Today I thought I would quickly cover six steps to writing a blog that people would want to share with others. Blogging itself is not enough. Creating quality content will entice people to share your posts and bring more traffic (and potential customers) to your site.

Step 1: Targeted Content

Make sure that your blog content is targeted to your ideal client.  I don't know how many times I've read blogs that are aimed at beginners — yet the blog material is advanced.  You need to meet people where they are so they'll understand and find value in what you are offering them.

Step 2: Keywords Give Your Blog Traction

Spend some time doing research to find out what people are typing into the search engines to find you.  Use those words in your post titles and in your blog to make your content easier to find.  Don't overdo this.  Having easy to read posts trumps lots of keywords any day. I use Google Keyword Planner.

Step 3: Attention Grabbing Headlines

In this era of social media sharing and short attention spans- the headline will be the only thing most people see of your blog post. Make it enticing because the bad news is if the headline does not grab people, they will never open your blog post.  If you are stuck when it comes to creating effective headlines, a great place to look is in the magazine section of your local bookstore. Write down the headlines that stick out to you the most and then modify them and use them as attention-grabbing headlines. 

Step 4: Evergreen Blog Content

By evergreen, I mean creating content that is relevant now and in the future.  People may find your information months or years later.  You still want it to be relevant to them. The exception to this is if you are announcing a new event or milestone for your business.

Step 5: Add Value

Write valuable content and people will continue to come back.  Don't be afraid to give away a lot of knowledge for free.  People still need hand-holding and guidance and they will come to you because you were generous in the beginning.

Step 6: Test the Waters

Your blog is an excellent place for market research.  Ask your audience questions about what they want and need.  Ask them to comment on your posts and ask you questions.

If you follow these six tips, you'll have more comments and traffic to your blog.  What are your favorite tips and tricks for increasing involvement (and sharing) on your blog?