So you’d like to start your very own blog? Despite what you may have heard, getting your own little corner of the internet up and running actually isn’t too complicated. Nevertheless, we all need a little help from time to time. So if you aren’t sure how to get things started, have a read of this successful blog writing walkthrough:

  1. Know your Niche

Thanks to dedicated sites and countless how-to guides, the world of blogging is extremely accessible and thus competitive. As there’s already so much content out there, you might assume that there’s little point in starting up a blog on a popular topic.

blog start seo

The truth is that no blog out there has your unique perspective. Providing you lead with your personality, give readers valuable information and actively engage with your audience, any new blog can become successful, even within the most competitive niche.

Here are a few examples of appropriate starting points:

  • Unique Experience
  • Personal Success Story
  • Giving Advice on your Expert Topic
  • Answering Common Queries related to your Field
  • Real-life Stories surrounding your Product/Service
  • Interviewing Industry Experts (and Guest Posting)

In order to best determine the kind of content you should focus on, think about the end result you want your blog to have. Are you trying to enhance your brand identity, drive people towards your offerings or simply just entertain an audience? Once you know the ultimate goal of your blog, it’s easier to choose the kind of content that best serves your motivations.

  1. Update Regularly

Read any advice on starting up a blog and you’ll find a section talking about the importance of consistent posting. One distinction to make is that ‘regular’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘frequent,’ or in other words, it’s better to produce high-quality, well-researched blog content weekly or fortnightly rather than churn out shorter pieces that provide little value to readers.

Longer posts at slightly longer intervals also works in your favour for SEO, where long-form content tends to rank higher in the long run. General advice is to produce material between 1,500 – 2,500 words, structured in such a way that readers can quickly find specific information, or choose to read the entirety. Contact a professional SEO agency if you want to learn more about high-ranking content.

However you create your blog posts, the key is consistency. Blogging platforms allow you to schedule your posts so that they always land at the same time and/or day, which gives you readers an indication of when to look out for your new stuff.

  1. Use Engaging Language

No one follows a confusing plot or reads a poorly-written book cover to cover. Your blog is subject to the same rules of writing. Unless you engage your readers, they’ll quickly switch off and try their luck with competing blogs. Here are some essential tips of successful blog writing:

  • Solid Structure: Create a professional outline, making use of plenty of headings, subheadings, bulleted lists and paragraphing. When you organize your content efficiently, people can find precisely what they’re looking for, which helps you rank more highly in the SERPs. More generally, clean content is just more enjoyable to read so people are more likely to spend longer on your site.
  • House Style: Tone of voice is a key reason why people return to a blog. When blog writing feels a little informal, readers can more easily connect with you. Whilst it may be necessary to include some industry jargon, don’t rely too heavily on technical language or writing styles that will alienate people. Imagine that you’re having a conversation with a friend. If you use multiple writers, ensure you have a style guide so that you keep a consistent tone.
  • Address Directly: Using second and third-person pronouns like ‘you’, ‘we’ and ‘our’ make your blog more personal, which encourages a reader to continue further into your text. Questions are also a fantastic way to approach your readers, as it’s clear that you understand their concerns and can provide valuable answers.
  • Edit, Edit, Edit: Never share content that hasn’t been checked properly. We all know how damaging a typo is on the authenticity of a blog. People are reluctant to trust what you’re saying if you haven’t spent the time to quickly go through your writing, which is entirely fair after all. Use an automated software or take a 10-minute break before returning to your draft.

  1. Enhance with Media

Despite the fact that many blog posts are text-only, media elements like pictures, videos and widgets go a long way. Not only does it visually enhance your page, it also conveys the professionalism of your blog. Even adding common-license images related to the topic improves your blog dramatically.

how to start blog seo

As with SEO writing, you will find that unique media offers the biggest benefits Find ways to incorporate your own images and videos. You can use design software to come up with basic illustrations, or simply take a photo and apply some quick edits. Some blogs publish complementary videos that summarize the text, allowing an audience to interact with the blog in multiple ways.

  1. Promote Effectively

Of course it’s true that even the best of blogs won’t succeed without exposure, so it’s vital that you find the most effective means of promoting your material. Top-tier, original content goes much of the way towards a solid fan base, but you’ll need to commit to certain promotion channels in order to draw a crowd.

Here are the essential tips on digital content marketing:

  • Promote your blog on Social Media, including links in your profile bios
  • Share new blog posts immediately, either manually or by using automated software
  • Prioritize social media platforms that you know your readers favour
  • Reach out to sites that are interested in guest posting your content, and vice versa
  • Re-share blog posts periodically, or any time the content is particularly relevant
  • Review older posts, update information and share the new versions

Best Blogging Practices

Despite following all of the above advice, it’s still entirely possible that your blog takes a long while to get noticed. With so many voices talking over one another, a good deal of luck is at play when it comes to blogging. However, there’s much to be said about commitment, too!

As Sydney SEO specialists, we’ve helped lots of local businesses set-up their blogs, and we’ve found that those who keep consistent enjoy the best long-term results. Looking for professional help with content marketing? You know where to find us!