Understanding Guided Blogging

Introduction to Blog Posts, Blocks, and a Few Best Practices

Custom Posts provide you with the greatest amount of flexibility in how you present your content while Guided Blogging simplifies the process to save you time. There is also added flexibility and configuration options to get the desired outcome.

Be sure to explore all of the supported post types, where to find drafts and published posts, and the role of Marketing Messages.

Creating a Blog Post

To create a blog post, go to Business Blogging > New Blog and then select the type of Blog Post you want to create. In this example, we will create a Custom Post.

Creating an Engaging Custom Blog Post

A Custom Post is composed of a series of sections. The default is one section, but you can add additional sections to your post.

1. Title – Capture Attention & Improve SEO

Your title is critical for readership, social media engagement, and SEO. Keep it clear and simple, but ensure it includes relevant keywords or phrases that will resonate with your audience.

2. Add a Descriptive Section Label

• This appears as a section header in your post.
• Readers can use it as a quick link to jump to sections of interest.

3. Section Content – Text & Imagery

Each section can include text and/or an image:

• Text Content: Use the text editor to format your content with lists, bullet points, or other details. Keep it concise but informative.
• Image/Media: Add a relevant image to complement your content.

Each section has 4 layout options:
✅ Image Right
✅ Image Left
✅ Full-Width Text
✅ Full-Width Image

(You can adjust the layout by clicking the arrows.)

4. Advanced Settings – Optimize Your Post

Every post type allows for customization behind the scenes:

• Schedule a Publish Date – Choose a future date/time to automatically publish your post.
• Meta Description & Share Image – Helps with SEO and social media sharing.
• Categories & Tags – Organize your post for better discoverability. 
• Learn more about Advanced Settings here.

5. Add Enhancements (Optional)

• Add a Gallery – First, create a gallery, then link it to your post. Learn more here: Understanding Photo Galleries.
• Add a Form – First, create a form, then link it here. Learn How to Create & Manage Forms & Form Submissions here. 
• Add a CTA (Call-to-Action) – First, create a CTA, then link it here. Learn How to Create and Manage Calls-to-Action here. 

6. Publish or Save Your Draft

• Click Publish to post immediately (unless a future publish date is set).
• Click Save Draft to continue editing later.

Following these steps will ensure your blog post is well-structured, engaging, and optimized for your audience.

Our Suggested Approach for Quickly Creating a Great Custom Post

Custom Posts offer you flexibility, but we often see a common need to include 2–5 images. Here’s our recommended structure:

1. Start with a Full-Width Image

   • Use the default Content Block to showcase your main image prominently.

2. Add a Full-Width Text Block

   • Introduce your post with key details and context.

3. Alternate Image & Text Blocks

   • Add a block with the image on the right and the accompanying text.
   • Add another block with the image on the left and the accompanying text.
     
     (Note: You can adjust the layout of each section by clicking the arrow in the bottom left-hand corner of the section.)

4. Repeat as Needed

   • Continue adding alternating image and text blocks based on the number of images you have.
   • Adjust text placement by cutting and pasting to ensure a balanced layout.

5. End with a Full-Width Text Block

   • Wrap up your post with a strong conclusion and a clear call-to-action (CTA) to encourage engagement.

Following this structure will help create a visually engaging and well-organized Custom Post.