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10 Blogging Practices That Work: How To Create Blog Content

In this post, Cori shares how busy bloggers can implement 10 proven good practices to create blog content. 

Keeping up with creating a steady stream of blog posts can be difficult for many bloggers. For a long time, I struggled with this. Creating blog posts regularly proved to be a bit of a stressful process. That is until I began to learn and integrate these practices.

Here I offer steps to help you develop your own content creation system. Let’s get started!

1. Using an idea bucket system.

What is an idea bucket?
A place where you can easily write down your thoughts for future posts as they come to mind.

The great thing is you’ll never run out of topics to write about!
With your idea bucket full, you have the beginnings of countless blog posts!

I use Evernote to enter my post ideas while on my computer.
For those times when I’m not at the computer, I have a little notebook to write them in.
I then transfer those thoughts over to Evernote. You can use Evernote for free.

To determine what system works best for you simply try a few methods out first. I promise you’ll find this practice to be invaluable to your blogging experience. When you release thought to paper or keyboard the ideas don’t get lost!

2.  Write at least a little every day.

It is so important to practice writing as often as you can. If possible write every day. Keep writing! Even if you don’t want to. Consistency is the key to better blogging and writing. Let your thoughts on the subject you are writing about pour out of you. Keep doing this for at as long as it takes to write a minimum of 500 words. By writing every day you’ll quickly become comfortable with creating content for your blog. 

3. Free write

This is where you just write. No need to edit or correct anything yet! It’s a way to get the writing juices flowing. For me, this is my pre-writing stage. When a bunch of raw written work comes out. Once I stop I’m left with lots of content that doesn’t make much sense. Out of doing this potential blog posts are born! Free writing is great to do when you’re stuck on what to write. It helps penetrate through writer’s block many of us bloggers and writers experience.

4. Batch produce content

To batch produce blog content is to write a series of advance posts. With WordPress, you can easily
schedule your posts for publication ahead of time.

Doing this helps to be prepared for those times when life gets too busy.
Maybe you get sick or go on vacation.
Whatever happens, you’ll be content ready!

5. Develop a blog posting schedule you can manage.

This step helps with creating a regular posting tempo your readers will appreciate.
They will rely on those days when your new content is published.
You’ll develop trust with your audience.
Better to start with what is manageable for you.
If inconsistent they will often not come back.

Many start a blog with the intention of posting multiple times per week.
Sometimes even daily. What happens next is the consistency diminishes
along with the readers.Remember what you offer consistently is what your audience will come
to expect from you.

Having a posting routine that is followed consistently takes the stress out content creation!
Try this for 3 weeks and you will have developed a habit that makes your blogging life much easier!

6. The benefits of creating a blog post template.

What is a blog post template?
It’s simply the beginning framework that creates a foundation to what later becomes a completed published blog post.
A starting place. This is where I usually begin writing my posts.

I created a simple blog post template to suit my blogging needs. Why did I feel the need to create a blog post template?

I spent many post creation attempts staring at a blank computer screen. I’d struggle with where to begin. Finally, I discovered the power of using a blog post template to create content. This idea was first introduced to me by Michael Hyatt in one of his webinars.

Example: This is the simple blog post template structure I often use; topic, introduction, post body content, conclusion, and call to action.

  • Topic: You don’t have to decide on your title just yet. Later you can revisit this and craft a title for your post. Once I write the content the addition of a working title soon follows.
  • Introduction: Here are just a few lines introducing your reader to a brief description of what your post is about.
  • Post body content: If the post is ‘How to do something in a number of steps’ write out the headings and numbers.
    Once you get the basics in place you can begin filling it up with rich content.
  • Conclusion: Wrapping it up here with a brief conclusion. One paragraph or two short paragraphs is good.
  • Call to Action: Here you can encourage conversation via comments. Ask a question based on the topic of your post.

To read more about creating and using a blog template see Michael Hyatt’s Anatomy of an Effective Blog Post.

7. Write it in a free from distraction place.

Create an environment that enables you to concentrate on what you’re writing about. Distractions can be creativity killers. Nobody can write well in the super chaotic scenario. Having a clear mind helps in buckling down to the task of writing content for your blog.

I like to write posts with minimal distractions. Social media notifications are off as are other online activities.

8.  Come out of isolation.

A wise teacher of mine ‘Jeff Goins’ says “Creativity never happens in isolation.” I’ve personally discovered this
to be true. 

  • The less isolated you are when writing the freer your thoughts will flow.
  • Move around and change the scenery. If you have a laptop it’s nice to write outside.
    You’ll be amazed at how much better your content becomes!
  • Join communities. It’s great to be a part of what other writer and bloggers are doing. Do this and I promise you’ll enjoy connecting with others. You help them and they’ll be a support to you.They will share your work and help you get known.

9.  Write simple sentences.

  • Develop and master the art of brevity.
  • Write less wordy shorter sentences.
  • Staying on point without the fluff and filler words.

10. Create a pleasing writing environment.

Have you ever heard the saying “If you look better you’ll feel better”?
The same could be said about our work area.

  • Add some energizing color to your office space. Doing this is known to create an inspirational work environment.
  • A cluttered office area will clog up the mind. This can complicate the process of creating content efficiently.
  • Having a pleasing area to write from ignites and inspires a creative blogging mindset.

Conclusion

There really is no one size fits all method for writing blog posts. Everyone has their own writing style.
With practice, this process of content creation does get easier the more you do it. Keep writing and creating content
that matters! Enjoy a wonderful blogging experience!

Further reading

Helpful free takeaways

Three free downloadable eBooks bundle. These eBook products can help you create blog content for free! How often do you get three free eBooks with one click?! Click on the image of the eBooks to download yours.

create blog content

Join the conversation;

Let us know in the comments below what helps you to consistently create content for your blog.

Do you struggle to come up with new blog content each week?
Do you find that some weeks you write more great content than others?
What strategies have you learned from other bloggers that have helped you in creating quality content?

 

 

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27 Responses to "10 Blogging Practices That Work: How To Create Blog Content"

  1. Cori,
    Loved all your suggestions and it was fun seeing that I am implementing many of them. Of course one of my teachers was Jeff Goins as well. I especially utilize free writing and some of my best stories and poems have happened because I opened the door of my mind and let all the words just topple out. Yes, some of them tripped over each other and I did have to do sorting, but it was still better than forcing them to line up. Some were very stubborn with too many rules. I too, need to have less clutter in the area where I work. Cluttered room, cluttered mind. I think I need to put up even more things in my office that would stimulate me. Looking forward to more of your writing.

    Reply
    1. Anne, thank you for your comment! Both Greg’s mentorship and Jeff’s course has been invaluable to my writing and blogging experience. I’m still in the process of practicing all I’ve learned from them both!

      I too love free writing! I like how you point out your best stories and poems have happened because opening your mind allows the words to free flow out of you. I’ve struggled in the past with a cluttered work area. I know first hand how this can prevent the blogging/writing mindset. 😀

      Reply
  2. Come out of isolation is a HUGE one for me. Every time I feel like I’ve hit a mental road block, I change scenery…sometimes for a few minutes or even the whole day and it tends to do the trick. Great suggestions!

    Reply
  3. Thanks for sharing the tips Cori-Leigh! I sort of do the list bucket but tend to make separate lists and never combine them. I think I’ll stick to the draft blog post I have in WordPress.

    And free writing is great! My only problem is when I free write that turns into flash sci-fi instead of my nature posts 🙂

    Reply
    1. Thanks, Allison! Creating a blog post routine really does help us and our readers! Batch creating of blog posts for me has helped to take the stress out of producing regular content. Of course, I can always improve in both of these areas too! 😀

      Reply
  4. Cori, these are fantastic tips and every blogger needs to tuck them away until they become second nature. The blog post template is a great idea. Like Greg said, no kittens allowed. I’m allergic. 😉

    Reply
    1. Thank you, Nicole! Sorry to hear you are allergic to kittens! Still, think they would make great bloggers lol! 😀 I love using a blog template. As Greg pointed out here in the comments… even a post that’s done really well makes a great template.

      Reply
  5. I love the blog post template idea! It’s a structured way to, well, keep structured and focused on the blog’s topic. Useful for me, who loves to ramble and is almost always in “fiction writing mode” Thanks for this post!

    Reply
  6. Love this!! Great advice!
    Free writing is my absolute favourite! I always learn the most and frequently use free writing as a form of meditation. ❤❤❤

    Reply
  7. Great tips! Love the ‘bucket’ analogy…so important not to let good ideas slip away. And I have personally found a consistent post schedule to be very important. I only post twice a month, but for my website that is enough and this schedule allows me to focus on longer term writing projects. I am reliable and my readers know when to find me in their inboxes and even say they look forward to seeing my emails on the first and third Saturday of each month. I will admit that I need to work on your tip #8 😉

    Reply
    1. Glad to see you here Kris! Thank you for sharing what works for you! The bi-weekly posting is great because it’s consistent for you! Smart to focus on what you can manage! Good point about leaving time for longer term projects. I understand about #8! Not the easiest to put yourself out there regularly!

      Reply
  8. Cori, it’s great to see your work on Dear Blogger!

    This post is chock full of tips any new blogger can use to up his game. I especially like freewriting my drafts. I use templates as well. I would add that I have a reader in mind when I write, even it’s just me.

    Great work for a great site! I hope to see more and more of your wisdom as time goes on!

    Reply
    1. Thank you, Frank! Took me long enough to get here! I’ve been too busy reading Dear Blogger posts lol! 😀
      I love freewriting my drafts too! Using a blog post template has been so beneficial! Having a reader in mind while writing is such a great point!

      Reply
  9. Welcome everybody to our first post from Cori!! Cori has been our dedicated social media manager behind the scenes for … almost a year now?!

    This post is so Dear Blogger, honest advice and not a single step that doesn’t work. Read it up and bookmark people!! I’m going to add my thoughts to a few sections!

    1. The bucket can also be just a new WordPress.org blog post, they always save and are a great blank canvas to great almost anything
    5. 1-2 a week is plenty. Just tried to be predictable for readers. You advantage is that with on demand content streams everywhere people do like consuming content at all hours today, so you can find any time that works.
    6. The template can be a past post that did really well
    7. No kittens allowed
    10. It’s true. Even just little gems like a plant or a plaque, a framed check or a little piece of important or memorable art work can get you in the zone.

    Thanks so much Cori for your first article here on how to create consistent blog content! Keep in mind folks – it’s actually her 4th or 5th post because she’s been handling all of our Guest Bloggers! ☕ 💻 😀

    Reply
    1. Thanks, Greg! It has been a fun pleasure to guest post here today! Working behind the scenes has been fun too! Love these thoughts you’ve listed! I’ve learned more than a few things about the world of blogging from you in the last 4 years! I have spent enough time here lol! So glad you think the post is ‘Dear Blogger’ style! 😀

      (1) I like doing this too! I agree they are a great blank canvas. (6) Past posts that did well do make fantastic templates.(7) What? No kittens allowed? You never know they might blog better than we do! 😀 (10) It really is in the little things … doesn’t take much to create a pleasing blogging environment!

      Reply

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