How To Write a Blog
So, you want to write content for a blog but don't know where to start?
Photo credit: Squarespace
Writing a blog can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never written one before. First, it’s good to remind yourself about what a blog is. A blog is a form of written content that provides information, analysis, or commentary on a specific topic. They are similar to traditional articles but written in a more personable, relatable style, creating deeper connections with the readers.
When it comes to the length of a blog post, aim for around 800 to 1000 words. This is generally the sweet spot for engaging readers and providing enough value on your topic. However, if you have more to say, don't be afraid to stretch it up to 2,000 words, as long as the content adds value and keeps the reader engaged.
This post will cover the following topics to help you out in your blog-writing era:
What to write about
Getting started
Types of blog posts
What to Write About
So you want to write a blog, but don’t know what to write about? Selecting a topic that both excites you, and grabs the attention of your audience is key. Inspiration can come from your own experiences, what’s trending in PR, or even everyday conversations.
Here are some tips to help spark ideas and keep the creativity flowing:
Reflect on your own experiences: Think about challenges you’ve faced, lessons you’ve learned, or achievements in school, internships, or extracurricular activities.
Answer common questions: Consider what other students often ask about PR, internships, networking, or college life, and write a post that provides helpful insights.
Draw inspiration from classes – Reflect on key takeaways from your PR courses or interesting concepts that could be explored further in a blog post.
Share event takeaways: If you attend a PRSSA meeting, industry event, or guest speaker session, recap the experience and highlight key insights.
Engage in industry trends: Stay updated on PR trends, social media updates, and current events to share your perspective on how they impact the field.
Document your growth: Write about your progress in developing PR skills, such as writing press releases, managing social media, or improving networking skills.
Observe real-world PR: Analyze how brands or public figures handle PR situations, crisis communications, or marketing campaigns and share your take on their strategies.
Tap into personal interests: Connect PR with your hobbies, whether it's music, sports, gaming, or fashion, to create content that feels personal and engaging.
Interview peers or professionals: Have a conversation with classmates, professors, or industry professionals and turn their insights into a blog post.
Browse social media & news: Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and PR news sites can spark ideas based on trending discussions in the industry.
Still don’t know what to write about? Don’t worry, here’s a visual way to brainstorm topics that are based on your interests and experiences.
Photo Credit: Mirella Vargas
Getting Started
There are a few key things you should do before you start writing.
First, think about who your audience is. Who are you writing for? What do they care about? Think about their background, interests, and challenges. A great blog resonates with its readers, so knowing your audience is key. If you’re writing for PRess Pass, remember that your main audience should be PR enthusiasts and students.
A key purpose of a blog post should be to increase traffic to your website through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In other words, by writing about key topics and using keywords relevant to your industry and audience, you increase the chances of your blog finding the right audience. "It’s essential to conduct keyword research to identify the terms and phrases your target audience is using to search for products or services like yours," recommends SCORE mentor Adam Torkildson. Additionally, you should include at least three links to credible sources in your post.
You may also look to other blogs for inspiration. Read popular blogs in your niche to see what topics are trending and what writing styles engage readers. The goal isn’t to copy, but to gain insight into what makes a blog post appealing to people.
Finally, consider how you’ll structure your blog. The format you choose should align with your topic. Some topics work best as list-based posts, while others are better formatted as a “how-to” guide. In the next section, you’ll explore different types of blog formats to help you decide.
Types of Blog Posts
Choosing the type of blog you want to write is just as important as selecting the topic. Let’s review the types of blog posts you can choose from and their purpose.
1. The “How To” Blog Post:
Think of a time you started a Google search with “how to...”. Whether it’s “how to make Shrimp Alfredo” or “how to start a makeup brand”, people are searching how to do things on Google all the time. And you can help those people by creating a “how to” blog post and sharing your expertise. This type of blog post provides your audience with a step-by-step guide on how to do a task. By sharing your knowledge on the topic and offering a practical solution to a problem, you can help build trust with your audience and strengthen your brand.
A benefit of a “How to” post is its potential to boost website traffic through SEO, as people frequently search for how to do things. It also increases the chances of your blog appearing in Google’s featured content on the first page.
Examples of “How To” blog post titles:
How to Build Your Network as a Student
How to Write a Blog
How to Land That Internship
2. The List-Based or “Listicle” Blog Post:
We all love a good list, whether it’s a ranking of the best binge-worthy shows, must-have skincare, or top cafes in your area. And, guess what? Your readers do too. That’s why list-style blog posts are highly effective.
List posts are exactly what they sound like: a collection of tips, resources, or examples related to a topic your audience cares about. They’re easy to read, super shareable, and informational. There’s no right or wrong number of items to include in your list, but the sweet spot usually falls between five and 10.
List-based posts can also be a great way to subtly pitch your product or service. For example, a marketing agency might highlight a problem with a post like “10 Social Media Trends Your Brand Can’t Ignore”. If the agency offers social media services, this type of content grabs the reader’s attention, builds awareness, and naturally leads them to consider the agency as a solution. In doing so, the agency makes it easier to convert readers into customers.
Examples of list-based or “listicle” blog post titles:
Five Things to Know as a New PRSSA Member
Ten Social Media Marketing Trends to Look Out For in 2025
Ten Essential Tools for PR Students
3. The “What Is” Blog Post:
How often do you catch yourself Googling “What is (insert topic here)?” Once a day? Every five minutes?
Sometimes, people just want a quick, straightforward answer, and that’s where a “What is” blog post comes in. It’s your chance to break things down in a simple, clear way while also providing extra details for those who want to dive deeper. Plus, it helps your post rank better on Google, which is a win for you and your readers.
Like the “How to” type of blog, the “What is” blog post can help you increase your website traffic through SEO. You can easily switch it up for “Who is”, “When is”, or “Why is” posts using the same approach.
Examples of “What is” blog post titles:
What is Brand Identity, and How Do You Build One?
What is PRSSA and How Can One Join?
What is SEO, and Why Is It Important for Your Brand?
4. The “News-Based” Blog Post:
The “news-based” post is the art of leveraging a popular news story to boost your brand’s visibility by inserting your commentary into the discussion. The term took off thanks to David Meerman Scott’s book, “Newsjacking: How to Inject Your Ideas into a Breaking News Story and Generate Tons of Media Coverage”.
There are two ways to approach a “news-based” post:
The Quick Rundown: Cover the breaking news as it happens, keeping your audience updated and in the loop.
The Deep Dive: Analyze what happened after the dust settles and break down what it means for your audience or industry.
You can also do a mix of both. Publish an initial post to report the news, then update it as more details emerge.
One thing to note is if the topic is sensitive or controversial, proceed carefully. How you frame the story can shape public perception of your brand—for better or worse. When in doubt, make sure your take adds value to the discussion, not just clicks.
Examples of “News-based” blog posts:
Brand Values: Target's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy (DEI) Changes and Consumer Trust
Exploring the Personal/Professional Dilemma in the Blake Lively Case
How the economy is Influencing Brand Aesthetics Right Now
5. The Infographic Blog Post:
Infographics are a perfect way to show off your multimedia skills by blending eye-catching designs with text to present information in an engaging and fun way. There are many free tools online such as Canva’s infographic creator, which has an extensive range of templates and illustrations to help you bring your ideas to life.
When creating an infographic blog post, let the graphic do most of the heavy lifting—it should be the star of the show. However, you still need to craft a well-rounded post that introduces the topic, provides context, and includes keywords to boost your post’s SEO. A well-balanced mix of visuals and text keeps your audience engaged while making your content more discoverable online.
Examples of “Infographic” blog posts:
PR vs. Marketing: What’s the Difference? A clear breakdown comparing the roles and goals of PR and marketing in business.
The Psychology Behind Color in Branding – A visual guide on how different colors influence consumer perception and brand identity.
The Evolution of Social Media Branding – A timeline showing how brand identity strategies have changed over the years and key milestones in brand history.
Photo Credit: Mirella Vargas
Mirella Vargas
Public Relations Major, Fall 2025
Mirella Vargas is the Communications Ambassador for PRSSALB.
