Want to learn how to write your first blog post? Look no further.
In this guide, we'll show you the 5 steps to writing a blog article that is respectable.
Let's get started.
How to Write Your First Blog Post
Now that you've started a blog, it's time to write some content.
I know it's scary. But no worries.
This 5-step writing guide will make it easy for you.
Disclaimer: Every blogger's first blog post is typically not very good. But with practice, you will get better. So don't let this scare you. Before you know it, you'll be writing great content and you'll love it!
Step 1: Find the Right Topic
Let me start by saying that it's not important that your first topic has to be something your target audience needs answered right away. It doesn't have to be the most important subject in your niche.
Do you know what I mean?
For instance, if you're in a weight loss niche (let's say post-pregnancy), your first post doesn't have to be 'the ultimate guide to losing pregnancy weight'.
Understand?
I suggest you choose something that isn't as important. Something that won't take days to write.
However, that doesn't mean I'm saying you should write about something that's super easy and totally unimportant.
Sticking with our pregnancy example, here are some ideas you might consider:
See what I'm saying?
If you can't think of anything off the top of your head, try using one of these content research tools.
If that doesn't work, take a look at some of these 100+ blog post ideas from OptinMonster.
Step 2: See What Others Are Doing
After you've found the perfect topic for your first blog post, seeing what other posts (about the same topic) always helps by giving you an idea on how to create your content.
For example, here on bloggingaid.com, we always Google our topics to see what our competitors are doing.
When I created our guide to blogger outreach, I Googled "blogger outreach" (obviously).
I read (mostly skimmed) through every result on pages one and two.
I found that most results were ultimate guides. That's why we chose to create our own massive guide.
Another thing I found was no one included an infographic in any of their guides. And you know what I did?
Yup! I created an infographic (find it here).
So, yeah. Finding out what other people are doing benefits you a lot. Not only will you figure out what type of post to create, but also how to create the best piece of content around that topic.
Step 3: Start With an Outline
You've found your first blog post topic and you saw what other websites are doing. What now?
Now it's time to start the creation process. We'll start with an outline.
If you don't know what that means, it's like setting up your main points and wrapping them in subheadings.
For example, in my post, my outline looked like this:
Yours should look similar. Use heading 2 for the sub-headline (if you use one) and heading 3 for the smaller points.
If you're not sure how to create your subheadings, it's the drop-down menu within the WordPress HTML editor. (see image below)
Step 4: Start Writing
After you whip up your blog post's outline, the only thing left to do is to start writing.
If you chose the right niche for your blog, you should already have some knowledge on your blog post topic. Perhaps even an expert at it.
If you don't know much, however, you'll have to do some research. But I'm going to assume you selected the perfect niche.
So, how do you write your blog post?
Well. You have your outline. From experience, that makes the writing process 10x easier. Maybe even more.
Now...
I can't tell you what to write exactly. There's no way I can know what your topic is. However, I can give you some pointers on writing content for the web.
Here are some tips:
These pointers will help you write content for both word-for-word readers and skimmers and scanners.
Step 5: Edit
When you're done writing, don't hit the magical PUBLISH button yet. I know it's exciting to get your first blog post up online, but it's likely not ready.
First drafts are usually a little sloppy. Especially when you're just starting out.
To proofread and edit your content like a pro, I'd recommend installing the Grammarly tool. It's a browser extension that'll find grammar errors within your content.
It can also spot things like 'passive voice' and offer suggestions that would make your writing more readable.
Another tool for editing is the HemingwayApp. It's a free online-based tool that offers about the same features as Grammarly. The only difference is that you'll have to paste your text into its editor.
One last piece of advice...
I know you want to publish your first blog post, but I highly recommend you hold off for just a few more hours.
One of the best editing techniques I've ever used works like this:
This simple technique has helped me find opportunities to make my content better, in terms of readability. I suggest you at least give it a try. A clear head will help you find stuff in your writing you wouldn't find otherwise.
Are you ready to hit PUBLISH? Do it!
Wrapping it up
Writing your very first blog post feels great.
What's next?
If I were you, I would keep on writing and creating great blog posts. If you feel like you're not much of a writer, you will get better with practice. Trust me. When I started out, I flat out sucked.
For now, you can follow the 5 steps we outlined in this guide. And when you get better, you can create your own writing process.
If you have any questions regarding your first blog post, let us know in the comments section below. We'll get back to you within a few.
