The Best Way to Format Blog Posts to Keep Your Readers Engaged – Content Euphoria

Despite all your dedicated efforts, is your blog still struggling to gain traction? Let’s dig this frequently asked question and a most common problem deeper. 

Today, we live in a world of fleeting attention spans and overwhelming information, the challenge lies in capturing and maintaining your readers’ engagement. Consider the following statistics:

• The average attention span of a human at 8.25 seconds is now shorter than that of a goldfish’s attention span of 9 seconds!

• The typical duration of a page visit is under a minute, with users commonly exiting web pages within a mere 10 to 20 seconds.

What does this imply for us as writers and marketers?

We face the continuous challenge of competing for our readers’ focus. And the often-overlooked solution is blog post formatting.

Formatting your blog posts is actually an incredible way of not only enhancing your blog’s readership but also helping it rank higher in search results.

In this blog, we will start with understanding what is blog format. Then, we will share with you the blog post format and the secrets to formatting your posts for maximum reader engagement. 

Further, we will walk you through 10 simple steps on how to format blog posts, plus a bonus tip to ensure authentic content in the age of AI! 

So, stick with us until the end, and you can thank us later.

 

What is blog format?

Firstly, let us understand what is blog format.

A blog format refers to the structure and style in which a blog post is written and presented on a website.

So, what is the format of blog writing?

A typical blog post format includes the following components:

Component	Description
Title	Clear and attention-grabbing, providing insight into the post’s topic.
Introduction	Sets the context and engages readers, introducing the main subject.
Body Content	Contains the main information, often divided into sections with headings.
Images and Multimedia	Enhances content with visuals like images, videos, and infographics.
Bullet Points and Lists	Makes content scannable and highlights key points or steps.
Links	Hyperlinks to external sources or internal content for reference.
Conclusion	Summarizes key points or offers final thoughts; may include a call to action.
Author Information	Brief author bio with links to social media profiles or contact information.
Comments Section	Allows readers to engage in discussions related to the post.
Categories and Tags	Categorizes and tags posts to aid content discovery and navigation.
Publication Date	Indicates the post’s publication date to assess relevance.
Social Sharing Buttons	Encourages sharing on social media platforms via share buttons.

Having discussed how to write a blog format, let us understand what blog formatting is.

What is blog formatting?

Blog writing format and blog formatting are different concepts.

Blog formatting refers to the way in which the content within a blog post is visually presented and structured to make it more appealing, readable, and engaging to the audience.

Why Blog Formatting Matters?

Before understanding how to format your blog, let us understand why it matters:

• The Information Deluge

The internet is flooded with information. And with the rise of AI, we are only bound to see a mindless production of more content. (AI is not the problem; its mindless use is!)

Consequently, readers skim through content to quickly filter through vast amounts of information.

According to reports, 79% of blog readers prefer to skim through posts, whereas 21% opt for a more in-depth, thorough reading.

This highlights the need for well-structured and visually appealing posts.

• First Impression Matters

Blog formatting plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression on your audience. An aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-read layout not only grabs readers’ attention but also keeps them engaged.

• Improved Readability

Formatting is a key factor in retaining readers throughout the post. It acts as a roadmap, guiding them through your content and ensuring they stay with you until the end.

• Search Engine Rankings

And most importantly, a well-formatted blog can rank higher in search rankings.

The organization of content with elements like H2s and H3s plays a critical role in SEO. It directly influences how search engines assess and rank your content.

Having understood the importance of formatting, do you want to uncover the secrets of captivating blog formatting that keeps readers coming back for more?

Well, continue reading!

Tips for a Compelling Blog Format

Now let us understand how to format blog posts.

1. Use Proper Subheadings

Heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) are HTML elements that help organize content. By using H1 for the main title and H2, H3, etc., for subheadings, you create a clear content outline.

This makes it easier for readers to navigate and find the information they’re looking for. It also aids search engines in ranking your content appropriately.

Example of blog structure with proper headings

In this example, this structure is more reader-friendly and SEO-optimized.

Readers can easily navigate to the specific information they’re interested in. Search engines can better understand the content’s hierarchy, ensuring the blog post is appropriately ranked for each subtopic.

2. Enhance Readability with Short Paragraphs

Ideally, paragraphs should not be longer than 2-3 sentences. This is because people skim through content.

The human eye craves visual breaks and easily digestible content.

Large chunks of information look daunting to readers. Short paragraphs maintain the reader’s interest and also make the content more visually appealing.

And considering the fact that people read on their mobile phones more, using short paragraphs becomes far more important.

Which of the following 2 paragraphs will you prefer to read?

The second one, right? Why?

Because it is not only visually appealing, it allows you to skim through information.

3. Write Short and Clear Sentences

Ideally, keep your sentences under less than 25 words. 

Long sentences are difficult to understand. They also discourage readers.

Also, be clear rather than clever. Avoid using flowery language. That will only repel your readers.

Here is a case in point.

Wasn’t this sentence mentally taxing?

Now, consider this.

Which paragraph was easier to understand?

The second one, right?

You did not have to go through the sentence again to understand it.

4. Maintaining Flow and Structure

Your content needs to flow logically. Otherwise, the reader will get confused and leave.

How to ensure flow and consistency?

Before you sit down to write a blog, create a detailed outline. 

It will ensure that your text flows according to a structure.

5. Improving Scannability with Lists and Bullet Points

79% readers just skim through your blog. How to improve scannability, then?

By using:

• Bullet points
• Lists
• Visual elements

These make the content more reader-friendly and scannable.

Consider the following examples:

Which of the above conveys the benefits faster?

For long-form blog posts, include a “Too Long; Didn’t Read” (TL;DR) section for quick takeaways.

6. Strategically Using Bold and Italicized Fonts

You can bold text to emphasize key points and draw your reader to the main idea. You can also italicize proper names or foreign words, etc.

Underlining the text can also help focus on important ideas.

 But don’t do it excessively. It will defeat the purpose.

 You can also highlight the text to draw attention. Strikethrough works too.

7. Using Block Quotes for Impact

Do you have a perfect quote relevant to your blog?

Use block quotes for it. It will easily attract the reader’s attention. The blockquote option is available along with the header option.

8. Engaging with Eye-Catching Visuals

Using images is the number one way to have your reader’s attention.

They break up content and make it look attractive. Using infographics can help convey the point easier than text. But keep in mind the following:

• Use only those images that are relevant to your text. Otherwise, you risk losing your readers.
• Do not use pixelated images. They give an unprofessional look.
• Do not use very large image sizes either. Large images will load slowly, impacting your SEO.

9. Optimizing Images with Alt Tags

Alt tags, or alternative tags, are descriptions for the pictures you use in your blog.

For instance, if you have a picture of a businessman on a call, the alt tag would say something like ‘Businessman on a call.’

Alt tags are useful for three main reasons:

• They help search engines understand your content, so your website and blog can be found more easily.
• They make your site friendly for people who can’t see pictures. Their screen readers read the alt tags to them, so they know what’s in the images.
• If a picture can’t load on a webpage, the alt tag shows up. This way, readers still get an idea of what the picture was about.

10. Use Narrow Columns

A narrow column width on your blog has several benefits:

• It makes it simple for your eyes to move from the end of one line to the beginning of the next.
• With a narrow column, your images don’t have to be too wide. Small images are good for your SEO too.
• With a single, narrow column, it’s easier to create a responsive blog design. This means that people can read your blog comfortably on their phones, tablets, or laptops, no matter the device they are using.

11. Creating Breathing Room with White Space

White space isn’t really “empty”.  It is an essential part of your blog’s design. 

It provides a visual break to your readers.

This allows them to rest their eyes and absorb information more comfortably. When you cram content together without white space, it can overwhelm your readers.

Here are some tips that can help you best use the white space advantage:

• Add a line break between paragraphs for clarity.
• Set adequate page margins for a clean and organized appearance.
• Line spacing of 1.5 or 2 is generally more readable than single spacing.
• When including images or visual content, ensure there is some white space around them.
• When presenting information in lists or bullet points, ensure there is enough space between each point.

12. Choosing the Right Font

For readability using the right font is the key.

Don’t go for flashy or distracting fonts, like Comic Sans. Most people dislike it.

For quick reading, pick a sans-serif font without those little lines at the letter bottoms. Helvetica and Arial are good examples.

For instance, which of the following is easier to read?

The first one uses the font Arial. The second one uses the font Comic Sans.

Wasn’t the one written in Comic Sans taxing to read?

13. Optimizing Font Size

A small font size makes reading difficult.

Too big fonts mean a lot of scrolling. This annoys people too.

So, make sure you use a balanced font size that works well on both mobile phones and laptops.

14. Streamlining Numbers

Rather than spelling out numbers, write numbers.

For e.g. 98 attracts attention rather than writing it as ninety-eight.

It enhances clarity in the content and reduces cognitive load on readers for a seamless reading experience.

15. Sealing the Deal with a Call to Action (CTA)

What do you want your readers to do after reading the text?

Read another post? Buy your course? Check your YouTube channel?

Give them that specific call-to-action.

Make your CTA clear. Place it where it’s visible. Encourage action effectively.

How to Format Blog Posts in 10 Easy Steps?

So far we have understood what is the format of a blog and how to format blog posts.

Now let us go through the 10 steps that will help you format your blog content easily:

1. Begin with a Well-Structured Outline

Before you start writing, create an outline that outlines the main points and structure of your blog.

It’s like a roadmap that keeps your content organized and focused.

2. Craft Your Blog Content from the Outline

Use the outline as a guide to write your blog post.

This helps you maintain a logical flow and ensures that you cover all the essential points without veering off-topic.

3. Create a Captivating Headline

Your blog’s headline is the first thing readers see. Make sure it grabs their attention.

It should be relevant to the content and also entice the readers to read.

4. Perfect Your Blog Post Introduction

The introduction sets the tone for your blog.

It should provide a brief overview of what the readers can expect and why they should continue reading. A compelling intro hooks the reader.

5. Ensure Smooth Information Flow

As you write, ensure that your content flows smoothly from one point to the next.

Each sentence and paragraph should naturally lead to the next, making it easy for readers to follow your ideas.

6. Opt for Short Sentences and Paragraphs

Short sentences are easier to read and understand.

Break up long paragraphs into shorter ones. It will help to maintain reader interest and make your content more digestible.

7. Consider Including a Table of Contents

For longer posts, a table of contents at the beginning can help readers navigate your content.

It provides an overview of the sections, allowing readers to jump to the parts they find most relevant.

8. Enhance with Visual Content

Visual elements like images, charts, and infographics break up text, making your content visually appealing.

They also help illustrate key points and engage readers.

9. Properly Structure Subheadings

Use subheadings (H2, H3) to create a clear hierarchy within your content.

They act as signposts, helping readers navigate and locate specific information within your post.

10. Strategically Place Relevant Links

Incorporate hyperlinks to other articles or resources when they add value to your content.

This enhances the reader’s experience by providing additional information and context.

Bonus Tip: Ensuring Authentic Content in the Age of AI

Let’s face it – AI tools are becoming increasingly prevalent. 

So, ensuring the authenticity of your content is more vital than ever. (We repeat- AI is not the problem, its irresponsible use is!)

At Content Euphoria, we believe in: Authenticity, a Human-first perspective, and Experience-based content that reigns supreme.

We follow the E-E-A-T approach.

E-E-A-T, short for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness, is a framework within Google’s Search Quality Rater Guidelines.

Google highly values content and websites that exhibit strong E-E-A-T characteristics.

Strong E-E-A-T not only influences search rankings but also plays a vital role in building user trust. This trust can, in turn, lead to higher conversion rates on your website.

Now, let us understand why authenticity matters and five quick ways to spot genuine content:

Why Does Authenticity Matters?

Authenticity not only resonates with your audience but also aligns with search engines’ ranking criteria.

Here is how authentic content can help you:

1. Trustworthiness: Authentic content builds trust with your readers. It will help you in building a loyal audience base.
2. Search Engine Ranking: Search engines prioritize authentic content for higher rankings. It will boost your website’s visibility.
3. Audience Engagement: Genuine content connects with readers on a deeper level. It encourages interactions and shares.
4. Value Addition: Authentic content provides real value, solving problems and addressing readers’ needs effectively.
5. Ethical Responsibility: In an era of AI misuse, publishing authentic content is an ethical responsibility.

How to Identify if Your Content is Authentic or Not?

Now, let’s uncover five practical ways to distinguish genuine content from copied or spun material:

1. Use online plagiarism detection tools such as Copyscape, Grammarly, or Turnitin to compare your content with existing web content. 

• These tools can quickly flag similarities to other sources.

2. Analyze the tone, style, and quality of writing throughout the content. 

• Authentic content tends to maintain a consistent voice and quality. 
• Spun or copied content may have abrupt shifts or inconsistencies in language and tone. 
• Content spun through irresponsible use of AI often uses flowery language and is verbose.

3. If the content includes references or citations, ensure they are properly sourced and cited. 

• Check whether they lead to genuine, authoritative sources. 
• Inauthentic content may consist of fake or nonexistent references.

4. Lastly and most importantly, nothing beats the human eye and understanding. Read the content carefully and answer these questions:

• Does it provide a deep understanding of the topic?
• Does it provide unique insights?
• Does it avoid awkward language and verbose text associated with spun content?
• Is every single line and idea relevant to the topic?

Answering these questions will help you understand if your content is authentic or not.

At Content Euphoria, the best blog content writing services provider we ensure content that adheres to the highest standards of authenticity and quality. Our expertise in growth hacking, marketing, and branding solutions is making a positive impact in the content marketing industry.

As industry leaders and the best content writing services in Mumbai, we are committed to guiding businesses and individuals toward content excellence, ensuring their unique voices are heard and cherished worldwide.

No wonder we are the most sought by businesses and individuals worldwide for individual and competing business solutions. Contact us today and experience the difference with Content Euphoria by your side!

Key Takeaways

• In today’s digital landscape, with diminishing attention spans, capturing and maintaining reader engagement is a significant challenge.
• Blog formatting plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression on your audience, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-read layout.
• Properly formatted blogs are more readable, retaining readers throughout the post and guiding them through the content logically.
• Effective formatting also improves search engine rankings, directly impacting SEO with elements like H2s and H3s.
• The key to successful blog formatting lies in short, clear sentences and paragraphs, enhancing scannability and readability.
• Utilizing lists, bullet points, and visual elements makes content more reader-friendly and scannable.
• Strategic use of bold, italics, and blockquotes emphasizes key points and draws readers’ attention.
• Engaging with eye-catching visuals, such as images and infographics, is vital for breaking up content and keeping readers’ attention.
• Optimizing images with Alt tags helps search engines understand content, improves accessibility, and provides backup information.
• A narrow column width makes content more reader-friendly, easier to navigate, and better for SEO.
• Creating a breathing room with white space enhances the reader’s experience and prevents content from overwhelming them.
• Choosing the right font and optimizing font size is essential for readability and visual appeal.
• Streamlining numbers and using numerals instead of spelled-out numbers improves clarity and readability.
• Concluding with a clear call to action (CTA) guides readers on their next steps and encourages action.