8 Tips to Create a Blog Post That Gets Your Reader's Attention by Mark McCullagh

The biggest challenges facing most bloggers is not only creating content on a regular basis, but also writing posts that will actually get read by your target audience.

Have you ever landed on a blog and found yourself looking at a huge amount of text that looked like one big sentence? My guess is that you didn't bother to read that post.

Here are 8 helpful tips to write blog posts that get attention:

1. Perform keyword research but don't overuse your keywords.

Make a list of the keyword phrases that have the most search volume in your niche and write posts relevant to those keywords.

Include the keyword phrase you have selected in your headline and in the first sentence. Use variations of the keyword in the rest of the post and write naturally, avoiding repetition.

2. Use headlines that are catchy and arouse curiosity.

Your headline is the most important part of your post and is the most crucial single factor that will determine whether your post will get read.

It is a good idea to copy headlines that catch your eye and create a swipe file that you can use as a reference.

Your headline should appeal to the emotions of your reader, which leads us to the next point:

3. Know your reader.

This point is illustrated wonderfully by internet marketing expert Eben Pagan who said that when you write, try to picture your reader at home alone, sitting in front of their computer.

* What is this person thinking about? * What are their problems, frustrations, fears, and needs? * What solutions can you offer them?

There is a conversation already going on inside your readers' mind, try to enter into it by:

4. Writing to your reader as an individual.

Imagine that the person is sitting beside you and you are having a conversation. Simply record this conversation.

Or, think about how you would address a good friend if you were sending them an email offering advice or telling them about something that you thought was really cool.

5. Be clear and concise.

Most people read posts by quickly scanning so it is important to cut all unnecessary words and get to the point as fast and obviously as you can.

The important issue here is to proofread your posts with a fine-tooth comb. Always try to look for the briefest and most direct way to get your message across.

6. Make your posts easy to read with formatting techniques.

* make your sentences and paragraphs shorter * use bullet points and numbered lists * break up the text with graphics * bold important points

7. Check your spelling and grammar.

Your credibility is at stake and nothing makes a poorer impression than spelling mistakes and poor grammar.

Remember that your writing is a reflection of you and this will directly affect your readers' opinion of you.

8. Use lots of links.

Providing your readers with additional resources will add to your credibility and authority in your niche.

Linking to other sites will also help you build a network within your niche as these sites will often end up linking to you as well.

The whole purpose of blogging is to have your posts read.

I hope that you find these tips helpful and I invite you to share any tips that you have found effective.

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