How to Write a Blog Post That Gets Massive Traffic
In this post, I’ll show you how to write a blog post that gets hundreds of comments, thousands of social shares, and lands on the first page of Google. I’m Brian Dean, the Founder of Backlinko, and I’ve used this process to grow my blog to 426,496 monthly visits. Keep reading to discover how you can do the same!
Step 1: Find a Proven Blog Post Topic
Let’s face it, getting traffic to your blog is more complicated than ever. I’ve teamed up with BuzzSumo to analyse 912 million blog posts and found that most posts get zero links or social shares. So, how do you find blog post topics that work?
First, head over to Udemy. It’s a blog post topic goldmine because it shows you content that people are actually paying for. For example, if you have a graphic design blog, check out the Design Category for best-selling courses to find proven topics. You can also use Amazon to search for books in your niche and check out those with many ratings. Finally, look at conference agendas in your niche to see what topics people are eager to learn about.
Another effective strategy is to use social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to see what topics are trending in your industry. Join relevant groups or forums where your target audience hangs out, and pay attention to the questions they frequently ask. These platforms offer real-time insights into your audience’s interests and problems. Additionally, tools like Google Trends can provide data on how interest in a topic has changed over time, helping you to catch rising trends before they become mainstream.
Step 2: Write Your Headline
Your headline is crucial. You might have seen the stat that 80% of people read your headline, but only 20% click over to the post. So, how do you write a headline that stands out?
Start with proven phrases. BuzzSumo found that headlines starting with particular words and phrases get the most shares. Also, use brackets or parentheses; studies show they improve click-through rates by up to 38%. Lastly, long headlines have been found to get 76% more shares than short ones.
Experiment with numbers and powerful words to make your headline more compelling. For instance, headlines with odd numbers have been shown to generate more clicks. Meanwhile, powerful words like “amazing,” “essential,” or “proven” can evoke strong emotions, encouraging readers to click through. Additionally, consider the context and platform where your headline will appear, and tailor it to fit your target audience.
Step 3: Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction
Your introduction needs to grab your reader’s attention. Use the PPT Formula: Preview, Proof, Transition. Start by letting readers know what to expect. Then, show proof that you know what you’re talking about—share personal results, experience, or credentials. Finally, transition smoothly to keep readers engaged.
Beyond the PPT Formula, consider opening with a surprising fact or a question to pique curiosity. This tactic can provoke an emotional response or engage readers by directly addressing their pain. Additionally, storytelling is a powerful tool; sharing a brief anecdote related to your topic can humanise your content and create a deeper connection with your audience.
Step 4: Write an Awesome Post
There’s no magic formula for writing a blog post that people will link to and share, but there are strategies to improve your content. Use lots of subheaders to break content into easy-to-read chunks. Include visuals like screenshots, charts, and infographics. Also, use a readable font size between 16 and 20 pixels, and when relevant, aim for long-form content of at least 3,000 words.
Enhance readability by using bullet points or numbered lists to organise information, making it easier for readers to skim and absorb. Incorporate quotes from industry experts to lend authority to your post, and always back up your claims with data or research. Keep your language simple and direct to ensure that your message is clear and accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, consider the mobile experience, as many users access smartphone content.
Step 5: Write Your Conclusion
Your conclusion is just as important as your intro. Use the TAC Process: Transition, Ask, CTA. Start with a transition that signals the end of the main content. Then, ask a specific question to engage your readers. Finally, end with a call to action, encouraging readers to comment, share, or subscribe.
Besides the TAC Process, consider summarising the key takeaways from your post to reinforce the main points. This recap can help strengthen the information and remind readers of your post’s value. Additionally, you can suggest related topics or next steps for readers interested in delving deeper, providing a pathway for continued engagement with your content.
Step 6: Optimise Your Post for SEO
SEO is crucial for your blog’s long-term success. First, include your target keyword in the introduction. Use short URLs, as Google prefers them to better understand your page’s topic. Lastly, add internal links to your post to connect with older content, improving your site’s overall SEO.
Moreover, pay attention to your meta tags, including the title tag and meta description. These elements are critical for search engine visibility and click-through rates from search results. Use descriptive and keyword-rich alt text for images to enhance accessibility and SEO. Additionally, ensure your site loads quickly and is mobile-friendly, as these factors influence your search rankings.
Bonus Step: Promote Your Post
Promotion is key! Spend more time promoting than writing. Use email newsletters to announce new posts—they’re more effective than social media. Consider Facebook retargeting to boost posts to your site visitors. And if you don’t have an email list, personalised email outreach can be a powerful promotion tool.
Don’t overlook the power of collaborating with influencers in your niche. Building relationships with key figures can lead to valuable shares and mentions, amplifying your reach. Additionally, participate in relevant online communities and forums, where you can share your expertise and link to your post when appropriate. For a broader audience, consider guest posting on high-traffic blogs or engaging in podcast interviews. Finally, repurpose your content into different formats, such as videos or infographics, to reach audiences across various platforms.
That’s it! My seven-step process for writing a blog post. Now I want to hear from you. Which strategy are you going to try first? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
