290
Comment

Anatomy of an Effective Blog Post

Recently, my friend Philip Rothschild asked if I would write a blog post on “the anatomy of a 500-word blog post.” He said that he sensed I used some kind of template. He thought it might be something that would be valuable to others, as well as something he could use with his students.

Someone Drawing Lightbulbs on a Chalkboard Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/aluxum, Image #14314309

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/aluxum

I do, in fact, use a blog post template. I don’t follow it slavishly, but I always start with it. It includes all the elements that I have learned make for an effective post. It also helps me write faster, because it provides me with a track to run on.

My blog post template consists of five components:

  1. Lead Paragraph. This is key. If you take too long on the wind-up, you will lose readers. You have to get into the premise of the post and make it relevant to your readers. After the title, this is the second most important component of your post.
  2. Relevant Image. I use images for the same reasons magazines do: I want to pull my readers into the post itself. Pictures do that. I get 90 percent of mine from iStockPhoto. (Click here for a 20% discount.) Occasionally, I use a screenshot or an embedded video or slideshow.
  3. Personal Experience. I always try to share my personal experience. Why? Because readers connect with stories. The more honest and transparent I can be, the better. In fact, my most popular posts generally come out of some failure on my part.
  4. Main Body. Everything to this point has been an introduction. I always try to make my main content scannable. I use bullets, numbered lists—and often both. This makes the content more accessible to readers and more sharable via Twitter and Facebook.
  5. Discussion Question. For the past few years, I have ended every post with a question. I don’t intend my posts to be a monologue. Instead, I want to start a conversation. As a result, I measure my effectiveness at this by how many comments I get.

I also follow a few overall rules when writing my posts:

  • Make the posts short. This is my biggest personal challenge. I have a tendency to be too thorough. Consequently, I aim for 500 words. This usually means I have to write the post and then go back and tighten it up.
  • Use short paragraphs. I try to stick to 3–4 sentences. If it’s more than this, the content looks too dense. Readers will give up and move on. (Notice how newspapers usually follow this rule.)
  • Keep short sentences. As a general rule, I try avoid compound sentences. A period gives the reader a natural stop—and a sense of progress as they pass one milestone after another. To quote a common copywriting axion, short sentences make the copy read fast.
  • Use simple words. I love language, so I am often tempted to use big words. However, I have learned to avoid this. My goal is to communicate, not to impress my readers with my vocabulary.
  • Provide internal links. I can’t say everything in one post, so I link to other posts where I have developed a thought in more detail. This has the added vantage of increasing my pageviews and session times. I think it is also genuinely helpful to my readers.

While your template might be different, it is worth outlining and tweaking as you hone your writing skills. This will allow you to write faster and more effectively.

Question: What does your blog post template look like? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Get Free Email Updates!

Exclusive bonus! Subscribe today and you’ll receive a link to download my brand new e-book, Creating a Personal Life Plan, FREE. This step-by-step guide will help you design the life you’ve always wanted.

WestBow Press

Posted on January 31, 2011

« Four Actions You Can Take Now to...
Four Reasons Why the Sales Growth of... »

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are snarky, offensive, or off-topic. If in doubt, read My Comments Policy.

Newer Comments →
  • http://twitter.com/doughibbard Doug Hibbard

    My blog post template looks like this: mumble, mumble, ramble, chatter, question that’s not that good but I put it on there because really smart bloggers do.

    As I am working on focusing my blogging efforts, the general flow is: Opening quote, which is sometimes a Bible verse, sometimes famous person, sometimes historical. 2 Paragraphs of establishing what the quote refers to. 2 more of how that impacts me and why it might impact the reader. I usually try to conclude with a question, but I’m finding some of the questions are either too forced or too rhetorical, so they don’t draw out responses as well as I’d like.

    The major exception is Mondays, when I post sermon material from the prior Sunday. Then it is whatever format the sermon notes were, which is often an outline, but sometimes a strange mix of full-text and outline.

    Doug

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I find that I get the most comments when I intentionally leave stuff out. This gives room for readers to comment and ask questions.

    • John Quilter

      Hi Doug !!! I am hoping to reach that stage when I can write a blog. The thought was quite terrifing. Then I realise something. We all express ourselves differently. Even Einstein had trouble expressing himself until he decided that his thoughts would be of value to the rest of the world. In fact his release of thoughts to the great unwashed exposed a compassionate person who was articulate enought to express his views & fears for the development of mankind. I decided Three years ago to try to build a website…which is still in process. It has been the most challenging experience of my life. It was frustrating not knowing how things would fall into place. Now!! I have to tackle SEO, Blogs Adwords, Keywords & so forth. I sought council with IT experts who sadly could not article my questions in simple terms. This Hybrid Language which has been created should be expressed in digestable English*. If they took that approach then technology would move faster because we would all be in accord. The wonderful moments is when you discovered you could do it.

      John Quilter-Clarke

  • http://brandonsneed.com Brandon Sneed

    Thanks for this, Mr. Hyatt. I’ve been blogging on and off for about three years. Until recently, it was just a random, too-long, too-wordy stream-of-consciousness thing. This January, I decided to stop trying to do it however I felt like was best, and to start following the model of other, more successful bloggers. I’m not bringing in 200K uniques a month, but it’s definitely gone up. Your various “rules” have been among the most helpful resources. So, well, thanks!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      You are welcome. I’m glad my posts are helpful.

      • http://twitter.com/BobEwoldt Robert Ewoldt

        Michael, your posts are VERY helpful. I’ve found that your site, and Copyblogger, are the most helpful resources to make my blog posts better.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Great. That is so affirming to hear!

  • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

    As I photo blog, normally I do not do much homework on template design for the same. Alternatively, I put my effort in selecting the best photo shoots for my post. When I do a book review, I try to convey the message to my readers straight and flat. I am still learning to fine tune and hone my writing skills to suit the taste of the readers. And, thanks for your advice on ideal blog posting.

  • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

    I’m printing this post out and keeping it by my computer, Michael. Great content. While I follow a similar outline, It’s great to have it listed all in one place. For my writing and speaking, I usually use the 4 H’s as a guide. They are
    1. Head: Make them think.
    2. Heart: Help them feel emotion
    3. Hands: Ask them to take action
    4. Humor: Make them laugh

    If I have these four in a blog post or a speech, I usually have a winner. I agree with you that a lead paragraph is key. The more good content I have in the first few sentences, the better the page follow through. One thing you didn’t have on your list but already covered is a great title. They won’t get to your lead paragraph without one!

    Here is a question for you… How long do you spend on average writing your posts?

    • http://geoffreywebb.wordpress.com/ Geoff Webb

      I like your Head-Heart-Hands-Humor approach, John—and I can definitely see it in your posts!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I like your template, John.

      I budget an hour per post. Sometimes it takes less, sometimes more.

      • Ben

        An hour seems fast to me, but I agonize over my thoughts and words too much.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Keep in mind, I have written four books and a thousand blog posts (literally). I have gotten faster over time.

          • http://www.bretmavrich.com Bret Mavrich

            …and the template just must be a huge part of that. Do you find that you are adept at thinking of topics that make good blog posts, or that you have grown more skilled at fitting any topic into a blog format?

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            Probably a little of both. However, I do think I am adept of thinking of good blog posts. When you are committed to blogging daily, it makes you notice the world in a different way.

          • http://ergliangel45.wordpress.com/ Kathleen Langridge

            I have nothing like your portfolio but I KNOW the reality of your comment.

          • http://twitter.com/BobEwoldt Robert Ewoldt

            It’s encouraging to know that you get faster at blogging. I probably spend a good 3-4 hours per post right now, in research and writing.

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            That should definitely improve.

      • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

        For your expansive content an hour sounds great. I try to get my standard posts done in 48 minutes. I put up a short video about the process at http://bit.ly/eeMg1z

    • http://jhwist.tumblr.com/ Henrik Wist

      John, that Head-Heart-Hands-Humor guide is a good one, I’ll remember that for sure!

      • http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

        It’s an easy acrostic to remember and you can easily act it out by touching your head, your heart, hold out your hands, and then smile. I use it a lot when sharing with other speakers.

        • http://twitter.com/BobEwoldt Robert Ewoldt

          I like your template, John. I think I’ll try it out.

    • Ben

      That sounds like a good Sunday School teacher template.

    • http://modernservantleader.com/ Benjamin Lichtenwalner

      John, I printed out your template (in addition to Michael’s). Excellent summary – thank you for sharing.

      It’s a bit tactical, but the only additional item I do that is not listed here is tie back to my primary focus. In other words, like many bloggers, I write on many themes. However, my primary is Servant Leadership. Therefore, if I am writing about another theme (“Technology”, “Resources” or “Other”), I still try to connect it back to servant leadership principles. This way, all posts align with one primary theme, while covering a breadth of topics.

  • Pingback: Tweets that mention Anatomy of an Effective Blog Post -- Topsy.com

  • Sjohnston

    I don’t blog at the present, but I do agree that the internal links you provide are very helpful and accomplish the goal you noted in today’s post.

    One question I had is: does your template have a word counter or have you learned to estimate the 500 words per post?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Yes, my blogging software has a built-in word counter.

  • http://geoffreywebb.wordpress.com/ Geoff Webb

    My format is quite similar, though I’ve never formally laid it out. My posts usually end up in this format, but I sometimes take a very circuitous route to get there. I think laying out a loose frame like this before I start will save me time writing—which I’m always thankful for!

  • http://jhwist.tumblr.com/ Henrik Wist

    Wow, seems January is a Blogging-1-0-1 for us here :) I like it a lot! I don’t have a blog template yet. I usually have a few topics saved as drafts (rough sketches) and then try to improve on them whenever I feel like writing. For the future, I might stick to a template like yours, thanks for posting it!

  • http://www.jeubfamily.com Chris Jeub

    Fantastic post, Michael! I’m a fan who loves to follow your lead. I’ve learned a lot of these tricks from you, as well as plain-old hard knocks.

    Here’s another trick, adopted from Mark Twain, that runs along your point abouts about simple writing: “If you see an adverb, kill it.”

    It helps tighten up your writing immensely.
    It tightens your writing.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree. The corollary to this is use strong verbs. If you do that, you won’t need many adverbs. Thanks.

    • http://www.bretmavrich.com Bret Mavrich

      invariably.

      :-)

    • http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

      Here’s what Stephen King had to say about adverbs in his book On Writing:

      Adverbs, you will remember from your own version of Business English, are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They’re the ones that usually end in -ly. Adverbs, like the passive voice, seem to have been created with the timid writer in mind. With the passive voice, the writer usually expresses fear of not being taken seriously; it is a the voice of little boys wearing shoepolish moustaches and little girls clumping around in Mommy’s high heels. With adverbs, the writer usually tells us he or she is afraid he/she isn’t expressing herself clearly, that he or she is not getting the point or the picture across.

      Notice that this 80-word paragraph contains five adverbs, including three instances of the word “usually.”

  • www.therextras.com

    You have a fine template, Michael. I have tried to emulate some of these pointers just by reading your blog. I’m glad you are not slavish to this template. Two of the tips have worked too well for me: ending with a question has given me exactly the opposite effect – fewer comments. Also, I find I leave posts that end in questions – especially those with the generic “how about you?” or “tell your story here”.

    I am very mindful of ‘simple words’ but press-in a good complex word if nothing fits better.

    The ‘personal part’ of my posts gets as many comments as any other content. That seems to be a critical component for my readers. Barbara

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      That is interesting that ending with a question gives you the opposite effect. Perhaps it feels contrived or rhetorical. The main thing, I think, is to use what works. If that doesn’t work, then by all means don’t use it. Thanks.

  • Kevin

    I’ve always enjoyed your posts, Michael. This post helps me understand why. They are always easy to read, yet full of good material.

    The only template I consider when writing is, SHORT. Keep sentences, paragraphs and posts short. Blogs aren’t books, so they should be written with the quick readers in mind.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      SHORT is a great overall rubric. I should build an acronym around that. I wish I had though of that!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      SHORT is a great overall rubric. I should build an acronym around that. I wish I had though of that!

  • http://twitter.com/MacKinnonChris Chris MacKinnon

    I’ve caught on to a lot of these and started using them (e.g. adding an image, asking a discussion question, keeping them shorter). I’m starting to focus more and ramble less. I’ve also noticed that those of you using the Standard Theme focus one of 5 or 6 main topics that are included as navigation on the page. That has me thinking now, too.
    My template includes a lead line or two so I can break my posts. I find that I prefer to scan a home page for titles and content, and not have to scroll through unlimited lines to find 3 or 4 posts. Because I want to positively impact my readers, I try to close with a challenge or call to action in my conclusions.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree. I do the same thing on my home page.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      I use Standard Theme, but I haven’t included a category nav menu yet. I haven’t found a way to implement it like I like it to look yet. Once I get that figured out, I’ll include it on my site, but I want it to be a seperate nav area, and not included in my page nav.

  • Anonymous

    I’ve been blogging seven years now. It’s heartening to know I’ve subconsciously developed a format like this. What I need to work on is taking more time to add bold text and numbers. (I don’t naturally think in lists.)

    • http://www.bretmavrich.com Bret Mavrich

      I wish that weren’t the case. The item I hate most on Mike’s list is the “scannable” principle. What writer out there wants to admit that they’re writing to be half-mindedly glanced at? But, alas, that’s the medium.

      • Anonymous

        My underlying hope is that I’ll create such compelling, valuable content that folks won’t scan, but read my posts.

  • http://www.davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

    I have picked up on these things just by reading your blog daily. It has really helped increase the effectiveness of my blog for worship leaders. I really think that if you are too thorough, less people will comment. Many times I’ll learn new things through my reader’s comments. And I find myself posting more frequently when I don’t pressure myself to edit for 14 hours :) As Seth Godin would say, ship it out. I think about that every time I hit “publish”.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree with Seth. For example, I proof every post, but I know that I will inevitably have typos in it. (It’s challenging for most writers to catch their own mistakes.) I could hire a proof-reader, but even then, some typos will slip through. I prefer to just “ship it”—publish the post—and crowd-source my proof-reading. It works very well for me.

      • http://www.davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        Agreed. I believe it actually can empower readers when they catch your typos and you thank them for it.

      • http://jhwist.tumblr.com/ Henrik Wist

        I’d second that “shipping” is an important feature (usually for software, but holds true for blog posts as well). After all, this is not a book where people expect perfectly proof-read content, maybe because they paid for it. It’s a blog, and having typos in it (and correcting them along the way) makes it more human and therefore more accessible.

      • http://twitter.com/ReflectionsByPj ReflectionsByPj

        “… some typos will slip through…”

        perhaps the last line in this blog is case and point :)

        sadly, it happens to me all the time.

  • Julie

    Keep short sentences….
    Use simple words….

    While I COMPLETELY agree with your five elements to a readable *blog* post, my concern with social media/blog writing and the American intellect *in general* is that it seems the result is a watering down of everything to meet the demands of our overly-busy, jam-packed lives.

    As a society, it seems we are now receiving a HUGE proportion of our reading/information from the blogosphere and Internet news where the writing meets these two criteria you mention above and we are, therefore, lacking depth – not only in our writing, but in our thought processes. How many times have you had a thought you wanted to share and the very next one was … how I can shorten that to 140 characters or less? (Or, as you’ve mentioned before 122 so that it can be Re-tweeted!) …

    Just a few “quick thoughts” there in response …

    -Julie

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      That is definitely an issue. Thanks.

    • http://www.upperlinefinancial.com H. Jude Boudreaux, CFP®

      Julie, while that can be limiting, I also can think of a number of writers that I started following on twitter, subscribed to their blog, then read a long form article, then bought their book. I think it’s often just a natural progression to go from high-level to in-depth.

  • http://missionalmamassoul.blogspot.com/ Amy

    I am not a big deal blog so my template is write what I want, add a photo, usually add a question. I do try to not write eveything and keep it short.

    Thanks again for a good post.

    • http://www.bretmavrich.com Bret Mavrich

      Your short comment made me realize that the same rules apply to blog comments as blog posts. I read every word.

  • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

    I saw in a comment that you budget an hour per blog post (for length of time writing). I recently began doing the same and am finding that very helpful. Helps to push the flow by having a deadline on yourself. Gives me a framework to know that if I can’t nail it in an hour then I’m forcing it and it’s not worth it or I need to shelf it and come back to it later.

    I’ve also started trying to store up posts (drafts) that I can use for future times when I’m either busy or perhaps struggling with a post concept. Many of these are quick RESOURCE posts such as the “Want to Know the Best Time to Tweet / Update on Twitter? Here’s How…” post I published this past Saturday. Ironically, that post in particular is already bringing in a lot of traffic (search traffic too). : )

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      It’s funny. I can never predict which post will catch fire. Often, it is one that I think is a throw-away. Just part of the mystery of writing, I guess.

  • http://twitter.com/philrothschild Philip Rothschild

    Thanks for giving your blog post a “physical” Michael. We now understand it’s anatomy, and see why your blog is so healthy…and helpful.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks for the inspiration, Philip.

  • iGranny

    Michael,

    I had a blog post scheduled to go out for this morning- and after reading your tips I went in and edited it w/ bullet points and wanted to thank you. I think it’s much easier to read and will prove more effective. Than you for always being so willing to share and help even non professionals like myself improve. GBY brother!
    BTW here is a link to my blogpost: http://switchinggranny.com/what-every-grandparent-needs

  • http://twitter.com/writingmomof3 Mary Parker Bernard

    Enjoyed reading your about your template.

    My question is regarding the discussion question. I have routinely placed discussion questions at the end of my posts for months now. I still receive few comments that answer the questions–and most of the time, just no comments at all.

    Am I asking the “wrong” questions? Any thoughts on encouraging interaction around that discussion question?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      The question has to be open-ended. In the early days, I used to also “stack the deck” by asking my family and close responds to comment. Comments breed comments.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      I’m running into the same problem, but I assume it’s because I’m only a 3-month old blogger. I have a couple of people who comment occasionally, but have decided to try to get my name out there a bit more to aloow people to be aware of me and my site. I’m sure it’ll happen in time…

  • http://twitter.com/JoshuaMHood Josh Hood

    Pictures are powerful. I’ve found they make posts much more readable & sharable. And they’re easy to add.

  • Marshamelk

    I love another blog as well – she uses a photo format – http://rachelsimon.com/blog/2011/01/31/my-pre-sale-book-tour-san-francisco/

  • DrDavidFrisbie

    Hook, story, take-away. That template is 80 percent of our posting; 20 percent is random.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      That’s a good template. I like the simplicity.

  • http://studio27b.net David Nash

    Great question. My blogs generally revolve around faith and how it fits into a family (guideline #1). Because of this, I work to draw simple truths from scripture or situations (guide #2). I like to weave life into them, and since I live in Alaska, I especially enjoy a touch of “the wild,” (#3). I also do my best to keep paragraphs and sentences concise (#4). And finally, because of my background in pubic speaking, I’ve learned there has to be a “take-away.” What can we do with this (#5)? As a final thought, I do my best to keep my posts “us” oriented: what is God trying to share with Us?

  • http://pennyshire.wordpress.com/ Reflectionsbypj

    I really appreciate this post. I use images as I find it heightens peoples curiosity though my word count varies. I’m not a well established blogger and find it discouraging when I leave a question at the end of blog in efforts for dialogue to occur and receive no feed back, thus have stopped doing so. I will put this back into my template and am positive feedback will come, one day. You’ve given me, along with your readers that have commented, a lot to think about with my own blog – items I’ll be adding and others I’ll be deleting. Thank you for sharing, giving insight and instruction, and being a great read!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      In the early days, I used to talk my friend and family into commenting. It was a great way to prime the pump.

  • http://twitter.com/idelette idelette mcvicker

    Thank you for sharing so much of your Wisdom & experience. // I am filtering this for communicating with a predominantly female readership on http://www.shelovesmagazine.com We are on a BIG learning curve, but we definitely see how our posts are just the start of a conversation. //I really like the head-heart-hands-humor approach too.

  • http://familysynergy.wordpress.com JD Eddins

    Thanks for sharing. I know I need to work on my first paragraph of my writing. Do you spend most of your time working on that section?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      No, but I spend as much time on that paragraph as the rest of the post.

  • Ashley Musick

    Great Tips! Seems like writing good blogs is a lot like writing a good feature piece in journalism. It’s personal, informative, and concise. I find that formulas like this are great for writing. I can just add this to the list of formulas I already have for essays, sermons, and news articles!

  • http://twitter.com/pggfpu Patrick Grady

    I too have been an on-and-off blogger. I find it hard to do because it is not part of my workday routine.

    But I’m always open to tips, and Michael, I’m very gald I found your site. I think my most recent post is 1 step in the right direction.

    In retrospect, I should have left the lyrics out. The woeful tone of the singer in the video is much more powerful.

    It brings a question to mind – how often to you edit posts after you publish them, other than for GUMS (Grammar, Usage, Mechanics, Spelling), as my daughter says?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Honestly, never, other than to update links.

      • http://www.bretmavrich.com Bret Mavrich

        follow up: I’ve noticed that you seem to always have the ability to reference one of your former posts as an answer to a question. How do you do that? Do you remember most of your thousand posts? Or do you just work off of the most popular over time?

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Usually, I remember them. Often, I just use the search function on my blog. Thanks.

  • http://fishblogwash.blogspot.com Sean Fishstix3214

    Great post, Mr. Hyatt!

    If you end every post with a question, intending to start a conversation, how much time are you willing to commit to the conversation(s) thoughout the day? It seems like an easy way to get behind on other priorities.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      You definitely have to manage that.

  • http://www.lauriebaedke.com Laurie Baedke

    Your consistency and discipline in approach are just one of the reasons I find your blog so engaging. As a new blogger, your recent tips and posts on the infrastructure of effective blogging are immensely helpful.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Good, Laurie. I’m glad it’s been helpful.

  • http://www.confessionsofalegalist.com Jeremy Statton

    I really like the short paragraph, short sentences advice. Its kind of like prayer. Keep it short and simple.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Like speaking, it takes more work to keep it short.

  • http://relevantbrokenness.com Marni Arnold

    I am going to study this deeply a bit more, Michael. This is great stuff – as usual! :)

    I incorporated a few of these into this mornings post on my blog…but upon deeper study, I am going to work on all of these points.

    Thank you! :)

  • http://bradleyaharmon.com Brad Harmon

    I love it when a post serves as its own example.

    As I was reading through it, my mind was making mental check marks automatically for all the elements you suggested in your blog template.

    Thanks for sharing your template with us.

    I have not mastered getting to the 500 word sweet spot, but I have been getting closer by paying more attention to make my wind-up shorter.

  • http://www.suetornai.com Suetornai

    Thank you for this template information. I follow a similar template by trying to make my posts 300-500 words with simple language. Sometimes it doesn’t work. Too often I forget to include the photo image. Like you said, this is so important. When I read, I often look at the pictures to see what I want to read. Maybe that’s the kid in all of us. :)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Also, you should keep in mind that Google (supposedly) penalizes you for posts that are less than 300 words. So, while short is generally better, it is possible to be too short.

  • Stephanie

    Your blog is one of the few that I follow daily and it’s due to the approach you’ve outlined here! I take away practical wisdom and insight from most everything you write. Thank you!

    I’ve decided to increase my posts/week and your last few posts about blogging have given me some great ideas about how to do that more effectively. In fact, I had already noticed some of the things that you do in your blog, and started doing them in mine (including a photo, asking a question at the end, etc).

    I especially appreciated knowing that you budget an hour/post. It gives me something to shoot for…I know that I take too long to write mine!

    I’d be interested to know how you determine what you’ll write about–especially since you’re now blogging daily. Do you keep a list of things as they pop in your mind? Developing ideas of relevant blogging material is one of my biggest challenges.

    Thanks again, Michael, for sharing your wisdom and insight with us!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I do keep a list, but oddly, I almost never go back to it. I usually write about whatever sparks my interest at the moment. Thanks.

  • Katie Ganshert

    Love this, especially since I’m trying to spruce up my blog these days.

  • Deiric

    Michael

    At the risk of suggestiiong Giod has nothing to dio but deal with small matters like my blog I am inclined to think that you began this recent series of blog posts as a result of God given inspiration – which (s)he sent specifically to help me get my blog up and going successfully.

    This is absolute gold to a newbie like me.

    Thanks a million.

    In your debt,
    Deiric

  • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

    Wow, the last few posts are starred in my Google Reader, so I can keep cming back to them. This one, and the rest of this “series” on effective bloging. Thanks for the input. It’s really helping me out.

    As of now, I don’t really have a blog post template, although that will be changing very soon. I have managed to resrict my categories down to 3-4 topics. I did this by taking my family updates and starting a seperate blog/site for them, as well as my hobby of landscape photography… that site isn’t running yet, but soon.

    This has allowed me to be more content specific. Next step? Blog post template and work on my titles, SEO and analytics.

    Thanks for helping me become a better writer!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Good for you! And thanks for your kind words.

  • http://jaclynmhawkes.com Jaclyn M. Hawkes

    My point is: There has to be a point. A positive point. Something uplifting. Society today almost seems to take pride in inane randomness, and frankly, who has that kind of time? And why? The whole idea… The whole lack of an idea is brain dead.
    I also like to give those who visit my blog something to smile about. Humor is highly underrated in life’s everyday tedium. Sometimes, you have to either laugh at yourself or you’ll bawl. Laughing is much more therapeutic. At least I think so.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree. People need encouragement, today more than ever.

  • http://kennysilva.net Kenny Silva

    My “template” is very similar. I focus on all of the same principles you outlined with an added emphasis on scan-ability. In much the same way as writing short sentences provides a sense of forward motion, using sub-headlines and lists makes my writing flow more easily. It helps readers make it through to the end instead of jumping ship.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I totally agree.

  • http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

    I get 100 percent of my pictures from Google Images for a 100% discount. (I duplicated your way of writing out the word “percent” when referring to the percentage of pictures and using the percent sign before the word “discount.” Curious if this was a mere typographical inconsistency on your part of if this may actually be the correct way of doing it. Must check with my Chicago Manual of Style.)

    I suppose there’s a copyright issue with “stealing” pictures right off the web, but for some reason I don’t feel bad about it. On the other hand, I strenuously oppose the illegal downloading of movies and music. Not sure whence this apparent discrepancy in my conscience and whether said discrepancy is one in kind or merely in degree.

    I do wonder about the practical value of the obligatory comment question at the end of all your and some other bloggers’ posts. First, I’m thinking that by now most folks who use the Internet know that an open comment section appended to a blog “monologue” constitutes an implicit invitation to comment.

    Second, and more importantly, very often the comment that forms in my mind when reading a blog post does not directly relate to the question displayed at the bottom, so then I feel that perhaps the blogger wants keep the comments in the comment section narrowly focused (“Expressio unius est exclusio alterius”) and hence my comment, since it would stray from the question, may not be welcome.

    So I’m wondering if providing a specific question at the bottom of a post, while inducing some to comment, may actually deter others.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      With regard to picture, I think this is no different than movies, music, books, or any other form of intellectual property. Although it sounds harsh, using it without permission from—or compensation to—the photographer is theft.

      With regard to questions at the bottom of your post, I just think you have to test this to discover what is right for your audience. Thanks.

  • http://markharai.com Mark Harai

    These are all great tips Michael – they actually simplify the post writing process.

    Tip #3 stands out in my mind. Personal experience is powerful, especially if you want to connect with and build an audience – something I am paying much more attention to these days as I learn about effective writing and blogging.

    Appreciate that tip!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree. It is difficult to be personal and vulnerable, but powerful when we do so.

  • http://twitter.com/lovinglyyoursG Georgiana

    Embrace Postive Passion speaks in poetic verse rather than sentences of prose. Inspirational quotes are weaved into each post’s theme to incorporate the main meaning of it’s message. Attention-grabbing titles also help illustrate what each post is communicating on http://www.embracepositivepassion.com ~ I hope to bring a touch of positivity to uplift and encourage everyone’s life.

  • http://www.christopherscottblog.typepad.com/ Christopher Scott

    I don’t have much of a template, but try to make the first paragraph set up the rest of the book.

    I aim for 200 – 800 words. However, I have a tendency to write too short. This doesn’t hammer home my point. I often find myself having to add a personal example or story to explain the point I am making.

  • Derwin L. Gray

    Michael,

    thank you very much! This was very helpful for me. Keep up the great work.

    Derwin

  • Deborah

    My current blog is all over the place and drives me crazy.
    I haven’t posted in quite a while for that very reason.
    Thinking of beginning a new one.
    These tips will be very helpful.
    Thanks.

    • http://www.bretmavrich.com Bret Mavrich

      Your comment looks like a poem.

  • http://shine4himphoto.wordpress.com Nicole

    My blog is photography-based, so I start the post with a photo. I follow that with camera specs for those who are interested, then get to the body of the post. This can be anything from a story about how I got the photo to commentary on the culture of the country it’s from. Don’t forget the humor! :) Finally, I will end with a question.

    Most of my posts are around 200-250 words, mainly paragraph style. I did use a bulleted list this week, though.

  • http://conniemcknight.com Connie McKnight

    I love your template. I’m going to call it Blogging 101 and put it in my binder to help other new bloggers. Thank you.

  • http://www.bretmavrich.com Bret Mavrich

    I always start with a lead paragraph and a catchy title, but that’s all I’ve got. Mostly I feel like I’m still learning the blogging medium—not every topic is fit for blogging, and at the end of the day, you are catering to readers and their needs. But what I see in your template are clear indicators of how you approach blogging-as-genre.

Newer Comments →

©2011 Michael Hyatt, Powered by Standard Theme

Want to know how to get published? Check out this step-by-step guide. Click here!