Does blogging often feel daunting and intimidating? The longer you stare at a blank white screen waiting for an idea to inspire you, the more overwhelmed you become.
To help you get past the universal writer’s block that everyone faces at some point, we’ve put together 4 essential blog post templates. You’ll never have to start the blogging process from scratch if you keep these templates on hand.
1. The Classic List Post
List posts are also called listicles, and they can be lists of tips, techniques, strategies, tools – anything that makes sense as a list and doesn’t need to be in a specific chronological order.
List posts also tend to be extremely search engine friendly since they present information in actionable steps.
What to Include in a List Post:
Title
The title is usually formatted with the number in front of the topic. Here are some common title formats:
- # TOPIC Tips
- # Reasons Why TOPIC
- # Ways to TOPIC
- # Types of TOPIC
- # TOPIC Techniques
- # Adjective TOPIC
Make sure your title is interesting and aligns with the content you’re sharing. You can make it more compelling by adding a benefit and a timeframe.
Example: 15 Habits That Will Improve Your Life Forever
Introduction
The introduction for list posts should be pretty straightforward. The beauty of the list post format is that it’s non-chronological, so readers can skim the list to find the tips that appeal to them.
Start with a hook and then introduce the topic. If your list is organized by categories, explain this in the introduction. Be sure to also include a sentence that gives an overview of exactly what you’ll be listing.
Example overview sentences:
“Here are 8 effective ways to grow your social media following.”
“Let’s look at 10 tips to help you snap quality photos for your social media accounts.”
Subheadings
Subheadings are crucial because they break up your content into manageable chunks.
When possible, make the subheadings descriptive and benefit-focused. Doing this will entice people to read each point. And be sure to hook your readers by starting with your best tip!
Bad Example: Exercise to Lose Belly Fat
Good Example: Torch Belly Fat with These 5 Exercises
List of Action Items
Your list should be bulleted or numbered so readers can easily scan it. Include visuals like photos, real-life examples, or screenshots so your readers can easily follow the steps.
Conclusion
Conclude the post by giving one or two final tips or encouraging readers to take action. How can the reader use this information in combination with a product or service you provide? Include a call-to-action (CTA) with an internal link, so they can contact you for more information.
2. How-To Post
A how-to post is also known as a step-by-step guide. It breaks down how to do something in simple, easy-to-follow chronological steps.
This template is the perfect option when you’re teaching someone how to do something, and the process must be done in a specific order.
What to Include in a How-To Post:
Title
Most step-by-step guides have the same title structure: How To [Achieve Desired Outcome].
If you want to be more creative, try one of these variations:
- How To [Achieve Desired Outcome] (in # Steps)
- How To [Achieve Desired Outcome] (Additional Benefit)
- How To [Achieve Desired Outcome] (Even If/When [Common Obstacle])
Introduction
Give a brief overview of the topic in the introduction.
When the topic is straightforward, like “How to Take Quality Photos for Social Media,” you don’t need a much of an introduction. The reader will want to go straight to the step-by-step guide, and a long intro may cause them to stop reading.
For topics that have more depth and are harder to understand, you may need a longer intro that gives a definition or briefly explains your topic.
Number Steps for Subheadings
Break the process down into steps. Under each subheading, explain that part of the process in greater detail. When possible, use a present tense verb to start each step.
Good example: 2. Pour Potting Soil into the Container
Bad example: Step Two: Potting Soil Should be Poured into the Container
Add a paragraph of explanation after each numbered step. Elaborate on any issues the reader might encounter or things that should avoid during this step.
Conclusion
Briefly summarize the process and conclude with a CTA link so the reader can easily contact you.
3. “What Is” Post
A “what is” post is an informative post that answers a question. It’s also called an expanded definition post because it explains the meaning of a concept and then provides more details about it.
This template works well if readers need to understand what a concept is before they’re able to follow the ins and outs of your post.
Example: What is SEO? Search Engine Optimization Explained
What to Include in a “What Is” Post:
Title
The title for this type of post is usually, “What Is [Concept]?” or “What Are [Concepts]?
Here are some other variations if you want to add more context:
- [Concept]: What It Is and How to Use It
- What Is [Concept]? Everything You Need to Know
- What Is [Acronym]? [Expanded Acronym] Explained
- What Are [Concepts]? A Brief/Detailed Introduction
Introduction
Start with the definition and briefly explain the concept. This provides the most value for your readers. If the information is clearly provided, they will easily be able to scan and understand the content. The intro should only be 1-2 short paragraphs.
Answer Questions
Definitions are only a few sentences. For the rest of the article, answer follow-up questions readers may have. Use headers and explanatory paragraphs to answer related questions, give examples, or elaborate on the topic.
You may want to answer the remaining W’s – Who, Where, When, and Why.
Have you noticed the “People Also Ask” box when you search Google with a “what is” question? Since these are questions other searchers ask, this is a great place to find questions to answer in your article.
Conclusion
Conclude with a brief summary of the key take-aways and link to other resources on the topic. Include a CTA link so the reader can contact you for more information.
4. The Beginner’s Guide Post
A beginner’s guide is an educational resource that explains a technical topic to readers who aren’t familiar with it. This type of post is a great way to explain your service or product to a new demographic and focus on how and why it would benefit them.
The beginner’s guide is the best choice when you’re writing for a novice or newbie. It’s an educational resource more than an actionable, step-by-step guide.
What to Include in a Beginner’s Guide Post:
Title
Create a title that makes it clear the post is for beginners. The best way to do this is to use the word “beginners.” Here are a few examples:
- The Beginner’s Guide to [Topic]
- [Topic] for Beginners
- What is [Topic]? A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction
Make sure your intro does these 4 things:
- Emphasize why beginners need to know this. Since most beginner’s guides are long, you need to convince readers why they should spend time learning this information.
- Use easy-to-understand words. Let readers know right away that your post isn’t full of complicated jargon and language.
- Encourage them. Reassure beginners they’ll be able to understand the topic.
- Clearly show what they’ll learn. You can accomplish this with a linked table of contents.
Background Information: What You Need to Know
This section will help get all your readers on the same page. Some may already know a little about the topic, while others have no previous knowledge. Providing background information ensures all readers are starting at the same place.
Deep Dive
Once readers have basic knowledge of the topic, it’s time to take an in-depth look at it. What is the purpose of the guide? What do you want readers to learn?
Break this section into different parts with subheadings that help guide the reader. Include as much helpful information as possible.
Conclusion
Wrap up your guide by encouraging readers to apply what they’ve learned. Include a CTA and link to a service or related article on your website.
Bottom Line
These blog post templates will help you get past the occasional writer’s block we all face. Try combining elements of one with another. Be creative and apply these templates to whatever industry you’re in.
For more information about blog writing, read How to Write a Blog People Want to Read AND Boost Your SEO!
Impact Group Marketing offers a variety of affordable, customized content writing solutions. Contact us today for a free consultation or to learn more about our services and how we can help you!