Writing a blog that pops in the vast sea of the internet can feel like trying to be heard at a rock concert. It seems like there are millions of other voices out there, so how can yours be heard?

Whether you’re an old hand at writing content or are taking your first tentative steps into the blogging world, offering a fresh, engaging and entertaining blog is the main goal.

But what if your established DIY blog has turned a bit stale? Or you want to start that gaming blog you’ve been dreaming about but have no clue where to begin?

No problem at all - just read on for eight inventive strategies to jazz up any type of blog and keep your readers coming back for more…

1.   Hook your reader

First things first, you need to grab people’s attention. The ’15-second rule’ isn’t a myth. If you don’t engage visitors in this time or less, you’ve lost them to a more exciting site.

So, what type of things hook your reader? Why not try some eye-catching images, fonts and colours? You could also add interactive features such as polls, quizzes and infographics. Or slap them in the face (not literally) with a great fact that makes them want to find out more.

2.   Make it reader-friendly

It’s no good having a visitor on your site if they can’t find their way around most of it. They’ll quickly move on to an easier option.

So make your content more reader-friendly by using subheadings, bullet points and short paragraphs. No one wants to trudge through content that has no natural breaks. Make it like a well-placed bench in a beautiful garden, so these breaks in your text invite the reader to sit down, relax and enjoy the view.

3.   Use visual content

Now comes a fun part. Break up any text with high-quality images and videos. Finding just the right pictures to suit your content can be an enjoyable search. Websites like Unsplash and Pexels can help you find some inspiration and you might even find exactly what you’re looking for.

Remember that visual content not only makes your blog more appealing but also helps to explain things to keep your audience interested. And it’s great to get a break from the slog of writing!

4.   Add some storytelling

People are naturally drawn to stories. If you add some personal anecdotes, case studies, or fictional narratives related to your topic, your content will become immediately more relatable and memorable.

Why not even encourage your readers to share their own stories, photos or comments? User-generated content is the perfect way to build a community around your blog and share it even further. And you’re bound to get some great reader stories, which to be honest, are always entertaining!

5.   Create a series of posts

No matter whether your blog is on health, gardening, fitness, dogs, food or even sitcoms from the 1990s – you can jazz it up by creating a series of posts on a particular theme. Instead of a general post on ‘Why dogs bark’, you could write a few posts on dog behaviour, how to understand it and maybe tips on how to get Barney to stop waking your neighbours up.

Providing a comprehensive look at a particular subject is a good way to keep your audience returning to your blog.

6.   Build a blog community

Another great idea to jazz up your blog is to invite other voices and experts to contribute. By doing this, you’ll be introducing guest writers and industry experts to your audience, which is the perfect way of expanding your network and attracting all the new readers they’ll bring with them (sneaky!).

Maybe you could have a question-and-answer section with a guest writer or create a video of an expert spilling industry secrets to your readers. Whatever way you want to go about it, your blog will have a definite boost as word gets around that you share only the most entertaining and informative content.  

7.   Trendspotting

One of the most important things for a blog writer to remember is to stay up-to-date. Being on trend and keeping your content fresh and relevant is what your readers are after. Yesterday’s news can turn people off your site when they’re looking for the most current information and insights.

So if you make the effort to know what’s hot and what’s not, it can position your blog as a go-to source. Think of it as being the cool kid on the digital block, where everyone wants to hang out because you've always got the inside scoop.

8.   Offer value-added content

We all love a freebie. So don’t be too proud for bribery. Offering resources that your readers can download is a great way to give added value to them and to your site. If you provide helpful information such as e-books or a range of templates, your content will be enriched and readers will feel like they’re getting something tangible.

Just imagine it…your advice and resources helping others with their own lives or businesses. Not only will you be providing a place for others to get informed and engaging information, you’ll also feel like your voice is really being heard. And that’s the point, right?

Mission accomplished!

Remember, the key to a successful blog is not just the quality of the content but also how it's presented and interacted with. So if you want some detailed help starting your journey into the writing world, why not have a look at the excellent course by The Comprehensive Copywriting Academy?

With easy-to-follow, step-by-step training and an exclusive, student-only community, you're not just learning - you're transforming into the writer you’ve always wanted to be!