As a blogger, if you try to keep all the latest search engine algorithms in mind every time you sit down to write a blog post, you’d probably go stark raving mad. Your job is to create engaging content, usually, in a conversational style, that will keep readers on the page long enough to burst the bounce rate bubble. There are market analysts, SEO experts and a whole host of other techies on the job looking at the technical side of the content you are writing.
Now it’s your turn to put those keywords and all that necessary information into an engaging piece of content visitors will want to read. Basically, that’s your job, so focus on that. But, how can you make your blogs more engaging and conversational? Here are three suggestions you might wish to try.
1. Your Audience Has Been Identified, Now Talk to Them!
One of the problems many writers face is in trying to keep a healthy balance between what Grammarly wants you to do when writing AP style and what your audience wants to hear. Formal writing is good in its proper place, but blogs are typically written in an informal style that keeps the content light and engaging. So, what if you use a few incomplete sentences (fragments) and a few colloquialisms not found in Webster’s dictionary? That’s how you talk, isn’t it?
2. Add Trendy Memes and Graphics to Spice up Your Post
As a break from all those ads which now break up your content, why not strategically place an occasional lighthearted meme? These can help you quickly display the intent of your content so that in skimming the post prior to reading it, your audience will see a happy, sad, angry or even quizzical face you set to text on a site like Rage Maker. You don’t have to be a graphic designer to quickly put one together, and once the viewer sees the emotion behind the content, they are likely to read – and best yet! – remember what you’ve said. That’s worth its weight in gold.
3. Contextually Work in SEO
There is nothing a reader hates more than a bunch of meaningless phrases that have literally nothing to do with the content. Or, if they do, it’s a stretch working them in. Make sure that any SEO keywords and phrases are contextually included within your content. Years ago, before all the search engines created best SEO practices algorithms, you’d see page after page of SEO clouds with no content whatsoever. Talk about bounce rates, they went through the roof! It may not be your job to identify competitive SEO, but it’s your job to make it work.
These three tips are only the beginning. The best advice of all is to try to stay within the guidelines of acceptable grammar, but never fear if you intentionally break a few rules along the way. Unless you are writing for Scientific American or a scholarly journal, remember the old adage. Some rules were made to be broken – so keep it light and engaging and all else will be forgiven.
What makes blog posts more engaging for you?
If you’d like more blogging advice, check out my Better Your Blog series for a TON of great information.
