Section 1.1: Concentrating on One Key Idea

Many writers struggle with this approach due to the need for clarity. When you focus on a single idea, you typically present a clear problem (along with its solution), a unique experience, an interesting thought, or a thought-provoking statement.

For example, the title of this article encapsulates its main message: "To become a better writer, you should listen more." This is a straightforward assertion—one core idea that prompts readers to explore further.

Another example could be: "Achieving significant goals requires effort." This statement serves as the foundation for a post that illustrates why this perspective holds true and how it can be leveraged to one's advantage.

The Biggest Pitfalls

When writing about a singular idea, many authors falter by intertwining various narratives. Instead of remaining focused on the central theme, they introduce tangential elements that, while related, dilute the post's effectiveness. This often results in a muddled narrative that lacks a clear takeaway for the reader.

To ensure clarity, ask yourself:

"What feeling do I want my readers to have after they finish this post?"

Understanding your desired outcome enables you to maintain the emotional tone you wish to convey. For instance, in my first example, I aimed to inspire readers to become better listeners, which in turn enhances their writing. Conversely, my second example seeks to enlighten readers about a truth that is often overlooked: "Working smart" may be a luxury, and "working hard" is sometimes necessary to achieve significant goals.

Section 1.2: Presenting Multiple Options

This approach encompasses two of the most prevalent blog formats: listicles and how-to articles. These typically follow this structure:

• Introduction
• Idea/Step #1
• Idea/Step #2
• Idea/Step #3
• (Optional: Conclusion/Summary)

When creating listicles or how-to posts, you can either touch on multiple points superficially or delve deeply into a few ideas or steps.

Here are examples for each:

• Broad Overview: "15 Myths That Might Be Sabotaging Your Success," where each myth stands alone.
• Focused Examination: A deeper exploration of fewer concepts, ensuring each idea is well-developed.

The Common Mistake

Writing listicles or how-to articles may be simpler than zeroing in on a single idea because each section can function as an independent mini-post. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that each segment is engaging and valuable.

Consider a title like "How to Become Successful" that merely lists basic advice without substantial detail. Phrases like "read more books" or "exercise regularly" lack actionable insights. Readers want specific guidance:

• How can I find time to read more?
• Which books should I choose?
• What does "waking up early" entail?

Readers typically seek quick solutions, and although listicles are straightforward, many bloggers struggle to provide specific and helpful content in each section.

After nearly five years of writing and reaching millions, I still encounter people who view listicles as mundane. While this might be true, they are effective. Online audiences appreciate listicles for their promise of quick answers.

For instance, an article titled "The 5 Best Decisions I Made To Grow My Writing Business" clearly sets expectations for readers. Similarly, a post titled "How To Increase Your Productivity Through a Simple Journaling Routine" signals the focus on actionable advice.

Your responsibility as a writer is to ensure that you fulfill these expectations. Given that most readers are short on time, they quickly scan content. You have only a few seconds to capture their interest—listicles and how-to articles facilitate this.

What You Might Be Curious About

At this juncture, you may wonder what this post truly is. Essentially, it’s a brief listicle with two sections, which is atypical since listicles usually feature at least three points. However, in this case, I genuinely believe that these two formats are the most crucial for online writing.

In fact, this piece could easily be titled "2 Ways To Write a Successful Blog Post." You clicked on this article to learn about effective blogging strategies, and I have shared insights based on my experiences. I hope you now recognize the common pitfalls to avoid, empowering you to create content that resonates and serves your audience.

If you're interested in monetizing your writing online but are unsure where to start, consider joining my free 5-Day Course, where I share how I transformed from zero to six figures.

The first video titled "How to Write a Blog Post for Beginners: From Start to End" provides a comprehensive guide for new bloggers, covering essential steps from ideation to publication.

The second video, "How To ACTUALLY Write A Blog Post From Start To Finish | Neil Patel," offers practical insights and tips to streamline the blog writing process effectively.