7 Writing Hacks to Add Some Spice to Your Blog Posts4 min read

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably a bit frustrated with the way your blog is performing right now. Maybe it’s a lack of feedback, maybe it’s the quality of your content that disappoints you.

Well, lucky you, I’ve compiled a short list of things you can do to spice your blog posts.

Every tip is easy to implement and will give a different vibe to your words. And who doesn’t want that?

Let’s go.

1. Hunt down and remove excess words.

This is such an easy hack, but it’s going to take your writing to a different level.

Redundant words, adverbs, adjectives, words that you don’t quite understand. It’s easy to be so caught up in the act of writing, that you forget to be as clear and concise as possible.

Delete unnecessary words. Don’t use ten words if five will do. Always keep in mind the essence of what you are trying to say.

2. Tell a story.

Most bloggers structure articles as lists, using subheads, and while this is a great way to entice scanners to actually read your post, a narrative, if done well, often makes for a more satisfying read.

A story is like a rollercoaster of emotions. You develop a certain setting, you create tension, and you diffuse that tension (or not.) A story is also about learning, overcoming, it’s about evolving, and we all want that.

Keep in mind that folks are in love with stories because they teach us about learning. Funny, right? We love to read stories because we ourselves want to change, want to be able to change, want to be told that we can slay the dragon.

That’s what stories are all about.

3. Be intentional about the structure of your blog post.

Most blog posts are all over the place. Reading them makes one feel dizzy, confused, and ultimately, as if one has wasted time.

Don’t be that blogger. Really think about the structure of every post you write:

• What is the point you’re trying to make? Decide what your main argument is and then make sure all secondary points support it.
• Introductions are meant to tease. A long dense introduction always puts people off. Try keeping your opening short and sweet.
• Don’t overdo it. Too much information can be difficult to absorb, especially if you consider a 5-10 minute attention span. What you share with your readers must be optimized for that time-frame.
• Not all pieces need to be structured in the same way. Don’t be afraid to spice things up a bit. Write something that’s not so serious, or try adding an analogy or a quote at the beginning of your post. Start with the end. Write a list. A how-to blog post.

4. Make it personal.

No one cares what you know unless they know how much you care. Especially strangers on the web.

Even if your article is brilliant, folks are unlikely to resonate unless you reveal how you know what you know, and why you believe it to be true.

Vulnerability is key here. If there’s one thing that has allowed me to perform well as a blogger these past seven years, it’s got to be my ability to write about the things that hurt without being apologetic about it.

Write from the very fibre of your being. It might make some people dislike you, but will also make most people love you for it.

5. Be an artist.

Don’t try to impress, but rather to express. Have a bit of swagger. Add a bit of sarcasm. A bit of humor.

Write in such a way that your personality shines through. It’s not what you write, but how you write it. It’s about being confident in your abilities.

6. Be bold enough to write your truth, even if everyone disagrees with you.

What better way to spice up your blogging then by having a different opinion than others in your niche?

What better way to elicit an emotional response than by writing about the things you truly think to be true?

7. Connect seemingly unrelated dots.

This is one of my favorites.

Like a Don Draper guide to blogging. Or even Donald Trump’s guide to blogging.

Think about it this way: what dots can you connect that will be relevant in your niche? One of the dots has to be from a different niche, something that nobody ever thought to be relevant to your niche.

Brilliant blogging is not about talent: a lot of it comes down to hard work. Great bloggers learn the techniques required to take their blogging to the next level, and then they take the time to practice implementing them.

We can all improve if we just put in the time and effort.

IF you want to learn more about blogging, do check out my free e-course here.