The Neil Patel Blueprint: How to Write a Blog Post From Idea to Publish
You've landed here because you're tired of guessing. You want a clear, effective strategy for writing blog posts that don't just sit there, but actually perform. And guess what? Neil Patel, a man who consistently generates tens of thousands of visitors per blog post, has a formula. And he's sharing it with us.
This isn't about guesswork; it's about following a proven system. As Neil himself emphasizes, "It works for a B2C, B2B, a personal blog or a corporate blog, it works for everything. I kid you not, it is the best formula out there."
So, let's dive into Neil Patel's exact process for crafting high-performing blog posts, from the very first thought to hitting publish.
The First Cornerstone: Start with the Title (Your Powerful Hook)
Every successful blog post, according to Neil Patel, begins with a meticulously crafted title. This isn't merely a suggestion; it's the absolutely critical first point of contact with your potential audience. Neil stresses that you should not write a single word of your body content until you have that perfect headline nailed down. He explains this vital rule by highlighting that while eight out of ten people will read your headline, only two out of ten will actually click through to read the rest of your article. This stark reality underscores the immense power of your title; no matter how brilliant your content, if the headline fails to compel a click, it simply won't be read. Your title, in essence, is the promise you make to your reader, signalling precisely what they stand to gain or learn from your post.
To craft such a compelling title, Neil offers invaluable advice. He suggests heading to the grocery store checkout aisle for inspiration, as magazines are masters of creating catchy headlines designed to grab attention in mere seconds. Look for common, effective patterns like "How To" articles or list-based posts, often seen with benefit-driven phrases such as "Lose weight in 30 days" or "How to shed five pounds fast!" This strategy proves effective across all niches, whether it's a business, fitness, or even a gossip magazine. Neil personally relies heavily on "How To" and "List Post" formats because they consistently deliver results, clearly indicating the nature of the content and the value the reader will receive. Furthermore, he advises against settling for the first title idea. Instead, Neil suggests creating "two or three variations" and even soliciting feedback from friends or colleagues to identify the most compelling option.
The Second Pillar: Craft a Bold and Informative Introduction
Once your title is firmly in place, the next crucial step involves crafting an introduction that capitalizes on the curiosity your headline has sparked, effectively hooking your readers. Neil demonstrates this principle by starting his own discussions with a bold statement, such as inquiring whether listeners desire the formula that helps him secure at least 37,000 visitors per blog post. Your introduction, he insists, requires a similar impactful punch, perhaps beginning with something audacious, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising statistic to immediately capture attention.
Beyond this initial hook, your introduction must also provide a clear roadmap for your readers. Neil emphasizes the importance of briefly outlining the key points or main topics that will be explored within the post. This approach effectively sets expectations, preparing readers for the value they are about to receive. It encourages them to delve deeper into your blog post, read more extensively, and ideally, even engage by leaving a comment at the very end.
The Heart of the Matter: Structure Your Body with Skimmability in Mind
The body of your blog post is where you fulfill the promises made in your title and introduction, delivering the core value of your content. However, merely providing valuable information is insufficient; it must also be easily digestible. Neil profoundly emphasizes skimmability as the paramount consideration for your body content.
He strongly recommends using subheadings extensively to break your content into logical, manageable sections. Employing H2, H3, and H4 headings creates a clear hierarchical structure, empowering readers to quickly scan the article and navigate directly to the parts most relevant to their interests. Neil firmly believes that if content cannot be easily skimmed, it will not perform well in the online landscape. Alongside this, he advises keeping paragraphs concise, suggesting a maximum of "five to six lines." Lengthy blocks of text are inherently intimidating and often lead to reader fatigue when consumed online, whereas shorter paragraphs create a lighter, more inviting reading experience.
A crucial, yet often overlooked, part of Neil's formula for the body of a blog post involves linking out to other credible sites. It's not just about self-promotion or linking exclusively to your own content; as Neil states, "it's about linking to other sites." This practice offers significant benefits: it significantly boosts your own credibility by demonstrating that you've thoroughly researched your topic and are willing to acknowledge external expertise. Furthermore, by openly citing your sources, you enhance your perception as an expert in your field, fostering greater trust with your audience.
The Final Touch: Conclude with a Summarizing Question
The conclusion of your blog post is far more than a mere afterthought in Neil Patel's blueprint; it's a strategically vital component designed to drive engagement and, ultimately, potential sales. First and foremost, your conclusion should effectively summarize the main points and reiterate the core message you aimed to convey, helping to solidify the reader's understanding of the value they've just received.
To craft such a compelling title, Neil offers invaluable advice. He suggests heading to the grocery store checkout aisle for inspiration, as magazines are masters of creating catchy headlines designed to grab attention in mere seconds. Look for common, effective patterns like "How To" articles or list-based posts, often seen with benefit-driven phrases such as "Lose weight in 30 days" or "How to shed five pounds fast!" This strategy proves effective across all niches, whether it's a business, fitness, or even a gossip magazine. Neil personally relies heavily on "How To" and "List Post" formats because they consistently deliver results, clearly indicating the nature of the content and the value the reader will receive. Furthermore, he advises against settling for the first title idea. Instead, Neil suggests creating "two or three variations" and even soliciting feedback from friends or colleagues to identify the most compelling option.
Summary
Here is the the formula that should use on your blog post:
The Formula: Attractif Title + A Skimmable and Valuable Body + A Conclusion That Ends with a Thought-Provoking Question