Professional copywriting techniques for blog posts - headlines, hooks, structure, and reader psychology.
Transform ideas into compelling blog content that captures and holds attention.
Headlines must work in search results AND capture attention.
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Number | Creates structure expectation ("7 Ways...") |
| Power word | Triggers emotion (Ultimate, Essential, Proven) |
| Benefit | What reader gains (Save Time, Get Organized) |
| Keyword | SEO placement (front-load if possible) |
| Formula | Example |
|---|
| Number + Adjective + Noun + Benefit | "7 Simple Chrome Extensions That Save Hours Weekly" |
| How to + Outcome | "How to Organize 1000+ Bookmarks in Under 10 Minutes" |
| Question format | "Still Losing Important Links? Here's the Fix" |
| Negative angle | "Stop Losing Bookmarks: The System That Actually Works" |
| Emotion | Words |
|---|---|
| Urgency | Now, Today, Quick, Instant, Immediately |
| Exclusivity | Secret, Insider, Hidden, Little-known |
| Value | Free, Proven, Essential, Complete, Ultimate |
| Trust | Guaranteed, Research-backed, Expert, Tested |
You have ~8 seconds to hook a reader. Every hook must create a curiosity gap.
| Type | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Point | Reader has a problem | "We've all been there—searching for that one important link you saved 'somewhere'..." |
| Surprising Stat | Data shock value | "The average knowledge worker loses 2.5 hours per week searching for saved content." |
| Story | Build connection | "Last Tuesday, I almost missed a deadline because I couldn't find a client's contract..." |
| Question | Engage curiosity | "What if you never lost a bookmark again?" |
| Bold Claim | Grab attention | "Your bookmark system is broken—and here's proof." |
| Contrarian | Challenge belief | "Folders don't work for bookmarks. Here's what does." |
| Behind-Scenes | Insider access | "After testing 47 bookmark managers, here's what actually matters." |
| Confession | Build trust | "I used to have 3,000 unorganized bookmarks. Here's how I fixed it." |
HEADLINE (H1)
├── Hook (first 2-3 sentences)
├── Promise (what reader will learn)
├── SECTION 1 (H2)
│ ├── Brief intro
│ ├── Key point (H3 if needed)
│ └── Example/proof
├── SECTION 2 (H2)
│ └── [same pattern]
├── SECTION 3 (H2)
│ └── [same pattern]
├── CONCLUSION
│ ├── Summary
│ └── CTA
└── FAQ (optional, great for SEO)
| Rule | Why |
|---|---|
| 2-4 sentences max | Mobile readability |
| One idea per paragraph | Cognitive clarity |
| Visual breaks every 300 words | Prevent wall-of-text |
| Lead with the point | Scanners read first sentences |
| Element | Usage |
|---|---|
| Subheadings | Every 200-300 words |
| Bullet points | Lists of 3+ items |
| Bold text | 1-2 key phrases per section |
| Short sentences | Mix 5-word and 15-word sentences |
| White space | Don't fear empty lines |
| Phase | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Pain | Identify the problem clearly |
| Agitation | Make them feel the cost of inaction |
| Solution | Present your answer |
| Element | Blog Application |
|---|---|
| Attention | Hook + headline |
| Interest | Why this matters to them |
| Desire | Benefits + proof |
| Action | Clear CTA |
| Priority | Content Type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Actionable steps they can use TODAY |
| 2 | Insights they haven't heard before |
| 3 | Data/research that supports claims |
| 4 | Stories that illustrate points |
| 5 | Background/context |
| Location | Purpose |
|---|---|
| After intro | Soft CTA for ready buyers |
| Mid-article | Natural break point |
| End of article | Primary CTA position |
| Sidebar/sticky | Always visible option |
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Benefit-led | "Start organizing your bookmarks in 60 seconds" |
| Curiosity-led | "See why 10,000+ people switched" |
| Action-led | "Try Markify Free Today" |
| Fear-of-missing | "Don't lose another important link" |
| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |
|---|---|
| Start with "In today's digital world..." | Start with a hook |
| Bury the lead | Front-load value |
| Wall of text | Break up with formatting |
| Vague CTAs ("Click here") | Specific CTAs ("Get your free account") |
| Generic stock images | Relevant screenshots/graphics |
| End abruptly | Summarize + clear next step |
Remember: Copywriting is about clarity, not cleverness. If a fifth-grader can't understand your point, simplify it.