When it comes to writing a killer blog post, you need to include a couple of ingredients to come up with the winning post recipe:
Find out what people are talking about
Sure, there's no doubt that when it comes to your blog, there are always like-minded people out there on the web who will read it. But, before launching into an article about something that you happen to find interesting, take some time to find out what your readers are most interested in. Find out where your target market happens to gather and tune in for some great topic ideas. Pinterest, in particular, makes for a fantastic source of inspiration.
Consider picking a niche.
It might be tempting to flit from topic to topic when you're just getting started, but nothing beats establishing yourself as an expert in a given area regarding lifestyle writing. Just be sure to pick something you enjoy talking about because you might find yourself writing about it a lot more than you'd expect if things go your way—# firstworldproblems.
Could you talk with your readers, not at them?
Digital lifestyle content is packed full of how-to and DIY-type articles, so it can easily fall into an instructional tone, which is fine. Just try to avoid boring your readers to tears when your essay reads like a lecture. Keep things light and friendly by peppering in a bit of light banter, a cheeky joke, or an anecdote here and there. Better yet, write as if you're chatting about something interesting with a friend over coffee.
Use the first person liberally.
Forget what Mrs. Jones taught you in English class. Writing in the first person and addressing your readers directly wins big brownie points with readers of lifestyle articles.
Break your content into bite-sized chunks
Although it's nice to think that your readers will savor every sentence of your writing, it's far more likely that they will be looking for specific answers to specific questions. By breaking up your content into easily digested sections, just as I have done in this post, your readers will be able to find what they're looking for much more quickly. And they're more likely to come back to your blog. Tick!
Go with the seasons
Whether your focus is on food, interiors, or travel, there will always be seasonal topics to choose from when writing lifestyle content. And hey, if hotdogs are the new sliders, peonies are in bloom, or you've discovered the latest and greatest eco-friendly washing detergent that even looks good in the laundry, then just runs with it! Alternatively, blue could be the new 'it' hue for the home …
Keep it short and sharp.
Remember, most readers tend to scan when they read anything these days, especially when it's online. As well as breaking up your articles, make your posts easy to read by using short paragraphs, sub-headings, and bullet-point lists.
Let's keep it real
When you're writing lifestyle copy - that's writer's speak for 'text' - it helps to keep in mind that there's a difference between what's fun to write and what's fun to read. Instead of bending over backward to seem clever or witty, focus on creating content that's simply enjoyable to read. That is what can make a lifestyle blog post a winner.
Link to other resources
Don't be shy about sharing links to your sources and other resources that your readers might find helpful.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Lastly, no blog post is complete without pictures. This is especially the case when you're writing about topics of a very visual nature, such as lifestyle content. Make your content pop with at least a couple of quality photos, and even try your hand at making them yourself.
After reading all of that, the rest is now up to you! Go on, get typing …
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