If you’re considering content marketing, know that there is a right way and a wrong way to blog. I’ve created an outline to help you write your very own blog post to captivate readers.

By using four famous TV catchphrases, I developed a blog template to get you started:

“That’s Hot” – Paris Hilton, The Simple Life

Crafting a Hot Headline

The title of your post baits the reader. You want your potential reader to see your headline and want to read it. Try to write a headline that would interest you. Readers tend to like:

•

Numbers.

For example, “3 Ways to Ruin a Blog Post”

•

How to.

Such as, “How to Write A Blog in Under an Hour”

•

Direct and Upfront Lead

. “Guide to Becoming a Blogger”

“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” – Michael Buffer, Sports Announcer

Getting Started

The first few sentences of your blog post tells the reader if your post is worth their time. Write just a few sentences about what you are going to talk about and why. If you wouldn’t want to read it, no one else will either.

“Lucy, You Got Some ‘Splaining To Do” – Ricardo, I Love Lucy

Building the Main Story

Now that you have the reader’s attention, it is time to give up the goods. A casual tone keeps it light for the reader. Be personal and talk to the reader. Write shorter paragraphs to break up the text so the reader is not overwhelmed. Posts that are easy on the eyes include:

• Lists

• Bullets

• Images

• Videos

There is not an exact formula for a proper word count for a blog post, but I recommend hitting around 300-400 words. A post that is too long will exhaust the audience.

“Make it Work” – Tim Gunn, Project Runway

Tying Everything Together
In order to wrap up your post, write your conclusion with a call to action. Encourage participation by asking people to comment on the post, share their experiences, etc. A well crafted conclusion should encourage the reader to do something.

“Yada Yada Yada” – Elaine, Seinfeld

There is, of course, more to discover about the effective use of blogging and content marketing. But these basics are a blueprint to help you kick start a blog post. If you’re interested in perfecting a post, check out a few more tips I have here.

About the author

Taylor Donohoo

Taylor is steered by the power of the pen. Having come from the prestigious creative track for copywriting at Brigham Young University, she understands the necessity for strategy, style and purpose. After graduation and taking a bite of the Big Apple while interning at Young & Rubicam, Taylor returned to Utah to craft and manage copy for us at PRMarketing.com. Aside from her wizardry with words, Taylor has a flare for fashion, and as a Floridian, is a sucker for the sun.