his jacket.
I remember stealing an anxious look at the nurses. They’d noticed, and seemed to hesitate for a split second.
But the joy of the moment clearly won the day, as they turned a blind eye …
and we celebrated!