We’ve all been there. You open a new document to start writing a blog post, and then brain fog hits.
There’s a blank screen in front of you and you have no idea where to start.
It can be difficult to collect those thoughts and present them in a logical way. Even when you have a brilliant idea for a post.
But logic and flow are what you need to create content people want to read to the end.
Your structure helps get your point across, and it makes it easier for pet owners to relate to your ideas.
So to help you come unstuck, here’s how to structure a simple blog post so you can dive into writing much quicker.
This blog post was inspired by the blogging module members get access to inside the Pet Biz Thrive Online Club. Where members learn how to create a winning blog that supports their business growth and helps them attract new customers. Included are training tutorials, strategy worksheets, blog post templates and more.
Not a member yet?
Click here to learn more and sign up.
Top tip: Before you write any body copy, start with the bones of your structure. Always write out a rough headline and your subheads first. Then bullet point a few ideas under each subhead.
Headline
Start your blog post with a draft headline. At this point it doesn’t have to be perfect. You can always go back and fine tune at the end.
Ideally, your headline should be driven by your keyword research.
You want every blog post you create to have an opportunity to rank in the search engines. So head on over to Google’s Keyword Planner and start researching popular topics that relate to your pet business.
For more on how to search engine optimise your blog posts, head over here.
When you have a great topic idea, think about the kind of article you’ll create. Will it be a ‘how to post’, a ‘list post’, a ‘why post’, a ‘thought-provoker’…
How you word your headline is important.
It’s what entices people to click on your article. So spend some time here getting this right before you hit publish.
For inspiration, check out 3 overused headline formulas that still knock your reader’s socks off.
Introduction
Your introduction must grab your reader’s attention within the first 3 seconds.
It needs to pop and pull the reader into the rest of the blog post.
If the reader doesn’t like your style, finds the copy boring, overwhelming or confusing, they’re not going to stick around. No pressure then!
Your introduction should be short and to the point.
It should pique your reader’s curiosity and follow naturally into your body copy.
You could entertain your readers with a funny remark, a quote or an anecdote. Or simply share what your reader can expect if they read on.
I write my introductions first, but some people find them easier to do at the end. Try both ways and find out what works best for you.
Subheads
So you have your big topic idea, now brainstorm the subtopics you can write within that post.
Here you’re essentially breaking down the overarching topic into the main points you’ll discuss.
So for example, this post is broken down into the different sections that make up the structure of a blog post. It’s easy to digest the points and flows in a logical way.
Over on my dog blog, GoneDogMad, my ‘why dogs eat poop’ article is broken down into the possible reasons dogs eat poop. Then I talk about the various ways the reader can curb the behaviour.
It addresses the main question for the reader, but then I go deeper into actual tips that can help them with their problem.
A standard 500-700 word blog post includes around 4-5 different subheads. So think about the ideas behind each point, making sure each one flows logically into the next.
Body copy
Now we’re getting into the meat of your post. Under each subhead, bullet point 3-4 main ideas you’ll discuss.
These don’t have to be perfectly written, we’re just getting our thoughts onto paper as quickly as possible.
This is the skeleton of your article. I usually whip together these skeleton drafts within 10-15 minutes.
Then when I go to bulk out the rest of the copy, it’s much quicker and easier because I know exactly what I need to write about.
And we’re not writing a full-blown essay under each subhead either. Just 2-4 short paragraphs under each subhead is perfectly acceptable.
Call to action
To tie up your blog post with a pretty bow, include a call to action.
Every blog post you write should have a way to guide people onto the next step with you and your brand. Whether that’s a link to a lead magnet, an invitation to book a call, a link to a relevant product, or asking readers to share the post.
If you need call-to-action inspiration, check out 9 game-changing ways to end your blog posts.
I hope after reading this you now have more confidence about writing your next blog post. Because blog writing doesn’t have to be a time-sucking nightmare! Not when you know a few simple tricks to help you on your way.
And if you’d like to learn how to use blogging to increase your leads and sales, the Pet Biz Thrive Online Club is the perfect place to help you do that.
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P.s. If you need help to reach more pet parents and sell more of your products or services, there are a few ways I can help you do that:
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