HOW TO: Write engaging blog posts on your Ghost.org site

So, the time has come to write you first couple of posts. Even though, you are probably super eager to start promoting your site, I would recommend waiting until you have written 10-15 posts. The reason being when you start generating an audience, you'll want them to see an established website rather than one that has only one or two posts. It also gives the reader an opportunity to go back and read your other posts whilst they are on your site.

This is the final post in my 'how-to' start your own Ghost.org blog/site series. The reason I decided to make this blog post series was because I found setting up my own blog a very confusing process. It took me hours of watching YouTube videos and reading other peoples blog, to understand what I was doing and I'm still not 100% comfortable with using Ghost.org. There's still things that I've got to learn but I wanted to help other beginners in a similar situation and hopefully, make it easier for you to understand. So, I really hope you've found it beneficial in helping you to start your own Ghost.org site!

This blog post will cover:

STEP ONE: Top 5 tips for writing engaging blog posts
STEP TWO: What's next for your Ghost.org site?
Links to my other 'how-to' blog posts

STEP ONE: Top 5 tips for writing engaging blog posts

Some tips and things to think about when creating your content.

Create an enticing title and introduction - A large majority of the content you've clicked on is probably because of the really engaging title ,which has left you wanting to know more. This is due to the title being 'clickbait'. Clickbait is when the sole purpose of the title or content is to get your attraction and encourage you to click on the link. Clickbait, contrary to popular belief, is not a bad thing as long as its a truthful title. If you think about the billions of sources of content out there, its understandable that individuals are trying every way possible to get you to read their content and if a clickbait-able title is how they get you to do that, then fair enough. Also, once you have the audience member on your content, now its up to you to get them engaged. So, spend time making your opening sentences as interesting as possible.
Create your content with your audience in mind - what information can you provide your readers with that would be of value to them? What are you bringing to the table which will be unique to the reader and want them to engage in your site/content? Is it a particular skill they could learn, how to save money or an exercise routine... there are endless possibilities.
Have interesting visuals in your posts or videos/podcasts - not everyone on your post will want to read a huge text of information and not everyone on your video or podcast will want to hear you speak for a solid 10+ minutes without any breaks. I'm more of a visual person, I will actually skip forward to see the pictures and I find by having visuals helps keep my attention for longer. So, you'll want to consider catering to all types of readers by including some visuals in your posts.
Be unique, passionate and share your stories - Theres no point in creating the same content as everyone else as it'll end up getting lost especially if its already been done a million times before. What is it about you and the content you're providing thats unique? What is it your passionate about? Because when you get across your passion, it engages the reader and makes them feel passionate about it too. Also, share your stories, you have your own experience and perspective, which you can share with your readers. I love reading someone else's funny, embarassing, awkward or heartwarming stories. By sharing your personality, it will allow your readers to get to know you better.
Create content that is trustworthy - you need to make sure that the information you provide is accurate and can be backed up with data. There's nothing worse these days than being unable to decipher what's fake news and what's real. Be that person that builds a following by being honest and trustworthy.

Do Something Great — Photo by Clark Tibbs / Unsplash

STEP TWO: What's next for your Ghost.org site?

My top tips for taking your blog further and increasing your chances of success are:

Be consistent - this is so important! If you've stated you're going to post on your Ghost.org site 3x per week, then make sure you stick to it and hold yourself accountable. Be committed to your site and treat it like a job, the work needs to get done. This will also give your readers a better understanding of when to visit your site for new content. By staying consistent, you are increasing your chances of having a successful site but bear-in-mind, this could take years before it pays off.
Have a marketing strategy - You need to set up your marketing strategy. Where are you going to promote your content and how? Social media is incredibly useful fir getting your content out there and allows for the possibility of your content going viral. I would suggest choosing to focus on one social media platform (I choose Pinterest), and make sure you stay consistent with it. Then, once you've mastered that platform, add another social media platform to your marketing strategy. You'd rather 100% one platform, than putting 20% into five platforms.
Learn new blogging skills - When you first start your blog, its unlikely that you are going to be perfect at everything to do with your blog. However, think of your blogging journey as more of a learning process. There are so many people out there who have had incredible success with their own blogs and they usually offer courses to help you with your blog. There's also courses on skillshare and YouTube videos which you can watch. By learning from others, it can help you massively with the success of your blog and can save you a lot of time too!