I’ve been blogging since 2007, but I’m still working on creating perfect blog posts.

Writing a great blog post isn’t easy. You can’t simply let your thoughts flow and expect to engage your readers.

Blogging takes time. I usually spend 2-4 hours for every post. You won’t find me signing up for any of the daily blogging challenges found around the blogosphere. I know I can’t create quality content on a daily basis and still take care of my real estate business or pay enough attention to my dogs.

What I’m Doing Right:

I do realize I can always do better, but I really think about certain elements when I’m crafting a blog post.

• Headline
• Intro (the first few paragraphs)
• Subheadings
• Images
• Closing thought

I know I can improve in each of these areas. After reading Copyblogger’s 11 Essential Ingredients Every Blog Post Needs, I have some direction in how to create even better blog posts.

Copyblogger Infographic:

How To Implement Copyblogger’s 11 Blog Writing Steps:

Copyblogger has written articles to teach you how to improve all of the 11 essential blog post ingredients:

1. Craft a magnetic headline.
2. Open with a bang.
3. Use persuasive words.
4. Write damn good sentences.
5. Insert killer bullet points.
6. Create exquisite subheads.
7. Tell a seductive story.
8. Keep attention with internal cliffhangers.
9. Choose an arresting image.
10. Close with style.
11. Be authentic.

What blog post elements are your strengths? Areas for improvement?