Secret Sauce to Give Your Blog Posts Added Spice
So, my merry band of would-be bloggers and I are over half-way through the latest Business Blogging Club course.
For the first time, I decided to run the six-week course online, so that you didn’t have to be local to take part.
I won’t deny that I was worried about the decision at first. Part of the success of the previous course, held in person at the wondrous Space282 in Southend, was the unexpected sense of supportive, face-to-face collaboration it had brought.
We’d discuss our new ideas together every week, and there would always be a throwaway comment or a strangely fascinating fact that would get seized upon by someone else. “I didn’t know about that…it’d be a great subject for a blog post!” Constructive feedback was freely given, not just by me, but the entire group.
The result was more enriching, personal, and informative blogs that were a joy to read.
So far, the current online course is shaping up to be exactly the same. Once you get past the slight awkwardness of working away on your writing with a camera on your face (I do always give people the option of switching this off!), there’s something irresistibly meditative about working at home, in the warm and the quiet, knowing you’ve got others around you who are doing exactly the same.
It’s gone so well, in fact, that I’ve been thinking not only about running the same course again in the new year, but also setting up a weekly ‘Blogging Circle’-type club on Zoom, for people who want to motivate themselves to write.
(If you’re interested, let me know).
But anyway. That little pre-amble was intended to demonstrate the point of this particular post, which is…
…if you want to grab readers’ attention, you have to start with the heart.
What I mean by that is, if you spend your first few paragraphs ‘setting the scene’ for what you really want to say, you’re in danger of losing readers before they get there.
It’s exactly the same with novel-writing.
The first draft of my latest novel opened with a chapter full of scene-setting, mostly involving a ‘normal day at work’ for my main character.
But so what? Who’s interested in reading about someone else’s boring old ‘normal day at work’, if there’s no immediate hook to draw them in? What’s the point?
The best writing advice I ever received was to ditch that sluggish opening chapter, and start my novel with the first piece of genuine action in the book.
When you follow this advice for your blog posts too, it’ll create an immediately ‘hooky’ read that people will engage with from the off.
In other words, don’t begin by rambling on about who you are and what you do, before you get to the essence of what you’re actually writing about.
Begin with that essence instead, and trust that your readers will stay with you for the back story. If that essence is interesting and relevant enough, they will.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen my course-ees’ writing come to life by following this tiny piece of advice.
One post in particular was written by an amazing career coach, who began by politely introducing herself as someone who really enjoys helping people transform their career. So far, so… meh.
It was only once you’d read through those first few introductory paragraphs, that you stumbled upon the genuine nugget of gold in that post.
Originally from Slovakia, this lady had come to the UK with not much money, and a poor grasp of English. Within six years, she’d gone from being a kitchen porter, to an accounts payable manager in a big company.
Now, instead of that meandering pre-amble, her post starts like this:
“After I moved to England, I went from a kitchen porter with poor English washing dishes in a local pie and mash shop to an accounts payable manager in six-seven years. So if you are right now not happy with or struggling in your career I can relate to that.”
I don’t know about you, but I want to know more!
This opening also beautifully demonstrates why she loves helping other people transform their career so much. She’s been through the process herself, in a unique story that ends with great success.
So next time you’re writing a blog post, think about that secret sauce. Start with the action first, then prepare for an extra helping of engagement.
Related Articles
Secret Sauce to Give Your Blog Posts Added Spice
"If you want to grab readers’ attention, you have to start with the heart."
Read moreHow I Got Better At Public Speaking
My journey from terrified mumbler to casual speaker, in easy-to-follow steps.
Read moreHow to Transform Your Blog Into a Book
If you have trouble motivating yourself to write that next blog post, whisper a little reminder: this could be a book one day.
Read more
Does Your Website Need a Copy Refresh? (Mine Did)
Revamping your web copy will give your business the gift of reconnection.
Read moreHow I Rescued My Stalling Novel
Struggling with writing a novel? Find the courage (and the effort!) to really get to know your work.
Read moreHow to Plan Your Career Change CV (Hint: Be Selfish!)
"If you really want to change your career, you have to be determined, and you have to be selfish."
Read moreWriting to Sell? Weird Words and Crazy Phrases To Avoid
This is a blog post unlike any other.
Read moreThe Trials and Tribulations of the Freelance Holiday
As a freelance writer, taking a break is always a challenge. But I push on through the guilt, and here's why.
Read moreHow to Write a Review (That's Actually Useful)
Reviews get read, because people assume they might be useful. Don't disappoint them!
Read moreThe Magic of Kismet Marketing
Has your marketing strategy got room for some unexpected magic?
Read more
SEO Copywriting (and Other Ways to Make Your Business Sound Boring)
Don't write for search engines, write for people.
Read moreAre you too modest to write a book?
If you've always wanted to write a book, but were put off by the people who already have - help is at hand!
Read moreOK, so you got a six-figure business. That don't impress me much
Where's the value in empty business gurus?
Read more
Is your business preaching to the converted?
How to sell your amazing ideas to a brand-new audience.
Read moreThe foolproof formula for blogging success
How regular blogging will boost your business - as if by magic!
Read moreThe Art of the Written Compliment
If you're too embarrassed to give (or receive!) compliments, writing it all down can work wonders
Read moreLooking for a way to beat the January blues? Start with a letter
It's Universal Letter Writing Week - how will you celebrate?
Read moreStuck in a career rut? Get someone else to write your CV – and thrive!
"The right person will help you come across as yourself, but in a prouder, more polished, 'look what I’ve achieved' kind of way"
Read moreStraight from the heart: how to write irresistible words
When you give people a piece of yourself, you will naturally engage them.
Read moreHow to give good interview (whatever side of the desk you’re on!)
Simple tips to help you breeze through any interview scenario.
Read moreHow to choose the right coach or training course – at the right time
"If you like someone, you might be tempted to look for excuses to work with them, even if their particular skills aren’t what you need."
Read moreBeware of the flowers: why customers don't care about your business
Focus on telling interesting business stories that reflect your ideal customers’ lives back to them.
Read moreIf you can’t take criticism, don’t be a writer!*
You can always learn from other people's insights - good or bad
Read moreFinding your freelancing tribe: be uncompromising (and don’t be too nice!)
My advice to freelancers: never lose sight of what freelancing is all about!
Read moreRamp up your summer content to reap winter rewards
Keep your summer content fresh and updated to be remembered all year long.
Read moreAppreciate your freelancers, and be rewarded with their best work
How to become every freelancer's favourite client!
Read moreWhy a degree doesn't equal real-world competence
Sometimes, just putting the work in is enough.
Read moreTalk confidently about something you love: set a speaking challenge!
How setting a speaking challenge forced me to talk confidently about the work I love.
Read moreFreelance reflections in the snow
Just like building the perfect snowman, carving out your freelance identity can be tough!
Read moreWhy spelling and grammar don't matter
Don't let bad spelling put you off writing the next bestseller!
Read moreWhat's in a name? Captivate and connect with simple business stories
Finding the 'what's', 'whys' and 'hows' of your business will help people connect with you.
Read moreFive New Year's Resolutions for Freelancers
Are your social media posts crushing your business?
How to write interesting content for any business (even yours)
What are your customers really saying about you?
You're writing great content. So why aren't people reading it?
It takes time to craft compelling
Got a book or blog to write? Beat the block and get it done!
November means #NaNoWriMo - so whatever you're working on, it's time to get it done!
Read moreHow will I sound like me, when you're doing the writing?
Ironically, it's when you're writing about yourself that you will sound least like you. Hiring a writer to do it for you can bring a whole host of benefits.
Read moreWhy storytelling is your secret weapon in business (and how to do it properly)
Learn how to live happily ever after through the power of storytelling
Read moreWhy you definitely shouldn't write a book in a weekend!
Writing books is big business - or at least it can be, if you get it right. For starters, this means not rushing the process!
Read moreThe Ultimate Guide to... the Ultimate Guide!
A how-to guide for writing the ultimate downloadable guide for your business.
Read moreTry this simple formula to create a killer profile headline!
Headlines are always difficult to write, so here's an easy way to craft something original for your personal and professional profiles.
Read moreRead this before you publish you're next blog post!
Do you edit your work before you publish it?
Read moreHow to beat those pre-presentation jitters
Standing up and presenting to a group of people is something that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most confident people - so if you're an introvert like me, it can really be the stuff of nightmares! Here's how I tackle my nerves head-on, with some careful preparation and relatable content.
Read moreCreate a schedule you can stick to (it's not as hard as you think!)
Creating a schedule can be a difficult task, especially when you're planning for work you're not being paid for - or that nobody is expecting! Here's how to get started on crafting a time plan that will work for you.
Read moreCopywriting for beginners
Whether you want to hire a copywriter, or just want to give it a go yourself, it can be hard to know where to begin. My experience on the copywriting trail has helped me discover a few handy insights.
Read moreOn creating a writer's life
This week I'm responding to the questions people have asked since my Careershifters' Success Story was published recently - all about creating a writer's life.
Read moreDiscovering your unique writer's voice is easier than you think
You don't have to be a professional writer to discover a unique writing voice that speaks to its readers. Finding your own voice is often easier than you might think, and it all starts when you write from the heart.
Read moreFor that special person who has everything, give the gift of words
If you know someone who already has everything, give them something truly unique - special words.
Read moreNo job for life? How a tailored approach to job-hopping can win your next career move
Did you know that so-called 'job-hopping' can be an asset to your career search? Whether you prefer stability or excitement in your career, planning your next move is all about packaging your skills and making the right kind of approach.
Read moreWhy it's sometimes OK to turn down freelance work
Going freelance doesn't mean you have to accept every piece of work that comes your way. Being discerning with your time and effort will help you reap the rewards of being your own boss...and you'll get to work with some great people too!
Read moreThe truth about blogging for business
Are you reading this over coffee, or maybe as you wait for a late train? Blogging for business is a handy way to keep in regular contact with your followers and show them the human side of your company, but it can be difficult to keep it going once you've started. It's worth it, though - so here are a few tips to keep your blog posts consistent and entertaining.
Read moreHow to write your first CV
Writing a CV is tough enough when you've got years of experience under your belt, but when you're just leaving education it often feels like you haven't got anything to shout about. Here's how to write a first CV that will stand out from all those bland lists of education dates and shop jobs!
Read more“Telling it like it is” – giving effective feedback in writing
There's a new trend sweeping Silicon Valley - giving honest and direct feedback to your colleagues. Before you go rushing in, focus your message by writing it down first...your colleagues and your career will thank you for it!
Read moreShare your expertise - write a business book!
All those celebrated business gurus had to start somewhere...and the most successful ones know how to tell their stories in a relatable way that inspires others to act on their dreams and ideas. By writing a business book, you can do just that yourself!
Read moreRead this before you write your next recruitment ad!
Writing a recruitment ad is often a rushed activity, with the words used ones you've read many times before ("dynamic" anyone?) Here's how the Banks children managed to recruit their ideal candidate - Mary Poppins! - by using clear and creative words that stood out.
Read moreThe bracing benefits of a car-free business life
What better way to kick off a new year by getting out into the fresh air? Here's how I manage a busy working life as a non-driver - and it's not as hard as you might think!
Read more‘CV Greatest Hits’ Countdown – 10 ultimate CV tips to prepare you for the Great 2017 Job Hunt!
'Greatest Hits' countdowns are rife at this time of year - so now, here's one featuring the best CV advice. This list will give you the ultimate steer if you're looking to get your CV on track for the new year job hunt. Wishing you a very happy 2017!
Read moreGive yourself a special Christmas gift...a happy working life in 2017!
If you're stuck in a job you don't particularly like, mindlessly searching job boards for something else, it can be hard to dredge up any enthusiasm to make a change. But that little bit of rest time between Christmas and a brand new year beginning is perfect for considering exactly what you want, and how to take the very first step towards making 2017 your happy work year!
Read moreHow to write your life story
With a new year on the horizon, why not make a resolution to tell your life story? Committing your personal tales to paper can be a rich and rewarding experience for you to write and others to read...for generations to come. Here's how to get started.
Read moreWriting to get what you want at work!
Have you ever thought that making a few tweaks to your working life would help make living it much easier? Harness the power of well-chosen words to state your case and win better work-life balance in the process.
Read moreHow to pinpoint useful e-information for your business…without going crazy in the crowd!
Are you often left with the feeling that you don't quite know enough about all the online tools you can use to promote your business? How about website analytics...shouldn't you be checking them every five minutes just like the experts say? Relax - here's how to take advantage of all the advice available online, by defining exactly what YOU want to know.
Read moreFitting in ‘me’ projects – five panic-free time management tips for the professionally overwhelmed
Is time getting the better of you? With a growing business, several passion projects on the go, books to read and friends I'd quite like to see, I was starting to feel overwhelmed...until I decided to take a closer look at planning my time more effectively. Here's how you can do the same.
Read moreUse your sense of style to build trust and win business!
Looking for ways to sound consistent and authentic in your written communications? Here are a few tried, tested and original ways to do just that.
Read moreGhost stories…how shadowy script can light up your life and work
BOO! Like a ripe pumpkin Hallowe'en has rolled around yet again, so what better time to extol the benefits of ghostwriting, definitely not just the province of bargain-bin bound celebrities.
Read more"I'm a Quiet Revolutionary..." she whispered
I'm very proud indeed to be featured as this week's 'Quiet Revolutionary' - a celebration of all things introverted.
Read moreHow I escaped the corporate cage and set myself firmly on the ‘write’ career path!
An encounter with a corporate headhunter made me question my career - why was I still doing something I didn't love? Here's how I formulated my corporate escape plan and found a career I truly enjoy.
Read morePersonal copywriting - attract a new boss AND a new relationship with the perfect profile!
Are your online profiles a bit lacklustre? Don't waste a perfect opportunity to speak directly to the boss or partner of your dreams - use the power of personal copywriting to describe what makes you, you - and get ready to reap the rewards!
Read moreGoing it alone - surviving self-employment
Going it alone, releasing yourself from the shackles of a traditional nine-to-five, is exhilarating. It's also incredibly scary! To celebrate my first quarter-year in business, here are some of the most important lessons I've learned from the front line.
Read moreBlogging - not just for hipsters and sicksters*
Regular blog posts - especially if you run a business - can drastically increase your following, as well as helping you beat the competition by describing how you do things your way. Read on for a few more great reasons why you should join the blogging revolution!
Read morePlan a memorable speech...in three easy steps!
Great speeches vary in tone and content, but they all consider the same elements - who they're for, what they're about and why they're being heard. Here's how to plan yours effectively, so you can conquer any nerves and make your speech memorable for all the right reasons!
Read moreMaking meaningful business connections…in writing
Speaking up in networking groups used to bring me out in a cold sweat. So I sought out the people I really wanted to talk to and introduced myself in the way I'm best at - in writing.
Read more
