Writing a blog on WordPress is a simple process allowing you to share your ideas, expertise, and stories with a global audience. WordPress is a versatile platform that provides simple tools for creating, managing, and publishing blog content.
Including a blog in your content marketing strategy leads to a 67% increase in leads and improved SEO.
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced blogger, this article will help you through the key steps of writing and publishing a blog on WordPress.
Steps of Writing a Blog On WordPress
Step 1: Setting Up Your WordPress Account
a). Choose a Hosting Provider
Before you can start using WordPress, you’ll need to select a hosting provider that suits your needs. Some popular choices include Bluehost, SiteGround, and WordPress.com. Consider factors like pricing, customer support, and features offered.
b). Install WordPress
Once you’ve chosen your hosting provider, most offer a simple one-click installation process for WordPress. Log in to your hosting account, navigate to the control panel (often cPanel), and find the WordPress icon or installer. Follow the prompts to install WordPress on your domain. During this process, you may need to create a username and password for your WordPress admin account.
c). Log In to Your WordPress Dashboard
After installation is complete, you can log in to your WordPress dashboard. To do this, go to `yourdomain.com/wp-admin` in your web browser. Enter the username and password you created during installation. This dashboard is where you’ll manage all aspects of your WordPress site, including themes, plugins, content creation, and site settings.
Step 2: Create a New Blog Post
▪Navigate to Posts
Once logged in, navigate to the Posts section on the left-hand side of the dashboard menu and click “Add New”.
▪Add a Title
Once you are on the new post creation screen, you’ll see a field at the top where you can enter the title of your blog post. It’s crucial to choose a title that is both engaging and directly related to the content you plan to share. This title will serve as the headline for your post and should capture the reader’s attention while accurately representing the topic or theme of your article.
Step 3: Add content.
Now it’s time to create your masterpiece—your content. Before you begin, it’s wise to save your work frequently or draft it in a separate Google or Word document to ensure you don’t lose progress, especially if your internet connection drops. While WordPress does auto-save, it may not catch all changes during disruptions. Drafting separately also helps you focus solely on writing without the distraction of formatting and editing.
To start, click the “Save draft” button in the upper right-hand corner.
Now, let’s add your content. Simply copy and paste your text directly into WordPress.
WordPress uses a block editor, meaning each section of content like paragraphs, images, and headings is treated as a separate block.
Uploading Images
After writing your content, enhance it by adding images. Images not only make your content more engaging but also easier to digest. To add an image, press “enter” to create a new block, then click the “+” button in the top left corner and select the “Image” block.
Upload your image from your computer, or WordPress media library, or insert it using a URL from a site like Flickr. Don’t forget to add alt text for accessibility and SEO.
Once uploaded, your image will be visible in the block. For longer articles, consider adding multiple images to break up text and improve readability.
Pro Tip: Visual content like infographics can significantly boost information retention—people remember 65% of visually presented information.
Adding Links
Enhance your blog post’s quality by adding internal and external links. Anchor text plays a vital role in SEO by indicating to site crawlers what the linked page is about.
To add links in WordPress, you can do so in two ways:
1. Select the text you want to link, then click the link icon in the floating menu box and enter the URL.
2. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut: Select the text, then press Command+K (Mac) or Control+K (PC) to add the URL directly.
Step 4: Format your post
Formatting your post is crucial for reader engagement and SEO. Without proper organization, dense blocks of text can overwhelm your audience, increasing bounce rates. Here’s how to effectively format your content:
Headings
Use headings to structure your post hierarchically. An H1 serves as the title and should be unique per post. H2s follow, acting as subheadings under H1s, and are useful for SEO with targeted keywords. H3s and beyond provide further categorization.
For example, in a blog about renewable energy:
– H1: The Impact of Renewable Energy on Global Sustainability
– H2: Advantages of Renewable Energy Sources
– H3: Environmental Benefits
– H3: Economic Advantages
– H4: Innovations in Grid Integration Technologies
– H2: Challenges in Adopting Renewable Energy
This structure enhances readability and searchability.
Changing Headings
In WordPress, navigate to the menu box, click the blue paragraph button, and select “Heading” to adjust heading types.
Images
Images aid navigation and should be aligned consistently throughout your post. In WordPress, select your image, open the floating menu box, click the format button (three horizontal lines), and choose your preferred alignment, such as center alignment.
Consistency in formatting enhances reader experience and comprehension.
Step 5: Add Categories and Tags
✔Categories
Navigate to the right sidebar and locate the Categories section. Assign your post to relevant categories from existing options or create new ones to effectively organize your content.
✔Tags
Use the Tags section to add descriptive keywords that highlight the main topics of your post. Tags help readers discover related content on your site.
Step 6: Set a Featured Image
✔Featured Image
Access the Featured Image section in the right sidebar.
✔Upload Image
Click on Set featured image, upload a suitable image that visually represents your post, and then select it. This featured image will display alongside your post in listings and social media shares.
Step 7: Optimize for SEO
☑SEO Plugin
Install and activate an SEO plugin such as Yoast SEO or Rank Math from your WordPress dashboard.
☑Focus Keyword
Determine a primary keyword that best describes the main idea of your post. This keyword will direct SEO optimization efforts.
☑Meta Description
Craft a concise meta description that incorporates your focus keyword naturally. This snippet will appear in search engine results, enticing users to click through to your content.
These steps ensure your post is well-organized, visually appealing, and optimized for search engine visibility, enhancing its discoverability and reader engagement.
Step 8: Preview your post.
After adding content, images, links, and formatting for an optimal user experience, it’s crucial to preview your work before making it live. To do this, click the “Preview” button located in the top right corner.
You can choose to preview the post in desktop, tablet, or mobile view by selecting your preferred option (we recommend starting with “Desktop”). Make sure to select “Preview in a new tab” to view the post in its entirety.
Take this opportunity to carefully review your post for any errors or issues. If you spot any, simply return to the editor tab to make adjustments as needed.
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to skip the preview step. It ensures that your content is error-free and provides a smooth user experience.
Step 9: Publish your post.
To publish your post, click on “Publish” located in the top right corner. You’ll be presented with publishing options; choose “Public” if you want your post to be accessible to everyone on the internet.
Step 10: Share Your Post
Once you’ve published your blog post on WordPress, it’s crucial to amplify its reach through various channels:
1. Social Media
Utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to share your blog post. Craft engaging posts with visuals and relevant hashtags to attract a broader audience.
2. Email Newsletter
Utilize your email list by sending a newsletter highlighting your latest blog post. Include a teaser or summary to entice subscribers to click through and read more on your WordPress site.
3. Engage with Readers
Foster a sense of community by actively responding to comments on your blog post. Encourage discussions, answer questions, and acknowledge feedback to build rapport and loyalty among your readers.
4. Guest Blogging
Contribute well-crafted articles to other blogs within your niche. Ensure your guest posts provide value to their audience and include a backlink directing readers back to your blog post or website.
5. Content Syndication
Distribute your blog posts on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn Articles. This strategy allows you to tap into different audiences on these platforms, potentially exposing your content to new readers who may not visit your blog directly.
6. Influencer Outreach
Collaborate with influencers in your industry who have a significant following. By having them share your blog posts or mention your content to their audience, you can exploit their reach to drive traffic back to your blog.
7. Bookmarking Sites
Submit your blog posts to popular bookmarking sites such as Reddit or Mix (formerly StumbleUpon). Engaging with these communities can attract targeted traffic to your posts, especially if they appeal well to the community’s interests.
8. Webinars or Podcasts
Host or participate in webinars and podcasts related to your blog post topics. During these sessions, discuss key insights from your posts and provide additional value to listeners. Include links to your blog posts in the webinar or podcast show notes to encourage further reading.
These methods can help broaden your reach and drive more traffic to your blog posts.
Conclusion
WordPress offers a user-friendly platform for creating impactful blog content that appeals to your audience. By following these steps, including writing well-structured posts and utilizing SEO techniques, you can effectively share your insights and expertise. Whether your goal is personal expression, professional growth, or business promotion, WordPress equips you with the necessary tools to achieve success in the blogging world.
