4 Formats That Will Make You A Blogging Pro

For most people, staring at a blank page knowing you want to write something of value is quite intimidating. We know what you’re thinking. But so many people write their own blogs. If so-and-so can do it, why can’t I? You absolutely can. 

Many resources can give you a useful jumping-off point and guide you quickly past that elusive blank page. The first step is to read other blogs in your industry. This will give you loads of inspiration. You’ll learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it your own.

But most successful blogs have a few things in common, one of which is the format. Especially if you’re just looking to get started with writing, it helps to choose one of these common formats. It will give you direction and structure instead of a vast empty page.

1.   Lists – This is by far the most common format and easiest to write. Start by coming up with an introduction, then give yourself at least five bullet points on your list. For some reason, people love a Top 5! But, you can really go with any number. Write down your bullet points first before you get into explaining each one. Then, you have more control over how long your article is because you can make the explanation for each point a similar length.

2.   “Best Of” Roundup – This is similar to the “list” format, but it involves your favorite recommendations. For example, “Top 10 Sneakers for Runners.” You’d list each sneaker, why it makes the list, pros and cons, then include a link to purchase. When readers click the link, it takes them to a place like Amazon, where they can read additional information, reviews, and even buy them if they’d like. If you want to take this one step further, become an affiliate seller on Amazon, and get a small percentage from each purchase made from your link.

3.   How-To – Think of this as your own personal lesson to share with followers. Is your blog a place where people come to learn gardening, DIY, skateboarding, or even financial investing? Then “How-To” is a great format for you. Try to keep your topic a bit narrow and explain something specific, step-by-step, in each article. If the subject is too broad, the article may get too lengthy, and you’re missing out on an opportunity to spread your knowledge out across many articles.

4.   Personal Story – Everybody loves a blogger they can relate to. Personal stories make people feel like they’re not alone—and if the author got through it, so can I! Start off by presenting your dilemma, how you came up with a plan, roadblocks you encountered, what you learned along the way, and how the situation resolved itself. Not only will your story be helpful to others, but writing in a personal style can be extremely cathartic. 

If you have some blog post ideas, consider how they would work if written in each of these formats. Once you’ve chosen one, just go for it. There’s no wrong way to write a blog. And if you dive in and don’t love the direction, there’s always the delete button. Each time you write an article, it’s a wonderful learning experience. Happy blogging!


By JAMIE JOHNSON November 26, 2025
Marketing your business on social media can feel overwhelming. With trending reels, clever captions, shifting algorithms, and constant updates, there’s always something new to add to your strategy. But here’s the truth: if people don’t connect with your brand on a human level, the rest won’t matter. Today’s consumers want more than aesthetics and catchy lines. They want to feel understood. Humanizing your business isn’t just a feel-good approach; it’s a strategic advantage. Loyal customers bring more repeat business, referrals, and long-term trust than a constant influx of new followers ever will. Here are five powerful tips to foster genuine connection in a digital world. 1. Know Your Audience Before you can create meaningful content, you need to understand exactly who you’re speaking to. What do they care about? What problems are they trying to solve? What inspires them? When your messaging resonates, everything else becomes easier, your posts perform better, and engagement increases. Targeted messaging helps you attract new customers, but don’t forget the value of nurturing the audience you already have. Consistency builds loyalty. 2. Get Personal Let’s be honest: social media can sometimes feel anything but social. Over-polished, perfectly curated feeds can create distance instead of connection. That’s why authenticity matters more now than ever! Share your values, your mission, your story. Introduce your team and highlight the people who make your business run. Share behind-the-scenes moments, even the imperfect ones! Celebrate both personal and professional milestones. These small details help your ideal clients feel more aligned with you. People choose brands they trust, and trust grows through real stories. 3. Prioritize Engagement The fastest way to build a stronger community? Acknowledge the people already interacting with you. If someone leaves a comment, respond. If they send a message, reply in a timely manner, or assign someone on your team to manage communication. Skip the generic, copy-and-paste replies and personalize your responses whenever possible. Even a simple “Thank you” goes a long way. Engagement isn’t just good social etiquette; it’s a signal that you see and value your audience. 4. Welcome Feedback and Suggestions Listening is one of the most underrated growth strategies on social media. When your audience feels heard, they naturally become more invested in your business. Ask for input directly. Try questions like: “What do you want to see more of?” “How do you use our product or service?” “What’s one thing we could improve?” Inviting feedback might feel vulnerable, but don’t let the fear of criticism stop you. Yes, you may hear suggestions for improvement, but you’ll also uncover satisfied customers who are eager to share positive experiences. Both help your business evolve. 5. Share Your Purpose In a world where people buy based on values, your brand’s purpose matters. Customers are more likely to support businesses that stand for something meaningful. Share the causes you’re passionate about. Highlight the ways your business makes a positive impact in your community or industry. When you communicate your mission clearly, you give people a reason to choose you over competitors. Final Thoughts Too many businesses talk at their audience rather than starting meaningful conversations. But social media isn’t a one-directional platform. People don’t want to be sold to. They want to feel understood, valued, and included. The brands that succeed today are the ones that listen, respond, and show up with heart.
By JAMIE JOHNSON October 31, 2025
One of the most challenging parts of social media is the continuous need for new and creative content to share. If you’re feeling a little uninspired (and overwhelmed), you’re not alone! Whether your feed feels repetitive, engagement has dipped, or you’re simply running out of ideas, keeping your social media strategy fresh is essential to staying relevant and building real connections. Luckily, we’ve got some simple strategies to incorporate that will prevent your feeds from feeling stale. Here are three ways to keep your content feeling fresh: Repurpose Content Repurposing isn’t just repeating; it’s utilizing content in a new way so it works harder for you. Take your top-performing post from the last few months and turn it into something new. Try: A Reel that highlights the same message visually A carousel that breaks it down into steps or tips A quote graphic that pulls out a key takeaway When done thoughtfully, repurposed content keeps your core message consistent while still offering something new to your audience. Don’t let your most well-received posts end up in social media purgatory. Observe your analytics periodically to determine which content is trending with your followers, and then reuse it to your advantage. Also, remember that not everyone sees a post the first time, so it may reach new potential customers the second. Refresh Your Look When was the last time you updated your font and color scheme? You don’t need a full rebrand to make an impact. Small adjustments like updating your brand colors, incorporating a new font, or using new photo filters can make your content feel fresh without losing consistency. Collaborate with Others Collaborations expose your social channels to new audiences and potential new customers. Think partnerships with other local businesses, joint giveaways, or even simple shoutouts. These connections increase visibility while building community and credibility.  Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE? Final Thoughts If you find yourself running out of inspiration, start by listening to your audience more. Chances are, your next great idea is already waiting for you in comments, DMs, and likes. Keeping your social content fresh isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about staying curious, creative, and connected. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what resonates. And as always, we’re here to help with any of your social media needs. You can reach us at jamie@officiallysocial.com.
By JAMIE JOHNSON September 29, 2025
Are you prioritizing the right metrics?