There is a seemingly endless repertoire of blog post types and formats – some more effective than others. So, what are these different blog post types and is there a particular ‘fan favorite’ for the modern consumer? Which tends to get the most traffic and shares? Read on and let’s find out…
The different types of blog post
Again, there are so many types and formats to choose from so do let us know in the comments if we’ve missed any. In any case, here’s a load to sink your teeth into:
- Listicles: e.g., “Top 10 reasons to wear a helmet while riding a BMX”.
- How-to blogs: e.g., “How to convince your friend to stop wearing flip flops to nightclubs.”
- Review posts: e.g., “The pros and cons of hiring an SEO agency in Dubai.”
- Cornerstone / ultimate guides: e.g., “Everything you need to know about starting a small business in the UAE.”
- Blog series: blog series can span broad subjects, covering each aspect in great depth before moving on to the next post in the process (as opposed to writing one giant long-form post).
- Quotes lists: e.g., “The 100 best quotes about life and love.”
- Round-up posts: Round-up blog posts are a summary of all the top blog websites in a given category; e.g., “The 10 best foodie blogs to follow in 2023”.
- Tools & resources: Similar to round-up blog posts, tools & resources blogs tend to cover multiple gadgets or software, although they can target one specific thing; e.g., “Leading Marketing Tools That Big Brands Are Using To Win the Race” or “The #1 power tool for carpenters.”
- Guest blogs: Guest blogs (or guest posts) are articles that you write and feature on other people’s websites. This is an effective link-building strategy, particularly when posting on high PR websites with significant industry relevance.
- Statistics posts: e.g., “Roughly 70 million new posts are published on WordPress every month.”
- Podcast posts with text: Some marketers will transcribe a podcast episode and upload it as a blog post with the text and video attached.
- Video posts with text: Sometimes blogs will feature experts talking about a given subject in great depth. These can be transcribed and uploaded as blog posts.
- Personal stories: e.g., “A glance into my life one year after giving up alcohol and cigarettes.”
- Evergreen posts: e.g., “How to tie your shoelaces”. – An evergreen post refers to blog content that will always remain true. No future edits will ever need to be made.
- Opinion pieces: e.g., “Why Die Hard is a Christmas movie.”
What are the most popular blog post types?
Each blog post type is popular in its own right. They all have their place. However, there are a select few that stand out from the rest. They are:
- Listicles: Everybody loves a good listicle! The 100 best horror movies of all time? Count me in!
- Statistics: we all love numbers as well. Statistics posts tend to get an awful lot of shares and backlinks from other marketers. Provided your stats are legitimate with well-cited resources, stats blogs can do exceptionally well.
- Cornerstone: Ultimate guide blogs are also incredibly popular. These long-form blogs can be several thousand words long (and often longer) covering a given subject in as much depth as is possible.
- Personal stories: Personal blogs are very popular, particularly in the parenthood arena. “Mummy blogs” are incredibly popular and attract a significant amount of traffic when executed well.
- Guest posts: these are not so much a fan favorite, but they are popular among businesses who are looking to develop a solid backlink profile. Create listicles and statistics blogs for links and shares, and then guest blog on other high PR websites to further enhance your portfolio.
Final thoughts
Blog posts come in a diverse range of formats, catering to varied reader preferences. Informative pieces, like “How-To” guides, provide step-by-step instructions on accomplishing tasks. Listicles compile information into easily digestible lists, making complex topics more approachable.
Opinion pieces express personal viewpoints on subjects, fostering discussion and engagement. Educational posts delve into in-depth explorations of subjects, offering in-depth insights and analysis. Inspirational content shares stories and experiences to motivate and uplift readers.
Reviews evaluate products, services, or experiences, aiding readers’ decision-making. Lifestyle blogs share daily experiences, hobbies, and interests, building personal connections with audiences. Ultimately, the versatility of blog posts ensures a captivating reading experience for all.
Again, every blog post type serves a function. It’s always good to have a broad selection of content on your blog. However, it is definitely worth leaning towards the more popular formats – particularly if you want to attract as many organic links and shares as naturally as possible.
