What makes a good blog post

I’ve done a few of these ‘blogging tips’ types of post now and they seem to proving really popular, which is why I’m wanting to continue the series by posting a new ‘blogging tip’ post each Saturday. Now of course, I’m not an expert. I don’t have billions of visitors of month and I’m not earning millions from my blog, but I have learned a little in my time blogging and if I can share some of this wisdom/knowledge/insight, whatever you want to call it, then I will.

When it comes to what makes a good blog post, it is completely subjective. I wish I had the magic formula to share with you all, but I don’t. Instead, what I have is experience of what makes me want to read a blog post, and which of my posts are most popular amongst you, the readers.

First impressions count

They count in everyday life and they count when it comes to your blog. From design and layout to opening paragraphs and title pictures. This is where you are going to win, or lose your audience. Which is why I think it’s important to use your favourite image as the lead image on the post, along with a suitable title and enticing opening sentence. Especially as my blog layout encourages people to click through to see more of the post. If they don’t like the first line, picture or title, they’re not going to click through.

Even if you’re blog layout is different and shows the whole post with every picture. If you use something like Bloglovin to feature your blog or read other blogs on there. Then your audience will only get to see the lead image and title. So you want to make sure that these are reflective of what the post is about.

Photography

A picture can tell a thousand words and for most people, it’s a huge part of blogging. I know for me, a good photograph is going to make me click on someone’s blog to read the post. Essentially, good photography will keep me coming back for more, regardless of the content.

As the blogging world has developed and grown over the past few years, the level of photography has increased as well. Honestly, I feel like some of the bloggers I love to read, could be professional photographers and it forces other people to up their game. If you want some handy tips on how to take better pictures for your blog, you can read my post here.

For me, I always think it’s best, if possible, to take your own photos. Sometimes you have to use stock images, for example if a new product is being launched and there are no samples to take pictures of. But normally, I prefer blogs that have their own unique style of photography.

Personality

Blogging can be such a personal thing. And no two blogs are the same. Everyone has their own personality, writing style and things to write about, which is why I love to read posts in which the author’s personality can shine through. I think you can normally tell in someone’s writing whether that person has passion about what they’re writing about or not. And it’s good to have passion and personality in your blog posts.

Content is king

Not literally, but it is important. Although I have said that pictures draw me into blogs regardless of the content, it is still important to have honest words to accompany your pictures. I don’t have a set rule where I’ll write 300 words for each post and ensure I use the same key word three times. I like to keep things natural and true to the post. For example, my video posts will only have about 100 words or so, whereas posts like these could have 750. I think the key thing is to have quality over quantity. Don’t use 10 words when three will do.

So these have been my tips on what makes a good blog post. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic and what things you think make for good blog posts.