You don’t have to be a professional writer to write a blog that people want to read. A blog just like a newspaper or magazine should incorporate a variety of different posts. You wouldn’t want to read a newspaper or magazine that was all editorial content and no news or feature stories – so approach your blog in the same way.

Let’s talk about ways to create a mixture of different types of posts to engage your reader and bring them back again and again. We can think of posts are like items on a menu, each one having a distinct flavor or feel about it, but each one appetizing in its own way. Keep in mind that, just like items on a menu not all of your posts will appeal to all of your readers – and that is okay.

The Appetizer Post is a short, sweet post that leaves the reader wanting more.

This is the post you write when you don’t have a lot of time to write but you really want to get out some information. Use the appetizer post to talk about things to come; like upcoming promotion your office is planning around the holidays, or a charity event you’re sponsoring where the article gives the basic information. Another way to utilize this post is to summarize an article you want to share. We all read continually and often find articles we find interesting – write a few sentences summarizing the article and provide a link to the article, and you’re done.

The Soup & Salad post can be a meal on its own, but could also go nicely with a main dish.

Give your readers something to think about. Ask thought provoking question and give your answers. This type of post can help present yourself as a thought leader, not only in your industry but in your community as well. Is there a proposed bond measure for education in your area that you have strong feelings about – tell your readers why you feel the way you do and ask them how they feel.

A Meat & Potatoes Post is a hearty meal, a post that can stand on its own. This post requires a lot of thought, time and effort to build. Pick your topics well; making sure that it is something that your readers will truly enjoy. This post should be well researched and include links to outside sources and the resources you used to gather your information. Give this post the attention it deserves and it will serve you well in the end.

There is always a Hot and Spicy Entrée on the menu, and adding one to your mix of posts is a good idea too. This post contains your bold or controversial statements or thoughts. The whole idea of this post is to get people talking, start fires, and engage your audience. A word of caution, use sparingly and be prepared to defend your comments!

Everyone loves the sweet stuff, so don’t hesitate to add the Desert Posts.  This is the fun stuff; the sweet part of blogging. These are the posts where you get to interject your personality, show your sense of humor and just have fun.

With all types of posts, remember to add the element of visual engagement for your readers including images and even videos, where appropriate. Remember you don’t have to be a professional writer to write a blog – just try and keep your reader in mind and try to have some fun with it. The more you enjoy writing your blog, the more it will show in your writing and the more people will enjoy reading it!