I wondered for a while if I should actually write this post. Who knows, maybe I am fooling myself thinking people actually read my blog posts. Maybe I’m not the right person to write any kind of ultimate guide to writing great blog posts because mine might suck.
You know what I realized? I’m a blog reader. I know what I like to read, I know what prevents me from reading your blog, too. So why not write about that, too? So here I am.
How to write a great blog post in 2021?
These past years, it’s all been about social media. People consume content in the quickest way possible, because it feels like we’re constantly running after time. I know I feel that way, too.
People turn to Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube to consume the content they like. Book influencers are growing faster there, too, because it’s much easier to gain likes and any kind of fast interaction on social media than on book blogs. This feeling right here makes us feel like blog posts are not consumable content anymore. They’re too long, too boring, endless and people just don’t want to read them anymore.
☂️ Related blog post: BOOK BLOGGERS TALK #1: Thoughts On the Future of Book Blogging
That’s not true. I believe that blogging, the good old fashion blogging, has a bright future ahead and that blog posts matter. Not every blog post will be read, that’s for sure. There’s just too much content out there. So you have to take the steps to make people read it. To make it digestible and more.
So here’s my top 3 advice.
Write a blog post YOU want to read
I know. When you’re thinking of blogging, you might be thinking of growing, of writing for your audience. People tell you to follow what your analytics are telling you, what people enjoyed from you before.
Writing about things that bring attention can be a strategy to make people come on your blog. I’m not going to deny that. But what’s the point of working on those if these posts don’t appeal to you? If you don’t feel like your fingers are about to fall off from typing too quickly because you can’t keep up with your own ideas? If you’re not passionate about what you write, people will feel it. Most of it all, YOU won’t have ANY fun at all writing it and… if you’re not having fun, then what are you here for?
Before I’m writing any kind of post, I’m asking myself: would I read this? If it’s a yes, then go for it.
If you’re uncertain, wait. Let the idea grow in your mind, let yourself get accustomed to it, get excited about it. If you’re not, it wasn’t the right idea in the first place.
Format your blog post the RIGHT way
I strongly believe there is a wrong way to format a blog post. It’s plain and simple: if you don’t want to read it, something’s wrong with it.
It works in the very same way an instagram post, a magazine layout, a presentation would. Everthing is about appearance and, if it doesn’t look pretty, people won’t stop to enjoy it. It’s cruel, but it’s true.
Personally, if I stop on a blog and see big blocks of text, no paragraphs (or very big ones), no images, no titles… it’s just very hard to digest and it doesn’t make me want to read it, at all. If your blog post LOOKS appealing, has images, a lovely layout, paragraphs and just, I feel like I can actually breathe while reading it… you got my attention. You make me want to stay and read more.
Quick formatting tips to keep your readers’ attention
Choose your headline wisely
This is where you’re catching your reader’s attention first, this is why people will click to read your blog post. There’s a lot coming into a headline and I could write a little longer about it, SEO-wise and more (should I?), but to keep it short and sweet: MENTION the topic of your post in your title. Don’t fool your readers, they won’t be happy about it. Have fun with it, too.
Use paragraphs, lists, sub-headings! Let people breathe!
- Paragraphs! We love paragraphs! Write pretty paragraphs in your great blog post, don’t make them too long because people have NO attention span at all. But for everything good in this world, let the text BREATHE. This means your readers can breathe too while they read and it’s GOOD.
- Lists are awesome! I always have fun marking my points with lists and they’re quick and easy to digest, too. Write lists!
- You can use titles in your blog posts: DO IT, especially when you’re writing novels like I am. It helps readers find themselves, it helps skipping and skimming directly to the part they’re interested in the most and it lets them take a breather, too. That’s good.
Illustrate your point. EVERY time.
I’m not saying you have to put images every two paragraphs. I’m saying that a blog post with NO images at all is, for me, a massive nope. Unless the blog post is 100 words long, you need images.
I know: sometimes and depending on the topic, it’s hard to know how to find pictures for your blog, but it’s not impossible! Some people use free stock photos websites, some people like using GIFs, some people use little illustrated dividers and more. Try it out!
I’m saying this honestly, too: if you’re talking about books, making a list of books, recommending books: PLEASE include the book’s covers. It’s such an easy solution to illustrate your blog post AND it works to keep your readers’ attention, too. I mean, I’m 2000% more likely to read your list post if you have the book’s covers on it.
Emphasize your text with every tool!
I’m not in denial: I know people will skim this blog post, because it’s long and I am a rambly kind of person. I also know that this doesn’t mean people won’t TAKE anything from this post, if I’ve done the job right.
How, you ask? By using every tool at my disposal to make this post easy to digest and to skim, too. I’m using bold to emphazise the important parts, I’m sometimes making my text bigger to attract your attention there, too. I know, personally, in other blogs, this kind of trick helps me, keeps my attention and makes me digest a post without reading it entirely, too.
Pour your heart into every post you write
I was about to write: this is for you, but then I remembered these times I got comments telling me they could feel my passion for it through my writing. I realized: I’m pouring myself into every post I write for two reasons:
- I’m passionnate about what I write and I just, write and write and write while in this this hyper-focused, thrilling phase,
- I know now that people can actually feel it.
It might feel stupid, because you can’t feel a smile through a computer screen half a world away, but… I hope you do when you read my blog posts, and I hope people know I can feel it too in their posts, when they’re shouting about a book they’re passionate about.
I feel your passion in your blog. So keep it and pour it into your posts, too. Put a bit of yourself, let your thoughts, your voice, your heart take over for this little moment and I promise you, people will see it. I know I do!
Now, there’s something else. Something else that matters, that will prevent people from reading your blog at all. It’s your blog, itself.
How to get people to read your blog
Make your blog attractive
Just like your blog posts, your blog itself needs to look attractive for people to actually stop and read anything on it. I know, choosing a blog design is something that’s really personal. It took me AGES before I found my current design through 17th Avenue Designs, one I’m so happy about because it has beautiful, minimalistic aesthetics I was looking for.
The thing is: a design is personal, so MAKE it personal. It’s so easy to get the same theme as another blogger because it looks pretty, but then… it’s not really yours, is it? Make it stand out. Change it a little bit, use colors you enjoy (without blinding us, please), fonts you like (without making it unreadable), make it ALL yours and original.
Don’t hesitate to ask around you about colors, fonts and more. I know I bothered the hell out of my sister with my theme set-up and more, to make it attractive AND readable. Also, if you’re using ads or/and pop-ups, make them as fitting and without altering your readers’ experience. Fastest way for me to leave your blog is a pop-up or an ad preventing me from reading.
The blog post’s environment matters JUST AS MUCH as the blog post’s content.
Pay attention to your blog’s navigation
There’s one reason I won’t read your blog posts: if I can’t FIND them. If there’s no clear navigation, if I’m searching for more than a minute (I’m being nice. It’s more like 30 seconds) without finding your blog posts, I’m quitting. It might be obvious to you, but it might not be for others: once again, ask your readers! Ask your friends!
Hype your blog and your work!
Maybe that’s just me, but: I’m having the hardest time promoting my own blog. It’s silly, because I spend countless hours working on it for no recognition, so… I should scream about it more, but for some reason I feel awkward about it.
That doesn’t mean you should. Honestly, promoting your work and your blog posts MATTERS. You spent a whole lot of time, energy, passion, love, to write this blog post, after all. That’s how they will get SEEN. Tweet about it, post on instagram about it, SCREAM about it to the world. Don’t be afraid (like me). Engage with other bloggers, too! This is how you get found and how they will find you, too.
☂️ Related blog post: Why I don’t believe in fake engagement in blogging (+ tips and tricks to engage and build genuine connections!)
The best thing about people reading your blog posts is creating a community. It’s talking to bloggers and screaming about the same things.
Most of it all, in the end, it’s all about sharing your passion and having fun, so always, ALWAYS focus on doing that.
How to Write a Great Blog Post in 2021: Ultimate Guide
- Write a post YOU want to read
- Format it the right way
- A great headline
- Awesome paragraphs and lists
- Illustrate your point
- Use bold to emphasize your text
- Pour your heart into every post!
- Make your blog’s environment attractive
- Make your blog posts easy to find!
- Promote and hype yourself: you deserve it!!
📌 Pin How To Write a Blog Post People Will Read on Pinterest!
☂️ Read on: 5 book blogging insecurities I have (and how i try to get over them)
I’d love to know: what makes YOU want to read a blog post? Do you have any tips and tricks to format your posts you’d like to share? Why won’t you read a blog post?
Is there any blogging topic you’d like me to cover? Let me know in comments, I’d love to hear your suggestions!!
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Briana | Pages Unbound says
Love this! I’ve been pondering writing something on this topic and haven’t gotten around to it, but I think you touched on most of the points I would have!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you so much, Briana! I’m so happy you enjoyed this post! <3 <3
Fayth Brady says
Yours is one of the few blogs that I subscribe to because I know I’m getting quality content and its usually helpful or at the very least relatable. As much as i wish more people left comments or read my blog, in the end I’m writing what I enjoy. Hobbies don’t have to be profitable as long as you are profiting mentally and emotionally from them.
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh my god thank you so much 🥺🥺 this means so much! I agree with you SO much. As long as you’re enjoying it and it’s making you happy, that’s what matters the most. Thank you 🥺
Alienor @ a fox's wanderings says
Amazing post! I didn’t even skim 😉 I agree with everything you said. I too have a hard time reading posts with looong blocks of text and without pictures 🙈
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh thank you so much Alienor 🥺🥺 I’m the same way, I just end up giving up after a little while. Something needs to keep my attention 🙈.
ohsrslybooks says
This was such an interesting post 😍 thank you!
ohsrslybooks says
Images and paragraphs are also important for me! I don’t like blog posts that are just text and no images, and I also don’t like huge chunks of text, I lose my focus very quickly then!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Agree!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 😀
Deanna Parenti says
Love love love!! I live by the idea that passion is what should drive my writing. If I never enjoy what I’m writing then I shouldn’t be discussing that topic. Using passion as inspiration absolutely makes my writing better
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
I’m so glad you agree! Thank you! 😀
CJR The Brit says
Some great points! You’re right, it’s all about SM at the mo so I’ve found myself making my blog posts smaller in the hope that people will read and it also fits me as I prefer smaller posts too!!!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahhh well if it fits you, GO for it! That’s what matters the most, that you’re enjoying what you write and the way you do it, too 😀
CJR The Brit says
Hardly no interaction is a real mood killer though isn’t it!!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
It really is, yeah 🙁
Carol (Reading Ladies) says
I read every word! Thanks for the great tips and reminders!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh thank you so much Carol! 🥺
trulyraisa says
Everyone’s blog has a different format and for me the just the title will be enough to draw me to a certain post. And so I’d like to believe that my own blog titles stand out to other readers and hope it draws some attention!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Definitely! Some blogs will have a particular layout that’s catchy and will draw you in, too! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts 😀
Whimsically Meghan says
I loooooved this! 💗 I love all your posts and this was just another amazing post! 😊
I agree with you about formatting. I can’t stand when a blog post has loooong blocks of texts because it’s so hard to follow along with. Letting your text breathe is such great advice, I love it!
Also writing things you’re passionate about is great too because it not only comes easier to write, but when reading you can feel the passion! 💕
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you so much, you’re too kind 🥺🥺 I’m so happy you agree with those tips! Long, big blocks just make me tired sometimes hahaha.
Whimsically Meghan says
You’re very welcome! 💕😊
Yes! I so agree!
Dezzy @ The Thoughtful Voice says
ahhh this is such a wonderful blog post Marie, thank you for all these tips hehe :)) i definitely agree with everything you said, especially with including images and short paragraphs because i honestly have no attention span anymore 😂 i love playing around with text formatting and font sizes in my blog posts, like enlarging the text to emphasize random points, as well as making text smaller to mimic me “whispering” that sentence or something haha. honestly, i just write the way i speak, haha. i love reading all of your posts because your passion for books + your sweet personality shines through every time ❤️
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh thank you so, so much Dezzy, you’re so kind <3 I'm so glad you agree with this post, I always love reading your blog posts so much! <3
lyndseyhall says
This was such a good guide to writing blog posts!! Love the tip of using bold and bigger fonts to draw attention to key points 🤩 definitely going to try that!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh thank you so much!! 🥺
ashley @ socially awkward bookworm says
Great post, Marie! I love all your tips and it’s a great post to reference back to when struggling to come up with posts that will grab readers’ attentions. <3
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so, so much Ashley! <3
thecritiquesofafangirl says
This is such a great and helpful post! I am always looking at tips to improve my posts and this is definitely will be helpful to do just that!
I am also gonna check out the site you mentioned, I am pretty bored of my old theme and it’s time for me to look for a new one
Have a great day and Happy Reading ❤
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ah thank you so much! I’m so happy to hear this could be helpful to you, thank you <3
Linda I PagesandPapers says
Great post!! I especially agree with your first point. There’s no point in writing a post I wouldn’t want to read myself. I think when it comes to social media, people are so focused on getting as many likes as possible instead of writing stuff they actually identify with. Don’t get me wrong I think there’s nothing wrong with writing posts you think will go down well. But you should always stay true to yourself. x
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ah thank you so much! I agree with you so much. I feel like we’re too focused on instant gratification that we don’t focus on the things that really echo with us more. Thank you <3
Abby @ Beyond the Read says
All of these tips are so helpful, I wish I’d had something like this when I first started my own blog!! Pouring passion into your posts is definitely really important — that’s often the make or break for me when reading other people’s blogs, and it’s something I remind myself of every day. Fantastic discussion Marie!! 💖
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh Abby thank you SO much! I’m so happy that you enjoyed this and that it could be helpful to you <3
thebookishcoven says
Excellent points! and I can def feel your passion pouring from your words❤️
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahh thank you so much, you’re so sweet! <3
thereadingdove says
this is very helpful, I always think that no one reads my blogposts anymore like they had 5 years ago. But I keep on blogging because for me its like my online journal and its really nice to read something you’ve written years ago. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful blog post it really inspires me to do more blogging 🙂
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
It’s true that blogging has changed a whole lot in the past few years, but if you still enjoy it, you should keep on writing and blogging 😀
Thank you so much!! <3
Kat @ Bookish Blades says
That is such a nice, good post!! I’m sure it helps a lot of people! 🙂 Photos or images in general are also important to me. I LOVE lists, especially bookish lists and when there aren’t even cover images, I usually just leave again. I need the covers in my life haha
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you so, so much! <3 I agree with you, I need ALL the covers in my life as well ahah :)
Charis Rae says
I definitely could try and shorten my paragraphs because I have plenty 😂 I struggle with adding visual elements other than dividers, stock photos, or book covers, because GIFs don’t really fit me or my brand? And I’m too lazy to go to the trouble of block coding😂😂
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
😂😂 I get that! But these kind of images can be enough, everyone has their own style after all!
Laura Denis says
Thank you for sharing this!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you so much for reading!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I definitely don’t do as much fancy formatting as you do, but I agree that adding in at least some formatting is essential. I always bold important sentences because, just like you said, I KNOW people will skim. Drawing their eye to those bolded sections will often have them reading something else as well. I also use bullet points whenever possible. This is a great post!!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Aw thank you so much Nicole! <3 I agree that even just a little bit of formatting matters a lot :) thank you so much!
juli says
This was such a great post to read! Thank you for making it and helping other bloggers out 💕 I definitely needed some of these tips, and will be incorporating them on future posts
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you so, SO much, I’m so happy this could be helpful to you! Thank you for stopping by! 🥺
Shruvi Karande says
Hi! I simply love your blog and it’s appearance. Do you mind sharing the platform through which you created it? I am new in the book blogging community and am unable to find a good template to use.
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Hi! Thank you so much, that’s so kind of you to say 🥺 My blog is self-hosted on WordPress and the wonderful designers behind my blog’s theme are 17th Avenue Designs, you can find them right here!
Shruvi Karande says
Thanks a lot!
Marta @ of waves and pages says
you’re definitely one of the best book bloggers this community has and it was wonderful to read your advice!! <3 I have to admit sometimes I'm guilty of not spending nearly enough time formatting my posts, so I'll take these into consideration from now on, and I'll have to learn how to properly use WordPress, it's about time hahaha I post about SEO would be really interesting, too!! thank you for all these tips <3
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you SO much Marta, you’re too sweet 🥺🥺 What matters the most is that you have fun with blogging 🙂 Thank you so much!!
Lois says
I think with all this talk about how little bloggers are appreciated has really been such a demotivator for a lot of people, myself included. However, there is always a place for blogging and I will always champion a blog. This is such a brillaint post and I wholeheartedly agree with everything you’ve said. I’ve noticed a massive dip in my content writing, but I’ve also consciously removed generic posts that were just a killjoy to write. In terms of formatting, I’ve been utilising headings a lot more and I tend to use gifs to add that flair of personality that might not come across as easily in writing. There are so many brilliant tips and tricks when it comes to writing blog posts and I the beauty of this is that bloggers have the freedom to utilise them in a way that best showcases their passion.
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Right here with you, it has been making me feel down about my own blog and my work, that’s for sure. It’s so tiring 😔 thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, Lois, I’m so happy you appreciate this post ❤️ I completely agree with you on that! There were generic posts I realized I didn’t enjoy writing just as much, so I gave them up and I’m so glad I did. I work harder, but also feel more satisfied with my content, so… it’s a win I guess!
Macey @ Brine and Books says
Your line that one should feel like they can breathe when reading a blog post is, I think, the encapsulation for writing a good, readable post!! I loved that, and yes yes yes, definitely, we should be writing the posts we want to read as well xx
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ah thank you so, so much Macey <3 I'm so happy you liked this post!
Caro @ bookcheshirecat says
Such a great, informative post, Marie! ❤ I always try to keep an eye out for how I format my posts. It’s one of my first impressions I get when I visit a blog, so I know how important it is! Another point I agree with 100% is writing what you’re passionate about, as it’s not only fun but also really shines through 🥰
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you Caro! <3 I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Doreads says
I really enjoyed reading this blogpost, your tips are very helfpul. I don’t have a blog (yet) myself, but i really learned some things reading this blogpost. I actually always really enjoy your post, because of their lay-out and the way they are built up. Thank you for the tips, hope you have a nice day <3
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh thank you SO much, I’m so happy you found this helpful, thank you 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Molly's Book Nook says
I’m guilty of not fullllly reading a blog post. I’m one of those people that looks for the bold text, block quotes, images, etc, that breaks it up and highlights the main points. If those “stand out” parts catch my attention, then I’ll read the whole paragraph to find the deeper thoughts of the blogger on the topic. It’s it a huggeee paragraph or multiple paragraphs with nothing that stands out, I give up. It’s terrible and I always feel bad, but it just turns me off a bit.
Also, the images one! Especially about book lists. If a book list doesn’t have the cover, I usually click away >.<
I think one of my biggest issues is promoting my blog. I don't do it often. I don't really use Twitter and I feel like that's where all the bloggers hang out lol
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh don’t worry, I completely get that! I don’t read entire blog posts at times, either, it really depends on my mood and on the post. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to get any information from it at all, though! That’s when I appreciate bolded text and emphasis on important points so much. It makes it all more digestible, too!
Oh god no ahah, well not everyone’s using Twitter a whole lot, some people are spending a lot of time on instagram ahah. Maybe I should write something about blog promotion someday, I’ve been wanting to!
Eustacia | Eustea Reads says
Great post!! I was going to disagree with the images one, because I am okay with an image-less post if the paragraphs aren’t too long, but then I realised that I tend to put images in anyway (unless it’s a discussion post… maybe I should change that)
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ah thank you, so happy you enjoyed it! <3 I always end up adding images, too, I'm always scared that without it my posts might look scary long and annoying 😂
Clo @ Cuppa Clo says
Ah this was such a useful post Marie, full of tips to help us all out with crafting better posts 💕 Formatting can be pretty daunting particularly when you’re just starting out, I still remember how I used to format and *shudders* it was bad. Ever since I found a formatting style which works for me I actually look forward to the process since you can slowly see your post coming to life. I will say biggest tip is to always preview your post before scheduling/posting it 😅 its a life saver for checking the formatting looks right and everything is looking how I want it too.
Hmmm things that make me not read a post… if the blog itself is a hot mess of bright colours and too many fonts. Specifically post wise though I don’t like reading walls of texts. Paragraphs are wonderful and help in breaking the text down like you said as well as the use of images. I personally use graphic dividers in my posts, they help group points together etc.
Ah self promo is so hard though – you kinda feel like you’re shouting into a void hoping people see it. That said it can’t really be avoided 😔 no matter how awkward we feel if our blogs are to grow we have to yell into the void every once in a while. Sending you so much love and thank you for writing this post it’s amazing and I know it’ll help out so many book bloggers 💜
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh Clo thank you so, so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed this post 🥺 I agree, previewing everything is SO important ahah I do it ALL the time, to make sure everything looks okay! Promoting yourself can be so awkward at times, it makes me so nervous every single time, ahah, but well… sometimes we need to try our best to show off our work, too! <3
Thank you so much! <3
Kal @ Reader Voracious says
Amazing post as always, Marie! I’ve had a similar post in my drafts for… months but never got around to it, and you’ve done it way better. Walls of text are the biggest turn off and also my biggest issue: I know people’s eyes glaze over but still do it lmao.
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Oh Kal thank you so, so much, so happy you enjoyed this 🥺🥺 I get that, I force myself to hit that Enter button, otherwise I end up with big, endless rambles as well ahahah.
officialchromehearts says
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drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Thank you!
Malka @ Paper Procrastinators says
Yes! Yes! Yes! I tend to blog hop in bursts. Some days I catch up on blogs I follow, and other days I try to find new blogs or blogs I haven’t visited in a while. Sometimes I’ll come across a blog post that sounds so interesting in the Reader, but when I see the actual full length post, the font is tiny, there are blocks of text or some other stylistic issue that makes me immediately leave.
Another thing that annoys me is when people make book lists and include the Goodreads synopsis. I don’t care about that! I want to know why YOU found it interesting. Like you said in this post, put your heart into it, bare a bit of your soul. How would you rephrase the synopsis to entice other readers? Which elements stuck out to you? Posts that rely on Goodreads to convey information lack heart to me and for some reason are ones that I’ll instantly click away from. Of course, exceptions are made in cases of reviews and such, but in general, it’s just not my thing!
I just adored this post! I really hope that every new blogger comes across it early on in their blogging beginnings because you’ve so perfectly captured everything I think of when looking at a new to me blog! In fact, these are all the questions I ask myself when writing my own posts! If I’m not enjoying myself, I won’t write it! If I wouldn’t read that much text, it’s time for a picture! This post truly is the ultimate how to guide for bloggers!
drizzleandhurricanebooks says
Ahhh thank you, so so happy you enjoyed this! I so agree with you about the book lists. I want to know why you liked this book, I want to know a little bit more about your personal feelings, too!
Thank you so, so much!! <3