Must-Have Pages Every Blog Needs

Creating a successful blog requires more than just writing compelling content; there are pages every blog needs other than a homepage and contact page.

Think about your favorite business. One you purchase from frequently because you trust their products and services.

For me, that would be REI.

Their customer service is excellent. They stand by their products and will accept most returns years later if the product doesn’t perform to the promised standards.

When I look at their website, I see many pages that build on this authority.

Here are just some of REI’s pages.

Pages every blog needs

Homepage
About Us
Contact Page
Subscriber Page
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Resources Page
FAQ Page
Testimonial Page
Write for Us Page
Author Page

Successful Blogs Have Pages Every Blog Needs

Similarly, successful smaller blogs like Nomadic Matt and BikeLockWiki have implemented these strategies and have seen significant growth in their audience and authority.

Nomadic Matt has been around for over a decade, while BikeLockWiki is relatively new.

Every successful business has a website with many pages, adding to their trust and authority in their niche.

Think of a brand you trust.

Now, how many pages do they have?

Go check it out.

The rules are the same for your blog.

If you want to monetize a blog and turn it into a successful business, your website needs to reflect your seriouness and authority in your business.

Successful companies have blogging must-have pages every blog needs.

1. Homepage

Your blog needs a Homepage because it serves as the primary entry point for visitors and provides an overview of the site’s purpose and content.

A well-optimized homepage helps search engines understand the structure and relevance of your blog, contributing to better search rankings.

The homepages I create for my three blogs start with a clear and concise menu structure that includes essential pages like the Homepage, About Page, Contact Page, Subscriber Page, and navigation to the two topics I focus on per niche.

Those are the essential must-have blogging pages.

I organize content into categories to help visitors navigate to relevant posts quickly and with ease.

For example, I have a travel blog focusing on California with three subcategories or pillars.

Often referred to in SEO as silos, a pillar (or a silo) is the same, just a group of content around one specific topic.

I also utilize a well-structured archive page to list posts by date and category, enhancing discoverability.

The homepage should point to navigation to the above-mentioned pages but also link to your privacy policy, terms of service, work with us page, author page, and included a search bar.

An optimized homepage enhances user experience, reduces bounce rates, and directs traffic to other parts of the site, which helps improve overall SEO performance.

Make sure to create a homepage that makes sense for user experience and Google.

2. About Us

The About Us Page is the most fun to write because you have more room to be creative here and let your personality shine.

Describe the reason you started your blog, what you’ve done up to this point, and what inspires you to write your content.

Get niche-specific, tell a story that relates to your niche, and show your audience why they should listen to you.

For example, on my California specific travel blog, I talk about how I rode my bike (not a motorcycle or e-bike, but a bike you have to pedal) from San Francisco to Los Angeles, getting up close and personal with the state of California.

I’ve also lived in California most of my life.

These stories speak to my authority in the California travel niche.

An About Page introduces you or your brand to visitors.

Readers interested in your content will eventually navigate to your About Page to learn more about you.

This page should cover your blog’s mission, the author’s background, and reasons for starting the blog.

Include a brief biography highlighting relevant achievements and expertise.

Clearly outline what visitors can expect from your content.

Sharing your story helps create a personal connection and builds trust with readers.

Using bullet points can make key details easy to read:

Mission Statement: Clearly state your blog’s purpose.
Author Information: Brief bio with professional background.
History: A summary of how and why you started your blog.

3. Contact Us

A Contact Us Page is self-explanatory. It lists where your readers can contact you.

It’s a place where your readers can reach out if they need to.

Having a Contact Page also negates the necessity to have comments turned on, which cuts down on spam.

If readers have a question, just point them to your Contact Page.

You can do this by emailing them a link to your Contact Page and by adding it to your Homepage’s navigation bar, as suggested in the first number on this list, Homepage.

Provide a primary email address so visitors can reach out directly.

Include a contact form to streamline communication and reduce spam. Ensure the form is straightforward with name, email, and message fields.

Other contact methods, such as social media handles, can be beneficial.

An example:

A table can outline contact methods for clarity:

Contact Method Details

Email yourname@domain.com

Contact Form Available on the website for direct messaging

Social Media Links to Flipboard, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.

4. Subscriber Page

Okay, a Subscriber Page may be the most important page! Ha, I keep saying every page is important, and they all are, but a subscriber page is really, really important.

This article is about the pages every blog needs; a Subsciber Page is important for monetization.

It takes a while to build a subscriber list, so start today.

Remember the Lazy Girl mantra:

Social is to grow; email is to profit.
— lazy girl

You can monetize an email list.

Why?

Because when someone gives you access to their inbox, they are already a fan.

Start. Collecting. Emails. Yesterday.

A Subscriber Page invites visitors to join your mailing list. Make it an entire page!

This page should highlight the benefits of subscribing, such as receiving updates and exclusive content.

Include a simple sign-up form asking for essential details like name and email.

Clearly state your privacy policy to reassure subscribers their information is secure.

Outline the benefits of subscribing:

Exclusive Content: Access to special posts and resources.
Regular Updates: Notifications about new blog posts.
Community: Become part of a like-minded community.

You get the gist, make it enticing, like they want to be in this club because when they join, they’ll be treated extra special.

5. Privacy Policy Page

A Privacy Policy Page is crucial for every website, especially if the website collects personal data.

It informs readers or visitors about how their personal information will be used.

Even if personal data isn’t collected directly, tools like Google Analytics use cookies to gather information about visitors’ networks and interactions with your site.

We are all working for Google and handing over everything about ourselves.

The Privacy Policy should ideally include what user data your website collects, how the data is collected, and whether and how the data will be shared, including with whom.

Having a Privacy Policy Page is crucial because it shows visitors that you respect their privacy and are transparent about how their data is used.

There are a ton of Privacy Policy templates you can use on the internet.

two hands at a laptop with a smartphone and a muffin next to it.

6. Terms of Service Page

A Terms of Service (ToS) page outlines the rules visitors must agree to when using your website.

This includes acceptable use, limitations of liability, and any legal disclaimers regarding the content you provide.

A Terms of Service page protects you and your visitors by setting clear boundaries and expectations.

Having a visible ToS page shows that you take your blog seriously, adding to its professional image and trustworthiness.

7. Resources Page

A Resources Page is invaluable for providing readers with valuable tools and references.

For Example, on my travel blog, I have a resources page pinned on my homepage’s navigation bar where I list all the resources that make traveling in California easier, including essential packing lists which include affiliate links.

This helps both me and the reader.

I receive a small commission for anything they purchase through my links.

In return, they receive valuable information from a trusted source who is an expert on travel in California.

Affiliate marketing is a sound and legitimate way to make money from blogging.

This page can feature curated lists of books, software, and online courses that help your audience solve specific problems or enhance their skills.

Including affiliate links in this section can be a strategic way to generate income. There are many ways to monetize a blog, and this is one of them.

For bloggers using WooCommerce, this page can link directly to your shop page.

By categorizing resources and using bold headers, you make it easier for readers to find what they need.

Google AdSense can also be integrated here to generate additional revenue through ads.

A well made Resource Page drives money online and establishes you as a knowledgeable authority in your niche.

Don’t waste this opportunity, and make sure this is one of your essential blogging pages.

8. FAQs Page

Creating a good FAQ Page is niche-dependent, but a great way to come up with one is to listen to your audience and ask them questions.

Keep a running tab of your readers’ FAQs and compile them into a list to be used later on your FAQ page.

Your FAQs Page can answer questions about you as a content creator or about your niche.

Nothing is more frustrating than searching endlessly for answers.

Ensure all your readers’ questions and concerns are addressed on your website’s FAQ page to prevent this frustration for your readers or visitors.

The FAQ Page is the place to answer the most frequently and commonly asked questions, providing clarity and building trust.

This is your opportunity to convince readers to take action by removing doubts and answering questions honestly.

Include calls to action to encourage them to engage further with your site.

9. Testimonial Page

A healthy Testimonial Page carries weight in Google’s and potential reader’s eyes.

Have 50 to 100 testimonials for a product or service you provide that speaks to your authority in your niche.

Start building this page, and over time, you could end up with a lot of testimonials.

Ask readers and your most loyal fans to write a review for a course or product they love.

Customer reviews go a long way and establish trust in your niche.

Leveraging testimonials and a portfolio can significantly boost your blog’s authority.

Create a section showcasing testimonials from satisfied users or successful case studies.

Including detailed descriptions and metrics of how specific tools or services have helped your readers can provide concrete evidence of value.

Where applicable, make sure to link to detailed posts or resource pages.

This builds trust and reinforces your blog’s credibility and provides clear, measurable outcomes for the tools and services you recommend.

10. Write for Us Page

A Submission Guidelines or Work With Us Page is crucial if you want to collaborate with guest bloggers.

You can outline the criteria for guest posts, including the topics you accept and the writing style you prefer.

This page should also list any formatting requirements.

Including a form or email contact for submissions streamlines the process.

If you monetize your blog, this is where you can specify whether you accept posts that promote affiliate products or include ads.

For entrepreneurs, clear guidelines encourage quality contributions, which can improve their site’s authority and attract more visitors.

It also prevents time wasted.

11. Author Page

Creating an Author Page is fun to write, similar to the About Page.

You get to brag about yourself, your talents, and your expertise in your niche.

Go for it!

Brag about why you think you have the authority to write in your niche.

Have separate author pages for all the authors who write for your blog.

An author page is essential for ranking on Google because it helps establish brand and authority by showcasing the content creators’ credentials, expertise, and unique voice.

An author page builds trust with readers and search engines alike by highlighting the author’s background, achievements, and contributions.

It signals to Google that the content is created by knowledgeable and credible individuals, enhancing the overall quality and reliability of the site.

This association with authoritative authors can improve the site’s rankings, increase organic traffic, and strengthen the brand’s reputation.

FAQs

Understanding a blog’s essential pages can significantly enhance engagement and legal compliance.

Each page serves a specific purpose, from landing pages that capture interest to necessary legal disclosures.

What are the essential pages that every blog should include?

You should prioritize creating a landing page, an about page, a contact page, a privacy policy page, and a subscriber page. A privacy policy and a terms of service page are crucial for legal compliance.

What pages do I need on my website?

Homepage
About Us
Contact Page
Subscriber Page
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Resources Page
FAQ Page
Testimonial Page
Write for Us Page
Author Page

How does a blog’s landing page impact reader engagement and retention?

A well-designed landing page grabs readers’ attention and encourages them to explore your content further.

Elements like clear navigation, compelling visuals, and direct calls to action can significantly increase engagement and retention rates.

What are the legal requirements for pages on a blog?

To comply with legal standards, you need to include a privacy policy and terms of service. These pages outline your data collection practices and the rules governing the use of your site. Depending on your niche, you might also need to add disclosures related to affiliate marketing or sponsored content.

What elements are critical for an effective blog page design?

An effective blog page should have a clear title, well-organized content, relevant images, and a comments section to encourage reader interaction. Search bar functionality and related posts can also enhance user experience.

Can you list the main components that should be featured on an aesthetic blog website?

Your blog should include a visually appealing layout, consistent branding, high-quality images, and easy-to-read typography. Integrate social media sharing buttons and ensure your website is mobile-friendly for the best aesthetic and functional experience.

How many pages are recommended for a new blog to start with?

It is advisable to start with at least five main pages. These include a landing page, about page, contact page, blog archive page, and privacy policy. This setup provides a foundational structure that addresses both user needs and legal requirements.

How do people find your blog?

Google search is the most common way people find your blog online, through both paid and organic results. You can use Google Ads to promote your blog for increased visibility. However, to achieve high rankings in organic search results, it’s essential to employ effective SEO strategies.

Wrap Up: Pages Every Blog Needs

We just covered the pages every blog needs in order of importance.

When you set up your blog, complete the first five pages as soon as possible: the Homepage, Contact Page, About Us Page, Subscriber Page, and Privacy Policy Page.

While creating content, work on the other six.

Aim to complete one per week.

Before you know it, you’ll have all the pages every blog needs on your site, adding to your authority and increasing your rankings and traffic.

The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Blogging

Lyrical Host — The fastest hosting platform with the best customer service. I use Lyrical for all three of my blogs. The customer service is amazing and responds within the hour. They never leave me hanging.

Keysearch — This is the best and cheapest Keyword Research Tool. I use it every single day. I would be lost without it. Keysearch may be the number one essential blogging tool.

Link Whisper — interlinking is an essential part of blogging. Link Whisper streamlines this very important but time-consuming practice.

Interact Quiz — the money is in the list. Creating quizzes for your blog is one of the fastest way to grow your email list.

Active Campaign — this is one of the best email marketing platform. I’ve also used Convertkit, but I find Active Campaign more intuitive when creating and sending email campaigns.

Short Pixel — This is a plugin that compresses your images at increasing site speed and load times, essential for ranking.

RankIQ — RankIQ helps bloggers and content creators optimize their posts for search engines by providing AI-driven keyword research and content analysis tools.

Jasper.ai — Increase your content output with AI. I use it every day. It streamlines my blogging process and allows me to create content for three sites.

WP Rocket — Use this caching plugin to speed up your site. If you have Lyrical, you don’t need it. Lyrical provides a free caching plugin with one of their three plans.

Must-Have Pages Every Blog Needs

Pages every blog needs