What makes a post "golden"?
First, a disclaimer: Nothing you can do will turn shit into gold
Now that that is out of the way ...
Start With Interesting Content
Interesting content is something that you would want to read if you came across it on Steemit. Don't try to figure out what's popular, write what you love. Nothing will show quality better than genuine original content about something interesting to you!
Things that are NEVER quality content;
Copy pasted ANYTHING
If it's copied text, images, memes, porn, whatever else, it simply isn't quality. Quality comes from originality! While it's ok to include some clipart or stock photos in your posts, they should be a compliment to your content not the bulk of it.SPAM
Unless it's in a can, nobody likes it. That's not to say you can't advertise yourself or even add some extra monetization to your post by linking your affiliate tags, youtube videos etc ... just don't make it all about trying to get moneyBegging
Don't make content that asks for follows. Only ask for upvotes as part of a quality post.
Use a Compelling Title
Why didn't I put this first? Because the title should point to the content instead of the content trying to follow a title. A compelling title uses words that capture a reader's attention.
Compelling titles are things like
- How to ...
- Have you ever ... ?
- 10 ways to ...
- Delicious ... Make it at Home
Use Photographs!
A sure way to end up a dead fish is to fail to grab reader's attention visually. Without a title photo and at least one other photo in your article, people will just pass it over.
Write Short Lists or Paragraphs With Large Headings
People see a long post and it's "tldr;" (too long didn't read)
So give them headings that they can skim through and short bursts of details to read.
Be Personal!
Steemit is a conversation, people like to know they are talking to a PERSON. So much as I added my photo above and a little about me in my signature below, make sure you personalize your writing.
Give a Call to Action
Ask a question, say something thought provoking, ask for the comment and upvote!
Use ALL FIVE TAGS
Use five relevant to your post tags to get the best exposure over multiple categories!
As always, I Steem for my kids ...
Title photo by Eben Brooks of me. Stock photo from pixabay