How to Improve Your Blog Writing: Stop Writing Top 10 Lists

I have noticed "Top 10 List" blog posts are very popular. Blog writers prefer to write these list posts because they are easy to write, easy to read, and give maximum opportunity for affiliate and sales link placement. However, these posts tend to make all blogs look the same. I logged into my Bloglines account today and found what looked like the same post on all blogs: Top 10 Ways to Balance Your Checkbook. On closer inspection I saw there were differences: Balance Your Checkbook in 10 Easy Ways; Top 10 Steps to a Balanced Checkbook; Ten Moves to a Balanced Checkbook; and Ten Strappy Ways that Move You Towards a Balanced Checkbook (my personal favorite). In an attempt to save the art of blogging I offer blog writers guidance on how to stop writing top 10 list posts.

Pace Yourself

Can't seem to break the numbers habit? Sometimes incremental steps are needed towards achieving a goal. Instead of, Top 10 Ways To Open a Can Without a Can Opener, try, Top Five Ways to Open a Can Without a Can Opener. What are you going to do with the other five ways? Duh, Top Five Ways to Open a Can Without a Can Opener, Part II. The next step would be to use roman numerals (Top V Ways to Open a Can Opener). After that, eliminate numbers all together by using symbols (Top ***** Ways to Open a Can Opener). Soon you will reach your goal of a top 10 list free blog.

Series Posts

Write your top 10 post then break it down into a series. The most important thing to remember is series writing depends upon a good cliffhanger. Let's say you are writing a series entitled Top 10 Ways to Count to 10. You might be able to keep your readers through three, maybe four. After that you need cliffhangers. You plan your cliffhangers at the beginning of your series. Using our current example I would start by using pictures of the fingers of a hand. Each day, one through four, just show the fingers, not the whole hand. At the conclusion of day four bring in your cliffhanger, show a picture of the entire hand ...... with the thumb missing. That will keep your readers coming back. How will he show five? Where can this go? [Note: I wouldn't re-use this tactic for six through nine. Your blog readers are a savvy bunch. Best to move on and use toes.]

Slideshows

If you cannot stop writing top 10 posts then I suggest putting them into a slideshow presentation. Add a few entertaining pictures between the list. Instead of thinking, another top 10 list, your readers will be thinking, why did she put that picture up of her ex-boyfriend wearing devil horns. Were those real devil horns? Did she really date Satan? I wonder how big his hoofs are?

Rubber Bands

Snap yourself with a rubber band anytime you feel the urge to write a top 10 list post. This is an often used self development trick. It is used to snap yourself back into the present. I think it is useful to use a rubber band that has "no more top 10" printed on it. This helps you remember why you are snapping yourself and also keeps you from accidentally slapping yourself with the other self development bands you are wearing. Lucky for you, I am currently running a special which allows you to order a set of two rubber bands for only $6.66. Yes, some of you may think you don't need to buy a special rubber band. True, you can always slap yourself in the face a few times yelling, "no more top 10, no more top 10." However, studies have shown my rubber bands are more effective in helping people stay focused on their goals. Also, if you act now I will throw in an extra pair of rubber bands, plus a special soothing wrist balm.