This list is full of tips for bloggers. Rather than go into depth on a small number of tips, I decided to go into no depth whatsoever on a huge number of tips. This is because there are already hundreds of posts that go into lots of detail and, for these tips, one sentence is all that’s really needed.
Some tips you’ll know, some you might not. Most of them are self-explanatory but some include links for further reading, just in case you want to learn more.
If you want me to explain or elaborate on anything, fill in the form and I shall do my darndest to give you a decent answer. Other than that, go forth, have a scan and see if there’s anything that helps you out.
1. Bad headlines ruin good content so test different combinations by running them through a headline analyser.
2. The feature image is the first thing that readers see so make it a good one.
3. The purpose of every sentence is to get the reader to read the next sentence.
4. Keep sentences concise.
5. Keep paragraphs short.
6. Use subheadings to break up content into easily digestible sections.
7. When you can’t create, curate instead — find the best things for your readers and offer commentary on them.
8. Always link to sources, otherwise you’ll be stealing.
9. Make sure any sources that you cite are reputable.
10. Write for yourself first…
11. …But make it more about the reader than you.
12. Your existing readers are the best people to help grow your blog — always put them first.
13. Always end with a call-to-action.
14. Use Canva for your graphics.
15. Use Pixabay, Unsplash, Pexels, Gratisography or Negative Space for your stock photos.
16. No one will read your posts if you don’t promote them so make the most of social media.
17. Always give the reader value.
18. It’s easier to lose traffic than it is to build it so make sure you blog consistently.
19. Write like you talk.
20. Don’t try to be like anybody else.
21. Don’t worry about the best length for a blog post, just concentrate on getting your point across.
22. You can’t please everyone so don’t bother trying.
23. Write about what you know.
24. Write first, edit later.
25. Reading your work out loud is the best way to see if it flows correctly.
26. If you wouldn’t use a word in a conversation, don’t use it in a blog post — stay clear of jargon.
27. Tell a story.
28. Write down every idea that you have, you might find a use for it.
29. Don’t throw away unfinished or unused posts, you might find a use for those too.
30. …But not everything you write needs to be published.
31. The more you write the better you become.
32. The more you read the better you’ll write.
33. Ask your readers’ questions — their answers can inspire new posts.
34. Respond to every comment that deserves it.
35. Run your posts through the Hemingway Editor to tighten them up before publishing.
36. Show, don’t tell.
37. Optimise your content for search by including keywords in titles and headings.
38. Write naturally and keywords will find their way into your content organically.
39. Trust takes a long time to earn and a second to lose — never lie or mislead readers.
40. Make it as easy as possible for readers to share your posts by adding social buttons to your site.
41. Being known for something is the best way to build authority.
42. Write guest posts.
43. Make content evergreen so that it’s as relevant in 10 years as it is now.
44. Most people skim read so make sure your work catches the eye.
45. Invest in a good website by hiring a designer or paying for a theme.
46. Build an email list, even if you have nothing to sell.
47. Blog post titles should be Heading 1’s (H1’s), subheadings Heading 2’s (H2’s), sub-subheadings Heading 3’s (H3’s) and so on.
48. Keep the tone conversational.
49. The ideal font size is between 14 and 18.
50. Stick with one topic per post.
51. Getting out of the office and writing in different places can help with creativity.
52. Follow good writers and learn from them.
53. If it sounds boring to you, it will be boring to the reader.
54. Edit again.
55. When all else fails, write a list.
56. If you’re stuck take a break — staring at the screen does nothing.
57. Once a week, twice a week, twice a month — find a blogging schedule that works and stick to it.
58. Emphasise a point by bolding the text.
59. Never rely on spell-check to catch errors.
60. Outline every post so that’s it easier to maintain the flow.
61. Be humble.
62. Be open about your flaws and ignorance.
63. Republish posts on Medium and LinkedIn with a link back to your website for added exposure.
64. Find a niche that suits you and work on becoming an expert in it.
65. Create a Feedly account and gather all of your favourite blogs in one place for easy reading.
66. The best way to overcome writer’s block is to set a timer and write for five minutes about anything.
67. Use Buzzsumo to find popular content in your niche and create posts that are 10X better.
68. Use Buffer, HootSuite, MeetEdgar or Sprout Social to schedule the sharing of your posts.
69. Use images to break up text and reinforce the message, like this:
70. Create a mission statement so you don’t lose sight of your audience or the type of content you should be creating.
71. Make a habit of writing every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
72. Make a checklist of things to look for before you hit publish.
73. Don’t worry about analytics in the early days.
74. Limiting the column width of your blog to 100 characters (80-90 characters including spaces is good) makes posts easier to read.
75. Make sure there’s plenty of whitespace so that readers have somewhere to rest their eyes between reading.
76. Create a content calendar to keep yourself on track.
77. There’s only one way to tell if your post will be successful: publish it.
78. Use bullet points for unordered lists.
79. Use numbered lists for steps or ordered lists.
80. Use larger fonts for headings and subheadings.
81. Write compelling page titles and meta descriptions so that people will click on your post in search results, including keywords in both.
82. Brainstorm ideas using a pen and notepad (writing by hand always seems to work best for this kind of thing).
83. Let the reader know from the start what they’ll gain from reading on.
84. Start by writing whatever is on your mind, even if it’s not the intro.
85. Don’t get obsessed with creating a viral post, it’s out of your control.
86. Avoid distractions by turning off notifications, closing social media tabs and avoiding email when you write.
87. Edit first, then proofread.
88. Ask advice from more successful bloggers, most people are more than happy to help.
89. Learn a new word every day.
90. Sitting at your desk all day trying to write isn’t healthy so make sure you take plenty of breaks.
91. Keep a swipe file that you can access easily for inspiration.
92. The moment blogging feels like work, it’s over.
93. ‘You’ is the most important word you can use.
94. Don’t be afraid of breaking grammar rules.
95. Good ideas are everywhere, especially outside in the world, away from your desk.
96. It’s fine to use slang words as long as your readers understand what they mean.
97. It’s fine to use swear words, but have a reason for them.
98. Use Grammarly to help you proofread.
99. Collaborate with other bloggers to learn and promote each other’s blogs.
100. Active voice works better than passive voice.
101. Success takes time, keep at it.
