57% of marketers report that they’ve gained customers just by blogging.
But to see that kind of success with a blog, you have to understand what kinds of blogs to write and how to write them. Unfortunately, this is where most businesses fall short.
They put time and effort into creating a blog but don’t gain the kind of traffic or conversions they’re looking for. Why? It’s most likely due to the content they’re creating and the fact that they don’t know how to write a good blog post.
To avoid making the same mistake, it’s time you learn how to create great content.
Here are eight of the top categories for blog posts to help you learn what kinds of posts your audience is looking for and how to write to cater to their needs.
1. Useful Posts
When it comes to dreaming up blog post ideas, you’re going to want to focus on creating content that provides your readers with some sort of value. This is what makes useful blog posts so great.
The goal of useful posts is to establish yourself as an authority in your industry. If you’re constantly providing your readers with high-value content, then you’re going to be able to build a strong audience more quickly.
The key to learning how to write the best blog post for this kind of content is to always focus on answering a question or solving a problem.
For example, if you own an interior design business and your readers are looking for how to design a small child’s room, then walk them through with actual helpful ideas that you’ve learned through your years of expertise.
Other ideas or useful posts include:
- How-To Blogs
- Lists (resources, tools, hot new items)
- Case Studies
- FAQ Post
- Ultimate Guide Posts
- Tips
- Research
- Pillar Posts
The last one is particularly important as pillar posts help to serve as great content for backlinking purposes. Write evergreen content that you can use on a consistent basis and link back to it throughout your blog.
2. Generous Posts
Part of growing a successful blog is linking to others in your industry and promoting other blogs. Not only does this play a role in a strong link building strategy, but it’s also a great way to make connections in your industry.
And, usually, when you promote other businesses they promote you back. That’s a great way to earn “free” traffic and credibility.
To learn how to write the best blog post for this kind of content, you’ll want to keep things a bit more formal. Conduct an interview with someone in your industry or write a profile spotlight post on a company that’s doing great work.
If you’re looking to build blogs that feature more links, then write a link roundup post where you provide your readers with useful links and resources.
Quote posts are also a great way to include links. Link back to the person’s website or LinkedIn page.
Finally, crowdsourced posts are really great, and they show off your dedication to providing your audience with quality content.
Think about a topic that you want to discuss and get a bunch of influencers and industry experts together to answer questions about it.
3. Entertaining Posts
Blog ideas don’t always have to be serious. Sometimes, you and your readers simply want to take a break from everyday life and relax a bit.
This is why mixing entertaining posts into your content calendar can be helpful.
Consumers love connecting with brands through stories. With so much competition in today’s world, you really need to sell your story to set yourself apart from the rest. So, use your blog as a space to tell a story once in a while.
Or, use the space to try and create viral entertaining content that’s a bit more light-hearted.
Make memes that are highly shareable or write a parody post.
You’ll have to be extremely careful with this, but if your brand’s voice and identity allow it, you can create satire posts that discuss current political issues or current events.
4. Timely Posts
Want to know how to write the best blog post? Be the first to write about a specific topic.
This is especially true if you’re operating in a niche industry where news travels fast.
Dedicate a part of your blog content strategy planning each morning to looking for current events, newly released products, and hot topics in your industry. If there is something that’s current and relevant, don’t wait to write about it.
If you can get your readers to interact with you on these kinds of posts, it’s even better. Conduct a survey regarding a hot topic or new product. Then, post a follow-up blog that details the results of the survey.
Takeaway posts are another great blog idea option, especially if your business is in an industry that holds a lot of trade shows or conferences.
Each time you attend an event, write up a takeaway blog highlighting some of your favorite moments and important key features.
Be sure to link to relevant key speakers and businesses and always post this content on your social media accounts.
5. Human Posts
It’s no secret that robots rule part of the business world today. That’s why many consumers crave a personal connection with the companies they do business with.
When learning how to write a good blog post, you always want to focus on being human. This is going to help build trust with your consumers and create an audience that truly wants to interact with your blogs and business.
Once a month, for example, you can let an employee write about an inspiring career experience they had that transformed the way they view their jobs. Or, you can share your own personal experiences as the CEO or Head of Marketing.
Any way in which you can let your guard down and show your human side is going to help you connect with current and potential customers.
Try providing your readers with a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes for your business to operate. Show them how things work so they have a better understanding of what they’re paying for when they do business with you.
6. Promotional Posts
Marketing blog topics include a lot of promotional posts. However, the key to getting this just right lies in being promotional without your audience really knowing that you’re trying to sell them something.
Instead of creating blogs with titles like “Why You Need to Buy X Product” or “Top 10 Reasons to Use Our Services,” try creating content that’s more humble and subtle.
Some blog ideas for high-quality promotional posts include:
- Comparison Blog
- Best-Of Posts
- Company Updates
- Product Tips
- Year-in-Review
- Income Reports
By all means, you should use these blogs as a space to humblebrag about your company’s accomplishments.
However, always keep in mind that you’re still trying to provide your readers with value.
This means that if you’re writing a comparison blog post comparing your products to those of a competitor, be honest. Share honest facts about how your product stacks up and address any shortcomings.
Don’t go on and on about failures, but address areas in which you’re striving to improve and show your audience that you’re working towards being a better business for them.
7. Controversial Posts
Looking to gain a lot of traffic to your blog page through shares and comments? Learn how to write a good blog post that’s controversial.
Controversial content can be tricky, but it’s also highly shareable, which is one of the goals you should have in mind when creating blog posts.
You also want to think about creating content people want to read, interact with, and comment on.
Create what-if posts, a reaction post to a current event, or start a debate in a friendly manner. Ask your readers to drop a note in the comment section with their opinion.
The key here is going to be to moderate the comments and interact with your readers.
Make sure you dedicate time to responding to their comments and questions. And, make sure you’re moderating the comments between your readers as well. You want to ensure everything stays friendly while still being engaging.
8. Engaging Posts
Similar to controversial content, engaging content is a great way to get your audience to actively participate in your blog.
While a good blog post should always include a call-to-action at the bottom that prompts them to do something, such as comment, share, or visit another page, engaging posts have action as the main goal.
These kinds of posts include:
- Challenges
- Question Posts
- Contests
- Freebies
- Customer Showcases
The goal with these kinds of posts is to ensure that you’re always trying to get the reader to do something.
Come up with a unique challenge and ask your readers to complete it. Tie it into a freebie or giveaway contest that you’ll follow up with next week.
Not only will your audience be eager to participate, but they’ll tune back in next week when you publish an update.
Learn More Than Just How to Write a Good Blog Post
You’ll need to learn more than how to write a good blog post if you want to be successful in your blogging and digital marketing efforts.
Interested in learning how to grow your business through your blog and other useful tools?
Head over to the rest of our blog to read more articles about marketing. From learning how to write a great email to understanding the ins and outs of eCommerce, you’ll find something for every area of your interests and needs.