5 Steps to Writing a Blog Article

Disclaimer: There are a ton of ways to write articles. This is just one version to begin and start publishing. As you go on this journey, break the rules, get creative, and above all, keep publishing. There are zero ways to write that will guarantee millions of subscribers, but you won’t get any subscribers until you begin. So let’s begin.

I guarantee that writers everywhere, when presented with their first blog posts they ever published, cringe at the sight. It’s just the way it is. We all are our own worst critics, but perfectionism is our enemy. We can’t avoid being beginners, so just begin.

If you have decided to just begin, you might have some concerns that could stop you:

You might wonder what to publish. You probably have a zillion ideas. You probably want confirmation that what you will write will be successful. But let me tell you right now: You’ll get it wrong a zillion times before you get it right… so just begin.

If you look at my content, you’ll see that I have zero consistency on topic, style, and genre. I have some poetry, some content about teaching, course design, Christian topics, and a satire piece. I’m certain that a business coach would rip apart my blog for good reason. No one really knows what’s going to come out of my head into my computer… not even me. Lol!

If you look back at my blog and website, you’ll see that I’m an expert at a couple of things, but I’m interested in a ton of other things. Above all, I write and publish what I want.

Since I am passionate about people stepping out and doing what God has called them to do and encouraging them to take risks, most of my writing is a living example of this. I am my audience. I write for myself. To give myself a pep talk and to encourage my inner cynic to take action when I want to be a lazy bum. I talk and write mostly to encourage myself and if I encourage others along the way, that’s awesome, too.

Let’s begin:

Step 1: Identify a Problem and Describe the Problem in Story Form

What is a problem that you think you can help someone with? You’ve probably overcome quite a bit in your life and would like to help others with that challenge.

• This problem should be something right “in your back pocket.”
• It could be what people ask you for help with.
• It could be what makes you frustrated about in life.
• It could be a failure-to-success story that defines your life.

This first part of your article will be what keeps people around to read the rest. Make it funny, shocking, creative… anything. Be yourself and find your style to attract an audience who loves to read your stuff.

End this introduction by telling the readers what you will do. This doesn’t have to be a formal thesis statement, like English class, but they should know that you’re transitioning into the steps to solve the problem.

Step 2: Explain the Solution in Steps or Points and add Variables

I know that as creatives, some of us hate to be put in a box not being allowed to write in our sporadic way, and others love to stay organized and methodic (I call these latter writers: “box fillers” because they love filling in boxes). It’s vital for us to be creative but organized, but limiting our creative spirit can come with problems. We can become so caught up in being clear and articulate that it hinders our ability to finish and publish.

There’s an art to being creative in a clear and organized way. It’s in your voice, your examples, your explanation on what to do or not to do. Sometimes I suggest for people to stop thinking and just write. Your first draft should be a messy draft. Get your ideas out of your head. Write a messy, ugly draft, and then organize and edit before publishing.

In your explanation of the steps or points include variables. Variables in Science class are anything that can change the result of an experiment. I explain it like this: If one thing was changed in your problem-solution explanation then how would that change the result? If they don’t do A and B, then C will probably not occur.

The variable for this article is: If you don’t get started, then you won’t improve. If you get started later in life, then you will most likely prolong your growth and success in writing.

Step 3: End with a Call to Action

End your article with something for the reader to do or think about. This could be a prayer, something for them to do, or a shocking last statement that will leave a lasting impression.

Many marketers will tell you to add your link to subscribe to your blog or download a newsletter. This is a great and useful idea. As writers, we don’t always have a physical product to sell (unless you have a book), but building an audience is vital, and it’s important to think about how we will do this from the beginning.

We don’t let the marketing part stop us at the beginning, but as we are growing as writers, we should be thinking about how to attract our audience and retain interest. If we don’t, we may be like a one-hit-wonder. We might get many readers once but never see them again.

Step 4: Add a Good Title and Subtitle

Deanne Welsh, my writing coach and editor, (don’t judge her amazing talent on this article, she didn’t edit it) says that she generally will write 10 titles and sit on them for a little while before she picks one.

Over time, we learn to not get too attached to our words that we get offended when our editor changes it or others make suggestions for improvement. So try some titles and subtitles, ask for suggestions and change when necessary.

We are all on a journey of growth as writers. The beauty of writing often is that through writing, we are constantly growing and learning more about ourselves. We are constantly trying things and failing, but after we fail, we learn and grow some more. It’s an amazing life being a writer, and I wouldn’t want anything else.

Step 5: Edit, Publish, Share the Link, and Keep Writing

Do you want this to be 5 steps to writing and publishing an article or 50 steps?!? Haha, if I wanted to break every little step down and go into detail about the variables it might be more honest to make this article 50 steps… kidding, kind of.

Writing a blog article is as simple as this: Write, edit, publish, and write some more.

There are dozens of articles, books, and expert videos on how to write a blog. Do more research if you want, but I don’t want you to overthink so much that you don’t write and publish anything until it’s perfect. Perfectionism is our enemy!

Sometimes people will say to me, “I want to do live videos, but what if no one watches?” My response shocks them: “No one will probably watch them at first. That’s good. You’re getting comfortable in front of the camera and you need time to work out the kinks. If you are consistent and begin to find your audience, then they will stop and watch your videos.”

This is the same for your blog. Write and publish with absolutely NO expectations that anyone will read or care. As you grow as a writer, you will learn writing and marketing skills that will help you expand your audience and advance your message.

If you are just beginning, just start writing and publishing something. Don’t overthink it too much. If you don’t begin, how will you know how far you have come?

If you are in the Phoenix area, we have a Christian Writers group that meets monthly. Join us at KWA Phoenix on Facebook to find out more about our events HERE.

If you are a Military Veteran Writer, join our Facebook group to join like-minded Veterans HERE!