I talk a lot about having a purpose for you website and the same goes for your blog. (You can read more about that where I talk about knowing why you want a website.) Having a purpose will make it so much easier to keep adding fresh content to your site by blogging. And we all know that search engines like fresh content!
First, know that I’m talking about how to organize your blog as a whole, not a single blog post. There are copywriters that I like to refer to when it comes to actually learning to write for your blog.
What’s the Plan?
When you blog it’s easy (and tempting) to write about whatever comes to mind. Well, for some it is. Others are very familiar with writer’s block. An easy way to start is by knowing the reason you’re blogging. The next step is to pick several categories that relate to the purpose of your blog. Then have several tags, or subcategories, to break things down even further.
Let’s think of a cookbook. Cookbooks are organized basically by topic. In a cookbook you have breakfast, entrees, and desserts. These are categories that make it easy to find a recipe.
If a reader likes what they’re reading in a specific category, they can click on that category to read more.
Now flip to the index in that same cookbook. You’ll find a plethora of ingredients and subcategories. These are your tags. You can use tags in several different categories. But categories are generally not found within other categories.
Tags are a way for your visitors to narrow in to more than a general topic.
Hint: If you cannot write five or six blog posts about a category, then it is more likely a tag.
For example, I have a branding category on my blog. Within that branding category I can talk about how to use images for your brand. Imagery is a tag. I can also use the imagery tag in the small business, strategy, or any of my other categories. Categories and tags are my organizing structure.
I recommend having 5 to 6 categories
I recommend having 5 to 6 categories to write about. Choose topics that are directly related to the service you provide. They should also support your readers that aren’t ready to work with you just yet.
Categories and tags make it easier to both structure content and develop ideas for posts. They will make it easier for your reader to use your site. It’ll be easier for them to search and gives them a clear explanation of what they can find on your site.
A concise overall purpose together with your categories will help ensure your blog as a whole supports your end goal…to reach others with your passion.
Take Action
Are you ready to organize your blog (and your thoughts for upcoming blog posts?)
Take out a sheet of paper. On the left hand side brainstorm categories related to what you do. Leave a little space between each category.
Reread your list. Are there any categories that can be combined into one?
On the right hand side of your paper write down tags that fit within each category. Remember tags can fit into more than one category, so you may find yourself rewriting them, or drawing lines to multiple categories.
You’re off to a great start! Having a clear idea of what you can write about is a great launching off spot to generate post ideas! That’s how you can use these categories and tags.
Do you need help setting up your blog?
