Last Updated on: April 15th, 2021
Do you struggle with writing and blogging?
Do you find the writing process difficult?
Do you know how to use H (heading) tags properly?
Do you remember to optimize your blog post for SEO?
I hear you… all this can be frustrating!
But… it’s not that hard to learn how to learn these things!
This post will give you the tips you need to how to develop a great writing and blogging process. By the end of it, you will be able to overcome these issues and know how to do all of these things!
You can also download a free checklist of the main points,,, and even save it to your Google Drive if you want!
Develop Your Writing Process
Most writers know that their words won’t be perfect right off the bat. They will need editing, rearranging, and polishing. Paragraphs will need to flow consistently, from one idea to the next.
Paragraphs will need to flow consistently, from one idea to the next.
The writing process will be different for everyone, depending on their level of knowledge and skill set, as well as what they are writing. For most, however, crafting compelling works should follow these basic steps:
- Brainstorm. Jot down all ideas and main points.
- Outline. Choose an order in which to present the ideas.
- Write Draft #1. Write about each main idea, using stream-of-consciousness writing.
- Edit the first draft. Fix any typos. Create legible sentences and paragraphs. Ensure your grammar is correct.
- Let the work sit for a day or two.
- Add any additional points you may have missed, thus creating Draft #2.
- Edit the second draft. Keep a copy of each draft, to refer back to as needed.
- Polish your work, thus creating a final version.
- Repeat as needed, until you think things are perfect.
- Get someone to proofread your work, so they can catch pesky little things you will miss, like misused homophones such as their, there, and they’re.
Points to note when you are creating a blog post:
– add relevant links where appropriate
– be sure to include both OBLs and IBLs (outbound links and inbound links)
– back up statistics with proof (screenshots are great for this!)
– add visuals such as images, graphs, screenshots, infographics, videos, etc. (Read 6 Ways to Add Visuals to Your Blog Post)
– format the headers and subheaders using the example below
– add Click-to-Tweet links using one of these methods
– highlight important points (If you want to get real fancy, you can use one of these 4 methods!)
– save your work often!
– preview your post to make sure everything looks good
– give it a final edit (and try to get someone else to proofread it for you, too)
I could go on and on about the different writing processes people use, depending upon what they are writing, but the best advice I can give to you is to practice and persevere!
If you still find yourself struggling, then hire someone to help you or coach you when you need assistance… such as me! 😉
Format Your Blog Post Using H (Heading) Tags
Here is an example of an outline for a blog post on the writing process.
This example will show you how to use H tags properly:
H1: (title) The Writing Process
– Introduction and purpose of post
H2: Brainstorm
– List ways of doing this
H2: Write
-Intro to 4 ways
H3: (Way 1) Use Stream-of-Consciousness Writing
– definition
H3: (Way 2) Write Blindfolded (or with your eyes closed)
– mention the benefit of doing this
H3: (Way 3) Use a Pen and Paper
– relay a personal story
H3: (Way 4) Write Section-by-Section
-say how to do this
H2: Revise the Outline
-as you write, you will get more ideas and may need to reorder things
H2: Take a Break
– leave your post alone for a few days before editing it
H2: Edit Your First Draft
– proofread, rearrange, rewrite
H2: Get Feedback (if possible)
– ask others their opinion
H2: Give it a Final Edit (or send it to an editor such as myself)
– make your post perfect
H2: Conclusion and Call-to-Action
– summary + what you want your readers to do
NOTE: I can go more in-depth with sub-points and H4 and H5 tags, but you can clearly get the picture of how ANY blog post SHOULD BE formatted!
*Do not forget to include visuals, bolded text, italicized text, and colors!
And don’t forget to download your free writing and blogging checklist!
Please PIN ME!
Please PIN ME!
Use Blog Post SEO Basics
Ranking factors and SEO methods for blogging success are constantly changing! They are always different with each Google algorithm update too.
However, there are a few basic things you can do (and SHOULD always do!) to optimize your post for SEO:
1. Write for the readers, using a conversational tone.
2. Ensure your site is responsive (mobile-friendly).
3. Ensure your post contains both OBLs and IBLs (outbound links and inbound links).
4. Ensure your post is long (long-form content is best).
5. Ensure your post is valuable and informative (it needs to be the BEST article on the subject).
6. Ensure your post has a good readability score (use the Yoast plugin to get this score).
7. Ensure your post contains images that have a description and metadata added to them. (You can do this easily in WordPress.)
8. Ensure your post is written using proper English and correct grammar.
9. Ensure your post has a “green” indicator by Yoast’s plugin. (The Yoast plugin is available for free.)
10. Publish your post then ensure your post is indexed by Google PROPERLY (be sure to submit a sitemap to Google of your site so it gets crawled regularly by the search engine spiders).
These are the basics of SEO that all good bloggers know.
It’s also important to make sure your blog post contains these 20 Blog Post Must-Haves.
Follow these tips and your post will be great!
Summary
Everyone has a different writing process, but yours should begin with a brainstorming session and an OUTLINE!
- List your main points. (These will later be your H2-Headings.)
- Create sub-points. (H3-subheadings)
- Write the “meat” for each. This is the bulk of your post. Several sentences should make up one paragraph.
- Put it all together, in order. Add images. Add links.
- Edit it. Vary your sentence length. Check the grammar. Correct any typos. Simplify convoluted language.
- Format it. Leave a lot of white space between paragraphs.
- Optimize it for SEO.
- Give it one final edit by reading it OUT LOUD. Fix anything that sounds “off” or “weird.”
- Hire me to help you if you cannot do it yourself. My business name is Wording Well, and that’s what I do. I offer both writing AND editing services! Let me help you!
Don’t forget to download your free writing and blogging checklist!
Did You Know You Could Become a Freelance Editor?
Being a freelance editor, in my opinion, is even better than being a freelance writer. First of all, it pays more. Secondly, it is the best job I could ever ask for. I love editing, I love words, and I love helping others. Finally, I love reaping the many rewards (check out the many benefits of being a freelance editor).
If you are not currently working at your dream job and want to be a freelance editor, then sign up to get on the “interest list” for my upcoming course!
I am in the process of designing a course that will teach you EVERYTHING about being a work-from-home editor and entrepreneur.
This includes:
– how to get paid up-front… ALWAYS! (before you do any work)
– how to get testimonials
– how to market yourself
– where to find work
– how to leverage social media for your business (because, YES, you will be actually running a business if you are successful!)
– how to keep accurate records
– how to easily calculate your costs
– how to communicate with potential clients so they turn into ACTUAL clients
– how to organize your time (so you can complete all of the tasks involved in running your biz)
– how to deal with difficult clients
– which projects to accept
– when to raise your rates
– AND MORE! (INCLUDING BONUSES!)
Plus, I want to get to know you so that I can give you EXACTLY what you need to succeed!
So, DO you want to know more about how to become a freelance editor?
If so, SIGN UP HERE.
And don’t forget that I’m a freelance blogger, writer, and editor for hire. (And an author who can help you create an e-book to give away on your site, sell, and even turn into a print book… to help you earn passive income.)
I just bookmarked this page, these are some amazing tips that I’m going to start to use today to help my writing.
Thanks for sharing this.
Alex.
Alex, this post is chock-full of good information. Please use it!
Since restructuring how I write I’ve made heaps of progress on my time management. Previously I was free handing without a structure. Now, I use the H1.H2, H3 structure. I don’t start writing until I have those titles in places. Its SO much easier. Now I can dip in and out when the phone rings or when an email dings when I’ve forgotten to exit out of email and Facebook. And I feel so much better about it now I have a process. I wish I’d been able to do that 3 years ago!
Sarah, I totally get what you’re saying! I love having the H tags in place for my headings and subheadings, too, when creating a blog post!
That’s the neat thing about aging… we are never too old to learn! I’m happy you have a process that works for you now! 🙂
Maybe you should write about how you USED to write and how you write NOW (as a guest post for me)… 😉
Ha! I’d love to!
Awesome! I’ve removed your email address from your message so you don’t get spammed. 🙂
I’ll email you soon!
Very good post. carry on with your work. While writing a blog, must keep keyword under consideration, never repeat keyword many times. Try to write articles in advance with writing ideas and points that come in mind at random times. And must focus all above points, These are very good helpful towards a successful article.
Asad recently posted…XYZprinting da Vinci Mini 3D Printer Review
Asad,
Yes, gone are the days of “keyword stuffing.” I don’t think anyone does this anymore!
Thanks for the reminder of these writing tips! I’m sure it will help others!
Hi,
The article is amazing and provides a lot of information about The best SEO techniques. We also agree that the right heading and relevant keywords are important to make the web pages more powerful for SEO. Also, a well arranged and relevant content with a mobile optimized web pages will help to make your website increase its visibility. In addition, you can also use several tools to maximize the web content visibility. To know more about these tools, check: http://toolowl.com/business/marketing/3-traffic-generating-tools-to-maximize-your-web-content-visibility
Hardik, SEO is important, for sure. Using the H tags properly is only one step in the right direction!
Optimizing web content for mobile is, indeed, another. 🙂
Hey Lorraine,
Writing a perfect blog post can take a little bit of the time. People should focus on the structure by adding the headings and the sub-headings.
Kashif Soomro recently posted…Tonight With Boy Abunda October 9 2017 Full Episode
I agree, Kashif. 🙂
Blog posts need to be formatted and structured properly!
Hi, Lorraine 😀
You have discussed all valid points together for successful writings. By the way, Time management is yet another important factor to consider while writing an article.
To improve time management, I use Grammarly, it will correct if I wrote any spelling mistakes or Homophones. But it’s not always a better idea to depend on Grammarly as it will ruin the quality sometimes. It’s always better to cross check the content twice or thrice before publishing. 😀
Sudheer recently posted…Wrevealer – The Best Solution for “Who Viewed My WhatsApp Profile on iPhone?”
Sudheer, you make some good points. Time management is important!
So is checking the grammar! 🙂
Indeed an informative read. Blogging is all about writing in-depth, quality content that can solve issues of can help someone in any sense. So, your post is right up there. It will help many beginners looking to rise in blogging.
Thanks for the compliment on my post, Mehedi.
I know it will help many bloggers. 🙂
Great post. Definitely right to read it out loud – I always do this for my blog posts!
Max, that is great! It is so much easier to spot areas that need editing when you can hear your words.
Bloggers often write from a personal perspective. This can help build suspense and make your reader curious. Very informative content, well post. I love it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I agree, Mohd.
Personalizing a blog post with true stories helps engage the reader!
Thanks! I do, too. 😉
A great alert to the online users, especially to the bloggers. Thanks for the kind mention. Probably I am planning to bookmark your blog. You really have wonderful stories. Cheers for sharing with us your blog 😉
Vikash kumar recently posted…4 Best Plugins to Speed Up Your WordPress Site (Complete Guide)
Vikash, thanks… and you’re welcome!
Thank you so much for share great post of develop a writing and blogging process.Please keep sharing.
You’re welcome. 🙂
Hi Lorraine !
Great information, well post. I love and also I interested in Blogging.
Thanks for sharing a writing process looks like 🙂
Mary Sara recently posted…Energy Wars : Green Revolution
Mary, I hope you found this helpful. 🙂
I have to admit that I follow few of the SEO techniques you mentioned because I know that, as a solo blogger, they’re not going to get me all that far anyway. I’ve written some posts specific on how to fix certain things because no one else has written them only to find that my post either never shows up or is in the 51-100 range… and that’s with the specific problem written in the title. Frankly, being more of a writer these days than a SEO person, I like concentrating on that more than the SEO stuff.
With that said, I love the things you listed about writing; not that I do them all. lol I rarely do the brainstorming and jotting down of things because I’m lucky to never have had writer’s block. However, there are posts I do create an outline which end up being monstrous posts so that’s very helpful. However… I also don’t allow a post to sit for a day or two; what people see is what they get. I’m not recommending that, just saying what I do. Luckily this only pertains to blogging, if I’m working on a book or something specific for a client then the editing process is way more thorough. Still, what you listed are great steps to becoming a better writer; great stuff indeed!
Mitch Mitchell recently posted…7 Evergreen Content Writing Lessons Learned From The Harry Potter Series
Mitch, everyone has a different writing process. Seasoned bloggers KNOW what they are doing, and rarely suffer from writer’s block.
I wrote this post specifically for a few of my readers who continually asked me about HOW to write (from scratch). Most are new bloggers, and are realizing they are now writers!
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! I like your posts because of the honesty found within them. You hold nothing back, and that transparency is something I’ve tried to maintain in my own writings. Actually, MY honesty and straightforwardness are what gained me readers in the first place!
This post, however, is more factual, and is just what new writers and new bloggers need to get started on their pathway to success!
Hi Lorraine,
Indeed an informative read. Blogging is all about writing in-depth, quality content that can solve issues of can help someone in any sense. So, your post is right up there. It will help many beginners looking to rise in blogging.
~ Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted…Top 6 Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin 2017
Hi, Donna!
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you stopping by my blog! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? 😉
As I mentioned in my reply to Mitch, I wrote this for all the new bloggers and new writers who keep asking me the same question! I’m glad you agree that this is a helpful post for them. I know you have been blogging for years and already have your own writing process down pat. 🙂
Stay strong and healthy, Donna! Keep enjoying those swims and those walks on the beach with your hubby and your dog!
Have a great week, too!
Very educating article . I will say that every begginer should read this once .
Thanks. And it’s “beginner.” 😉
Hi Lorraine,
Love this post! You detailed everything and right down to the format and SEO basics – you didn’t miss a beat. 🙂
Thanks for sharing what a writing process looks like. Mine is similar to the one you shared here, I don’t keep a copy of my first draft but that is a great idea. 🙂
When I was reading the ‘points to note’ section, you reminded me to include tweetables in my post. I have to get back into the habit of doing that. 🙂
Epic post hun! No doubt I’m passing this along. 🙂
Hope you’re having a great week!
Cori
Cori Ramos recently posted…How to Get More Social Media Followers
Cori, there is so much to blogging SUCCESSFULLY that it is often easy to forget small details (which are actually big, important things!), like including Tweetables!
That’s why I created my free e-book for my subscribers, 20 Blog Post Must-Haves. 😉
Thanks for the compliments, and for sharing this post!
Have a great weekend, girl!
Hey Lorraine,
Writing a perfect blog post can take a little bit of the time. People should focus on the structure by adding the headings and the sub-headings.
Adding the inbound and outbound links increases the value of the article. According to different studies, outbound links also help to increase the SEO score.
Thanks for this informative post.
~Ravi
Ravi, you’re right. OBLs indeed do help with SEO. 🙂
Enjoy your weekend!
Great information. Thank you for sharing!
What did you like about it, Rose?
Hi Lorraine,
The success of a blogger depends upon how good he is when it comes to writing engaging content. A blogger should understand that he should not only optimize content for SEO but also for his readers.
Non-engaging content never makes a blogger grow big. You have covered everything at one place to improve writing.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the compliment, Gaurav.
Blogging is not always easy, but it’s fun and it can grow your business a lot. It is easier to blog and write when you have a plan in place!
By writing valuable and engaging content, you’re one step above those who don’t!
Hi Lorraine,
Great writing and blogging process here. For me, I give birth to words after an exercise session. Like, this works well for me. While I’m done exercising I could write, write, write and write. With the points you listed here, I think it will help me super-charge and make the writing process quite easy and fine. I won’t fail to brainstorm and jot down all ideas and main points before I start.
Outlining and choosing an order in which to present ideas could be difficult, but, the actionable steps here has made it easy. I love the outline for a blog post on the writing process you gave. For my next blog post I’d try it out to see how it goes. Thanks for sharing.
~ Prince.
Prince, it’s great to hear that you are able to write, and don’t suffer from writer’s block.
Thanks for the compliments. I hope my writing and blogging process is something you can replicate for yourself!
All the best!
Hello, Ma’am.
You have written an informative content. The On Page techniques that you’ve mentioned above really matters a lot during blogging. Most Importantly, interpolating H2 and H3 tags carry a huge potential of ranking high in search engines. I have shared this on my twitter handle. Thanks.
Regards,
Prakhar.
Thanks, Prakhar! The social share is much appreciated. Mihir and Satyansh are your partners at 3nions and Illustrake, right?
I’m friends with you all on Facebook. 😉
And yes, the whole “ranking a blog post in Google” is tough to do and it’s something we all want to do, so by using the on-page SEO techniques I mentioned here, you have a much better chance of ranking your post higher! 🙂
All the best for your continued success!