10 tips for writing a compelling post

Posted by Ben on January 21, 2009 | Permalink | Hits: 615 

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1. Write what you know - and what your audience will relate to.

Compelling content is a lot harder to write if you don't have a clue what you're talking about. If you're good at going off on a tangent and linking it back to your niche, make sure you have some idea of the subject in hand. And of course, do make sure it is linked back to your niche somehow.

2. Write about your own experiences.

Having a real-life example to share can make the difference between a bland post and a compelling post. If you can't give examples, why not link to people who can? Sometimes, the theoretical posts could do with being shown in practice. All the better if you can post a video!

3. Tell a story.

This is similar to writing about your own experiences, but instead of simply referring to examples that prove (or disprove) your point, a "story post" can be used to take your readers on a journey while illustrating your point perfectly. A tale about great customer service is a post that I think works beautifully.

4. Interview people.

Why not break up the flow of "normal" posts by interviewing one of your readers? A blogger interview can be both insightful and beneficial for all concerned. Use interviews as a way to provide compelling content while connecting more closely with your readers.

5. Relax your writing style.

Do you write in a relaxed style or are your posts more rigid? If you mostly write "rigid" posts, try loosening up a bit. Stream of consciousness blogging is one way to do this.

6. Include some humour.

The problem with humour is you have to be funny. I find it depends on the post - sometimes it's not so much a case of being too serious, but there's not much to say that's particularly funny. Other times, there are so many funny things to say that you forget why you're writing the post. Speaking of which, I'm getting off the point - humour can be good, but use it sparingly. Unless you're writing a humour blog.

7. Don't waffle.

Whatever you're saying, can you say it in fewer sentences or paragraphs than you've said it in? If so - do! Get to the point, don't spend forever going round in circles.

8. Write follow-up posts.

It may be tempting to cram as much as possible into your posts - I've seen plenty of "mega posts" that get Stumbled, tweeted etc by everyone. But unless you're really sure of what you're doing, resist the urge to write such a long post. Instead, write a great post that leaves your readers wanting more, then write a follow-up post later.

Of course, follow-up posts are usually reserved for the posts that go down well with your readers (keep an eye on the comments!) and for the subjects where there's more to say than you can fit in one post.

9. Analyse other people's posts.

Seen a post that you want to comment on, but your comment would be really long? Why not write your response in a new post? Your response should be at least equal in "compellingness" as the original. You may even find that an average post could benefit greatly from a response. The original post provides you with a starting point - use it to further your arguments.

10. Present conflicting arguments.

Looking at both sides of a debate and arguing the case both ways can generate a lot of feedback. Writing a compelling post is not just about grabbing your audience, you need to make them understand your views and form an opinion of their own. If the post isn't compelling, they won't care. Grab your readers and make them care!

What do you think? How many of these tips apply to the most compelling posts on your blog or on the blogs you read?

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Comments on 10 tips for writing a compelling post

6

Ben | January 22, 2009 | Ben's home page | 190 comments

Daiv - I certainly think that images are excellent attention grabbers. However, I don't feel they make the post compelling. If the content is average but the image is stunning, the image may detract from the content. In my view, that's not a compelling post. I may write more on this in a follow-up post. (see what I did there?)

Jamie, I guess the proof is in the pudding!

Web-Betty - thanks!

Lyndi - strangely enough, I don't write many follow-up posts, I really need to follow my own advice!

Desiree - good luck with it. :)