How To Write A Blog Post For Easy Rankings

Don’t you wish that ideas would pop up whenever you start writing an article instead of staring at a blank screen almost 90% of the time?

What if I told you that it would be so much easier to write when you’ve figured out what type of content you’re writing and its structure?

So all you need to do is pluck the right information and place it properly. It eliminates writer’s block, and you can create more content in record time. So in this article, we ‘ll discuss how to write a blog post and share with you a template structure for each content type.

Let’s get right into it.

Different Types Of Blog Posts

Though there are millions of blog posts on the web, they are categorized into about 20 different types. But we will only discuss the most popular ones, like,

• Query post 
• How-to guide
• Listicle post
• Review post 
• Comparisons post 
• Roundups post

This should cover more than 90% of your blog posts. And if you think there are more popular types of blog posts, you want us to cover, do let us know.

And before we get started, note that the template structures we provide should act as a guide, not a set of rules. So feel free to add whatever information you think is helpful to your readers.

Template Structure 01: Query Posts

Query posts are posts that answer a specific question. For example, 

• How long can a horse run before it gets tired?
• What is NFT presale?
• How many hours of sleep is good for health?

A typical query post is about 800 to 1,300 words. And the way to write such a post is like somebody coming up to you and asking a question. When writing a query blog post, assume that everybody reading your Query blog article is entirely unfamiliar with the subject. Most of the time, your audience wants to know the basics.

Template Structure

Title (H1 Tag)

Your article should be titled after the query you intend to respond to in writing your blog post. Notice that the title of your article is an H1 heading tag.

Introduction: (P Tag)

The introduction part of a query post depends on the question. For example, you are a tour guide, and someone in the group asks, how much should you tip in the country?

What would be your response?

I would first give them a ballpark figure, depending on the culture. It is customary or if it is discretionary. Now, putting this part of the conversation into a blog post. I would put it under the introduction.

Why? Think about it.

Why don’t you need an introduction when you are a tour guide? That’s because your tour group knows that you are the tour guide, and they expect good information from you, so there is no need for an introduction.

But when it comes to an article online, nobody knows who you are. So you’ve got to introduce yourself and tell people why they should trust your words.

The introduction should be at most four sentences, and it’s best to keep it to three. 

Body (P Tag)

Next, your initial response should be short and sweet and should not beat around the bush. It makes sense to spend some time optimizing the part of the article. Google picks up the most concise and accurate answer and places it as the featured snippet.

And as I’ve said, you should write as though you are answering a question verbally in a conversation, which should be between 40 and 60 words.

Following that, you want to write a sentence or two to let your readers know, hold up, there’s more to this initial response, and I’m going to break it down for you. This is where you will add your subheadings or sub-subheadings. And from here, you can write a couple of paragraphs for each subheading. Remember, you could place them as an H3 heading or just bold them.

FAQs (H2 Tag) 

Now, depending on the query, add an FAQ section with the FAQ schema because it allows your content to have more visibility on search results, and it’s much easier for your readers to consume the content.

If you have trouble finding FAQs to answer, you can search on Google and visit the People Also Ask section. Expand a couple of questions, and you will see more FAQ suggestions.

Template Structure 02: “How-To” Posts

A “how-to” blog post explains the steps necessary to complete a specific task. For example, 

• How to create an app
• How to start a business
• How to make a pitch deck

The user can follow along with the detailed instructions provided by this template. Blog postings that provide instructions are typically titled simply using “How to” in the headline. 

If you see one of the “how-to” Rich Snippets in your browser, they are in list form, and the listed items are basic steps that will help you achieve the desired outcome. And if possible, you want to have more than eight steps so that you will see this “more items…” link that will lead people to want to know more by clicking through.

Template Structure

Title (H1 Tag) 

“How-to” + the subject you want to write about.

Introduction (P Tag)

Then comes the introduction paragraph. The specifics of the introduction will vary depending on the topic of the “How to.” It would be best to begin the “How to” with an introduction and maybe include an image or a description of the finished product because you want readers to know that they are in the correct place.

Supplies/ Tools/ Materials (H2 Tag)

Depending on the topic, if it is a highly complex process that needs some consideration, you may add advantages and disadvantages of going through the steps.

If the process requires supplies, tools, and materials, you want to list them down so that your readers are well-prepared before working on the steps.

Steps (H2 Tag)

Then comes the actual steps to achieve the final outcome. You want to give a title with H2 heading tags in each step. This title is not a complete description but a few words to describe what you are going to do.

For example, if one of the steps to bake a cake is to add 200 grams of butter and stir until creamy, you name the step as mix in the butter, and you’ll give the details in the description.

Think of it this way. You are the expert, and your reader is the learner. You are standing beside the learner, giving the steps. The expert will give the step. Usually, it is vague because the master expects the learner to know, but the learner knows nothing, so they will question more accurate instructions and details, and that’s where the expert will explain further.

You should also include an image of each step so your reader can verify if they have done it correctly. But make sure that the image is relevant to the step; otherwise, it defeats the purpose of adding an image.

You may snap some shots of important steps and, better yet, record the entire process and make it into a video. You don’t need to show your face. Just turn your camera anger downwards towards your hands.

FAQs (H2)

Depending on the search term, add an FAQ section with the FAQ schema because it allows your content to have more visibility on search results, and it’s much easier for your readers to consume the content.

Template Structure 03: Listicle Post

There are many different types of listicle posts. How-Tos could also be a listicle, but we have talked about them. Other listicle-style posts are, for example,

• Tips for growing a YouTube channel
• Best places to do a wedding photoshoot
• Best graphic design software, and many others.

Similar to the “How-Tos,” your goal is to get the same type of Rich Snippets, so it will be ideal to have at least eight items in your listicle post. Depending on the query’s depth, your listicles’ structure may differ.

Let’s describe the easier ones first.

1. Listicle Post: Info-Heavy

Topics like, 

• Reasons why homework should be banned
• Reasons why Android is better than iPhone
• Ways to improve productivity

All are information-heavy content, but the search intent is clear. The searcher wants a list of information. 

Template Structure

Title (H1 Tag)

Your article should be titled after the fact you want to write the blog post about.

Introduction(P Tag)

Explain the topic you are writing about within one or two paragraphs.

Table Of Content

This is followed by a table of contents, depending on how long your article is.

List Of Information (H2 Tag) 

A list of information to satisfy the search intent. For each item, you want to use the H2 heading tags. It will be helpful to add running numbers to the items to tell search engines this is the list, and it also helps with the user experience. Each description should have approximately two to three paragraphs explaining each item.

If you have something more to help justify the topic, like, for example, the “Reasons why homework should be banned,” you could include the “Pros and cons of banning homework”. The additional information should come after the list.

FAQs (H2 Tag)

Finally, the FAQ section.

2. Listicle Post: Visual-Heavy

Some types of lists require more imagery than text.

For example,

• Best places for wedding photoshoots
• What color cultures go with gray walls
• Hotels with sea view on Great Ocean Road

In such listicle articles, the searcher will click away if it is all text because you do not satisfy their search intent. They are there because they are doing some research and planning their trip. They want to see images.

And definitely there is secondary search intent—for example, best places for wedding photoshoots. Maybe they haven’t found a photographer yet, or they haven’t planned their budget yet. You could include all that information in the article as well.

Template Structure

Title (H1 Tag)

Your article should be titled after the fact you want to write the blog post about.

Introduction (P Tag)

Explain the topic you are writing about within one or two paragraphs.

List Of Information (H2 Tag) 

The list with H2 heading tags, and in the description of each item, you want to include an image and some text to describe the item, and any other information will be after the list of H2 headings.

FAQs (H2 Tag) 

You must apply for a FAQ section.

You don’t necessarily need to have a table of contents for such a case because your site visitors will most likely scroll through the entire article to view all images. But feel free to add it at your discretion.

3. Listicle Post: Product-Heavy

For topics like,

• Best tools for project management
• Best lawn mower
• Best graphic designing Software 

Whenever products are involved in a listicle post, the person searching for it may have a buying intention.

Template Structure

Title (H1 Tag)

Your article should be titled after the product category you want to write the blog post about.

Introduction (P Tag)

Describe the product category and what makes it worth writing.

Table Of Content:

Use a table of contents for easy navigation.

Table Of Products:

Use a display table of products with some specs so that we immediately fulfill the two search intents, the list of products to satisfy the curiosity, and the specs that will help justify the buying decisions.

List Of Information (H2 Tag)

You could talk about some common characteristics, why you selected the software, and who it is for. And then, you go into the details of each product. In the headings of each product, we could include running numbers, so it tells Google that this is a list and is also suitable for user experience.

The pros and cons, a link to an in-depth review of the product, which we’ll cover later on, or whatever information you think will help your readers to differentiate between the products. 

At the end of the list, you can add any further information that could help your readers. Like a “buying guide”, “define some technical terms”, “why you need the product”, or “any research data” you have found to justify your verdict on which is the best software.

FAQs (H2 Tag)

Add an FAQ section with the FAQ schema depending on the blog subject.

You can also include links to the in-depth comparison post. All this information should be placed below the list of items. You can structure your content so that the H2 headings are the article’s important points, and the list is H3 heading tags.

Template Structure 04: Review Post

Review-type post content is sensitive. The key to this blog type is to share something unique. You really need to think if it’s worth writing the product review, especially for physical products, since places like Amazon, Walmart, and most eCommerce sites have great information and customer reviews. So proceed with caution and do your research first.

However, if it is a course, software, or Product sold only by the creator, where there is not much information on the internet, it is great to write a product review on it. So to write a great review post, there is no secret. Just use the Product for an extended time. That way, you’ll be able to give a genuine and authentic product review that is unique to your point of view. 

If you don’t have the money to buy the Product, rent it. And if the Product is too expensive, start with the cheaper ones in the same category. And when you start making money from your blog, consider buying or renting the more expensive Product.

Template Structure

Title (H1 Tag) 

Your blog post title will be placed here.

Introduction (P Tag)  

Be an introduction that includes the frustrations, pain points and challenges people usually face before discovering the Product.

Table Of Content

Add a table of contents.

About The Author & This Review (H2 Tag) 

Write a little about yourself, why people should trust you, your judgment, and this review. Try to include evidence that you own the Product in this section.

Your Unique Experience With The Product (H2 Tag)  

You want to follow up with the most important thing of the review, which is your unique experience and opinion on the Product. You share your opinion on this Product and other similar products and let people know why they should or should not use it. It would be best if you have experience with other similar products.

Pros / Cons / Product Score Table (H2 Tag) 

After that, give an overview of the review. You want to give your readers a summary of your review, a snippet of the pros and cons. If possible, add internal links to other articles, like alternatives to this Product or product comparisons between A and B. People often want to know their options before making a purchase, so you want to give them that information.

Who This Product Is For (H2 Tag) 

You want to have a section explaining who this Product is for. Is this Product meant for the average Jane or Joe, or if it is more for corporates and businesses?

How To Use The Product (H2 Tag)

If the Product is a little technical, you want to have a section that walks people through how to set up the Product, and if it requires a separate “How-to” tutorial article, you want to place a link in this section.

Is The Product Worth It (H2 Tag)

Next, you want to find a way to grade the Product, like

• The usability
• The features
• The Support channels
• The pricing

You can add whatever else you feel helps the reader with their purchase decision.

What Is The Product (H2 Tag) 

If appropriate, you can add a section to give a background of the Product and the company behind it. This section is so far down because people searching for a product review probably already know what the Product is and who the makers are. They are just looking for more information to help them decide if they should buy the Product.

Alternative To The Product (H2 Tag) 

If they still can’t make up their mind, you can come up with a section that says Alternative to the Product, and in this section, place a table that compares the top two similar products to the one you are reviewing. You can place internal links to any comparison post and listicle posts, if any. For example, if you are reviewing a particular graphic designing software, you can link it to the “Best graphic designing software” post.

Similar to the other blog posts, you want to place the more important information at the top and leave those that are not so important but good to have information at the bottom.

Template Structure 05: Comparison Post

Comparison posts are articles that compare two or more similar products. For example,

• Metal Roofing vs. Shingle Roofing: Which Material Should You Choose
• The difference between formal and informal meetings
• Paylocity vs. Whirks: What’s the Difference

The key to writing an excellent comparison post is if you have used all the products in comparison for an extended period of time and you have unique research data and information to back up your claim on which is the better option.

The purpose of a comparison post is to help your readers decide if product A is better than product B and in what circumstances people should choose B instead of A.

Template Structure

Title (H1 Tag)

The title of your blog article will occupy this space.

Introduction (P Tag)

We will start with an introduction that should be 200 words at maximum.

Initial Response (P Tag)

And similar to the query post, you will give a straightforward answer to the question, “Product A vs Product B, which is better?” Answer it as though somebody is asking you this question, and you want to give a top-level answer that summarizes all your thoughts into 100 to 150 words or below.

Comparison Table

Then, add a comparison table that summarizes all the attributes in comparison, such as the features, prices, unique research data collected, etc.

What is Product A (H2 Tag)

Describe all the features of product A.

What is Product B (H2 Tag)

Describe all the features of product B.

How are they different? (H2 Tag)

Determine what sets them apart and give a detailed narrative of each variation.

How are they similar? (H2 Tag)

Look for commonalities and list them out with detailed descriptions.

Pros and cons for Product A (H2 Tag)

You can include a section for the Pros and Cons. It could be an H2 heading tag with the Pros and Cons texts, or you could separate them into two H2 tags with “What I like” and “What I don’t like.”

Pros and cons for Product B (H2 Tag)

Add a Pros and Cons section for product B. This section must be similar to product A.

If appropriate, you can add the Verdict, detailed summary, and FAQ section.

Template Structure 06: Roundups Post

The best roundup posts are those that target highly interesting topics that experts in the niche or industry will be interested in answering. For example, if you are in the SEO niche, you want to target topics like,

• SEO trends next year
• SEO Tools used by expert
• How SEO experts recover from a Google Update

Notice that all these topics are what beginners are looking for, and since multiple experts answer them, the tendency to click through and share the information is much higher. So, assuming you have collected the views and opinions of many experts on a particular topic.

Template Structure

Title (H1 Tag)

[NUMBER] Tips By [TYPE] Experts About [TOPIC]

Introduction (P Tag)

Create an introductory paragraph that lays out the post’s topic and convinces the reader to take the advice of the experts featured in it.

Tip (H2 Tag)

• Share a quote from the expert
• Explain why a tip or piece of advice is important
• Link to another article that dives deeper into their advice

You can continue this process as per your requirement.

Do know that you want to sort the experts by popularity first. The reason for doing so is that your readers will resonate with experts who they know. If your reader identifies an expert, they know your article becomes more credible to them.

In addition, you won’t offend the top experts because there is a silent expectation that top experts want to be ranked first.

Summary (H2 Tag)

Finally, summarize all the pointers and come up with an overall strategy that beginners can take away.

Conclusion

If you follow the tips we’ve provided in this article, you should be able to write a blog post that will help improve your rankings. Keep in mind that becoming a great writer takes time and practice, so keep going if it comes naturally. 

If you need help along the way, our team of experts is always happy to lend a helping hand. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with all your content needs.

FAQs About How To Write A Blog Post