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Some people think that just because blogs are known for brevity, it means they don’t have to put any meat into their content. Actually, the exact opposite is true – you have a very short span of time to create value for your readers.
Here’s what you need to do if you want your blog to build your subscriber list, convert sales and brand you as an expert in your niche:
1. Less is more.
Blog posts aren’t meant to be scrolling on for 24 pages like a sales pitch does. People want quick tidbits of information they can put into action immediately. Stick to 250-400 words per post Max.
2. Create your headlines and content with both search engines and human visitors in mind.
Yes, you want to use keywords in your blog posts, to attract SE spiders so their users can find you! But you also want to write for your human audience, so make sure your headlines are appealing and your content isn’t so stuffed with keywords that it’s awkward to get through.
3. Use bullet points or numbered lists so your visitors can quickly scan your blog for good information.
Just like a sales letter, bullet lists are what readers quickly turn to when they want to know whether or not your site is worth reading in-depth. Magazines use the sale technique, so emulate their style.
4. Don’t be all over the map.
Have a plan in place for your blog posts and be consistent with your voice. If you outsource to freelance writers, then make sure you edit the post so it matches your voice before you make it public.
5. Use your blog as a pre-sell hot spot.
This is your platform to voice your opinion and warm up your audience. Nothing will excite your readers more than your passion for the product, so make sure it comes through – and don’t forget to add your links!
If you employ the five fundamental blog post techniques, you’ll be catering to the needs of your target audience. Brevity and bullet points help them save time while still getting value.
Crafty headlines with just enough keyword-laden content will serve as perfect attractors for the search engine bots and your visitors will see your enthusiasm shine through so that your links keep the sales funnel flowing.
We’ve entered an era where peer socialization and personal recommendations trump hard hitting sales copy, so you have to take care to ensure that your blog follows the perfect formula for success.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Lists are great for readers. They love them.
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All the points covered here are very good. But I like the most is the third one which says that use bullet points or numbered lists. It is required as visitor will not read your blog if it contains simple long text as it is a very boring task.
"1. Less is more.
… Stick to 250-400 words per post Max."
Nick, when you see the post of Pat Flynn or Corbett Barr, the 400 word limit seems to be history. they create what they call 'epic sh..'. Long post, pull of usefull content.
I would say it all depends on your audience. You can say something in 400 words and make it a good post, but some things need 4,000 words to eg. convince the visitor.