![](/wcm/assets/media/377/banner/75128.jpg")
How to turn your research paper into a blog
Blogs can bring your research to a wider audience and could be a step towards future policy influence. Follow our tips to craft an effective, impactful blog.
Blog writing tips
A good blog expresses an opinion, provides a unique insight or shares new information. It should also be easy to read for non-specialists.
Express an opinion – don’t sit on the fence
The best opinion pieces challenge readers and may make them question their own beliefs. If you have something to say, be bold and say it!
Find a hook
Before you start writing, think about why somebody might be interested in reading this article at this particular time. Link to current issues or forthcoming events.
Write concisely and simply
- Keep your writing brief, simple and to the point for maximum impact
- Your readers won’t be experts so explain complex issues simply, use examples to illustrate points, don’t get too technical and avoid jargon
- Write in short paragraphs
- Spell out acronyms the first time you use one.
Suggested blog structure
The structure of a blog is unlike an academic paper - begin with your key findings and conclusions, and skip the methodology section entirely.
Headline
Summarise your article into one short sentence that conveys your main finding or argument.
The important first paragraph
Start by setting out your main points in one or two sentences. Explain what the article is about and what makes it relevant to your readers. Give them a reason to keep reading.
If you can keep this paragraph to 280 characters or fewer, this makes it easy to share as a Twitter post.
Main body
The next few paragraphs should explain your key findings and arguments.
- You could start with a question, fact, statistic or quote to introduce the subject
- Provide some context – for example, what is the status quo in this area, what do you bring to it that is new?
- Make it clear why this subject matters, or should matter, to your readers
- Explain your core finding, argument or conclusion
- Build your argument, provide details and set out the implications
- Use relevant examples to illustrate your points
- Consider including one to three infographics, charts, tables, or photos (clear and labelled).
Conclusion
Finish by summing up your argument. You could also introduce new ideas and outline your next steps.
Links and bio
Provide a link to your original research article in the body of the text, as well as listing it separately at the end of the blog.
Include a short bio at the end of the blog, with links to your webpage, relevant articles and social media accounts.
Find out more
Read more .