Have you ever felt lost about how to structure a good blog post for your business blog? Me too! Well, that is when I first started blogging many years ago. In fact, as I mentioned last week in my blog about blog topics for jewelry designers, my first blog posts were more like a personal journal than effective blogging for my brand.
I recently led a writing from your heart workshop for our Ramp Up Your Holiday Sales designers. The feedback I received from the jewelry designers was that often times the not only struggle with “what to write about” on their blog, but “how to structure a blog post.”
Therefore, today we will be chatting about the anatomy of a blog post!
1. Create a catchy headline
The start of any good blog posts is writing a catchy headline. I’ve read that also including a keyword in your blog post helps increase SEO and can drive traffic to your blog or website.
2. Summarize the gist of what’s going on
Make the first paragraph short sweet and to the point. Starting with questions can also capture your readers attention. You want to capture your readers attention by first drawing them into what the body of the post will explain or cover.
3. Insert pretty image
Using an image in your blog post is a must, and as a jewelry designer (or any other type of artist), it is your responsibility to show off your work at all times. I love collages of images pulled together or just beautifully shot pieces of your work.
With the popularity of Instagram and Collage apps, it’s really easy to create custom images on your smartphone. Or if you are a pro, photoshop is a great place to start.
4. Talk about a personal experience
Your readers want to know more about you! Give them a snapshot inside your world and your design process. People love to buy from people they know (or think they know if they don’t know them personally).
5. Add the main body of the post
Here is where you can chat about the premise or theme of the blog post. Essentially this is the nuts and bolts or the meat to the post.
6. Create a call to action or ask a question
Make sure your readers know what to do next. If you are speaking about a custom client or a trend that is hot right now, tell them how they can work with you or buy the piece. Guide them along the process.
You can also ask questions in addition at the bottom of the post to gain post engagement. If you are showcasing several pieces of art, ask which piece they liked best.
Go here to read a recent example of a blog post I wrote for my online magazine at TracyMatthews.com.
You guessed it, we want to hear from you! In the comments below please answer the following questions:
1. Are you currently blogging for your business? If so, list the blog below.
2. What do you struggle with the most when writing your blog posts? What to write about? How to Structure it? or something else?
Do you want to work one on one with Robin & Tracy in 2014? The Flourish & Thrive Mastermind has launched. We are accepting only 10 jewelry designers into this exclusive program. If you believe you are ready to invest in yourself and your jewelry business, email us here for an application.
Interesting point about making the first paragraph short sweet and to the point. I tend to write in a literary fashion; you have to get well into the article before the point becomes clear. Recently, I have begun adding an intro paragraph to summarize the point of the article. I write this after everything else is ready to go, but it is the first thing readers see.
Very well written. This is similar to the proven timeless AIDA formula:
A – Attention – grab the attention of the customer
I – Interest – raise the interest of the customer by focusing on and demonstrating the benefits and advantages they stand to gain
D – Desire – make the customer desire what you are offering and that it will end up satisfying their needs
A – Action – finally lead the customer to take the action you want to, such as going ahead to purchase your product/service, etc
Once again, very well written, Tracy. And thanks to David for sharing this on the #1 Internet marketing social networking and bookmarking website, Kingged.com. I found this there and I “kingged” it and left this same comment:
http://kingged.com/business-blogging-tips-how-to-structure-a-business-blog-post/
Great tips! Thank you both so much for adding.
When I blog, I try and pretend I am writing to my pen pal. That way it takes the pressure off and I hope to sound conversational. I also like the “be short and sweet” tips. Now the hardest part about blogging is finding the time to do it, and the balance between personal and showing off your handmade goodies.
Great add, Missy! So true about finding time … that’s one of the reasons I always like to be blogged a few weeks ahead to take the pressure off and eliminate the feeling of “I have to” get something up on the blog. Thanks so much for your comment!
This article is very timely for me as I’m taking the next step with my soap business. I have always written very short and funny blog posts about new soaps – into, personal anecdote, pic of the product, information on ordering. But now I see that there is a lot more I can do to pump up the post and get it recognized.
LOVE this website and to all who work on it to bring us the good info – thank you so much!!
Great tips! I do blog for my business — I usually post about new products, giveways as well as lots of photos of my work and family. I also do round-ups of my favorite artists. For me, it’s harder to figure out what my reader wants to hear about it – beyond showing my products. My blog is here: catshycrafts.com/blog