Get insider tips to engage your readers from start to finish when writing a health blog post.
In this article:
We’ve all been there — facing an unfamiliar health concern, whether it's an unexplained fever or an upset stomach that persists for a few days.
When these situations arise, it's common to turn to Dr. Google for answers.* In fact, over 1 billion health questions are searched on Google every single day! This means millions of people are seeking health information online.
This also means having reputable blogs on your website can benefit your health and wellness brand. And if your health blog isn't hitting the mark, you might be missing out on a significant portion of this audience.
So, how can you ensure your blog stands out? Here are 14 tips to craft top-notch health content from square one:
1. Choose a focused topic
The foundation of any great blog is a strong topic. Don’t just write about “health” or “nutrition” broadly. These massive categories are too overwhelming.
Instead, drill down to a specific, well-defined area. For example, “intermittent fasting for beginners” or “calorie counting mistakes” are precise enough to create an authoritative, meaningful article.
A focused topic:
Provides solutions for a health challenge
Addresses a common health question or frustration
Targets a particular demographic (busy moms, runners)
Focuses on a defined health goal (lowering blood pressure)
Aim for topics you’re genuinely interested in because your passion will come through. Look at trending searches and keywords to find "gaps" your content could fill.
Just remember - the more focused your concept, the easier it will be to research, outline, and fully cover as a blog.
2. Conduct rigorous health research
This is a big one! You want readers to trust you as a credible source. That means backing up claims with ample research and data from reputable health organizations and peer-reviewed journals.
Aim for at least 5-10 quality sources on your specific topic. Gather more sources than you’ll actually reference so you can select the most relevant, timely, and accurate ones.
Sift through studies and evaluate the evidence. Pay attention to limitations and disagreements between findings. Then, synthesize the findings into key takeaways digestible for everyday readers. And don’t forget to cite your sources clearly when presenting statistics, expert opinions, clinical studies, etc.
When you include rigorous research in your blog, you demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based information readers can depend on.
3. Craft an SEO-optimized headline
Your headline makes the all-important first impression. Spend time perfecting a title that piques interest and ranks well with search engines.
Incorporate keywords and phrases readers are likely searching for. For example: “Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss.”
Aim for titles between 50-60 characters so they don’t get cut off in search listings.
Bonus tip: Also, craft a meta description of about 155 characters that summarizes the post using keywords.
An irresistible title and an informative meta description will entice readers and help boost SEO and your ranking.
4. Hook readers in the introduction
The opening paragraph is prime real estate. Use it to capture attention right out of the gate.
Try starting with:
An analogy
A quote from an expert or study
A compelling statistic or surprising fact
A rhetorical question the post will answer
A controversial or bold statement to spark interest
A relatable anecdote illustrating a common problem
You only have seconds to hook readers before they click away. The stronger your introduction, the better your chances they’ll stick around.
5. Use subheaders to organize content
On-page SEO and scannability can make or break your health blog post. Break up walls of text using descriptive subheaders, bullet points, and numbered lists.
This article about “Why Every Health and Wellness Brand Needs a Blog” is an excellent example of how to organize your content.
Subsections help guide readers and allow them to skip to the parts they’re interested in.
Headings mixed with short paragraphs increase readability while highlighting key themes and terms for search.
6. Simplify complex concepts
Don’t leave readers baffled by complex health processes or advanced terminology. Explain in simple language they can understand.
Analogies, examples, and anecdotes can help convey intricate medical concepts in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Define any technical health terms you use with plain language descriptions.
For example, compare immune cells to soldiers defending a castle. Use a relatable story about losing weight through small changes over time.
Bottom line: Meet readers at their level with easy-to-grasp explanations. You can cover sophisticated topics without losing them in the details.
7. Write conversationally
Strive for the engaging tone of talking with a friend versus a dry textbook. Use conversational language and address readers directly with “you.”
For example: “If you experience symptoms like..., schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.”
Avoid overly formal words like “utilize” or “individuals.” Write simply as if speaking and use active voice.
Using “you” helps readers form a connection, and they become actively involved in the content.
8. Share actionable takeaways
Offer next steps to apply your advice. That way, you present information to your readers with follow-through.
Share tips framed positively in terms of adding or doing versus restricting. For example:
Add turmeric to meals
Do light stretches after sitting
Drink a glass of water before eating
Prioritize very specific, realistic suggestions readers can incorporate into daily routines. Avoid proposing dramatic overhauls unlikely to stick. Gradual, lasting change is the goal.
Give readers tangible ways to use your guidance to better their health.
9. Link out to authoritative resources
You’d be surprised to see how often health writers overlook this crucial step. Hyperlinking to original research sources, government health sites, and medical organizations boosts credibility.
Readers can verify facts and dive deeper if they desire. However, include a brief description so they understand where the link leads without having to click.
For instance: “A 2021 review found that while some dairy products might help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, others don’t seem to have the same effect.” Note how the link to the study is included in the example.
Backing up assertions shows transparency and allows readers to be informed consumers of health information.
10. Use inclusive language
Try to ensure your language represents all identities and doesn’t exclude groups. For example, say:
“Humankind” instead of “mankind"
“Seniors or elderly adults” vs. “old people”
“People with schizophrenia” not “the schizophrenics”
Language evolves. Do your due diligence to avoid marginalizing swaths of readers. Show you’re compassionate about all backgrounds.
11. Enhance readability
Reading should flow smoothly, and your readers should be able to understand what you wrote the first time they read it.
Use the following formatting techniques to ease cognitive load:
Subheaders to break up text
Short sentences in plain language
Ample white space and paragraph breaks
Numbered or bulleted lists when applicable
Bold or italicized text to emphasize key points
Relevant, high-quality images, infographics, and videos
Remove unnecessary complex details. Make your text skimmable by highlighting the main points.
12. Recap and conclude with a CTA
End your post with clear, concise takeaways. Recap the key benefits your audience gained from reading the full blog post.
A call-to-action (CTA) based on what you want them to think, feel, or do after reading is key. Here are CTA examples:
Download our fitness guide
Share which tip resonated most
Sign up for our email newsletter
13. Review for accuracy
Not so fast! Before hitting publish, meticulously edit your post for:
Smooth flow and transitions
Typos and grammatical errors
Proper attribution and citations
Adherence to plain language guidelines
Medical accuracy and clinical soundness
Relevancy and completeness of examples
If a sentence sounds like fluff or doesn’t serve a purpose, consider removing it. Read your draft aloud or get a second pair of expert eyes to read over your blog.
As a health writer, you have an obligation to vet content thoroughly. Don’t compromise facts for speed.
14. Perfect and promote your post
Finally, ensure your blog post is optimized with:
Proper tags and categories
Keyword-focused alt text for images
Backlinks from other authority sources
A meta description that generates clicks
Internal links to related posts on your site
Promote your content through social media, email lists, newsletters, and ads. Populating your site with great blogs is only step one. You also have to get it out there!
It’s a wrap!
That wraps up our guide to creating compelling health and wellness blogs from the ground up.
You now have the key steps to create trusted and helpful health content. Stay passionate, let your genuine interest shine through, and keep your tone empowering and conversational. You've got this - now go out there and make an impact!
Looking to write a health blog post that stands out?
With my background as a nurse and health writer, I have the ideal blend of medical knowledge and writing skills to produce engaging, informative content that your readers will love.
Don’t go it alone. Trust The Write RN to handle your blog writing so you can focus on reaching more people. Get in touch now!
*Turning to Dr. Google for a self-diagnosis is not advisable. Health blogs and websites — while convenient — should not replace professional medical opinions. Although it's understandable to want a quick answer, getting advice from a qualified healthcare provider should be the priority when facing a new health issue.