Uh oh.
Hannah feels stuck.
She has picked a good topic for her next blog post. She’s sure her readers will find it helpful.
But she’s soooo afraid her post will be boring that she can’t start writing. She fears her blog post will be like a bland chicken without salt, without chilies, and without any herbs or spices.
Who’d enjoy eating that?
Hannah would prefer a fiery, fragrant, smoky Jerk chicken.
She gently massages her temples to stave off an upcoming headache, and sips her Jasmine tea, almost burning her tongue. Then she decides to check out her favorite writing blog to learn how to make a boring topic interesting.
Can she inject a dose of creativity?
Analogies add pizzazz to any topic
Analogies make your blog post unique. They help shape your voice and make your writing stand out. They add fun to boring blog posts, and even help explain your topic better. What’s more, they give you an opportunity to tell stories.
The first time I used an analogy in a blog post, I was nervous. Would readers think it was weird? Would they think it was childish? Was I making a fool of myself?
I was tossing and turning at night, and woke up with knots in my stomach. But, I mustered the courage to click Publish.
In that first post featuring an analogy, I compared content marketing with tour leading. For instance:
It’s easy to think of big gestures. A big launch. Your best-ever ebook. A guest post on a major blog.
But small things can make a massive difference, too.
For instance: Giving 14 tourists a pair of cheap chopsticks. Buying a huge watermelon to share. Such cheap treats create a feel-good atmosphere.
In a digital world it’s easy to give away stuff and build a loyal audience. What does it cost you to share your expertise?
Inspire your audience. Share generously.
After that first little success, I became braver, I was finding my voice, and I introduced analogies and metaphors more often in my writing. It helped me connect with readers on more levels. People who love cooking send me emails or leave comments about their favorite food. Readers who love cycling share stories about their cycling adventures.
Analogies give readers a peek into your life, and you can draw your inspiration from many different life experiences such as parenting, gardening, travelling, or sports. Each topic gives you an opportunity to share stories outside your business expertise and to become more human in your writing.
How to use analogies in your blog posts
I’ve used two different structures for blog posts with analogies.
One structure is the circle post, where you introduce the analogy in the opening, ignore it in the main body, and then circle back in the final paragraph. For instance, in my post about writing styles, the introduction explains the concept of umami:
Have you heard of umami?
It’s the 5th taste. (…) It is often translated as a savory taste; and soy sauce, steak, mushrooms, broth, and even some cheese all have umami.
I used to think it was a weird idea. How can mushrooms be similar in taste as a sizzling steak? But once you learn to detect umami, you start to appreciate its tantalizing power.
A good writing style has umami, too. But what is it?
And the final paragraph deepens the analogy:
Umami comes from the Japanese word umai—deliciousness.
Kazu Katoh, a Japanese chef, said about umami: “It’s something that’s kind to the body. (…) It’s about feeling good after eating.”
Isn’t that what we strive for as writers, too?
To write something not just nutritious but also delicious to read … something that lingers in our readers’ minds—like the taste of a mature cheese or a mushroom risotto or a stir-fried beef with ginger, broccoli, and fish sauce.
The circle structure is a neat way to make your post feel finished as you reinforce and add depth to your starting point.
The second option for transforming your post is to write a series of tips, and for each tip expand the analogy. For instance, in my blog post about smooth reading experiences, I compare types of transitional phrases to bicycle maintenance tricks. The first transition trick is a drop of oil:
Just like drops of oil make your bicycle chain move without friction, transitional words make readers glide through your content.
And the last transition trick is an industrial-strength lubricant:
Bicyclists can argue for hours about the best way to keep your bike chain free from rust. Use WD-40. Use Tri-flow. Use light oil. Re-lube more often.
But your content requires a mix of tricks for the smoothest reading experience. And you know the strongest lube to keep your readers hooked? That’s the use of seductive subheads.
Just like we adapt our favorite recipes to our personal tastes, analogies are personal, too. They reveal more about you as a person—what interests you and what you do outside of work.
Analogy examples
For more details, check out the full posts:
- The garden analogy in my post on making money from blogging >>
- My infamous post about tour leading and content marketing >>
- The analogy between traffic blocks for cyclists and website goofs >>
- The analogy between smooth cycling and reading experiences >>
- The unwelcoming experience in a hotel compared to the experiences of web visitors >>
- My post about umami in writing >>
- The analogy between 4 types of weak words and bland food >>
- The food stories in this post about scrumptious blogging tips >>
Dream up your own analogies
To come up with an analogy, start with giving yourself permission to have fun. Create a sense of play to look for connections between two completely different topics. To make an analogy work, compare things at the same level—a process to a process, or a thing to a thing, or a role to a role.
Boundaries can make us more creative, so consider to focus on one specific domain for your analogy, such as gardening, cooking, travelling, sports, or art. Choose a topic you know well so it’s easier to come up with similarities.
When you try too hard and focus too much, you might get tunnel vision and block your creativity. So, if you’re feeling stuck, get away from your desk or computer. Analogies often pop up in my mind when I’m out on my bike, or when walking in the woods, washing the dishes, or cooking.
Another trick is to think visually. What picture can you draw for a blog post?
Make readers crave for more
In December 2010, I cycled with my husband in Malaysia. We finished our tour in Kuala Lumpur, and we sampled barbecued chicken wings at an outdoor market. We had to go back for more.
Now, almost 10 years later, I still remember those chicken wings. We still talk about them at home. The smokiness, the spiciness, the sweetness, the stickiness. Maybe one day, I’ll go back to Kuala Lumpur, and I hope more chicken wings are waiting for me.
A good analogy can make your writing memorable, too.
Readers will start recognizing your voice, and they’ll crave hearing more.
They’ll be happy when you turn up in their inbox, eagerly clicking to read your next blog post.
Happy cooking!
I have always hated writing growing up and still do. I’m now learning that writing is a very useful and underrated skill to have. I’ve found your blog to be so helpful and inspiring to start writing! I only wish I started sooner.
I’m trying to become a Board Certified Teacher and the process requires a lot of reflective and analytical writing. Do you have tips, tricks, or blog post to help? Thank you!
I wasn’t into writing when I was growing up either. I only started writing in my early 40s, and I’ve worked with a few people in their 70s and 80s who want to improve their writing. So, don’t feel sad about not starting sooner. You’re probably ready to learn now!
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ve written specifically about reflective and analytical writing. I usually write a post at the end of each year about what I’ve learned in the year but I’ve not written about the process for doing that and I’m not sure it’s the kind of writing that’s expected for a certification. I’m more focused on how to write to promote a business but the tips often work for lots of different types of writing.
I just started volunteering as a blog writer and although they have been happy with my blog posts, I’ve been feeling like they fall flat and I can’t find my unique voice. I’m so happy I discovered this site! I think this information will really help me out and inspire me. I couldn’t be more amazed and grateful, this information was just what I needed.
Do you have any advice about ways to stay creative or be inspired? I feel like when I was younger I was oozing with creativity, especially in my writing. But now it seems like such a struggle…I don’t know where or when that part of me dwindled or why.
Your creativity is still there; it can just take some time to reconnect. So, be gentle with yourself. Also, consider what resources can spark your creativity. Part of creativity is turning it back into a habit; and part of it is ensuring that we have the right input to be creative (problems with creative output are often input problems). You may find this infographic I made useful: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/creative-habits/
Happy writing!
This has got to be the best thing I stumbled upon all day.
Wow!
I know I initiate a great conversation with my blog posts but this is on a whole new level.
To think the new year is upon us? I’ve got to refine my writing style and see how my audience gets hooked the more.
Thanks for this fresh air!
Thank you, Noble. I’m glad you enjoyed this. Happy writing!
I never thought about incorporating analogies into my writing but after reading your post I can see how it makes the writing come much more alive
I hope you’ll have fun with using metaphors, too. Happy writing, Jennifer! And thank you for stopping by.
The drop of oil on your bicycle chain feels way more effective since I need to use oil all the time to keep my antique sock knitting machine running 😉 Funny how that works.
You do have a preference for food analogies, don’t you? I don’t care much for food – at least I am not a foodie – so I never think of those.
Interesting how your own preferences play a role in anything you write.
Funny that drops of oil keep your sock knitting machine running, too. Never knew there were similarities between sock knitting and cycling 😉
And yes, I love food metaphors best. But I try not to overdo it because I know not everyone is into food.
Hahaha.. Really very interesting topic Henneke. ya precisely not all blogs are engaging and interesting but mostly helpful. For the boring topics we can read it joyfully in our own way. By singing, By making lyrics of the song or something else what u enjoy mostly. Loved this blog. Thanks for submitting this.
But why put the onus on the reader to make the reading experience interesting by singing a text? If writers can do their best to make an article more interesting to read, surely more people will read it?
Sounds good Henneke. Well said the writers have to make the articles more interesting for the users. I am just saying that if someone get boring to read then they can, if they comfortable to read by singing a text. Instead, the readers move on to the other articles.
I read every single word of this post. You had me hooked.
I love analogies too, but I never use it in works I publish online. But I’ll change that after reading this article. Thank you Henneke
Thank you for your compliment (and for stopping by), Nathan. Happy writing!
I used to think that a well-optimized article for SEO must be as simple as possible. That I should write with the vocabulary of a 7th-grade kid. That I shouldn’t inject anything I personally find funny. That I shouldn’t use analogy and metaphor. But wow, your words right here is literally my epiphany. Thanks a lot 😍
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Alice. 🙂
Even Google wants us to write for our readers and to get them to dwell on our page and read from the first to the last word. I’ve not seen any negative impact from using metaphors and analogies in my writing (but I’ve not tested in any way). This site gets quite a lot of organic search traffic.
Sometimes I stagger but this is a push. And I’m going to have a hike. Thank you.
Happy writing, Enock! Thank you for stopping by.
Wow! Great Post, Henneke.
It’s like you just called the life out of me. I’m a Freelance Writer, yes, I write in tones specified in clients’ description.
So, getting serious with my personal blog has been the most difficult of tasks because “I write the way everyone else does.”
But this is a wake-up call to friggin’ enjoy my writing process. To have fun, ooze fun and make my audience crave more.
Thanks again, Henneke
Yes, please enjoy writing for your own blog. That’s where you can connect to your creative soul and experiment, and have fun.
Those are great ideas to come up with analogies!
What I like to personally do is have Google Keep on my phone and use the voice function whenever an idea comes up so I can potentially use it in the future.
You never know when the ideas pop so you might as well be ready at all times!
That’s a great idea! I often ride my bike without a phone at hand so I’ve somehow figured out how to imprint ideas in my brain so I don’t forget.
Thanks for your blogs Henneke. Not only are they inspiring and fun, this one has heaps of new ideas for me 🙂
That’s great. Happy writing, Chris! 🙂
analogy seems great.nice article I have tried it and yes it makes reading fun.
I do say that your step by step guidance and your unique ways of teaching have been quite helpful.
Thank you and keep up the good work.
Thank you, Evans. I’m glad you’re enjoying my writing.
Hi Henneke,
Posting my first comment after years of reading, enjoying and learning from your writing tips that you so generously share.
What triggered this comment is your idea of a circle structure for using an analogy. It gave a name to what I instinctively used yesterday, not for a blog post, but for a presentation at a Zoom webinar on adult learning. I started with the metaphor chosen by the host from a previous talk I had given “helping fish learn to fly,” then picked it up at the end with the idea of adult learning partnerships of “birds that have learned to swim and fish that have learned to fly.”
Again, thank you for your generous sharing of your ideas and experiences.
Hi Edicio,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience of the circle technique in a webinar. That sounds good! There are so many similarities between good blogging and public speaking.
Also, thank you for continuing to read my blog for so many years. Your comment put a smile on my face 🙂
You know, I loved your umami post. It was so bewitching. You seem to have a talent for presenting your words, though. That’s why I follow you. I want to be you, actually…..
I feel like I should pass the compliments on the Raymond Chandler as the quotes from his books helped me so much to write the umami post.
Thank you for stopping by again, Maria. I hope you’re keeping well and safe.
Brilliant, as always. When I used to do IT work, I often made analogies to help people understand complex concepts. They’re great for helping people relate to challenging topics too 🙂 I also love metaphors. The nature of reality itself often appears as an overwhelming expanse of metaphors. Thanks Henneke!
Yes, that’s so true—analogies are great for explaining complex (and abstract) topics.
Thank you for stopping by Robert. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
this was great! I’ve used anologies and metaphors forever, but not in the sophisticated integrated ways you have laid out here. Thank You!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Nancy. Happy writing! 🙂
Wow Henneke. Great article! Thanks for sharing. I’m about to start doing a lot of content marketing and this will come in handy big time! Thanks, Jim
Thank you, Tim. Happy writing!
You “knocked another one out of the park,” Henneke!
I don’t know how you do it, but it sure is a joy to see another one of your notes in my inbox.
When I grow up (I’m pushing 84), I wanna be just like you 🙂
Maybe if I took up biking through Kuala Lumpur, or rolling spicy meatballs in the palm of my hand . . .
I’m grateful for all young readers like you. I know of a few 80-plus readers and there are undoubtedly a few more that I don’t know.
When I grow up (if I must), can I be Henrietta? 🙂
“Readers will start recognizing your voice, and they’ll crave hearing more.” That has actually happened to me! I wrote an anonymous essay and a friend congratulated me on it! She knew it was me, haha!
So thankful you provided link #5, above, as I was thinking about it the whole time I was reading and wishing I could return to read it again. It’s one of my many favorites. 🙂
Revamping my site, again, as always. There is always room for improvement. Always.
“I wrote an anonymous essay and a friend congratulated me on it! She knew it was me, haha!” That’s fabulous. Congrats!
When I was compiling the short list of analogy examples, I was thinking of you when I added #5 about the hotel experience because I remember you mentioned before that that was your favorite and after reading that you started following me.
I’m grateful that you’re still reading my blog. Thank you for all your support. 💕
That was way back when. I’m grateful you are still writing! May I learn to extend a metaphor like you, someday! 🙂
I bet you can do that already! 🙂
Henneke,
This is brilliant and immensely helpful. In every one of your articles you make magic and unlock my creativity. Thank you. You have several Kindle books in the oven. I have a collection of your articles.
One day I’ll turn my attention to books again! I know there’s so much material in my blog and people have asked me for books so often. It’s tricky to get everything done while working only two hours a day. Do you have a specific book in mind that you’d like me to publish?
I appreciate your comment and encouragement, Shirley. Thank you.
I’ve been reading your newsletters for ages. Really missed them when you had a break. This last one was so clever. I enjoy how you teach on many levels through concrete examples. When’s the book coming out?
Thanks so much for your compliment, Paul. Which book would you like to read? (that’s a serious question. I’d love to know.)
What’s the limit? How deep can you go on your story? Making your readers live the situation you are describing would be negative for the message you’re trying to communicate? I mean not in the amount of words used, but in the weight they have to make a lived experience for the readers.
Thanks.
In writing there’s always a balance between vividness (which requires more details) and pace (which means keeping your writing concise). Where the balance exactly falls is partly a matter of personal preference, partly a matter of experience.
I follow my gut instinct. For instance, the original version of this post was longer as I had included two extra examples but it felt that these two examples didn’t help explain the topic better and slowed down the pace too much. So I took them out (and added the short list of examples in case people wanted to see more). By reading a lot and noticing when I find analogies distracting or unwieldy, I’ve been learning to find the right balance (for me).
That makes sense.
Thank you for your reply.
Great tips, Henneke! I especially like the idea of drawing (childish style). It helps to say goodbye to getting stuck.
Drawing is such a super-power! I agree 🙂
Hi Henneke, lovely to be reading your scrummy-fresh posts again!
” a taste of…stir-fried beef with ginger, broccoli, and fish sauce”
I think we have the same taste in this instance 😬— delicious!
~
Can you give an insight into how carefully you plan an analogy, please? For instance, how did you come up with the tour leader article… did you have the story in mind and then think about the parallels with content marketing? OR did you have the content marketing mistakes in mind and then revers-engineer them into the story?
I am interested in the process of matching a story e.g. your guiding story to a topic… because that is what trips me up most of the time.
Thank you!
It’s good to see you again, Alison. I hope you’re keeping well and safe. 💕
I don’t think there’s one way to create your analogy. If I remember correctly (it’s been a while) with the tour leader article, I came up with the tour leader stories first and then connected them to content marketing tips. However, with the post on scrumptious blog writing tips, I worked the opposite way. I knew the blogging tips I wanted to share, and then tried to find food stories to match.
It can help to give yourself permission to let go of perfectionism. Firstly, you can use only the tips that work for the analogy (rather than give a complete list of tips). Secondly, your analogy doesn’t need to be perfect. For instance, in the blog post about transitions, I don’t relate each trick to a bicycle maintenance tip. Most readers won’t even notice that. Thirdly, sometimes you can simply indicate when the analogy goes wonky. For instance, if you’d write an analogy about the cooking & writing process. With the cooking process you must always follow a specific sequence, you chop the onions before you fry them. In writing, you have some more leeway—you can outline and then write a draft or you can freewrite and do a reverse-outline later; you can edit while writing, or write a draft first and edit later. In cooking that wouldn’t work. You must boil the egg before you peel it.
Does that help?
Yes, thank you! That does help. I also find that it sometimes works one way (i.e. tips first) and sometimes the other (story first), but I am always interested in how other people’s brains do the work 😀.
And I find that I HAVE to write story/analogy inspirations down whenever and wherever they occur to me, because I can guarantee when I come to write, I cannot for the life of me remember the excellent idea that I had!
Thanks again.
Stay well, keep writing (and cooking and cycling 🌶🚴♀️).
Your writing is enchanting! I am always learning something amazing from the content you produce.
Thank you, Henneke!
Thank you so much, Bruce. Happy writing!
Another fabulous article. Subscribing to your newsletter was one of best decisions I’ve made in business.
That’s a big compliment. Thank you, Lee.
As a wannabe blogger I have been going through some writers’ blogs, this piece is exactly what I needed, great piece!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Shayur!
Perfect description of me, Henneke – ‘They’ll be happy when you turn up in their inbox, eagerly clicking to read your next blog post’. Reading your articles is an experience to savour, Thank you for inspiring me.
I’m delighted you’re continuing to enjoy my writing, Poovanesh. Thanks so much for stopping by to leave a comment. 🙂
Thanks, Heneke for educating us with new-age web content writing. Those make a lot of impact on readers than traditional web writing. Thanks for transforming our writing into a better one.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed this!