Best blog format to improve all your posts

Before looking at the actual formatting process in this post, it's time to cover some basic best practices that are somewhat universally applicable.

Sentence Length: Aim for no more than 25 words per sentence.

Paragraph Length: Stick to no more than three sentences per paragraph.

Word Count: The best post length is the amount of time it takes to make your argument.

Image placement: We recommend adding at least one image per 300 words.

Form/Lead Magnet Placement: Easy to find opt-in forms. You can place them inline (aim somewhere near the start or end) or use a (delicious) popup.

Link: Opens a link in a new window so the user doesn't deviate from what they are trying to read

Use header tags: One H1 header for the headline, an H2 tag for the subheader, and an H3 tag for the point below the subheader. Use only header tags H4 through H6 only.

The flow of information: have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Format your blog post in 7 easy steps:

Step 1: Create an outline

This is the first thing you should do before writing any content. Know what to write and which sections to include in your post.

The simplest way to create an outline is to sketch the section subheaders in bold text and add specific details to the bulleted list below each item.

for example:

Introduce

🔘 point 1

🔘 point 2

🔘 point 3

Next, add a subsection and label the subheader level you want to use.

Introduce

🔘 point 1

🔘 point 2

🔘 point 3

First Section: Thoughts on Point 1 (H2)

🔘 Sub Point 1 (H3)

🔘 Sub Point 2 (H3)

🔘 sub-point 3 (H3)

Why are you worried about this stuff? There are several reasons.

Clear subheaders make the content easier to read. This post I'm reading right now uses the H2 and H3 sub-header levels as a whole. Now imagine how difficult it would be to read without them.

Knowing in advance which header level to use can save you time later. Time is the most important thing? Less time to write means more time to write more. or something else.

A good content structure supports good SEO. Search engines want to see content well-organized into a logical header structure. Mapping this right away allows you to keep smart SEO practices part of the process right from the start.

Step 2: Configure the Introduction

When the actual writing begins, it all starts with an introduction.

Keep it concise. Stick to up to three or four paragraphs (keep each sentence concise and strong).

Add a link. A reputable source can immediately establish accuracy and authority (and retain readers).

Recommended Books: How to Write an Irresistible Blog Post Introduction That Your Readers Can Keep Reading

Step 3: Consider upgrading your content and placing the lead magnet

After the introduction, it's worth considering where the lead magnet (a free downloadable resource locked behind an email opt-in form for building an email list) goes.

The CoSchedule blog often publishes these shortly after the introduction. This is because the rest of the post often includes the necessary (or at least helpful) resources to implement the advice.

Step 4: Fill out each subsection

Following the outline, each subsection should be written in:

Each should start with the appropriate sub-header level. If you are using WordPress, you can find the sub-header control here.

Using a consistent subheader level improves readability. Having a logical and consistent structure is better than randomly using headers and bold text.

Search engines use sub-header HTML tags to understand the content. When evaluating how relevant content is to a keyword search term, Google (and others) consider the content in subheaders. It also helps search engines (and readers) understand which points of your post are most important (H1 is more important than H2 and H2 is more important than H3).

As mentioned previously, use sentences of no more than 25 words per sentence and no more than 3 characters per paragraph to help you skim through the text.

Step 5: Where should the image go?



A common best practice is to include an image every 200 to 300 words.

This will add some visual appeal to your posts, allowing your readers to take periodic breaks to see something more interesting than an endlessly scrolling wall of words.

Other images to consider:

Header Graphics: Great for use as featured images in WordPress.

Call-to-action graphics: Inline graphics that lead to conversion steps, such as signup forms, can drive more clicks.

Infographics/Long Graphics: Using less inline text can go a long way in providing information and are more likely to be shared on social media.

Step 6: Add Click to Tweet

Great content is worth sharing.

Step 7: Confirmation of Conclusions

A good conclusion should summarize the point of the post. It can also direct readers to places where they can learn more about a topic, email sign-ups, or even call-to-actions to drive other types of conversions.

There are also some formatting considerations for links.

Use natural, interactive anchor text: Make sure your readers understand what they will find on your target page when they click on a link.

Mix of internal and external links: Help people find more useful posts on your site and link them to trusted sources that support your posts.