15 Types of Blog Posts To Attract More Traffic (And How to Write Them)
Are you running out of blog post ideas?
Or are you stuck writing the same type of articles every time?
Don't worry; we have got your back!
Here are fifteen types of blog posts that can help attract more traffic to your website.
You will also find tips on how to write them effectively.
Table of Contents
Types of Blog Posts
- Listicles
- How-to Guides
- Infographics
- Interviews
- Case Studies
- Reviews
- Guest Posts
- Personal Stories
- Round-Up Posts
- Comparison Posts
- Newsjacking Posts
- Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Video Posts
- Podcasts
- Checklists
Listicles
Listicles are blog posts that list several items around a specific topic.
These list-style articles are popular among people as they offer valuable information without requiring much effort from their side. They're also easy to read and share, making them a powerful way to attract more traffic.
Moreover, listicles are beneficial for the writers as well. They often require less research and can be compiled quickly, saving time and effort.
However, writing good content requires creativity and a structured approach. Be sure to follow these tips to write a compelling list article:
- Choose an interesting topic. The success of every blog post depends heavily on the subject you choose. It should be relevant and intriguing to your target audience. Look for trending topics, common problems, or frequently asked questions in your niche.
- Keep it organised. Listicles usually follow a specific structure, with titles and numbers assigned to each item on the list. This helps readers navigate through the content quickly and ensures that they don't miss out on any critical points.
- Start with an attention-grabbing intro. The first few lines of your listicle should hook the readers' attention and make them want to continue reading. Use catchy phrases and statistics, or ask a thought-provoking question to make your intro stand out.
- Use visual aids. Humans are highly visible creatures, and using images or videos in your listicle can make it more appealing. They also help break up the text and make it easier to read.
- Make a diverse list. Don't stick to similar items when creating your list. Instead, try to include a variety of topics, ideas, or perspectives to keep the readers engaged.
Here's an example:
What I like. The interesting SEO statistics about rankings and keywords, together with the use of images and quotes, make the listicle visually appealing and informative. The brief comment below each point in the list makes the content easy to read and digest.
How-to Guides
How-to guides are instructional articles that provide step-by-step instructions on accomplishing a specific task.
These blog posts are highly informative and practical, making them popular among readers. They can also establish you as an expert in your field and bring targeted traffic to your website.
Follow these tips to write a helpful how-to guide:
- Choose a specific problem to solve. Identify a particular issue that your target audience may be facing and offer a solution through your guide.
- Break down the steps. When writing it, break down the process into easy-to-follow steps. Use bullet points or numbers to make it more visually appealing and organised.
- Include visual aids. Just like in listicles, using images or videos can enhance the user experience and make it easier for readers to follow along.
- Be comprehensive but concise. Ensure you cover all the necessary information, but avoid making your guide too long or complicated. Readers are looking for simple solutions, so keep it clear and concise.
- Provide additional resources. Include links to other helpful articles, tools, or resources that can supplement your guide and provide further value to readers.
Here's an example:
What I like. This well-written guide follows a clear structure with headings, bullet points, and images to make it easy to read and understand. The use of examples also helps the content be more relatable and practical.
Infographics
Infographics are visual representations of data or information.
They are highly shareable and can attract more traffic by presenting complex insights in an appealing and easy-to-digest format.
Consider these suggestions for creating a compelling infographic:
- Start with a clear message. Identify the main point or message you want to convey through your infographic.
- Choose a unique design. It should be visually engaging and memorable, so try to create a unique design that will stand out among others.
- Organise the information logically. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to structure the content logically.
- Keep it simple. Avoid using too many colours, fonts, or images that can make the content cluttered and confusing.
- Include a call-to-action (CTA). End your infographic with a CTA encouraging readers to share or visit your website for more information.
Here's an example:
What I like: This infographic presents complex information (how to choose a technology stack for your project) in a visually appealing way, making it easier for readers to understand and retain the information. The simple yet attractive design also makes it easy to share on social media platforms.
Case Studies
Case studies are in-depth analyses of a particular situation, problem, or event.
They provide real-life examples and solutions that can inspire and educate readers.
To write a compelling case study, you should:
- Spend time on your title. It should be specific, relevant, and attention-grabbing to entice readers to click and read the content.
- Include real data. Case studies are meant to showcase real-life situations, so include accurate data such as numbers, statistics, or quotes from actual people involved.
- Tell the story effectively. Use storytelling techniques to make the post more engaging and easy to follow.
- Describe the solution. Readers are looking for answers, so include a detailed analysis of how the problem was solved and achieved results.
- Include visuals and testimonials. Use images, charts, or videos to make your case study more visually appealing, and include quotes or testimonials from satisfied customers to add credibility.
Here's an example:
What I like. Backlinko's case study effectively uses storytelling techniques to explain the success of the “Skyscraper Technique” for SEO. The before and after data, as well as quotes from practical tips and screenshots, make it more convincing and informative.
Reviews
Reviews are evaluations of products, services, or experiences.
They can help potential customers make informed decisions and establish trust in a brand.
If you want to write a helpful review, consider these points:
- Use the product/service yourself. To provide an honest and accurate assessment, it's essential to have firsthand experience with the product or service.
- Include both pros and cons. Readers want to know the potential drawbacks of a product as well, so make sure you include them along with the positives.
- Be detailed but concise. Include enough information to give readers a clear understanding of the product or service without making your review too long or overwhelming.
- Use visuals if possible. Images or videos can enhance your review and make it more appealing to readers.
- Provide a recommendation. End your review with a clear recommendation – whether you would or wouldn't recommend the product or service and why.
Here's an example:
What I like: This review provides a detailed analysis of the Take Profit Trader service, mentioning both the benefits and drawbacks. The precise recommendation at the end helps readers make an informed decision based on the reviewer's experience.
Guest Posts
Guest posts are written by someone other than a regular contributor to your blog.
They offer fresh perspectives and can attract new readers.
To encourage this type of content, consider these tips:
- Be open to different topics and opinions. Allow guest posters to write about relevant subjects, even if they differ from your usual content.
- Set clear guidelines. Provide a detailed list of policies and requirements for guest posts to ensure they align with your blog's style and quality.
- Promote guest posters' work. Share the content on your social media platforms, tag the author, and encourage them to share it.
- Provide feedback and appreciation. Give constructive feedback to contributors and show appreciation by thanking them for their articles.
- Consider offering incentives. You can provide a backlink for the guest poster's website or social media pages or even a promotion in your mailing list.
Here's an example:
What I like. This guest post I've written for Mention explains how to boost a website's search engine ranking. The topic is relevant to the target audience, and it includes practical tips and examples to support the points being made. The author's bio at the end consists of a backlink to my website, incentivising other guest posters to contribute.
Personal Stories
Personal stories add a human touch to your site and allow readers to connect with you on a personal level.
They can also be inspirational or educational, sharing valuable lessons learned.
To write an impactful personal story, consider these tips:
- Choose the right subject. It should be relevant and relatable to your audience.
- Be authentic and vulnerable. Share your experience with honesty and vulnerability, making it more relatable and compelling.
- Include lessons learned. Personal stories are not just about sharing experiences but also what we learn from them. Include valuable insights that can benefit your readers.
- Keep it concise. Personal stories can get emotional, but keep them brief to maintain readers' interest.
- End on a positive note. Conclude your blog post with a positive message or takeaway that can inspire or motivate your readers.
Here's an example:
What I like. This personal story on Forbes by Lewis Schiff shares his journey of turning a family tradition of military service into a successful business opportunity. The author's honesty and vulnerability make the story relatable, and it ends on an empowering note, inspiring readers.
Round-Up Posts
Round-up posts are collations of opinions or insights from multiple sources on a particular topic.
They can be an excellent way to showcase different perspectives and bring diverse voices to your blog.
To create compelling round-up posts, consider these tips:
- Decide on a theme or question. Choose a theme or question that will guide the content for your round-up post.
- Approach a variety of contributors. Invite experts, influencers, or even your readers to contribute insights on the chosen topic.
- Include diverse perspectives. Include diverse voices and opinions to provide a comprehensive view of the subject.
- Provide context and commentary. Introduce each contributor with a summary and your analysis to provide context and add value to the post.
- Promote the contributors. Share the round-up post on your social media platforms, giving credit to each contributor and encouraging them to share it.
Here's an example:
What I like. This round-up post features insights from 12 different bloggers on what they do differently to make more money through blogging. The theme is relevant to the target audience, and the diverse perspectives provide valuable insights. A summary accompanies each contributor and the author's commentary, adding context and value to the article.
Comparison Posts
Comparison posts can be an effective way to showcase the differences between two similar products or services.
They can help readers make informed decisions and provide valuable insights into the features and benefits of each option.
To write a compelling comparison post, consider these tips:
- Choose comparable options. The products or services being compared should have similar features, price points, or target audiences to make the comparison more relevant.
- Highlight differences and similarities. Clearly state the differences and similarities between the options being compared, using visual aids like tables or charts if possible.
- Provide evidence or personal experience. Back up your claims with evidence or personal experience to add credibility to your comparison post.
- Be objective and unbiased. Avoid favouring one option over the other and provide an impartial comparison to help readers make informed decisions.
Here's an example:
What I like: This comparison post breaks down the differences and similarities between two popular e-commerce platforms, WooCommerce and Shopify. The author provides evidence for each claim and avoids favouring one option over the other, making it an unbiased comparison for readers. Visual aids like tables highlight critical differences between the two options.
Newsjacking Posts
Newsjacking posts are articles that use current events or trending topics to create relevant and timely content.
They can increase traffic to your blog by tapping into popular conversations and providing a fresh perspective on the topic.
To write an effective newsjacking post, consider these tips:
- Stay updated on current events and trends. Keep an eye on the news and social media to identify potential topics for newsjacking.
- Be quick but thorough. This article works best when it's timely, so aim to publish your post as soon as possible while ensuring the content is well-researched and comprehensive.
- Provide a unique angle or perspective. Instead of simply summarising the news, add your insights or opinions to provide a fresh perspective.
- Stay relevant and respectful. Ensure the topic is relevant to your blog's niche, and avoid making controversial or offensive statements when commenting on current events.
Here's an example:
What I like. This newsjacking post on the Search Engine Journal takes advantage of the recent controversy surrounding Twitter and its impact on Google rankings. The author provided a unique angle by analysing the actions of Elon Musk and their potential effects on Twitter's SEO. The content is timely, well-researched, and relevant to the target audience.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Behind-the-scenes content gives readers a glimpse into creating your blog or business.
It can help build a connection with your audience and provide valuable insights into your brand's identity and values.
To create compelling behind-the-scenes content, consider these tips:
- Choose an aspect to showcase. Decide on a specific part of your business you want to showcase, such as your creative process or company culture.
- Include visuals and multimedia. Use photos, videos, and other visual aids to provide a more immersive experience for readers.
- Be honest and transparent. Share both successes and challenges to create authentic and relatable behind-the-scenes content.
- Explain the importance of the showcased aspect. Provide context and explain why this aspect is essential to your brand or business to help readers understand its significance.
Here's an example:
What I like. This behind-the-scenes post features an interview with the event planning team at InEvent, giving readers a glimpse of their creative process and company culture. Using visuals, such as photos and videos, enhances the experience for readers. The interview also includes honest discussions about challenges and the importance of teamwork in event planning.
Video Posts
Video posts can be a powerful way to engage with your audience and provide valuable content in a more dynamic format.
They can increase traffic to your blog as videos tend to have higher engagement rates than written content.
To create compelling video posts, consider these tips:
- Decide on a theme. Choose a specific, relevant format, such as a tutorial, interview, or product review.
- Plan and script the video. Write a script or outline for your video to ensure it flows smoothly and covers all necessary information.
- Use visuals and other multimedia. Incorporate relevant visuals, graphics, or animations to enhance the visual appeal of your content.
- Include a call to action. End your video with a clear call to action, such as subscribing to your channel or visiting your blog, to encourage further viewer engagement.
Here's an example:
What I like. It provides tips on creating a compelling script for a marketing video. It is structured and visually appealing, using relevant graphics and animations to enhance the content. A clear call to action is included at the end, encouraging viewers to visit the author's blog for more information on video marketing.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a growing medium for sharing content and can be an effective way to reach a wider audience.
They offer a more personal and intimate experience for listeners, making it easier to build a connection with your audience.
To create engaging podcasts, consider these tips:
- Choose a relevant and exciting topic. Select a subject that aligns with your blog's niche and is of interest to your target audience.
- Prepare an outline or script. Plan out the flow of your podcast, including key points and possible discussion questions.
- Include guest speakers or interviews. Inviting guest speakers or conducting interviews can add variety and provide different perspectives.
- Promote your podcast on other platforms. Share your podcast on social media, email newsletters, or other platforms to reach a wider audience.
Here's an example:
What I like. The podcast from Authority Hacker always covers relevant and exciting topics for their audience, featuring interviews with expert guest speakers. The hosts provide valuable insights and actionable tips, making it a must-listen for those looking to improve their authority website. The podcast is also promoted on other platforms, such as YouTube and social media, increasing its reach and engagement.
Checklists
Checklists are an easy and practical way to provide valuable information to your readers.
They can be a quick reference guide for readers and help them take action on the topic you're covering.
To create practical checklists, consider these tips:
- Focus on a specific task. Choose one specific task that your audience is interested in and make a checklist that outlines the necessary steps to complete it.
- Use simple and concise language. Keep your language clear and easy to understand, avoiding jargon or technical terms.
- Include visuals or graphics. Add relevant visuals, such as images or infographics, to enhance the visual appeal of your checklist.
- Provide additional resources or tips. Consider including other resources or suggestions to help readers understand the topic and take action.
Here's an example:
What I like. This SEO checklist from Ahrefs is a comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide for optimising your website. It includes clear instructions and visuals to help readers understand each step, as well as additional tips and resources for further learning. The use of bold headings and bullet points makes it easy to scan through the checklist quickly.
Takeaways
There are endless possibilities for types of blog posts that can attract more traffic.
The key is to find what works best for your audience and create valuable, engaging content that resonates with them.
Whether behind-the-scenes posts, videos, podcasts, or checklists, the most important thing is to provide value and foster a connection with your readers.
Experiment with different types of articles and see which ones yield the best results for your brand or business.
Author Bio: Erik Emanuelli has been in the online marketing game since 2010. He is now sharing his experience and expertise on his personal website. Be sure to visit it for more insights about SEO and blogging.
