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List posts are among the most popular articles on the web. Headlines such as, “3 Ways to Improve Your Life” receive nearly twice as many clicks as one that reads, “Improve Your Life.”

List posts can also be pretty quick and easy to put together. Here are five ideas to get you started:

• 5 Books That Have Changed Your Life
• 3 Great (or terrible) Dates
• 6 Best Television Shows
• 7 Dumbest Things Ever Said To You
• 4 Favorite Websites

Get started making your list posts now… you could also try tagging your friends and turn the lists into a meme.

If you use this idea, please link back here to share your site with others.

Popularity: 13% [?]

You know how to do something that other people don’t know how to do. It could be as simple as how to make salsa, or as complicated as how to repair a circuit board.

Pick a skill that you have and walk your readers through the process step-by-step. Remember to use simple terms, and ordered lists to guide your reader. You could also include photographs of each step.

I guarantee that there is someone out there on the net who is wondering how to do exactly what you are good at.

If you write a tutorial post, won’t you link it here so you can teach others?

Popularity: 13% [?]

Think back to your last birthday or anniversary. Did you get any really great gifts? If not recently, think back to the best gift you’ve received. Who gave it to you? What was the occasion? Was there some significance to the gift?

For instance, if you received a beautiful music box, what song did it play? Do you still have it? Post a photo and tell us the story.

Alternatively, what about the WORST gift you have ever received? Did Aunt Edna knit you a yellow fuzzy bunny sweater that was three sizes too big? Did your husband surprise you on your 10th anniversary with a new garbage disposal?

Share your stories with us!

Popularity: 15% [?]

Daniel has a good post giving tips on choosing a blog host. I think his most important point is number 4: Test the Support Service. I personally have had several problems with web hosts in the past, and I have no problem telling you one that you can absolutely avoid at all costs, Virtuoso Net Solutions. You can read more about my problems with them on my website. I can personally recommend hostgator.[1] I have been hosting all of my sites with them for well over a year now and have had NO down time and customer service has been extremely responsive and helpful when I’ve needed to talk to them.

[1] In the interest of full disclosure, that is my affiliate referral link. I have not been compensated to recommend them, but if you do sign up they will pay me.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Have you ever experienced anything “out of the ordinary” or “spooky?” Seen something that you suspect was not of this world? Is your house haunted?

Sharing your stories of paranormal experiences is often a great way to get your readers to interact on your site. Almost everyone has had something happen to them that they just can’t explain.

If you write about one of your creepy experiences, why not link back here to share with other readers?

Popularity: 14% [?]

When you’re sitting down to write on your blog, who are you hoping will read it? If you are hoping to be an all-purpose personal blog that is trying to attract readers from all walks of life, you are likely to be disappointed.

Most people read blogs that speak to them individually. They will choose writers who have a similar background, with similar tastes, hobbies, and opinions. There are a few readers who seek out differing opinions and tastes, but it’s not nearly as common.

Don’t be afraid to play to your audience. If you are writing primarily about your kids and your day-to-day life as a stay-at-home mom, then write as though other SAHM’s are reading. Same with your posts about your hobbies. If you are a knitter, use terminology that other knitters understand. It isn’t necessary to “dumb down” your posts for non-knitters. Chances are, the non-knitters aren’t reading your knitting-related posts. You’re more likely to attract readers who already know what you are describing.

If you are writing mostly political rants or opinions, it is better for you to assume that your primary audience shares most of your opinions. It is not necessary to present a “fair and balanced” point of view. After all, your opinions are almost always biased in one form or another anyway. Stating a firm opinion (especially one that you hold that is different from your peers) is often a way to encourage discussion and debate in your comments.

And isn’t that what you’re looking for on your blog in the first place?

Popularity: 14% [?]

People come to your blog to read your stories, hear your opinions, and catch a “slice of life” look at your world. When writing, make sure you are giving enough information to the reader.

Note the following example of rather non-descriptive text.

My husband and I went to our favorite Thai restaurant tonight. I had a green curry. Hubby had the pad thai.

Versus:

My husband and I went to our favorite Thai restaurant, Siam, in the art district tonight. It’s a cute place with a giant elephant fountain in the entryway and a decor straight out of “The King and I.” I tried the green curry with chicken and basil. Yummy. Hubby had the pad thai. He said it had “just the right amount of sweet peanut sauce and spicy chili.”

Clearly, the second paragraph is more entertaining and enjoyable to read.

Popularity: 14% [?]

There is a comedy gold mine in writing about bad first date experiences. Think about the dreadful, lame, and horrific experiences you’ve had while looking for Mr or Miss Right. Where did the date go wrong? Was it the person? The place? Other outside influences?

Tell us about how you met, where you went, what special things were planned? Then tell us when in the evening you expected Lucy and Ethel to arrive to announce that there had been some misunderstanding. Did you look around hoping you were being Punk’d?

How did the date end? Was there a trip to the Emergency Room involved?

We want to hear your stories, so link them up and share the laughs!

Popularity: 11% [?]