Unleashing Creativity: Innovative Blog Post Formats for Captivating Content

Table of Contents

Best Blog Post Formats – Get Creative With Your Blog

When it comes to content creation, thinking outside the box is essential to captivate your audience and stand out from the competition.

In this article, we will explore the world of innovative blog post formats that go beyond the traditional article format.

By unleashing your creativity, you can engage your readers in new and exciting ways, ultimately leading to more traffic, shares, and conversions.

So, let’s dive into the realm of alternative blog post formats and discover how they can transform your content strategy.

1. Listicles

What are listicles?

A listicle is a type of blog post that presents information in the form of a list. It combines the elements of a traditional article with the ease of reading and skimming that comes with a list.

Listicles often have catchy titles and each point is typically concise, making it easy for readers to understand and remember.

Advantages of using listicles

Using listicles in your blog posts can bring several benefits.

Firstly, listicles are incredibly popular because they present information in a digestible and easily scannable format. People tend to have shorter attention spans nowadays, so listicles allow them to quickly gather information without feeling overwhelmed.

Secondly, listicles can increase the readability and accessibility of your content. By presenting information in a visually appealing, organized list, you make it easier for readers to navigate through your article. This can result in better user experience and higher engagement rates.

Lastly, listicles are highly shareable. Their concise and easy-to-digest format makes them perfect for social media sharing. When your readers find value in your listicle, they are more likely to share it with their own networks, which can expand the reach of your content.

How to create engaging listicles

To create engaging listicles, you should consider the following tips:

Choose a compelling topic: Select a topic that is relevant to your target audience and has the potential to spark their interest. Think about what kind of information or solution your readers are seeking.
Craft an attention-grabbing title: A catchy and descriptive title is crucial for grabbing readers’ attention. Use strong action words, numbers, and emotional triggers to make your listicle stand out.
Organize your points logically: Make sure your listicle flows smoothly from one point to another. Arrange your points in a logical order that allows readers to follow the progression easily.
Use engaging visuals: Incorporate relevant images, infographics, or GIFs to make your listicle visually appealing and enhance the reader’s experience. Visual elements can also help convey information more effectively.
Provide valuable insights: Each point in your listicle should provide valuable information or actionable insights that readers can apply in their own lives. Avoid fluff or filler content and focus on delivering substance.
Maintain a conversational tone: Write your listicle in a conversational tone to make it more relatable and enjoyable to read. Avoid using overly technical language or jargon that might alienate your audience.

By following these tips, you can create compelling listicles that captivate your audience and keep them coming back for more.

2. Infographics

Importance of infographics in blog posts

Infographics are powerful visual tools that can enhance the impact of your blog posts.

They combine graphics, charts, and textual information to present complex data or concepts in a visually appealing and easily understandable format.

Infographics can help simplify complicated topics and make them more accessible to a wider audience.

Using infographics in your blog posts can significantly increase engagement and sharing.

Visual content tends to attract more attention and is more likely to be shared on social media platforms. By incorporating infographics, you can make your content more eye-catching and shareable, thus increasing its reach and potential impact.

How to design visually appealing infographics

Creating visually appealing infographics requires careful design considerations. Here are some tips to help you design effective infographics:

Choose a clean and concise layout: Keep the design simple and uncluttered. Use a clear hierarchy of information with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability.
Select an appropriate color scheme: Use a color scheme that aligns with your brand identity and evokes the desired emotions. Ensure good contrast between the text and background colors for readability.
Use visuals and icons: Incorporate relevant visuals, icons, and illustrations to support your content. Make sure they are high-quality, visually appealing, and consistent with the overall theme of your infographic.
Present information in bite-sized chunks: Break down complex information into digestible chunks. Use concise text and bullet points to convey key points effectively. Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive text.
Utilize data visualizations: If your infographic includes data, use charts, graphs, and other data visualization techniques to present the information in a visually engaging and easy-to-understand manner.
Add branding elements: Include your blog or website logo, URL, and social media handles on the infographic to increase brand recognition and encourage sharing.

Tools for creating infographics

There are several tools available to create compelling infographics even if you don’t have extensive design experience.

Some popular options include Canva, Piktochart, Venngage, and Adobe Illustrator.

These tools offer pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and a wide range of design elements to choose from. Experiment with different tools to find the one that best suits your needs and design preferences.

By utilizing infographics effectively in your blog posts, you can enhance the visual appeal of your content, simplify complex information, and increase engagement with your audience.

3. Video Blogs (Vlogs)

Why video blogs are popular

Video blogs, or vlogs, have risen in popularity due to their ability to engage viewers in a more dynamic and interactive manner.

Unlike written blogs, vlogs allow you to convey your message through visuals, facial expressions, tone of voice, and even background music.

This immersive approach captures and retains the viewer’s attention more effectively, leading to increased engagement and brand loyalty.

In addition, video content is highly shareable on social media platforms, making it easier to reach a wider audience. This presents an opportunity for your blog to gain more visibility and attract new readers.

Equipment and software for vlogging

Creating engaging vlogs requires some essential equipment and software. Here are the key elements you’ll need:

Camera: Invest in a high-quality camera that can capture clear and sharp footage. Consider using a DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera with good video capabilities. If you’re on a budget, smartphones with high-resolution cameras can also produce decent video quality.
Microphone: Clear audio is crucial for a quality vlog. Consider using an external microphone, such as a lavalier or shotgun microphone, to capture high-quality sound and reduce background noise.
Tripod or stabilizer: To ensure stable footage, use a tripod or a handheld stabilizer. This will minimize shaky footage and create a more professional look.
Video editing software: After recording your vlog, you’ll need video editing software to enhance the footage, add transitions, and incorporate other effects. Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, and DaVinci Resolve.
Lighting equipment: Good lighting can significantly improve the visual quality of your vlogs. Invest in studio lights or use natural light to ensure well-lit shots.

Tips for creating engaging video blogs

To create engaging video blogs, consider the following tips:

Plan and script your content: Before filming, outline the main points you want to cover and create a script or outline to guide your delivery. This will help you stay focused and deliver your message more effectively.
Be authentic and personable: Let your personality shine through. Be relatable, genuine, and approachable in your vlogs. This will help to build a connection with your audience and keep them coming back for more.
Utilize storytelling techniques: Craft a narrative that engages your viewers and keeps them interested throughout the video. Introduce a problem or conflict, provide a solution, and create a sense of resolution. Storytelling can make your vlogs more memorable and impactful.
Keep it concise: Attention spans are short, so aim to keep your vlogs concise. Focus on delivering your message efficiently and avoid unnecessary tangents or lengthy explanations.
Edit effectively: Use video editing software to enhance the visual and audio quality of your vlog. Cut out any mistakes or dull moments, add appropriate music or sound effects, and use transitions to create a smooth flow.

By incorporating vlogs into your blog posts, you can create more engaging and dynamic content that resonates with your audience and strengthens your brand’s presence.

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4. Interviews

Benefits of conducting interviews for blog posts

Conducting interviews for your blog posts can bring numerous benefits both for you as a content creator and for your audience. Here are some key advantages:

Expert insights: Interviews allow you to tap into the knowledge and expertise of professionals or thought leaders in your industry. By sharing their insights, you provide valuable information that can enrich your content and establish your blog as an authoritative source.
Credibility and trust: Including interviews with experts in your blog posts can enhance your credibility and build trust with your audience. When they see that you are seeking input from knowledgeable individuals, they are more likely to trust the information you provide.
Increased engagement: Interview blog posts often generate high engagement levels, as readers are eager to learn from industry experts or hear personal stories. The inclusion of interviews can spark conversations in the comments section and encourage readers to share their own thoughts and experiences.

Choosing the right interviewees

Selecting the right interviewees is crucial to ensure the success of your interview blog posts. Consider the following factors when choosing interviewees:

Relevance: Seek out individuals whose expertise or experiences align with your blog’s niche and target audience. Their insights should be relevant and valuable to your readers.
Authority and credibility: Look for interviewees who are recognized as experts in their field, have a strong track record, and are respected by others in the industry. Their credentials and reputation will add weight to your content.
Diversity: Aim to include a diverse range of interviewees. This diversity can encompass different perspectives, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. It enriches the content and provides a well-rounded view of the topic.
Accessible and willing: Consider whether the interviewee is accessible and open to participating in an interview. Some individuals may be more willing to share their insights than others. Reach out to them and gauge their interest before finalizing your interview.

Tips for successful interview blog posts

To ensure your interview blog posts are successful, follow these tips:

Prepare thoughtful questions: Thoroughly research your interviewee and their work to create well-informed and relevant questions. This shows your interviewee that you value their expertise and helps guide the conversation.
Conduct a pre-interview discussion: Prior to the formal interview, have a brief discussion with your interviewee to establish rapport and clarify the interview’s objectives. This builds a connection and helps both parties feel more comfortable during the interview.
Be an active listener: During the interview, actively listen to your interviewee’s responses and ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into the topic. This demonstrates your interest and helps facilitate a more engaging conversation.
Edit for clarity and flow: After the interview, edit the content for clarity and flow. Remove any unnecessary or repetitive sections and ensure that the interview provides a cohesive narrative. Add introductions and transitions to enhance readability.
Attribute and credit appropriately: Clearly attribute the interviewee’s quotes and ideas to give them proper credit. Include their name, title, and any relevant affiliations to build credibility and recognition.

By incorporating interviews into your blog posts, you can tap into expert insights, increase engagement, and enhance the credibility of your content.

5. How-To Guides

Why how-to guides are effective

How-to guides are highly effective in blog posts because they provide readers with practical knowledge and actionable steps to achieve a specific goal or complete a task.

Here are some reasons why how-to guides are popular:

Value and utility: How-to guides offer immediate value to readers by addressing their specific needs or problems. They provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, empowering readers to take action and accomplish their goals.
SEO benefits: How-to guides often perform well in search engine rankings because they target specific keywords or long-tail phrases that people search for when seeking guidance. Optimizing your how-to guides for SEO can attract organic traffic to your blog.
Shareability: Practical and informative how-to guides are highly shareable. When readers find a guide that solves their problem or provides valuable insights, they are more likely to share it with others, expanding the reach of your content.

Structuring a step-by-step guide

To create an effective step-by-step how-to guide, structure your content in the following format:

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction that clearly states the topic of the guide and sets expectations for the reader. Explain the benefits they will gain by following the guide.
Materials or prerequisites: If applicable, list any materials or prerequisites needed to complete the task. This helps readers gather everything necessary before diving into the steps.
Step-by-step instructions: Break down the process into clear and concise steps. Number each step and provide detailed explanations, including screenshots or visuals if beneficial. Use headings and subheadings to help readers navigate easily.
Troubleshooting tips: Anticipate common challenges or questions readers may encounter along the way and provide troubleshooting tips or solutions. This demonstrates your expertise and helps readers overcome obstacles.
Conclusion: Summarize the steps and emphasize the benefits readers will achieve by following the guide. Encourage them to take action and provide contact information or a call to action if they have further questions or need assistance.

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Creating visually appealing how-to guides

Design plays a crucial role in creating visually appealing how-to guides. Consider the following tips to enhance the visual appeal of your guides:

Use clear headings and subheadings: Breaking down your guide with clear headings and subheadings helps readers skim through the content and find the information they need quickly. Use a clear hierarchy to improve readability.
Utilize bullet points and numbered lists: Bullet points and numbered lists make your content easier to scan and digest. Use them to present key steps, tips, or important information.
Include visuals: Incorporate relevant images, screenshots, or diagrams to illustrate each step or clarify specific points. Visuals enhance understanding and make your guide more engaging.
Apply consistent branding: Use your blog’s branding elements, such as your logo, color scheme, and fonts, throughout the guide. This creates a cohesive visual identity and reinforces your brand recognition.
Consider formatting and white space: Pay attention to the overall layout and spacing of your guide. Well-structured paragraphs, ample white space, and a good balance between text and visuals help prevent overwhelming the reader and improve readability.

By creating informative and visually appealing how-to guides, you can provide value to your readers, boost your search engine rankings, and establish yourself as a reliable resource in your niche.

6. Case Studies

Importance of case studies in blog posts

Case studies provide real-life examples and in-depth analysis, making them an important component of blog posts.

They help readers understand how a certain approach, strategy, or solution can be applied in practice and the potential outcomes.

Including case studies in your blog posts offers several benefits:

Credibility and proof: By presenting real-world examples, case studies add credibility to your content. They provide evidence that your ideas or strategies have been successfully implemented and can be trusted by your audience.
Problem-solving and inspiration: Case studies offer practical insights and solutions that readers can apply to their own situations. They provide inspiration and guidance for overcoming challenges or achieving desired outcomes.
Education and learning: Case studies allow readers to learn from others’ experiences and mistakes. By analyzing the data and lessons in a case study, readers can gain new knowledge and insights.

Choosing relevant case studies

To ensure the relevance and effectiveness of your case studies, consider these factors when choosing which ones to include:

Alignment with your audience’s interests: Select case studies that align with the interests and needs of your target audience. Consider the demographics, industry, or specific challenges your readers may face.
Variety and diversity: Include a mix of case studies to showcase different industries, company sizes, or geographical locations. This diversity adds depth to your content and helps readers relate to the scenarios presented.
Success stories: Choose case studies that highlight success stories or impressive results. Positive examples can inspire and motivate readers, showing them the potential of implementing certain strategies or approaches.
Relevance to your blog post topic: Ensure that the case study is directly related to the main topic of your blog post. The insights and examples should support and enrich the content, enhancing the reader’s understanding.

Analyzing and presenting case study data

When presenting case study data in your blog posts, follow these guidelines for effective analysis and presentation:

Summarize the key problem or challenge: Start by summarizing the primary problem or challenge the organization faced. Clearly state why it was significant and what prompted the need for a solution.
Describe the approach or strategy: Provide an overview of the approach taken or strategy implemented to address the problem. Explain why the chosen approach was considered the most effective or suitable.
Present the data and outcomes: Use visuals such as graphs, charts, or tables to present the data and outcomes of the case study. Include relevant metrics, percentages, or comparisons to demonstrate the impact of the approach.
Analyze the results: Interpret the data and analyze the results of the case study. Discuss the positive outcomes, benefits, or improvements achieved as a result of the implemented strategy. Highlight any challenges or limitations encountered along the way.
Extract key lessons and insights: Summarize the key lessons learned from the case study and highlight any actionable insights that readers can apply to their own situations. This helps readers gain valuable knowledge from the study.

By including relevant and well-analyzed case studies in your blog posts, you can provide readers with practical insights, strengthen your content’s credibility, and inspire them to take action in their own endeavors.

7. Interactive Content

Types of interactive content for blog posts

Interactive content is a powerful tool to engage readers and encourage active participation. Here are some popular types of interactive content you can incorporate into your blog posts:

Quizzes: Create interactive quizzes that allow readers to test their knowledge or assess their skills. Include multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, or fill-in-the-blank exercises to make it engaging.
Polls and surveys: Use polls or surveys to gather opinions or feedback from your readers. Ask questions related to your blog post topic or gather insights on their preferences and interests.
Interactive infographics: Enhance the visual appeal of your infographics by making them interactive. Allow readers to hover over specific elements to reveal more information or provide clickable links for further exploration.
Calculators or tools: If your blog post requires calculations or estimations, create interactive calculators or tools that enable readers to input data and obtain instant results. This can be valuable for financial, fitness, or planning topics.

Creating interactive quizzes, polls, and surveys

To create interactive quizzes, polls, and surveys for your blog posts, consider the following tips:

Define your goals and objectives: Determine the purpose of your interactive content. Are you aiming to educate, entertain, or gather feedback? Clarifying your goals helps guide the design and structure of your quizzes, polls, or surveys.
Use a user-friendly platform: Choose a reliable and user-friendly platform or plugin to create your interactive content. Many online tools and platforms provide templates and customization options to simplify the process.
Keep it relevant and concise: Focus on questions or topics that are directly related to your blog post and target audience. Avoid overwhelming readers with lengthy quizzes or polls. Keep them concise and easy to complete.
Provide feedback or results: For quizzes, offer instant feedback or display the results upon completion. This adds interactivity and gamification, providing a more engaging experience for readers.
Analyze and leverage the data: Collect and analyze the data gathered from interactive content such as polls or surveys. Use the insights to inform future blog posts or tailor your content to better meet your readers’ needs.

By incorporating interactive content into your blog posts, you can actively involve your readers, spark discussions, and create an interactive experience that sets your blog apart.

8. Personal Stories

The power of personal stories in blog posts

Personal stories are a compelling way to connect with your audience on a deeper level. By sharing your own experiences, struggles, triumphs, or lessons learned, you can inspire, educate, and emotionally engage your readers.

Personal stories have the power to create an emotional connection that resonates with your audience and sets your blog apart.

Crafting compelling narratives

Crafting compelling narratives requires thoughtful storytelling techniques. Consider the following tips when incorporating personal stories into your blog posts:

Define a clear purpose: Determine the purpose of sharing your personal story. Is it to provide inspiration, offer a relatable example, or emphasize a particular point? Clarify your message before crafting the narrative.
Structure your story: Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that sets the scene and hooks the reader. Develop a coherent and structured storyline, including key milestones or turning points. Conclude with a thought-provoking or empowering message.
Be authentic and vulnerable: Share your personal story authentically, including both the highs and lows. Be open and vulnerable about your experiences, as this makes your story more relatable and compelling.
Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture with your words. Use descriptive language to engage the reader’s senses and create a more immersive experience. This helps bring your story to life and enhances emotional connections.
Reflect and provide insights: After sharing your personal story, reflect on the lessons learned or insights gained from the experience. Tie these insights back to the main theme or topic of your blog post, providing valuable takeaways for your readers.

Establishing emotional connections with readers

To establish emotional connections with your readers through personal stories, consider the following approaches:

Evoke emotions: Use storytelling techniques such as vivid descriptions, relatable situations, or emotional anecdotes to evoke specific emotions in your readers. This helps them form a deeper connection with your story.
Show vulnerability: Share your vulnerabilities, struggles, or personal growth moments. When readers see your authenticity and relate to your journey, they are more likely to empathize and engage with your content.
Incorporate relatable elements: Include details or experiences that are relatable to your target audience. This helps readers see themselves in your story, fostering a sense of shared experiences and understanding.
Encourage interaction: Encourage readers to share their own stories or experiences in the comments section. This creates a sense of community and fosters further engagement with your content.

By incorporating personal stories into your blog posts, you can create deeper connections with your audience, foster empathy, and inspire them to take action or reflect on their own experiences.

9. Product Reviews

Why product reviews are valuable for readers

Product reviews play an essential role in helping readers make informed purchasing decisions.

They provide valuable insights into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of a product, helping readers evaluate whether it aligns with their needs or preferences. Here are key reasons why product reviews are valuable:

Authentic user experiences: Product reviews often come from real users who have personal experiences with the product. This authenticity helps readers determine whether the product will fulfill their expectations and perform as advertised.
Comparisons and alternatives: Reviews often compare different products or suggest alternatives, helping readers assess the pros and cons of each option. This saves them time and effort in researching and comparing products themselves.
Identifying strengths and weaknesses: By highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of a product, reviews provide a balanced and comprehensive view. This enables readers to make a more informed decision and potentially avoid purchasing unsuitable products.

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Writing honest and informative product reviews

When writing product reviews, it’s important to prioritize honesty and informativeness. Follow these guidelines to create valuable reviews:

Thoroughly test the product: Use the product extensively or give it a fair trial to understand its features, functionalities, and overall performance. This allows you to provide an accurate and comprehensive review.
Be objective and balanced: Present both the positive and negative aspects of the product in a fair and unbiased manner. Readers value honest reviews that weigh the pros and cons without excessive bias.
Focus on relevant features: Highlight the features that are important to your target audience. Consider the needs and preferences of your readers when discussing the different aspects of the product.
Include personal experiences and anecdotes: Share personal anecdotes or specific experiences to support your review. This helps readers relate to your perspective and adds credibility to your insights.
Provide clear recommendations: Summarize your review with a clear recommendation or conclusion. State who would benefit the most from the product and any specific use cases it excels in.

Utilizing affiliate marketing in product reviews

Affiliate marketing can be integrated into product reviews to monetize your blog. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

Join affiliate programs: Sign up for relevant affiliate programs offered by companies that align with your blog’s niche. Research reputable and trustworthy affiliate networks or individual affiliate programs.
Disclose affiliate partnerships: Ethically disclose your affiliate partnerships to your readers. Make it clear that you may earn a commission if they make a purchase through your affiliate links. Transparent disclosure builds trust with your audience.
Use affiliate links strategically: Place your affiliate links strategically throughout your review, such as in product names, images, or call-to-action buttons. Ensure they blend naturally into the content without being overly promotional.
Prioritize transparency and honesty: Maintain the integrity of your reviews by prioritizing honesty and transparency. Provide genuine recommendations based on your experience and never promote products solely for the purpose of earning commissions.
Track and optimize performance: Monitor the performance of your affiliate links and track conversions. Analyze which products resonate well with your audience and optimize your content accordingly. Keep your product recommendations up to date.

By writing honest and informative product reviews while implementing ethical affiliate marketing practices, you can provide valuable insights to your readers and generate revenue for your blog.

10. Guest Posts

Benefits of accepting guest posts

Accepting guest posts on your blog offers several benefits:

Diverse perspectives and expertise: Guest posts bring fresh perspectives and expertise from other writers or industry professionals. This variety adds depth to your content and exposes your readers to different viewpoints.
Time and resource management: Accepting guest posts can help alleviate the workload on your end. Instead of constantly producing content, you can focus on other aspects of your blog’s growth while benefitting from the contributions of guest authors.
Expanding your network and reach: Collaborating with guest authors allows you to tap into their existing audience and expand your blog’s reach. When guest authors promote their published posts, it attracts their audience to your blog, potentially increasing readership and engagement.

Guidelines for accepting guest posts

Establishing clear guidelines for accepting guest posts is crucial to maintain the quality and relevance of your blog. Consider the following guidelines:

Determine your target audience and niche: Clearly define the focus and topics that align with your blog’s niche and target audience. This helps guest authors understand what type of content is suitable for your blog.
Specify content requirements: Outline specific content requirements such as word count, formatting, and style. Clearly communicate any expectations regarding visuals, research, or evidence-based information.
Set editorial standards: Define your blog’s editorial standards, including grammar, language, and ethical guidelines. Clearly communicate what is acceptable and what is not within your blog’s published content.
Review guest author credentials: Assess the expertise and credibility of potential guest authors. Request writing samples or links to their previous work to ensure the quality aligns with your expectations.
Provide a submission process: Establish a clear submission process for guest authors to follow. Specify the preferred file formats, methods of submission, and any additional information required.

Promoting guest posts effectively

To effectively promote guest posts and maximize their impact, consider these strategies:

Create an author bio: Include an author bio at the end of each guest post, allowing the author to introduce themselves and provide links to their website, social media profiles, or other published works. This helps promote the guest author’s personal brand while driving traffic back to their own platforms.
Share on social media channels: Promote guest posts on your blog’s social media accounts to increase visibility. Create engaging captions and tag the guest author’s handles to encourage them and their followers to share the post.
Include internal links: Incorporate internal links within the guest post to other relevant content on your blog. This encourages readers to explore more of your content while increasing the average time spent on your website.
Collaborate with guest authors: Foster a positive relationship with guest authors by actively engaging with them and their work. Share their content or participate in collaboration opportunities such as joint webinars or podcasts. This builds lasting connections and opens doors for future collaborations.
Highlight guest posts in newsletters: Include guest posts in your regular newsletters to notify your subscribers of new content. Provide a preview or teaser to pique their interest and encourage them to click through to read the full post.

By accepting guest posts and implementing effective promotion strategies, you can leverage the expertise of others, expand your blog’s reach, and create valuable collaborations within your industry.

Overall, diversifying your blog post formats allows you to engage your readers in new and exciting ways. Whether it’s through listicles, infographics, vlogs, interviews, how-to guides, case studies, interactive content, personal stories, product reviews, or guest posts, each format offers unique advantages and opportunities for creating captivating content. Experiment with different formats and find the ones that resonate with your audience the most, and remember to provide valuable and insightful content that keeps your readers coming back for more. Happy blogging!