Ready to write your first blog post? That’s so exciting. You’ve obviously put quite a lot of effort into your project already…
…but I know how overwhelming and awkward it can feel when you stare at that first blank post. You have a clear idea of where you want your blog to go but you’re not sure where to start. I get it. That first post can be a bit unnerving.
Breathe.
The first post doesn’t really matter.
The reality is that your first blog post isn’t likely going to be your most popular one. In fact, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: your first post is more for you than your audience.
As you begin your new website, your readership is going to primarily consist of your friends, family and other associates. It’ll be a while before you start attracting hordes of organic traffic. Once traffic does begin to develop from social media and other sources, your readers aren’t going to begin sequentially. They will arrive on various landing pages across your site. Most of them will never see your first blog post.
Don’t stress about how to write your first blog post. The most important thing is to start.
Choose one of these 5 prompts.
There are five easy ways that you can dive into creating content for your website.
Get right to work.
My favorite technique for writing my first blog post on a new blog is to skip the pleasantries and get right to work. You don’t really need to introduce yourself; that’s what the about page is for!
Instead, I get down to business and immediately start writing the sort of content that I want to have on the website. For example, the first post on Low Income Relief is called “How to Get Free Cell Phone Service (and a FREE Cell Phone)!”
If your website is informational, this is a great place to start.
Start at the beginning.
If your content has a clear sequence, you can also use the journey approach and begin at the beginning. If you are following a specific sequence, start at the first step. Parenting blogs can begin at pregnancy, for example.
This is a great approach for tutorial sites that focus on providing instructions in a sequence.
Say hello.
However, it can feel a little cold and awkward to some authors who prefer a soft introduction. That’s why the default WordPress post is “Hello, world!”
Those pleasantries are not really necessary but they can be comforting. If you want to rewrite the about page in your first blog post, do it. The most important thing is to start somewhere.
This is a great approach for influencers and lifestyle bloggers, who will be writing about themselves and their experiences.
State your value.
Instead of rehashing your about page, you can also focus on your approach. What makes your content unique from other content on this topic?
Explain the journey that led you to develop this unique insight on the subject. This can be a huge confidence booster for you and can help readers understand why your blog is an indispensable contribution to your niche.
Make a list.
If all else fails, make a list. Pick something within your niche and assemble a list of 5, 10, 15 or 20 things about that topic.
These easy lists can help you write your first post quickly so you can move on to more comprehensive content. They’re also easy for your audience to digest and are highly shareable.
On Low Income Relief, you’ll find 10 Tips to Save Money on Your Groceries, Top 10 Tips to Find a Great Roommate, 10 Best DIY Halloween Costumes, 10 Free Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas and more top 10 lists. These lists are great icebreakers!
Stop overthinking and just do it.
Remember – don’t overthink this. You can do this! It does get easier with time. You’ve got this – and you’re going to do great!