What makes a good blogpost?

I have now been blogging for almost four years, and during that time I think I have learnt a thing or two about what makes a good blog post (and also what doesn't). Here are seven things I believe are important to include if you want to write a blog post that attracts a readership:

The first important feature of a successful blogpost is a good, snappy title. Some of my most visited blogposts have provocative or intriguing titles such as 'Another nail in the coffin' 'Two fingered salute' and 'Web 2.0 Wonderland'. They hold a promise that draws your readers in. Some are wordplays (ala tabloid newspaper style) whilst others simply state what the blogpost will be about.

The second important feature is good content. This content should be well written, easy to read, topical (of interest to your readership, and perhaps tapping into the zeitgeist - the spirit of what is currently happening) and should be informative. Try to find something to write about that informs and educates your readership, or something that makes them think.

Thirdly, controversial content always draws a crowd. Be opinionated if you like, but also try to back up your opinion with evidence if you can. Having said that, I have often been deliberately provocative (playing the devil's advocate role) just to provoke responses in the comments box. If you do get some comments, respond to them - people feel more included. Remember though that blogging is not essay writing, so often you don't have to do much more than speak your mind to attract readers.

Fourthly, adding some good, colourful (or in some cases monochrome) images to illustrate and inform your readership is a good idea. I always try to find one image that is evocative of the topic I'm writing about. It has become a formula for me, and it's expected now. Sometimes posting an odd, or off-beat, or funny image that at first glance has nothing to do with the topic can be a useful ploy too.

Fifth, useful hyperlinks that take readers deeper into the topic or discussion are an attractive feature. Make sure the links are not broken, but only add those links you feel are useful to elaborate or extend the topic for your readers.

Sixth, humour is always a useful addition to a blog post. There are times when you need to be serious in dealing with a topic, but there are also times when you can use humour, wordplay, or even satire to strengthen your blog post, and perhaps also entertain your readers at the same time. It shows you are human too. :-)

Finally, be brief.

Image source (edited)

What makes a good blogpost? by Steve Wheeler is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.
Based on a work at steve-wheeler.blogspot.com.