35 Actionable Steps To Make Your Blog Post Better Instantly

Introduction: 35 Actionable Steps To Make Your Blog Post Better Instantly

Whether you’re just starting a new blog post or looking to improve existing blog posts, there are many reasons why optimizing your content is essential. Every post you write should be optimized, from thorough keyword research to engaging multimedia elements.

By following these 35 steps, you can instantly make your blog post stand out and engage your readers. So let’s get started!

35 Actionable Steps To Make Your Blog Post Better Instantly

Steps to make your blog posts better include:

1. Start with a compelling headline.
2. Write an attention-grabbing introduction.
3. Use subheadings and bullet points to break up content.
4. Use images and videos to enhance visual appeal.
5. Write in an active voice and use conversational tone.
6. Make sure the content is well-researched and accurate.
7. Incorporate internal and external links.
8. Optimize for search engines (SEO).
9. Use examples and storytelling to illustrate points.
10. Keep the post concise and to the point.
11. Use appropriate keywords.
12. Add social sharing buttons.
13. Engage with readers through comments and responding to feedback.
14. Include calls-to-action (CTAs).
15. Provide value to readers by solving a problem or answering a question.
16. Stay up-to-date with current trends and industry news.
17. Utilize data and statistics to support arguments.
18. Keep a consistent posting schedule.
19. Create shareable and visually appealing infographics.
20. Proofread and edit for clarity and readability.
21. Optimize the post for readability and mobile devices.
22. Utilize social media to promote the post and reach a wider audience.
23. Write in a way that is accessible and appealing to a diverse audience.
24. Personalize the post by sharing your own experiences or thoughts.
25. Use descriptive language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
26. Use short paragraphs and sentence structure to keep the reader interested.
27. Highlight the key points in the post with bold or italic text.
28. Use quotes from experts or influencers to add credibility to the post.
29. Incorporate interactive elements like quizzes or surveys to engage readers.
30. Offer solutions to common problems related to the post’s topic.
31. Incorporate humor where appropriate to lighten the tone of the post.
32. Make use of meta descriptions to entice readers to click through to the post.
33. Add a personalized touch by including an author bio and photo.
34. Offer additional resources for readers who want to learn more about the topic.
35. Offer exclusive content or bonuses to incentivize readers to subscribe to your blog.

1. Start with a Compelling Headline

Why it works: A headline is often the first thing a reader sees, and it can determine whether they decide to read the post. A compelling headline should be attention-grabbing and accurately reflect the post’s content.

How to do it: To make a headline more compelling, use strong adjectives, numbers, and powerful words. Keep it concise and to the point, and avoid using clickbait tactics that mislead the reader. Consider using a free tool such as Coschedule’s Headline Analyzer tool. Remember: avoid clickbait headlines and focus on catchy headlines that deliver on their promises.

2. Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

Why it works: The introduction is where you hook the reader and make them want to keep reading. It sets the tone for the post and provides context for the reader.

How to do it: Start with a question, a surprising fact, or a personal story related to the post’s topic. Keep the introduction short and to the point, and clearly state the post’s purpose.

3. Use Subheadings and Bullet Points to Break Up Content

Why it works: Breaking up the content of a post with subheadings and bullet points makes it easier for the reader to follow along and quickly grasp the key points. It also makes the post more visually appealing and easier to scan.

How to do it: Use descriptive subheadings that accurately reflect the content of each section, and use bullet points to list key points or steps. Make sure the subheadings and bullet points are formatted consistently.

4. Use Images and Videos to Enhance Visual Appeal

Why it works: Adding images and videos to a post can make it more visually appealing and engaging for the reader. They can also help break up text blocks and make the post easier to follow.

How to do it: Use high-quality images and videos relevant to the post’s topic, and make sure they are properly optimized for web use. Use captions and alt-text to provide additional context for the reader. Avoid stock photos and videos when possible.

5. Write in an Active Voice and Use a Conversational Tone

Why it works: Writing in an active voice and using a conversational tone makes the post more engaging and easier to read. It helps to connect with the reader and makes the content more relatable.

How to do it: Write as if speaking directly to the reader, and use contractions and informal language where appropriate. Avoid using technical jargon or complex sentence structures, and aim to write in a conversational and approachable manner. Remember: you (probably) are not writing a dissertation on the topic. Therefore, you’ll impress your audience more with a blog post that is easy to understand than a blog post filled with technical jargon.

6. Make Sure Content Is Well-Researched and Accurate

Why it works: Providing accurate and well-researched blog content is crucial for building trust with your readers. It also helps to ensure that the post provides valuable information to the reader.

How to do it: Conduct thorough research on the post’s topic and verify your information using reputable sources. Use facts and statistics to support your arguments, and provide appropriate citations where necessary.

7. Incorporate Internal and External Links

Why it works: An internal link is when you link to another page or post on your website. An external link is when you link to other websites. Including links in your posts can provide additional context and resources for the reader. Internal links also help improve your blog’s visibility and drive traffic to other pages on your site. External links increase credibility with your audience by linking to relevant and helpful content that you didn’t write.

How to do it: Use internal links to related blog posts and external links to reputable sources that support the information in the post. Make sure the links are relevant and valuable for the reader.

8. Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)

Why it works: Search engine optimization (SEO) helps to improve visibility in organic search results and drive more traffic to your site. Search engines’ main goal is to provide searchers with relevant information in response to their search queries. Optimizing your blog post for search makes it easier for search engines to understand and rank your content appropriately.

How to do it: Use your target keywords in your headlines, subheadings, and blog post. Ensure your post’s title and meta description accurately reflect the post’s content and include relevant keywords. Use header tags (H1, H2, etc.) to structure the post and make it easier for search engines to understand the content. Additionally, focus on writing quality content for your target audience. To learn more about on-page SEO, off-page SEO, keyword research tools, and more, check out our guide to SEO for Beginners.

9. Use Examples and Storytelling to Illustrate Points

Why it works: Everyone loves a good story. Using examples and storytelling can help bring the post’s content to life and make it more memorable for the reader. It can also help to make complex concepts easier to understand.

How to do it: Use real-life examples and anecdotes to illustrate your post’s points. Be descriptive and use sensory details to make the story more engaging.

10. Keep Post Concise and to the Point

Why it works: Keeping the post concise and to the point helps to hold the reader’s attention and avoid overwhelming them with too much information. It also makes it easier for the reader to grasp the post’s key points quickly.

How to do it: Avoid overly complex language or going off tangents. Focus on the central message of the post and be succinct in your writing. Use short paragraphs and sentence structures to make the post easier to read.

11. Use Appropriate Keywords

Why it works: Including appropriate keywords in your blog post can help improve your search engine ranking, making it easier for people to find your content.

How to do it: Every blog post should revolve around one focus keyword. Research keywords related to the topic of your post and include them in the post title, headings, subheadings, and throughout the body of the post. Use them naturally, and don’t stuff the post with too many keywords.

12. Add Social Sharing Buttons

Why it works: Including social sharing buttons makes it easy for readers to share your post with their network and helps to spread your content further.

How to do it: Include social sharing buttons for popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Make sure they are prominently displayed and easy to use.

13. Engage with Readers through Comments

Why it works: Engaging with your readers can help to build a community around your blog, encourage discussion, and provide valuable feedback that can improve future posts.

How to do it: Encourage comments, respond to comments, and engage with your readers on social media. Be approachable and open to feedback and suggestions. A great free WordPress plugin for comments is WPDiscuz.

14. Include Calls-To-Action (CTAs)

Why it works: A clear call-to-action can encourage the reader to take a specific action, such as signing up for your newsletter, downloading a free resource, or leaving a comment.

How to do it: Make sure your CTA is clear, concise, and relevant to the post. Place it at the end of the post or in a prominent location where it can’t be missed.

15. Provide Value to Readers

Why it works: Providing value to your readers is critical to keeping them engaged and coming back for more. Solving a problem or answering a question is a great way to do this.

How to do it: Identify a problem or question related to your niche, and create a post that provides a helpful solution or answer. Ensure the post is well-researched and offers actionable steps or information for the reader.

16. Stay up-to-Date with Current Trends and Industry News

Why it works:  Staying up-to-date with current trends and industry news helps to keep your content relevant and helps to position you as a thought leader in your niche.

How to do it: Read industry blogs, follow relevant social media accounts, and attend industry events to stay informed about the latest trends and news.

17. Utilize Data and Statistics to Support Arguments

Why it works: Using data and statistics helps to support your arguments and make your post more credible.

How to do it: Research reputable sources for relevant data and statistics related to your topic. Include at least one interesting fact in each post and explain the results and significance.

18. Keep a Consistent Posting Schedule

Why it works: Keeping a consistent posting schedule helps to build a loyal following and keep your readers engaged.

How to do it: Plan a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Make sure to publish new posts regularly and at consistent intervals (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, etc.).

19. Create Shareable Infographics

Why it works: Infographics can help to make your post more visually appealing and make it easier for readers to understand complex information. They are also highly shareable, making them a great way to reach a wider audience.

How to do it: Create infographics that communicate information related to your topic. Use colors, graphics,

20. Proofread and Edit for Clarity and Readability

Why it matters: A well-written and error-free post conveys professionalism and credibility to your readers. It also helps to avoid confusion and makes the post easier to understand. 

How to do it: Set aside time to thoroughly read and edit the post for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Consider using tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway to help identify areas for improvement.

21. Optimize for Readability and Mobile Devices

Why it matters: With the increasing use of mobile devices to access the internet, it’s essential to ensure that your blog is easily readable on different screen sizes. If your site doesn’t consider reader experience, users will likely leave.

How to do it: Use a responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes and check the post on multiple devices to ensure it is easily readable. Use clear and simple formatting, such as short paragraphs, headings, and bullet points.

22. Leverage Social Media to Promote the Post

Why it matters: Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your blog and reaching a wider audience. By sharing your post on various social media platforms, you can increase visibility and drive traffic to your blog. 

How to do it: Share the post on your personal and professional social media accounts and consider joining relevant groups and communities to share your post with a broader audience. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and encourage others to share your post.

23. Write in a Way That Is Accessible and Appealing to a Diverse Audience

Why it matters: Writing in a way that is accessible and appealing to a diverse audience helps to broaden your reach and increase engagement. 

How to do it: Avoid using language or terminology that is exclusive or confusing to some readers. Consider using simple, straightforward language and avoiding cultural or language-specific references.

24. Share Your Own Experiences or Thoughts

Why it matters: Adding a personal touch to your post can help to make it more relatable and engaging to your readers. It also adds a unique perspective and helps to build trust with your audience. 

How to do it: Consider sharing personal experiences or thoughts related to the topic of your post. This could be in the form of a story, reflection, or opinion.

25. Use Descriptive Language to Paint a Picture

Why it matters: Descriptive language can help bring your post’s topic to life and make it more exciting and engaging to the reader. 

How to do it: Use words and phrases that create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Consider using sensory languages like sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell to help bring the topic to life.

26. Use Short Paragraphs and Sentences

Why it works: Short paragraphs and sentence structure make the post easy to read and break up large blocks of text. This helps to keep the reader’s attention and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed or bored. 

How to do it: Keep paragraphs short, with no more than 4-5 sentences each. Vary the length of sentences to add interest and emphasis. Use bullet points and numbered lists to break up content and make it easier to digest.

27. Highlight the Key Points in the Post

Why it works: Bolding or italicizing important information makes it stand out and easier to locate. This helps reinforce the post’s most important points and draw the reader’s attention to them. 

How to do it: Use bold or italic text sparingly, focusing on key phrases or sentences you want to emphasize. Avoid overusing these formatting options, as they can detract from the overall readability of the post.

28. Use Quotes from Experts or Influencers to Add Credibility

Why it works: Including quotes from experts or influencers in your field can lend credibility and authority to your post. This helps to establish your post as a trustworthy source of information and reinforces the importance of the topic. 

How to do it: Cite reliable sources and obtain permission before using quotes. Include the name and affiliation of the expert or influencer to provide context. Use quotation marks to distinguish the quote from the rest of the text clearly.

29. Incorporate Interactive Elements like Quizzes or Surveys

Why it works: Interactive elements, such as quizzes or surveys, can help to engage readers and make the post more interactive. This can help to retain their attention and make the post more memorable. 

How to do it: Use a quiz or survey tool that is easy to use and integrates well with your blog platform. Make sure the questions are relevant and thought-provoking and provide results or feedback that are meaningful and actionable. Popular form builders include JotForm, FormDr, Google Forms, and Wispform.

30. Offer Solutions to Common Problems Related to the Post

Why it works: By offering practical solutions to common problems related to the post’s topic, you can provide value to your readers. This helps establish your blog as a resource and encourages readers to return for future posts. 

How to do it: Research common problems related to the post’s topic and develop practical solutions. Present these solutions clearly and concisely, using examples and step-by-step instructions where appropriate.

31. Incorporate Humor When Appropriate

Why it works: Incorporating humor in a blog post can make the content more enjoyable and memorable for readers. Humor can also make complex topics more digestible and help build a connection with the reader.

How to do it: Use appropriate humor that aligns with the tone and style of your blog. Avoid making jokes that may offend or alienate your readers. Use humor to illustrate a point or highlight a relevant topic in a lighthearted way.

32. Optimize Meta Descriptions

Why it works: A meta description summarizes a blog post that appears in search engine results. It’s an opportunity to entice readers to click through the post and engage with the content.

How to do it: Write a meta description that accurately reflects the post’s content and includes keywords related to the topic. Ensure the description is short, clear, and has a call-to-action to encourage readers to click through to the post.

33. Include an Author Bio and Photo

Why it works: Including an author bio and photo personalizes the post and helps readers connect with the writer. It also adds credibility and a human element to the content.

How to do it: Include a short author bio at the end of the post that provides a little information about you, your background, and your expertise on the topic. Add a headshot or other appropriate photo to accompany the bio.

34. Offer Additional Resources for Readers

Why it works: Offering additional resources for readers who want to learn more about the topic can add value to the post and encourage readers to engage with the content.

How to do it: Provide links to relevant articles, books, websites, or other resources to help readers learn more about the topic. Make sure the resources are high-quality and relevant to the post.

35. Offer Exclusive Content or Bonuses

Why it works: Offering exclusive content or bonuses can be a powerful way to incentivize readers to subscribe to your blog. It gives them a reason to keep coming back to your site and engage with your content.

How to do it: Offer exclusive content or bonuses, like a free download, early access to future content, or a discount on a related product or service, to readers who subscribe to your blog. Ensure the exclusive content or bonus is relevant to the post and adds value to the reader.

Conclusion: 35 Actionable Steps To Make Your Blog Post Instantly Better

In conclusion, a well-crafted blog post results from various elements working together harmoniously.

By following the 35 actionable steps discussed in this post, you can elevate your blog and produce engaging and effective content. Whether it’s through creating a compelling headline, incorporating humor, using multimedia elements, or optimizing for readability and mobile devices, each step is designed to make your blog post instantly better. Remember, the key to success is continually experimenting, measuring your results, and making adjustments as needed. So, start implementing these tips today, stay consistent, and watch your blog soar to new heights!