The no-fail guide to writing popular blog posts

I’ve started two blogs within the past five years. The first one became a Technorati top 100 site, and I’m currently working on the second, Quick Sprout. I’ve learned a few lessons about writing popular posts, and I want to share those lessons with you.

Use simple words.

The first thing you probably notice when you read popular blog posts is that they’re really easy to understand, no matter what the content. They are easy to read because the writer wrote with simple words.

I always write my posts with a fifth grade vocabulary rather than that of a highly educated person. I’d rather you be able to read and understand what I write than appear like an educated person who just confuses people. The interesting thing is even with a fifth grade vocabulary, you will look like an expert.

Also, people are more likely to share a post they think other people will understand. So use simple words, not fancy ones.

Use the word “you.”

A really great blog post sounds like the author wrote it just for you. Do you know why that is? The writer used the word “you” instead of “we” or “them.”