The Secrets to a Powerful Blog Post

As a blogger, finding the right words can make all the difference.

And today, with more than 152 million blogs on the Internet, that difference can determine your success.

While every blog post won’t be a home run, you will get better with each word you write.

When asked her secret to writing award-winning content, PD James, an English crime writer replied,

“Don’t just plan to write—write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style.”

So how can you develop your own style and write a powerful blog post that connects with your audience?

A recent Infographic by QuickSprout sheds light on the six critical elements of a powerful blog post.

If you’re ready to boost your blog traffic, read on for tips to writing the perfect blog post every time!

How to Write a Powerful Blog Post

1. Include Engaging Graphics

Visuals are a powerful tool. If you’ve spent any time on my blog or social channels, you know my commitment to creating visual appeal. Not only will the right visual brand your business, but it can also improve visibility.

In data collected by MDG Advertising, articles including a relevant image received 94% more total views on average than one without. This says to me that while you can write compelling content, posting it without a branded graphic leaves your blog at a disadvantage.

If you’re eager to gain additional traffic, don’t forget the value of visual social giant Pinterest. If you’re not creating a pinnable image within your blog post, you’re missing a huge opportunity.

Pinterest is now the #1 traffic driver on my blog. Want to know how I moved that needle from #6 to #1 in a matter of months? I consistently create branded images that are clean, easy-to-read, and simple to collect or bookmark.

Below is one of my top performing pins , “How to Create a Winning Social Media Strategy,” and one that continues to drive traffic to my blog, even though the post is nine months old.

Here’s a few ways to use graphics:

Offer a tip, advice or how-to
Tell your business story
Share a quote from one of your posts
Promote an upcoming webinar
Offer a solution to a top reader problem

2. Use a Clean Design and Layout

There’s a saying, “a confused mind won’t buy.” The same holds true for your website. A cluttered design causes confusion and overwhelm.

While the perfect design might be up for debate, there’s no denying the value in simplicity. Keeping your site uncluttered and easy to navigate is critical.

If you’re not converting enough buyers or selling your latest product, look to your website design. What surrounds your call to action? Are there bright buttons, confusing ads, too much text, all amidst a messy design?

If you want to improve credibility and build relationships with your readers, take the time to spruce up your site.

Here’s a simple to-do checklist:

Declutter your sidebar
Update your contact information and make it simple to find
Simplify your navigation and menus
Stick to the rule of one and create one main call to action on your home page
Be clear in who you’re talking to and speak their language
Update your content – add paragraphs, bullet points and other separators that make it easy to read

One of my favorite websites is “Born Creative,” the Sacramento design company spawned by Jennifer and Jason Bourn. The website makes an immediate impact, sharing their personality and talent for web and visual design.

3. Have a Unique Voice

With over 43.7 million new posts written on a monthly basis, it’s easy to see how your blog could get lost in the noise. This makes it imperative that you write what you know and share it in your unique voice.

Marie Forleo is one of my favorite business bloggers. There’s no denying her unique style. From her website design to quality videos and viral reach, it’s evident that Marie has found her rhythm and voice.

So, how can you find yours? It’s not as hard as you might think.

Too often bloggers look to other bloggers for advice. While this is a great place to gain inspiration, the downside is emulating what they do rather than learning through their example.

As Marie says, “create a brand you can smell from miles away.” In other words, just be you.

Write what comes naturally and you’ll quickly begin to set yourself apart.

4. Connect with Social Media

I might step on a few SEO toes here, but my feeling is this.

You can write a great blog all day long. In fact, you can write the greatest story ever told.

But without the reach, credibility and authority that social media can bring, you’re spinning your marketing wheels.

But don’t get me wrong. Social media isn’t just about promotion. It’s about relationships. It’s establishing rapport and creating reciprocity.

It’s also hard work, just like building a blog. It requires that you do more than simply hop on and shout out your latest article. Take the time to build a tribe, one that edifies and supports your blog.

A great place to do this is Triberr. I’ve been a member/fan of Triberr for years and can attest to the power of aligning yourself with people committed to sharing your message.

Find a tribe, connect with active bloggers, and share content that’s relevant to your target market!

5. Use a Call to Action

Take a look at your latest blog post. How many comments did it receive? One or maybe none? Let me tell you why.

You didn’t ask. If you don’t ask for anyone’s opinion, they’re not going to give it. You must give your readers a reason to get involved.

“Call to action” isn’t just a marketing term. It’s a word that should live and breathe in all of your online copy. From your blog to social media, make sure you tell your readers what next step to take.

With each post you write, determine what your call to action is. It can be as simple as asking a question or pointing towards another helpful article. Whatever the case, don’t let that opportunity slip by.

6. Go Against the Grain

When was the last time you got angry? Whether it was at your spouse, child or the grocery store clerk, I guarantee they knew you were mad.

How did they know? They heard it in your tone of voice and saw it in your body language. They could feel the frustration that you willingly shared.

Think about that the next time you sit down to write a blog post. What about the topic was interesting to you?

Did it make you feel:

Happy
Angry
Elated
Overjoyed
Enthusiastic
Terrified

If you want people to stand up and take notice of your blog, you must take a stand. Let readers feel as if you’re talking directly to them and make them feel your words.

Do you find yourself editing your thoughts? Of course you do, we all do.

Start sharing your opinions, the real ones, not the ones you slide under the rug because you’re worried about what others will say.

I can tell you first hand that if you don’t have strong feelings around your topic, it will show. It will not only show in your writing, but also in your following, traffic and social shares.