How to write a blog post: a step-by-step guide
- Cecilia Lazzaro Blasbalg
- Mar 20
- 20 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Ready to share your ideas with the world? Start your blog→
Starting a blog is one of the most exciting ways to share your passions, ideas and expertise with the world. And honestly, I remember how I felt when I first began blogging—equal parts excited and nervous, wondering if anyone would actually read what I wrote. Over the years, I’ve learned how important it is to have the right tools, like a reliable website builder, and a clear plan for bringing your ideas to life. If you’re wondering how to make a website or how to start a blog that resonates with readers, you’re in the right place.
To make this blog post even more valuable, I reached out to Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor here at Wix, who’s an expert at helping people create blog posts that connect, engage and perform. I picked her brain about what it takes to craft a truly impactful blog post, and trust me, her tips are exactly what you need to get started.
If you’re aiming to start a blog with confidence and clarity, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything—from idea generation to publishing your first post.
Starting a blog should feel exciting, not overwhelming, right? With the Wix Blog Maker, you get everything you need to create, design and grow your blog from scratch–without needing a tech degree. Use Wix’s intuitive tools to share your ideas with the world.
What is a blog post?
What is a blog? A blog post is like a conversation starter between you and your audience. It’s your chance to share ideas, tell stories or offer helpful tips that spark curiosity and build connections. Whether you’re writing about travel adventures, business know-how or that amazing mac and cheese recipe, every blog post works as a piece of your bigger story.
When I first started blogging, I thought a blog post was just words on a page. But over time (and with some trial and error), I learned that it’s so much more. It’s about crafting something that resonates with your readers and keeps them coming back for more.
Sharon Hafuta, the SEO blog editor I mentioned earlier, explained it perfectly when she said, “A blog post isn’t just an article; it’s an entryway into your world, wrapped in value, inspiration and authenticity.” That perspective changed everything for me.
A good blog post doesn’t have to be long or overly complicated. It should feel approachable, deliver value and have that personal touch that shows readers there’s a real person behind it. Trust me, once you get the hang of shaping your thoughts into a blog post, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. This is where your blogging adventure takes off, one post at a time.
Dive into our guide on blogging for beginners to start creating content that resonates today.
Ready to get blogging? Get started with Wix today.
How to write a blog post in 13 steps
Writing a great blog post can feel overwhelming at first, but breaking it into smaller steps makes it totally doable. Thankfully, Sharon has outlined her go-to process that simplifies the whole thing. Here’s how you can create a blog post that feels impactful and reader friendly:
01. Brainstorm blog topics
When writing a blog post, whether you're guest posting for someone else or writing for your own blog, you’ll want to cover topics that bring value to your readers and fall in line with their interests, as well as your own. Start by jotting down topics that excite you or align with your goals. “Think about the questions your audience might be asking or blog niche ideas,” says Sharon. For example, if you’re writing a food blog, take note of seasonal recipes or cooking techniques people are searching for. This step is all about unleashing your creativity without judgment. The more ideas, the better.
There are several places you can look to spark new topic ideas:
Browse other blogs within your niche with competitor analysis. If you’re starting a food blog, for example, simply Google “food blog” to see what your competitors are writing about.
Use AI, like an AI website builder or AI writing tools, at your disposal to generate topic ideas.
Use Google Trends to find out which topics are trending.
Look for current events and recent news stories related to your field.
Find out what people enjoy learning about by browsing online courses on Udemy, Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning.
Once you find some interesting ideas online, think about the unique ways you can approach those topics. Consider the various ways you can play around with topic ideas to come up with something that isn’t only trendy and relevant, but that’s also original and fresh. You'll also need to consider making sure your blog post is up to date and this will mean including relevant data and statistics related to the topic.
Let’s say, for instance, that you want to write about chocolate chip cookies. There are a few different angles you might consider taking here based on your target audience and potential for website traffic:
A how-to post that instructs readers how to do something with clearly ordered steps (e.g., “How to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies from Scratch”).
A curated list that offers a set of recommendations for your readers (e.g., “The Top Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes”).
A tips and advice post that provides expert guidance and resources. (e.g., “Tips for Making Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies Extra Gooey”).
A definition-based blog post that helps explain the meaning of a term or topic (e.g., “What Are No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies?”).
A top trends article that highlights what’s currently popular (e.g., “The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes From This Year”).
A personal or business update that lets you unveil something fresh or recently unknown (e.g., “My New Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Revealed”).
Sharon also recommends keeping a running list of potential blog topics in a place you can easily access, like a notebook or a digital note app. “When inspiration strikes, capture it!” she emphasizes. This habit will come in handy when you’re ready to write your next post and need a spark to get started.
Get brainstorming with these best blog ideas.
02. Refine your topic with keyword research
Part of writing a blog post involves keyword research. This crucial SEO practice is used as a marker to see which terms you can potentially rank high for in certain online searches.
Once you’ve chosen a direction for your blog post, and before you get started with the writing process, you’ll need to figure out the chances of its success on search engine result pages—which ultimately means getting more eyes on your content. In order to succeed, conduct keyword research to find the most relevant queries for your topic.
You can find keywords for your own articles by using various keyword research tools. If you’re new to blogging, you’ll probably want to start with free tools such as Ubersuggest and Google Keyword Planner. Afterwards, you may want to upgrade to more advanced tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs.
While conducting keyword research, keep in mind that the more specific the phrase, the more closely it will match your audience’s intent. On the other hand, broader keywords tend to have higher search volumes—meaning more people are searching for them each month.
Think about the benefits of opting for a broader phrase, like “chocolate chip cookies,” over a more precise phrase, like “how to make chocolate chip cookies.” Choosing the right keywords means striking a balance between high search volume and high intent.
Once you’ve selected your keywords, you can use them to shape the structure of your content. Google those phrases to find out which articles have successfully targeted those same keywords, and spend some time browsing their content. This will give you inspiration for your own article in terms of what to include and how to structure it. Don't forget to also tap into your own experience as an entrepreneur or writer, when choosing what to write about.
“Keyword research sets the foundation for your blog post,” says Sharon. “It’s like a treasure map that leads you to what your audience is searching for. The more intentional you are with this step, the better your chance of connecting with readers and driving meaningful engagement.”
03. Define your audience
Now that you know what you’ll be writing about, you need to find out who you’re writing for. Anticipating the kinds of people who will be reading your posts will help you create content that is interesting, engaging, full of relevance and shareable.
“Tailoring your content to a specific group makes it more personal and engaging,” Sharon advises. She adds, “Think about their challenges or goals and how your blog post can offer value.” Once you know who you’re talking to, you’ll naturally know the tone, examples and even the right format to use.
Of course, your audience largely depends on your type of blog. If you run a baking blog, your website content will probably be geared towards an audience of people who love baking and are seeking recipe inspiration. Even more specifically, if you run a healthy baking blog, you’ll be writing for people who similarly love baking but who want to make their culinary creations healthier. It’s important to keep these nuances in mind when crafting your content, since your goal is to write articles that resonate strongly with readers.
So, how do you figure out your audience in the first place? Start by taking another look at the other blogs in your field. Consider who they seem to be writing for, and the kinds of assumptions they’re making about their readers’ interests and lifestyles. For example, you might find that most of the blogs address a particular gender or age group.
Pro tip: Create a reader persona to really hone in on your audience. Think about their age, lifestyle, challenges and goals. Are they busy parents looking for quick recipes? Or maybe they’re health-conscious professionals experimenting in the kitchen. The more specific you get, the easier it is to write content that feels like you’re speaking directly to them.
You can also use online forums to find the main questions asked by your audience, or visit Facebook groups to read what topics they like or talk about. This will help you create content that piques their interest, sparks their curiosity and answers their questions.
Whether you're starting a health blog, a fashion blog, travel blog or something else—defining your audience should come first.
04. Create an organized outline
Think of an outline as the backbone of your blog format. It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures a structured flow that’s easy for readers to follow. Break your post into clear sections like an introduction, main points and conclusion.
Pro tip: Jot down bullet points under each section to focus your ideas before you start writing. It saves time and keeps you from veering off track. Having a roadmap not only makes writing easier but also results in a more polished post.
If it’s a step-by-step guide or a list of tips, start building your outline by listing out all the main points clearly, as in the example below:
Outline: How to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies from Scratch
1. Gather your ingredients
2. Mix and knead the dough
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
4. Scoop mounds of dough onto baking sheet
5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Add bulleted notes within your introduction and under each of your subheadings. This will help you formulate your main points.
If you find yourself getting stuck, use one of these blog post templates to guide you through the outline process.
Dive into our guide on blogging for beginners to start creating content that resonates today.
05. Write engaging content
Turning something you love and know a lot about into blog posts is a great strategy to attract readers: they’ll come for the knowledge, but they’ll stay for your authentic outlook and first-hand experiences. Be yourself,” Sharon encourages. “Authenticity is what turns a good post into a great one.”
Now that you’ve outlined your blog post, you can start writing (or, use AI to write your blog posts). Keep in mind that blog posts, like many other types of writing, typically include three main elements: an introduction, the body text and a conclusion.
So, how long should a blog post be? "Well, it’s not about the exact word count," Sharon says. "The key is creating content that holds your readers’ attention. Start with a strong opening sentence to hook them, and then keep them engaged by weaving in stories, relatable examples or even a bit of humor."
She adds, "Don’t stress about sounding perfect. Your readers want your authentic voice, not something robotic. The more genuine you are, the more your readers will connect with you, and the polish will follow naturally."
Pro tip: Keep your paragraphs short, and use headings or bullet points to break up the content. This not only makes it easier to read but also keeps your audience coming back for more.
Let’s break down the elements of a great blog post:
Start with the introduction. In the first few sentences of your article, you should already grab your readers’ attention. Begin with a relevant quote or statistic, tell a short story or share an interesting fact. Then, set the tone for the article by sharing a brief summary of what you’re going to talk about in the body text. This gives your readers a reason to keep going.
Next, fill in the body text. In your outline, these are the bullet points below each subheading. This is the meat of your blog post, so it should be clear and compelling. Avoid fluff and repetition, and instead offer deep value by sharing your knowledge, research and insights.
A concluding section isn’t always necessary—in fact, our blog rarely uses one—but it can be useful in the case of storytelling or when wrapping up a very extensive article. You can tie your main points together using a short bulleted list, or by sharing some closing thoughts in a few sentences. No matter the case, you’ll want to end on an engaging note.
At this stage you'll also want to consider your writing style, this is usually determined by your blog audience. If you're targeting a professional business crowd, you might want to consider adopting a more formal writing style. If your target audience is home bakers, something more light and fun might be the best style.
Within this consider your tone too, blogs, even formal business ones, are meant to open up communication and inspire conversation. Make sure your tone is relevant to your writing style and audience, but also use welcoming and inspiring language where possible.
Sharon suggests these important concepts to consider in your content creation process:
Viscosity: Essentially the ease with which a reader can understand and flow through a piece of text. It is akin to the "fluidity" of the writing and how smoothly the ideas and information are conveyed to the reader. High viscosity in writing implies that the text is dense, complicated and difficult to read, while low viscosity indicates that the writing is clear, concise and easy to comprehend.
Rhythm: The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, sentence structures and the flow of words that create a musical or harmonious quality in the text. It's the cadence and beat that give the writing a sense of movement and can make the language more engaging and memorable.
Creativity: The ability to express oneself imaginatively and inventively through the written word. It involves using one's unique perspective, original ideas, emotion, pathos and artistic flair to craft compelling stories, poems, essays or any form of written content. Creative writing allows writers to explore their thoughts, emotions and observations in an innovative and expressive manner. Storytelling is a huge part of writing a blog post and shouldn't be neglected.
Sentence and clause structure: Fundamental elements of grammar that govern how sentences are constructed in the English language. They determine the arrangement of words (verbs, adjectives), phrases and clauses to convey meaning and ensure clarity in communication. Understanding sentence and clause structure is crucial for effective writing and communication.
Learn more:
06. Craft a headline that gets clicks
Your headline is the first impression of your blog post, so make it compelling. Sharon explains, “A strong headline should be specific, pique curiosity and set the right expectations for your content.” For example, instead of “Healthy Snacks,” try “10 Quick and Healthy Snacks You Can Make in Under 5 Minutes.”
If you’re unsure about your headline, write a few versions and choose the one that feels the most dynamic. A little effort here goes a long way in drawing in readers. The best blog titles often balance creativity with clarity, helping readers know exactly what they’ll gain by clicking.
Writing a good headline also depends on how well you put yourself in the shoes of your audience. Use the title to promise readers that your blog post will provide valuable insight that will benefit them in some way, whether by satisfying their intellectual curiosity, teaching them something new or helping them solve a problem. This will increase the chances that they’ll click on your article and read it. Just don't go overboard and remember to avoid clickbait, which is writing a hyperbole headline just to get clicks through to an article.
Here are some examples of headlines that we are quite proud of, to give you a general idea for your own content:
Create a Powerful Free Landing Page in Under an Hour
20 Best Time Management Apps to Organize Your Life
How to Design an A+ School Website (With Examples)
Make a Change: Using Photography as a Tool to Raise Awareness
If you're looking for inspiration to get started, try out this blog post title generator.
07. Choose a blog template
The design of your blog is just as important as the content itself. “Your blog’s template should be clean and easy to navigate,” Sharon emphasizes. Whether you’re highlighting gorgeous photography or crafting detailed guides, your blog design should support—not distract from—your message.
Sharon also suggests using a website builder that offers customizable and free blog website templates. “Pick something that fits your style but keeps user experience in mind,” she says. A seamless design can make your content shine.
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to start a blog? Good news, many of the best blogging platforms (like Wix) offer free or low-cost solutions to get you started. Many of these platforms come with a large selection of the best blog templates that are professionally designed, allowing you to effortlessly bring your vision to life.
For inspiration, check out these blog examples to see how others have transformed these templates into beautiful, content-rich powerhouses.
08. Select a blog domain name
Your domain name is your blog’s address on the web, so choose something memorable and reflective of your brand or topic. “Keep it short and simple,” Sharon advises. “Names that are easy to spell and pronounce stick with readers.”
When it comes to naming your blog, you can gather ideas from a blog name generator and see if the domain name is available.
Spend time thinking about how your blog and domain name fit in with the blog post topics you will cover. Make sure that your name reflects your blog’s persona, topic and niche.
Pro tip: It’s also a good idea to check if your domain name matches your branding, including your blog logo. Consistency across your blog name, design and logo makes your brand unforgettable.
If you're working on a tight budget, look for services that include free website hosting when you purchase a domain name. Many platforms bundle hosting and domain registration together at an affordable price, saving you from juggling multiple providers.
Stuck on how to choose a domain name? Use a domain name search tool to see if the exact name you want is available, and if not, try a domain name generator to find the perfect blog domain name.
Learn more:
09. Use images to level up your post
Visuals bring your blog post to life and make it more engaging. Sharon emphasizes that “the right images can help illustrate your points and keep readers scrolling.” Use high-quality photos, graphs or even custom artwork to enhance what you’ve written.
Don’t just add visuals for the sake of it, though. Choose ones that feel meaningful and connected to the content. Tools like stock image websites or creating your own graphics can be game-changers in this department.
With Wix, you can add a professional photo gallery to individual posts and embed your own pictures within your articles. You can also choose from an array of media content from Wix, Shutterstock and Unsplash directly within your site’s editor.
10. Implement calls-to-action
In the same way a blog is meant to inform people about specific topics, it can also be used as an important tool that motivates readers to take a certain action. This includes everything from subscribing to your blog to making a purchase.
This element is referred to as CTA, or call-to-action, and is presented as an embedded link or button that states your objective in an alluring manner. Some of the most common call-to-action examples for blogs include “Subscribe,” “Download our e-book” or “Sign up.”
Using CTAs can help you transform your website traffic into engagement and, eventually, profit. While your immediate goal is to get more readers, you may eventually want to monetize your blog further down the road.
11. Optimize for SEO
Here’s where strategy comes into play. When it comes to SEO for bloggers, a strong blog SEO plan involves optimizing your content both before and after writing the blog post. Not only does this include doing keyword research prior to the outline phase, but it also includes using those keywords to polish your final piece.
Optimizing your post for search engines helps it reach a wider audience. Sharon suggests starting with simple steps like incorporating your chosen keywords naturally into the content, headings and meta descriptions. “Website SEO doesn’t have to be complicated,” she reminds us. “Think of it as making your content easy to find.”
This begins with sprinkling relevant keywords throughout your article. Let’s say you’ve chosen to target the keyword “business strategies.” Use this exact phrase in your headline, throughout the body text and one to two subheadings if it’s a natural fit.
You’ll also want to add the keywords to the URL of your article, as well as in the alt text of your blog post’s images. Use these SEO features to give your blog an overall performance boost.
12. Edit and polish
With so many common blogging mistakes out there, you’ll need to thoroughly check your article for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, repetition and any other unprofessional content. Take the time to edit your post for clarity and accuracy. Proofreading might feel tedious, but it makes a world of difference. Sharon recommends stepping away from your draft for a bit before reviewing it again with fresh eyes. “You’ll spot things you missed the first time around,” she says.
Furthermore, make sure your ideas flow coherently throughout each section, signaling a clear and purposeful message to readers. You can read about other essential aspects of blogging in this comprehensive blog post checklist.
We recommend even asking a friend or colleague to give your blog article a glance before it goes live. Direct them to look for any discrepancies or ambiguity. It’s also important to emphasize quality over quantity in order to keep your readers interested and to establish your credibility. Then, once you’re happy with your written work, it’s time to hit publish.
Pro tip: Reading your post out loud is another great editing trick. It helps you catch awkward phrasing and ensures your tone sounds natural.
13. Hit publish and share your work
This is the moment you’ve been working toward. Once your post is live, don’t forget to share it. “Promotion is key to growing your audience,” Sharon says. “Don’t be shy about telling people what you’ve created.”
Every piece of content you share adds to your blogging experience and confidence. Celebrate this step, and get ready to create your content calendar.
Two of the most effective ways to promote your blog post and get readers are email marketing and social media marketing.
Email remains one of the most reliable platforms for marketing, as it allows for a direct communication channel between you and your audience. This highly effective digital marketing strategy involves sending out customized emails to prospective users with the aim of converting them into loyal fans. If you’re interested in getting started, this powerful email marketing service can help you send custom newsletters for your blog.
Beyond emails, sharing your article on social media can also go a long way. For example, if you want to accrue a wide audience, promote your blog on Facebook or Instagram, which have one of the largest and most diverse user bases.
Whichever channels you choose, make sure to actively engage with followers on a day-to-day basis. This will ensure that you not only write a great blog post, but that you get people reading your article, too.
Learn more:
Looking to really get your blog off the ground? Take a look at our Build Your Own Blog online course to get you started.
How to structure a blog post checklist
Crafting a blog post is part art, part strategy. With this checklist, you’ll have all the tools to create a post that connects with readers and keeps them coming back for more. Here's how we break down blogs here at Wix:
Headline: Make it crisp, catchy and totally relevant. Your headline is your blog’s first impression, so don’t shy away from adding keywords to boost SEO while staying clear and compelling.
Introduction: This is your chance to hook your readers. Sharon says, “Answer their search intent by outlining your blog’s purpose and spotlighting its main idea right away. Set the tone early, and they’ll stick with you.”
Subheadings: Think of these as signposts guiding your readers through your blog. Arrange your content with easy-to-read sections and use subheadings that follow a logical flow.
Body: Here’s where you deliver the goods. Writing in a conversational tone, share valuable information backed by examples, stats or credible evidence.
Visuals: A blog post isn’t all words and no color. Add images, infographics or videos that complement your content. Sharon notes, “Well-chosen visuals keep your readers scrolling and learning.”
Engagement: Invite your audience to interact. Whether it’s comments, shares or answering a question you pose, interaction keeps the conversation alive.
Editing: Before anything goes live, it has to go through a thorough check. “Don’t skip this step,” Sharon advises. Fix grammar, smooth out the style and double-check facts.
SEO: Sprinkle relevant keywords naturally throughout the post and make sure you’re still answering what your readers are searching for. It’s a balance between smart optimization and authentic writing.
Readability: Stick to clean, consistent formatting with short sentences that are easy on the eyes.
Links: A good post shares the love. Include internal links to guide readers to your other posts and external links to boost credibility and expand on your topic.
Social sharing: Make it easy for readers to spread the word. Add social sharing buttons and craft shareable snippets of content they'll want to repost.
Review: Read through your post once before hitting publish, and again after it’s live to catch anything you may have missed.
Using AI tools for blogging
AI features are totally changing the game for bloggers, taking some of the weight off your shoulders and speeding up the content creation process. From brainstorming topics to pulling research and creating outlines, these features can save you hours when you’re just getting started.
But here’s the deal, blogging is about so much more than getting it done quickly. Readers don’t just come to you for answers; they’re here for your personality, humor, and insights. Sharon points out, “Your audience connects with your voice, not a robot’s. AI is amazing for tweaks and suggestions, but only you can bring that human touch to the table.”
Think of AI as your trusty sidekick. Sure, it can help polish your text, offer SEO tips or tweak your structure—but the main role? That’s all you. Your stories, perspective, and wit are what keep people coming back. Sharon says, “Blend the efficiency of AI with your unique style, and you’ve got magic.”
When you use these tools wisely, they complement your creativity rather than replace it. The result? Posts that are well-researched, optimized and still totally, authentically you. Isn’t that the perfect balance?
Get started with the Wix AI website creator.
How to write a blog post FAQ
How to write my first blog post?
Writing your first blog post can be an exciting but daunting task. To make it easier follow these basic steps - choose a compelling topic, plan out your post, hook readers with a killer introduction, provide meaningful content, hone your conversational style and include visuals where you can.