9 Hacks to Supercharge Your Blog Writing
Want to draw readers into your writing? Use these secret weapons to create outstanding content that people WANT to read.
Writing online has become one of the best ways to share your voice with the world.
But if you’re not careful, it can also be one of the quickest ways to turn readers off.
That’s why it’s critical to know how to hack your blog writing to engage the right readers in the best ways. When you can capture interest and flip that script on what good writing looks like, you’re well on your way to success.
Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started:
1. Write in a conversational tone
I hope that as you read this, you hear the “voice” in your head as if we were having a conversation.
That’s the goal of writing in a conversational tone: to sound like you’re speaking to the reader one-on-one.
It’s often the quickest way to build rapport and keep readers engaged throughout your post. So, ditch the formalities and write like you would speak.
2. Use short sentences and paragraphs
Nobody likes a wall of text.
So, keep your sentences and paragraphs short to make your content more digestible.
Kind of like this, with variety in your lengths and style.
Not only will this help with readability, but it’ll also force you to be more concise with your words.
3. Write headlines that pack a PUNCH
As they say, “If it bleeds, it leads.”
Your headlines need to be attention-grabbing if you want people to actually read your post. But beware: clickbait will only work once. After that, you’ll lose credibility fast.
Instead, focus on writing headlines that accurately reflect the content of your post while still being interesting enough to make people want to read more.
4. Use images, infographics, and videos
When in doubt, add an image.
People are visual learners, so adding images, infographics, or even videos to your post can help break up the text and make your content more engaging.
Does it have to match the content? In most cases, you don’t want your visuals to be too literal.
But they should add another layer to the story you’re trying to tell.
5. Use formatting that aids the reader
The right formatting can make a world of difference in how readable your post is.
For instance, if you are sharing a list of related information:
- use bullet points to offer clarity
- use bullet points to break up lists
- use bullet points to guide the reader’s eyes
Headers are your best friend.
Similarly, don’t be afraid to use different header styles (H2, H3, etc.) to break up your text in engaging ways.
The goal is for your readers to be able to quickly scan your post and understand the main points. If they can do that, they’re more likely to stick around until the end.
6. Hook the reader with engaging questions
Have you ever read an article that starts with a question?
One that’s so captivating you can’t help but read on to find out the answer?
You can do the same in your blog posts by starting with a question that engages the reader and piques their curiosity.
Just make sure you’re not asking a question that can be easily answered with a simple Google search. You want to make the reader think, not give them all the answers right away.
So, what will you ask?
7. Tell a story with your words
People love stories. In fact, we’re wired to respond to them.
One time, I wrote an article about an experience I had at the DMV. I was waiting to get my license renewed, and the woman in front of me was having a meltdown.
The back and forth between the woman and the DMV worker was so bizarre, I had to write about it.
I didn’t share any life-changing lessons or grand conclusions. I simply wrote about what happened, step by step.
Guess what? That post got a lot of traction because people could relate to the story. And as an added bonus, it gave them a much-needed laugh in the middle of their day.
8. Be vulnerable
Here’s an honest admission: I struggle with imposter syndrome as a writer. Seriously, sometimes I sit down to write, and I feel like a fraud.
But you know what? Being vulnerable and sharing your own struggles can actually make you a better writer.
It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. When you’re open and honest about your fears and insecurities, people can relate to you. They see that you’re human, just like them.
And that makes them more likely to trust you and your message.
9. Drive action with an active voice.
In a minute, I’m going to get up from my desk and get a cup of coffee. But before I do, let me explain something to you.
In the sentence above, there are two clauses: one that’s in the present tense (“I’m going to get up from my desk”) and one that’s in the future tense (“before I do”). The verb “get” is what’s known as an action verb, meaning it drives the reader to do something.
When you use an active voice in your writing, it compels the reader to take action. That’s why it’s so important, especially if you want people to read your blog post and then take some next step (like subscribing to your email list or buying your product).
The Bottom Line
Hacking your blog writing doesn’t have to be complicated. In most cases, your content isn’t lacking substance but the style necessary to engage readers.
By following the tips and tricks in this post, you can write better, more engaging content that will keep your readers coming back for more.
Experiment with different writing styles and techniques to find what works best for you, and always proofread your work before publishing it online.
With a little practice, you’ll be cranking out high-quality blog posts in no time!
