These blog hacks will improve your writing, boost your traffic, and help you to build a better website.
Create a Content Plan
Just like you wouldn’t travel to a new destination without an idea of where you’re going, a content plan will help guide your blog posts.
Without it, you’ll feel lost and may even give up writing altogether. This comprehensive article on creating a content plan is full of information that will help you engage visitors with more frequent blog posts and provide structure for your site.
But how do you create a content plan?
Here’s what I do:
I examine my competitor’s content and find the keywords that they rank for. Then I eliminate the most difficult keywords, so I’m left with a list of ones that I might be able to compete against.
More about this in a minute.
Plan Your Writing Schedule
Some days, I hit the keyboard and come away with an article in under 45 minutes. However, there used to be times when I’d been working on a post for hours and hours without getting anywhere.
It was frustrating, but I figured it out.
Here’s what I do:
In addition to having a content plan, I also have a content schedule. I know exactly what days I’m supposed to be writing on and for how long.
By approaching blogging in the same way, I would any other important task, such as a job, I’m able to maintain an even flow of content and not get distracted with other tasks.
I use a tool called Trello to plan out my schedule.
Planning for your writing schedule will help you keep on track with consistently publishing amazing content – no matter what.
Use a content framework
What is a content framework?
A content framework is a guide that helps you write blog content more effectively. Some bloggers use topic outlines, and others prefer to outline their writing as they go.
Here’s what I do:
Again, I examine my competitors and see how they’re structuring their content. While I don’t steal their outlines, I am inspired by them to know what kind of topics readers and search engines are expecting.
Make Keywords Work For You
Keyword research is an essential step in building a successful blog.
You need to know what topics your readers are interested in as well as the terms that will attract search engines.
Here’s what I do:
I avoid targeting massively popular keywords and instead target lower volume ones that have less competition.
Yes, there’s less traffic available for these keywords, but the chances of ranking for competitive ones would be unlikely. At least with lower-volume keywords, I stand a chance of gaining some organic traffic. And some traffic is better than no traffic.
Use A Call To Action
Getting people to your blog is just the first step; you need them to take action.
If you’re blogging for business or using any form of content marketing, you’re probably looking to generate leads and sales.
That’s why a Call To Action (CTA) is important.
Here’s what I do:
Somewhere, on every blog post I create, there is a CTA. It’s usually a free offer such as training. When someone subscribes to my email list, I can continue the conversation with them, provide more value, and make recommendations that I know will help them further.
Know Your Numbers
I use Google Analytics almost every day to check my numbers. It’s important to know where your traffic is coming from and how engaged your readers are with your content (are they scrolling down or clicking away?).
Here’s what I do:
I set up goals in Google Analytics so I always know what my readers have done after reading one of my articles (did they read another post? Did they subscribe to my email list?).
Knowing your numbers is essential for success.
Learn to Curate Content
Content curation is an invaluable technique to learn.
Not only can you have a steady supply of share-worthy content for social media, but you’ll have a limitless supply of content ideas of your own.
Here’s what I do:
I use a service like Feedly so that I can quickly scan headlines and then click over to the original article if it looks interesting.
Adding RSS feeds to an RSS reader will help you build up your own supply of constantly updated blog post ideas.
Step Back And Take Breaks
When we’re writing content for what feels like hours, things can get a little bit… muddled.
That’s why it’s important to step away, get a glass of water, and clear your mind after writing one or two posts.
Here’s what I do:
I will never write for more and an hour in one sitting.
After an hour, I will close my laptop and do something else for a while. The change in scenery – and pace helps my focus when I return to writing.
Use Grammarly
Grammarly is a must-have tool for any blogger. It’s an easy plugin, and it can help you catch spelling and grammar errors that Google may miss out on.
Here’s what I do:
I check all of my blog posts with Grammarly before publishing. The amount of mistakes that are overlooked is astounding. With the way technology works nowadays, you don’t want to be caught with a typo in your headline or body text.
Know When To Delegate
No man is an island, they say.
And neither is any blogger I know. So knowing your strengths and weaknesses can be crucial for blogging success.
Here’s what I do:
I know that when it comes to shooting videos, I’m pretty solid.
Many of my videos are repurposed into blog posts. But I’m not willing to transcribe them myself.
Here’s what I do:
The process of getting those videos transcribed into blog posts or subtitles is a major pain for me.
This is where outsourcing comes in handy.
I use services such as Freelancer and Upwork for transcription purposes – there are people who do this sort of thing much more quickly than I could, which will make my articles easier to digest.
Write your introduction and conclusion last
While you might start off with an initial idea, your blog posts might evolve along the way. This is true even if you’re using a content framework or outline.
Here’s what I do:
Because I never truly know how my blog posts are going to turn out, I leave writing the intro and conclusion as the last things I do.
It’s always easier to edit and tweak a blog post, leaving the intro and conclusion as a breeze.
Conclusion
These 11 hacks will help you to increase your blog productivity and conversion rates.
As with anything else, it’s going to take time and dedication to see success, but it will be worth the effort.