Even with the best content map and topics list, coming up with a blog post can be difficult. What do you blog about? What format do you use?
Don’t worry. We have your back. These five blog post types are easy to create and incredibly effective.
The “How To” Post
“How To” posts are one of most common types of blog posts. This is because they are relatively easy to write, deliver actionable instructions your readers can use, and showcase your industry expertise.
There are two keys to developing a good “How To” post:
Identify the Goal – What is it you want your reader to take away from your post? What problem do you want to help them solve? What task do you want to help them accomplish?
Outline the Steps – Your posts may not be organized with labeled steps. But, the steps should be presented sequentially. Your reader should be able to pinpoint how you move from A to B to C. The easiest way to do this is to create your own outline prior to drafting your post. Use this outline as your guide.
The Personal Post
People like to work with people, not businesses. They like to do business with people. They like to buy products from people. They like to hire people.
Notice a theme?
People should be at the forefront of your mind. The personal post is a post that humanizes your business by sharing a bit about the people connected to it. Typically a personal post will focus on one individual. They could be one of your clients, an employee or yourself.
These posts can take a variety of formats. With a client you might do a question and answer post, allowing them to show off their own industry expertise. With an employee, you might highlight their outstanding contribution by sharing a story. If you’re focusing on yourself, you might share something from your personal life, such as the birth of a child.
Regardless of who you are highlighting, the goal is always the same – engage your readers emotionally. Give them a human connection to your business.
The Cheat Sheet Post
Cheat sheet posts are similar to how to posts. Both share information your reader can use immediately. It is in the format and breadth of detail that they vary.
The best cheat sheets deliver concise snippets of information that are presented in a scan friendly format. Typically this is accomplished by using lists or bullet points.
The Roundup Post
Roundup posts are a collection of posts or articles your readers will find useful. They can be comprised of your own posts, posts and articles from another site or a combination of both.
Utilizing this kind of post gives you the distinct advantage of re-sharing content that what was popular or content you think needs a little extra push. These posts are also a great way to recognize fellow bloggers.
The most effective roundup posts share links to content with some personal commentary. By letting your reader know why you’ve selected that specific article or blog post, you further establish yourself as an industry expert.
The Announcement Post
Announcement posts are news posts. They are typically time sensitive and share specific information about an event or achievement associated with your business.
You’re not going to always have information worthy of an announcement post. But when you do, share it! Let your readers be excited with you.
Worried your announcement doesn’t deserve to be blogged about? Put it through the, “Will my reader care?” test. Ask yourself, why will your reader care about the news I’m sharing? If you can answer this question with something other than, “They won’t,” then you’re good to go.
Announcement worthy posts might include:
- Expanding Into a New Region
- Entering Into a New Partnership
- Introducing a New Product of Service
- Offering a Special
- Hosting an Event
- Receiving an Award
What other types of blog posts can you create? Shoot us a tweet and we’ll share a blog post prompt.
