In celebration of Mardi Gras today, let’s mix up a concoction for a social media blog post that packs more punch than the costume-filled sidewalks of Bourbon Street. Yes, New Orleans is rampant today with beads, drinks and the boisterous use of #mardigras on Twitter but the concept is about various cultures coming together, celebrating and uniting under the common theme of having fun.

How does all of this relate to stellar blog posts? Developing a successful blog post takes the same amount of preparation, creativity and dedication as the best mojito you’ve ever sipped. Here are the ways to build your blog post that is toast-worthy.

1. Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass.

Start with the tasty stuff. Your post should lead in with what your readers really want because that’s what they came here for. Don’t make them dig for that signature lime wedge. Your readers are busy people so acting quickly will make them happy, thirsty and back for more.

2. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.

To keep your readers engaged and spending more time on your blog, sprinkle the entire post with helpful insights (vs just dedicating one aspect of your post to takeaways). As they read, they’ll continue to taste the creativity of your post and before they know it, they’ve finished the whole thing.

3. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.

After you’ve written the first draft of your post, go back and look at ways to enhance it further. Does it stand out? Perhaps you need a more engaging headline. Can you cut it back a bit? The addition of imagery or videos could help better tell your story. Spending time perfecting your post will go a long way and your readers will notice your efforts. Make sure not to go too wild with editing or you’ll strain the post and the flavor will be gone.

4. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water.

We’ve been talking a lot about the sweet stuff, but what about the heart of the post? In other words, the rum is what makes a drink. Your expertise and value live in this step. Add value to your post that no other blog can give. Write about what you know. It’s likely insightful.

5. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.

After you launch your post, watch the reaction of your audience. Are they sharing it? What are they saying about it? What is the sentiment? Go back to your post and tweak it accordingly. Perhaps additional information or a helpful image is needed. By adjusting your post based on feedback, you’re showing that you’re listening to your readers. That goes a long way.

Consider the garnish as your headline. It’s the flourish that goes on top to make the drink more attractive. And it can make your blog post more appetizing too. A catchy headline that grabs attention yet successfully summarizes your post will get you more readers, engagement and sharing. It’s all about taking the time to think through a smart headline approach.

Are you using these steps in your blog writing? Are they in this order? Additional value for a post can be fun and subtle. For instance, not only did we share ideas for better blogging, but we gave you a recipe for an awesome mojito to celebrate Mardi Gras. Have fun but always remember to blog responsibly.

To learn more about creating content, check out the ebook, 4 Steps to Creating Content for a Social Media Community.

Tags: blog, content, mardi gras