9 Blog Post Formats (With Examples)

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You’ve done topic and keyword research for a blog post. You have a clear idea of what to write about. But there’s one problem… you’re not sure what format you should follow. If that’s the case, don’t stress or put your foot through your screen just yet.

As a blog writer who has written more articles than I can count, I’ve put together a list of common blog post formats. You can use this guide to ensure the type of article you write resonates with your audience and achieves your goals.

1.   Listicle

A listicle is exactly what it sounds like – a list-based article. These posts are perfect when you want to break down information into bite-sized, easy-to-digest chunks. Listicles are popular because they’re scannable. This makes them great for readers who are short on time or want to get straight to the point.

Listicles are surprisingly versatile. You can write one about anything, from tips and tricks to best practices or top recommendations. Plus, listicles are shareable, making them a great tool for driving social traffic to your blog.

Let’s say you’re in the health and wellness industry, for example. You might write a listicle titled “10 simple exercises you can do at home to stay fit.” By providing a clear list of steps, you give readers exactly what they’re looking for – quick and practical advice. A listicle organises this information in a way that’s both appealing and easy to follow.

Listicle Examples

2.   Response Post

A response post is simply a reply to a common question or query. It’s your chance to be the helpful expert who’s always got the answers. Just think of a question people ask in your industry, then write the answer. If you need help getting started, a response post usually starts with question words like who, what, why, or when (check out this video around 0:47 for a helpful overview).

Response posts are gold because they solve immediate problems for your readers and showcase your expertise at the same time. These posts can do wonders for your SEO… especially if you’re targeting those specific, long-tail keywords.

Let’s say you’re in real estate, for example. You might write a response post to a question like, “What are the benefits of rentvesting?” By zeroing in on a single query, you can provide detailed insights for anyone searching for that exact info. Response posts are super effective because they give your audience exactly what they need, when they need it. This not only drives engagement but also builds trust.

Response Post Examples

3.   Opinion Post

An opinion post is your chance to share a personal take on a topic. These posts are great for debunking myths, challenging common misconceptions, or simply telling your personal story and experiences.

The key with the opinion post format is to be authentic – your readers want to hear what you think. Don’t be afraid to be passionate about your point of view. After all, it’s your opinion that sets these posts apart from the more neutral, fact-based content.

For example, if you’re in the fitness industry, you might write an opinion post titled “Why the ‘No pain, no gain’ mentality is hurting your fitness goals.” You could share your own journey with fitness, debunk the myth that you have to push through pain to see results, and offer a healthier approach to working out.

Opinion Post Examples

  • Why working from home isn’t as great as it seems
  • Strict diets don’t work – here’s what does
  • The truth about hustle culture (my honest experience)

4.   How-To Guide/Tutorial

A how-to guide or tutorial is a simple, step-by-step blog post that helps your readers finish a task or learn a new skill. These posts are great for giving clear instructions that your audience can follow. The trick with a tutorial post is to break things down into bite-sized steps and explain each one simply. Adding pictures, diagrams, or videos can make the guide even easier to understand.

Copywriter with a laptop and an idea light bulb floating above their head with the words "how to" inside it.

For example, if you work in tech, you might write a guide called “How to set up a WordPress website in 10 easy steps.” In this post, you’d show your readers how to do each part, from picking a domain name to launching the site. How-to guides are popular because they help your readers reach a goal, showing that you’re helpful and know your stuff.

How-To Guide/Tutorial Examples

5.   Comparison Post

A comparison post, sometimes called an “X vs Y article,” is your go-to format when you need to weigh the pros and cons of two or more options. These posts are ideal for helping your readers make informed decisions. They should outline the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each choice. A comparison post might compare products. Explain the difference between two services. Or provide a clear, side-by-side evaluation of two strategies.

Comparison posts are great for readers in the decision-making phase. By offering a balanced perspective, you can position yourself as an expert. Since your readers are in the decision-making stage, this type of post also has the potential to convert them into paying customers.

For example, let’s say you’re a physiotherapist. You could write a comparison post titled “Physiotherapist vs chiropractor: Which is right for you?” In the article, you could explain what each professional does and highlight the pros and cons. Then, you could close with a call to action that encourages readers who find physiotherapy to be the best fit to schedule an appointment.

Comparison Post Examples

6.   Blueprint

A blueprint article provides readers with a ready-to-use guide, template, checklist, or framework. It has valuable information your readers can use straight away. By offering a clear, detailed blueprint, you position yourself as an expert who makes things easier for your audience.

For example, if you’re in digital marketing, you might write a blueprint article titled “The ultimate social media calendar template for 2024.” In this post, you’d provide a downloadable calendar template readers can fill in with their own content ideas. This ready-made tool saves them time and effort. In return, you boost engagement and keep people coming back for more.

Blueprint Examples

7. Interview/Q&A

An interview or Q&A post is like having a chat with an expert, influencer, or even one of your clients. You ask questions and get insights, stories, and advice straight from them. These posts are great for exploring a topic in-depth and bringing expert opinions directly to your readers.

Lady on podium with interviewer standing next to saying "let's get an expert opinion."

What makes this format special is that it feels like your readers are listening in on an interesting conversation. Plus, you get to feature voices other than your own, which adds variety and depth to your content.

For example, if you’re in marketing, you might write a post titled “Q&A with Jane Doe: how to build a brand that stands out.” You’d share Jane’s answers to questions about brand-building strategies, common mistakes, and her journey in the industry.

Intervie/Q&A Examples

  • Secrets to cook restaurant-quality meals at home (I interview a top chef)
  • Q&A with a financial advisor: How to prepare for a recession
  • An interview with a travel blogger: How to jet set on a budget

8.   Case Study

A case study post provides a detailed look at a specific example, often used to highlight success stories. Case studies are ideal for showing real results from your work, whether it’s a project, product, or service.

The goal is to tell a story that shows what you did and what the results were. This format is perfect for building trust with your audience, as it demonstrates real-world examples of your expertise in action. It’s a fantastic post to share on your socials or LinkedIn to attract more clients.

For example, if you’re a property investment adviser, you might write a case study titled “How we helped our client achieve a 20% ROI on their first property investment.” In this post, you’d explain the strategies you used, the challenges you overcame, and the results you achieved. It’s powerful because you can show your readers how you can help them succeed too.

Case Study Examples

  • How we sold out Baby Bliss’s new product within 24 hours
  • How I renovated my client’s property on a budget
  • The simple trick that doubled Sony’s customer retention

9.   Newsjacking

A newsjacking article is a timely post that capitalises on current events or trending topics. It’s your chance to tap into the buzz around a news story while it’s fresh in people’s minds. These posts can position you as a thought leader who’s on top of the latest developments in your industry.

The key to newsjacking posts is speed (the concept is often called fastvertising). You want to ride the wave of attention by offering your unique take on the story.

For example, if you’re in finance and there’s news about an interest rate hike, you might write a post titled “How the latest interest rate hike could impact your mortgage.” You’d explain the rate change’s effects and offer advice for homeowners. The newsjacking format works because it ties your content to something already trending, increasing the chance of shares and discussions.

Newsjacking Examples

  • How this year’s budget will impact homebuyers
  • How the latest health guidelines affect your fitness routine
  • What the Oscars controversy means for Hollywood

Summing Up…

Regardless of which type of blog post you write, the key is to match the format to your content goals and audience needs. Whether you’re looking to inform, engage, or inspire action, there’s a format here that can help you achieve it. Of course, if you’d rather have someone else write blog posts for you, I can help. Get in touch via this contact page and let me know what you need.