How To Format A Blog Post: 7 Best Most Popular Formats

In this post, we’ve covered;

• What is a blog post format
• What is a blog post template
• How to format a blog post in 12 steps
• 5 best most popular blog post formats
• Quick FAQs

What is a blog post format?

Blog post format is how you’ve structured and organized your blog content to be easily comprehended by its visitors.

It consists of structuring with subheadings, lists, paragraphs, spacing, videos, images, charts, CTA, etc. to make it engaging and easy to understand.   

What is a blog post template?

A blog post template is a pre-designed layout that serves as a framework for creating a blog.

It includes elements like fonts, colors, page structure, and widgets that determine the appearance and functionality of your blog.  

This is mostly used to design or create blogs with special features.

With a blog template, you don’t have to design everything from scratch; you can customize it to fit your content and branding.

Most times blog templates are misused as different blogging formats but they are not.

How To Format A Blog Post In 8 Steps

Step 1: Craft a Compelling and Clear Title

• Keep it concise and descriptive: A good blog title should be clear, engaging, and to the point. It should tell readers what they can expect from the post.
• Incorporate keywords: If you’re optimizing your post for search engines, include relevant keywords naturally in your title.
• Use power words: Words like “ultimate,” “essential,” “guide,” or “top” can grab attention and add appeal to your title.

Example: Instead of “The Ultimate Guide to Creating Engaging Blog Posts.”

In this quick post, you can find good instances of how to craft well compelling blog titles.

Step 2: Use Headings and Subheadings (H1, H2, H3) for Structure

• H1 for the main title: Your blog post title automatically takes the H1 tag in most platforms, so you don’t need to format it manually.
• H2 for main sections: Break your blog into clear, logical sections using H2 tags. These act like mini-titles for each section and help readers navigate your content.
• H3 for sub-sections: If your sections are complex, divide them further using H3 tags to group similar points together.

This structure makes your post more readable and helps search engines better understand your content.

Example:

• H1: How to Format Your Blog Post for Maximum Engagement
• H2: Craft a Compelling and Clear Title
• H3: Add Keywords and Power Words
• H2: Break Your Content into Sections

Step 3: Write Short, Digestible Paragraphs

• Keep paragraphs 2-3 sentences long: Long blocks of text are hard to read, especially on screens. Break your content into bite-sized paragraphs to improve readability.
• Use short sentences: Readers tend to skim content online, so short sentences help them quickly digest your ideas.
• Use white space effectively: Extra white space between paragraphs and sections makes your post visually appealing and prevents it from feeling overwhelming.

Example: Instead of writing a long paragraph with multiple ideas, break it up into shorter paragraphs, each focused on a single point.

Quick Guide: Skim “How to write a high quality blog post”

Step 4: Use Bullet Points and Numbered Lists

• For easy-to-read content: Whenever you’re listing information, steps, or examples, use bullet points or numbered lists. This helps readers quickly scan through your content and pick out key points.
• Makes complex information simpler: Lists help break down more complex ideas and steps in a way that’s easy for your audience to follow.

Example:

• Short paragraphs increase readability.
• Bullet points make content easy to scan.
• Numbered lists are ideal for step-by-step instructions.

Step 5: Incorporate Visuals and Multimedia

• Images and infographics: Break up long sections of text with relevant images, infographics, charts, or other visuals. These can explain concepts visually or provide a break for the reader’s eyes.
• Videos: If appropriate, embed videos related to your topic. This is especially useful if your post contains a tutorial or how-to guide.
• Use alt text: For all images, include alt text for better accessibility and SEO. Alt text helps search engines understand the content of the images.

Tip: Ensure that your images are high-quality and optimized for web performance (small file size, fast loading times).

Further More – 21+ platforms to find free images copyright-free

Step 6: Use Bold and Italics for Emphasis

• Bold for key phrases: Use bold to highlight essential words or phrases that you want your readers to notice quickly. This helps readers scan through the post and pick up on critical points.
• Italics for emphasis: Use italics to emphasize certain words, expressions, or quotes. It can help convey tone or add subtle emphasis to particular points without overwhelming the text.

Example:

• Bold: “Short paragraphs are crucial for online readability.”
• Italics: “It’s important to use bold and italics sparingly for maximum impact.”

Step 7: Add Internal and External Links

• Internal links: Link to other relevant posts on your blog to encourage readers to explore more of your content and stay longer on your site. This also helps with SEO by creating a better internal linking structure.
• External links: Reference credible sources or articles by other experts in your niche. This adds authority to your content and provides additional value to your readers by directing them to further resources.

Example:

• Internal: “For more tips on boosting your SEO, check out this guide on SEO best practices.”
• External: “You can read more about formatting blog posts effectively at this link to another expert source.”

Step 8: End with a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

• Encourage engagement: At the end of your post, ask readers to take a specific action, such as leaving a comment, sharing the post on social media, or subscribing to your newsletter.
• Drive conversions: If your goal is to generate leads or sales, include a CTA that leads readers to sign up for a service, download a free guide, or check out a product.
• Make it clear and compelling: A strong CTA is easy to understand and clearly outlines the next steps.

Example:

• “Enjoyed this post? Share it on social media or leave a comment below to let us know your thoughts!”
• “Want more tips on content marketing? Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates.”

Step 9: Optimize for SEO

• Keyword usage: Naturally incorporate your target keywords throughout your post, especially in headings, the introduction, and the conclusion.
• Meta description: Write a concise meta description that includes your main keyword. This will appear in search engine results and influence click-through rates.
• URL structure: Ensure the URL is short, descriptive, and includes the main keyword. Avoid unnecessary numbers or characters.

Tip: Use SEO plugins (like Yoast for WordPress) to ensure your content meets SEO standards for optimal visibility in search engines.

Find more: How to properly optimize your blog for SEO

Step 10: Proofread and Edit Thoroughly

• Check for grammar and spelling errors: Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to catch mistakes and improve readability.
• Read aloud: This will help you catch awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t flow smoothly.
• Ensure clarity: Make sure the post is easy to understand and that your points are clear. Revise any sections that seem confusing or redundant.

Step 11: Make Your Blog Mobile-Friendly

• Responsive design: Ensure your blog post looks good on all devices, including smartphones and tablets. Most platforms like WordPress offer mobile-friendly themes but double-check your post’s formatting to confirm it works well on small screens.
• Readable fonts: Use fonts that are easy to read, even on mobile. Avoid fonts that are too small or hard to decipher on smaller devices.

Step 12: Test Your Post Before Publishing

• Preview your post: Always preview your post on both desktop and mobile devices to check for formatting issues, broken links, or other errors especially if it’s your first-ever blog post.
• Check load times: Make sure your blog post loads quickly by optimizing images and minimizing the use of heavy files as I previously talked about.

By following these detailed steps, your blog post will be well-organized, visually appealing, and optimized for both readers and search engines regardless of the blog format.

This kind of formatting not only makes your post more engaging but also helps with SEO and user experience, which ensures that visitors stay on your pages longer.

5 Best Most Popular Blog Post Formats  

There are four main types of blog posts which are;

1. List-post articles [Listicles]
2. How-to-post articles
3. Expert detailed post articles
4. Single review post articles   
5. Comparison post articles

[1]. List-Post Articles (Listicles)

Definition: A list-post article, also called a listicle, organizes information into a numbered or bulleted list format. It typically covers a specific topic by offering a collection of tips, tools, steps, or ideas.

Purpose: Listicles are designed to break down complex topics into bite-sized, easy-to-digest chunks, making them highly scannable for readers.

Typical Format Elements:

• Title: Usually includes a number (e.g., “10 Best Travel Destinations in Europe”).
• Subheadings and Bullet Points: Each item in the list has its own subheading or is presented as a bullet point with supporting information.
• Images or Graphics: Images or infographics are often used to complement the listed items and make the most visually engaging.

Example: “7 Effective Ways to Boost Your Blog’s SEO.”

Find more: Blog post topics ideas in different niches

[2]. How-To-Post Articles

Definition: A how-to-post article walks readers step-by-step through a process or activity, offering clear instructions on how to accomplish a task.

Purpose: These posts are practical and focus on solving a problem for the reader, making them educational and informative.

Typical Format Elements:

• Title: Often starts with “How to” (e.g., “How to Start a Food Blog in 7 Steps”).
• Subheadings: Each step or stage of the process has its own subheading.
• Lists and Bullet Points: Each step may include numbered lists or bullet points to break down the process.
• Visuals: Diagrams, screenshots, or videos are often included to help demonstrate the steps.
• Call-to-Action (CTA): Often ends with a CTA encouraging the reader to take action based on the instructions.

Example: “How To Create an Email Marketing Campaign in Steps.”

[3]. Expert Detailed Post Articles

Definition: These are in-depth, well-researched articles that provide comprehensive insights into a specific topic, often backed by expert opinions, statistics, and case studies.

Purpose: They aim to establish the author as a thought leader, providing readers with highly valuable and trustworthy information.

Typical Format Elements:

• Title: Often includes phrases like “Complete Guide” or “Everything You Need to Know” (e.g., “The Complete Guide to Social Media Marketing”).
• Subheadings: Break the article into sections for easy navigation.
• Data and Case Studies: Uses charts, graphs, or references to expert studies or findings to add credibility.
• Images and Infographics: Visual aids like graphs and infographics support the detailed content.
• Length: Typically longer than standard blog posts to cover the subject thoroughly.

Example: “The Ultimate Guide to SEO for Bloggers.”

[4]. Single Review Post Articles

Definition: A single review post focuses on evaluating and reviewing one specific product, service, or tool in great detail, offering a balanced perspective of its features, pros, and cons.

Purpose: To help readers make informed purchasing decisions based on a detailed review of a product or service.

Typical Format Elements:

• Title: Clearly states what’s being reviewed (e.g., “Product Review: HostGator Web Hosting”).
• Introduction: Provides an overview of what the product or service is and who it’s for.
• Features and Benefits: Break down the main features, usability, and benefits of the product or service.
• Pros and Cons: Often uses a list format to highlight both the strengths and weaknesses.
• Call-to-Action: This may encourage the reader to try the product or direct them to a buying link.

Example: “HostGator Review: Is It Worth It for Your Blog?”

Find: Blog product review blog posts topics ideas

[5]. Comparison Post Articles

Definition: A comparison post is a post that evaluates two or more products, services, tools, or strategies side by side to help readers decide which is the better option for their needs.

Purpose: To assist readers in making informed decisions by showing them the key differences, pros, and cons of each option.

Typical Format Elements:

• Title: Typically includes “vs” (e.g., “WordPress vs Wix: Which Is Better for Your Website?”).
• Table or Chart: Uses a comparison table or chart to display key features side by side for easy evaluation.
• Headings and Subheadings: Divide the post into sections such as “Price,” “Features,” “Ease of Use,” etc.
• Pros and Cons: Lists the pros and cons of each option to help readers weigh their choices.
• Conclusion: Often ends with a recommendation based on different user needs or scenarios.

Example: “Squarespace vs WordPress: Which Platform Should You Choose?”

These different blog post formats offer variety and can serve distinct purposes depending on your target audience, the type of content you are creating, and the goals of your blog post.

Quick FQAs

1. Which blog format increases time on site?

• Expert Detailed Post Articles: These long-form, in-depth articles offer detailed insights, data, and comprehensive guides, which keep readers engaged for a longer period. Since the content is extensive, with visuals and detailed explanations, it encourages readers to stay on the page longer to absorb all the information.
• How-To-Post Articles: Step-by-step guides also increase time on site as readers tend to follow along through each instruction, keeping them engaged.

2. Which blog format brings the most traffic?

• List-Post Articles (Listicles): Listicles tend to attract high traffic because they are easily scannable, shareable, and cover popular, digestible topics. Their engaging format makes them perfect for social media sharing and increasing organic traffic.
• How-To-Post Articles: How-to guides are mostly evergreen content that generally brings in a huge sum of readers consistently over time.
• Comparison Post Articles: Comparison articles often target high-intent readers who are searching for specific product or service comparisons, which can bring in a significant amount of organic traffic from search engines.

3. Which blog format leads to more revenue?

• Single Review Post Articles: Review posts often include affiliate links or recommendations for products and services, making them highly effective for generating revenue through affiliate marketing.
• Comparison Post Articles: These also lead to higher revenue through affiliate links, especially when comparing products or services with buying links attached. Readers are often close to making purchasing decisions and use comparison posts to finalize their choices.
• How-To-Post Articles: How-to guides can lead to revenue when they involve tools, software, or products, allowing for affiliate promotions or product recommendations that readers might purchase to complete the task.

Each format serves a unique purpose, and using a combination of them can help you achieve various goals like boosting engagement, driving traffic, or generating revenue.

Further More – How to write a high-quality blog post-step-by-step

Post End.

The Fastest Way to Start Making $10,000/month as a New Blogger

1. Get Started with HostGator – Your Blog’s Best Friend

The first step to making money blogging is having a solid foundation. HostGator offers affordable, reliable hosting, a free domain, and easy access to WordPress — the best platform for new bloggers. Sign up today and get your blog online in minutes.

👉 Get Started with HostGator Now!

2. Choose a Profitable Niche

Pick a profitable niche you’re interested in and ready to dive into. Focus on one niche, and be prepared to create content that solves your audience’s problems. You can still choose your niche after your blog is live online.

3. Create High-Impact Content

Start by making lists of your niche “money posts” [Posts good for affiliates or with high traffic volume suitable for ads]. These “money posts” are your primary focus. Then, also create supporting posts to build traffic and rank better in Google. The more content you create, the faster you’ll grow your audience.

4. Success Rules to Follow:

• Focus on Your Niche: Stick to one niche and become an expert in it.
• Quality Content Only: Focus on delivering value with every post.
• Have a Plan: Set clear goals for content creation and promotion [Like how many posts you intend to create and your plan on promoting them to help you grow your initial traffic].

HostGator has everything you need to get started quickly, with a platform that grows as you do. Ready to start making money with your blog?

👉 Launch Your Blog with HostGator Today

Doing these things will increase your chances of making more than $10,000/month consistently after 6 months to one year. ar. 

End