We thought this May article by Russ Henneberry was brilliant! So, we are highlighting it here. Every blog post gets one of three reactions from a reader: “Magnificent!”, “Could have been better” or “That post was dreadful.”
Read below for 10 points to a blog post audit. Then, access the link at the end of this blog for a “Blog Post Audit tool” and step by step process to download. There are 10 elements to writing a catchy blog:
- Headline
- Introduction
- Consumption
- Goal
- Media
- Close
- Search
- Categorization
- Completeness
- Consistency
Blog Post Audit Element 1: Headline: Look for the benefit statement included in the opening and you’ll likely find the beginnings of a headline.
Blog Post Audit Element 2: Introduction: Open with a simple sentence that is easy to read and that builds curiosity.
Blog Post Audit Element 3: Consumption: Blog copy should be formatted in a way that makes the article easy to consume. Transitions between ideas and subheadlines are smooth.
Blog Post Audit Element 4: Goal: Have a clear call to action that is relevant to the article and have it located in one or more prominent positions within the post.
Blog Post Audit Element 5: Media: Use all images, video and audio. Use media that is clean, clear and of high production quality.
Blog Post Audit Element 6: Close: The closing of the article can often take it from good to great.
Blog Post Audit Element 7: Search: Make sure all 5 “on-page SEO elements” are optimized for a keyword unique to that page. Simply choose a relevant keyword that is unique to your post and include that keyword in:
- Title tag
- Body text
- Image alt attribute
- URL
- Meta description
Read: How to Do On-Page SEO.
Blog Post Audit Element 8: Categorization: (i.e. Budget & Saving, Tax Tips, etc) The proper use of categories and tags is an important part of the user experience on your website.
Blog Post Audit Element 9: Completeness: A post should completely deliver on the promise made in the headline and introduction.
Blog Post Audit Element 10: Consistency: Is your brand professional? Snarky? Academic? Whatever it may be, produce content that reinforces that brand.
Click here to download the Blog Post Audit Tool (it’s a blog content plan that takes 60-seconds or less to fill in). Then get instant access to the Blog Content Planner spreadsheet to track your plan.
This blog was compiled by our staff writers. If you are looking for a solid inbound marketing strategy, contact us today for a free consultation, we are here to help! Follow @cogomojo on Twitter, the COGO Interactive Company Page on LinkedIn, and subscribe to our blog, for more tips and resources. Thank you for reading! Your support is very much appreciated.
