Chess.com Best Practices for Bloggers: Tips for Creating Engaging Content

Hello fellow Chess.com bloggers!

First, we’d like to extend a warm welcome to all contributors. Whether you're a seasoned blogger or just starting out, creating great content that resonates with the chess community can be both rewarding and challenging. To help you succeed, we’re sharing some of the best practices we've learned over the years. These guidelines will not only improve the readability of your posts but will also boost engagement with your readers.

Follow Chess.com's Style Guide

A consistent presentation is key to maintaining a professional look for your blogs. Chess.com has a unique style, and following it will make your content feel cohesive with the platform. We recommend reading the article "5 Quick Ways To Write Better On Chess.com" by our editor @PeterDoggers and journalists @Pete and @MikeKlein. Also, don't miss our CEO @Erik's article, "How To Properly Publish A Post," which provides even more detailed guidance.

A great tip: always write your blogs using Chess.com's built-in editor. Copying and pasting from external editors can lead to formatting issues such as inconsistent fonts and awkward paragraph breaks. While it may look fine on your browser, it might not display well on mobile or other platforms.

Have a Great Thumbnail!

Your title and thumbnail are the first impressions your post makes, so make them count! A compelling, relevant thumbnail can draw readers in. Remember, the thumbnail image must be 16:9 in aspect ratio and at least 800x450 pixels. And always ensure you have the rights to any images you use. Good sources for free and beautiful images include Wikimedia Commons and Pixabay. Follow the site’s citation guidelines when using media.

Use an Engaging, SEO-Friendly Title

Your title is crucial for both engagement and search engine optimization (SEO). When crafting a title, make sure it clearly reflects the content of your post while also being intriguing. Consider which keywords potential readers might search for. For example, instead of "The Most Amazing Trick Ever Played," a more searchable and specific title might be "Top Chess Tricks You Need to Know."

Bold Keywords

Bolding keywords can improve the flow of your article and make key points stand out for readers. It's also a helpful tool for boosting your SEO. For instance, if your blog is about Magnus Carlsen, make sure to bold his name or other relevant keywords like chess strategies or opening moves.

Keep It Concise

More content doesn’t necessarily mean better content. Online readers prefer concise writing that gets to the point quickly. Keeping your blog shorter will ensure more people read it to the end, especially those whose first language isn’t English. Focus on delivering clear, valuable insights without overwhelming your audience with too much information.

Add Media to Enhance Your Content

Nobody enjoys reading "walls of text." Incorporating media like images, embedded games, or videos can help break up the text and make your post more engaging. Aim to include media after every few paragraphs to keep the reader’s attention. Chess.com’s editor makes it easy to add media, so use this feature to your advantage!

Enter Chess.com's "Blog of the Month" Contest!

If you're proud of a blog you’ve written, consider submitting it for Chess.com's "Blog of the Month" contest. Whether you win or not, it’s a great way to gain exposure and recognition from the community.

By following these best practices, you'll be well on your way to creating blogs that are not only informative but also enjoyable for your readers. Happy blogging, and thank you for contributing to the Chess.com community!