1. Useful but practical information What problem/issue does someone have in their day to day life that you will be able to help with? Solve that dilemma; create a resource full of information tips, links to relevant sites, video, diagrams and tools.

2. A killer headline The most important part of the blog: if it’s catchy they will read on.

3. Scanable text A vast amount of text will put readers off, make it easy to scan through and pick up the main points. Use bullet points, sub heading, images, bold and italics. If you have a lot of info on the topic perhaps break it into a series of posts.

4. Concise, simple Write in a conversation style, no jargon, to your reader rather than down to them. Try to write between 250 and 500 words.

So you won’t get stuck creating content here are examples of the types of blog

• Instructional – how to do something or achieve something
• Informational – simple info on a topic
• Reviews – give fair and insightful opinions
• Lists – “the top 5 ways to...”
• Interviews/Profile – on a company, client etc
• Case Study – client or situation
• Link – finding a quality article or blog on another site and linking to it. Adding your own take on the topic
• Contrast of options – give the for and against
• Rant – let off a bit of steam
• Interaction – a post that involves the reader: perhaps a poll, ask reader for options

And if you get stuck for topic matter try these tools for generating ideas

• Google keyword tool shows the volume of people searching on particular keyword and keyphrases, more popular ones could make great blog post ideas.  
• Ubersuggest uses Google suggest (when Google suggests search ideas while you are typing in the search box).

So time for me to pull my finger out and practice what I preach – bring on the regular blogging. Let me know how you get on.