Steemit is a social media platform that rewards users for creating and curating content. It uses a blockchain-based system to distribute tokens called STEEM to its users. Steemit allows users to write blogs or posts on various topics and share them with the community. However, writing a good post on Steemit is not just about the content, but also about the presentation. A well-formatted post can attract more readers, upvotes, and comments, and make your content stand out from the crowd.
In this article, I will show you how to apply proper formatting for blogs or posts on Steemit, using the style of Medium.com as a reference. Medium.com is a popular online publishing platform that features high-quality articles on various topics. Medium.com has a simple and elegant design that makes reading enjoyable and easy. By following some of the formatting tips from Medium.com, you can improve the appearance and readability of your Steemit posts.
Use Markdown or HTML
Steemit offers two modes for writing posts: Editor and Markdown. Editor mode is the default mode that provides a toolbar with basic formatting options, such as bold, italic, link, quote, list, etc. Markdown mode is a more advanced mode that allows you to use a special syntax to format your text. Markdown is a lightweight markup language that is easy to learn and use. You can also use HTML tags in Markdown mode if you are familiar with HTML.
To switch between Editor and Markdown modes, click on the toggle button at the top right corner of the text box. You can also preview your post by clicking on the eye icon next to the toggle button.
Use Headings
Headings are important for organizing your post into sections and sub-sections. They help readers to scan your post and find the information they are looking for. Headings also make your post look more professional and structured.
To create headings in Editor mode, select the text you want to make into a heading and click on the T icon in the toolbar. You can choose from six levels of headings, from H1 (largest) to H6 (smallest). To create headings in Markdown mode, use one or more # symbols before the text. The more # symbols you use, the smaller the heading will be. For example:
This is an H1 heading
This is an H2 heading
This is an H3 heading
This is an H4 heading
This is an H5 headingThis is an H6 heading
You can also use HTML tags to create headings, such as <h1> … </h1>, <h2> … </h2>, etc.
Use Emphasis
Emphasis is useful for highlighting important or relevant words or phrases in your text. You can use bold or italic fonts to add emphasis to your text. Bold fonts are good for drawing attention to key points or terms, while italic fonts are good for adding nuance or subtlety to your text.
To create bold or italic text in Editor mode, select the text you want to emphasize and click on the B or I icon in the toolbar. To create bold or italic text in Markdown mode, use one or two * symbols before and after the text. For example:
This is italic text This is bold text This is bold and italic text
You can also use HTML tags to create bold or italic text, such as <b> … </b>, <i> … </i>, etc.
Use Links
Links are essential for providing references, sources, or additional information for your readers. Links also help to increase the credibility and authority of your post. You can link to other websites, articles, videos, images, or any other online content that is relevant to your topic.
To create links in Editor mode, select the text you want to link and click on the chain icon in the toolbar. A pop-up window will appear where you can enter the URL of the link. To create links in Markdown mode, use [ ] and ( ) symbols around the text and URL. For example:
This is a link
You can also use HTML tags to create links, such as <a href=“…”> … </a>.
Use Lists
Lists are great for presenting multiple items or options in a concise and organized way. Lists can be either ordered (numbered) or unordered (bulleted). Ordered lists are good for showing a sequence or ranking of items, while unordered lists are good for showing a collection or grouping of items.
To create lists in Editor mode, select the text you want to make into a list and click on the bullet or number icon in the toolbar. To create lists in Markdown mode, use * or - symbols for unordered lists, and 1., 2., 3., etc. for ordered lists. For example:
- This is an unordered list
- It has bullet points
- You can use * or - symbols
- This is an ordered list
- It has numbers
- You can use 1., 2., 3., etc.
You can also use HTML tags to create lists, such as <ul> … </ul>, <ol> … </ol>, <li> … </li>, etc.
Use Quotes
Quotes are useful for adding credibility, authority, or humor to your post. Quotes can be either inline or block. Inline quotes are part of the main text and are enclosed by quotation marks. Block quotes are separated from the main text and are indented from the left margin.
To create quotes in Editor mode, select the text you want to quote and click on the quote icon in the toolbar. To create quotes in Markdown mode, use > symbol before the text. For example:
This is a block quote It has a > symbol before it
You can also use HTML tags to create quotes, such as <blockquote> … </blockquote>, <q> … </q>, etc.
Use Images
Images are powerful for enhancing the visual appeal and impact of your post. Images can also convey information, emotions, or stories that words alone cannot. You can use images to illustrate your points, provide examples, or create interest for your readers.
To add images in Editor mode, click on the image icon in the toolbar. A pop-up window will appear where you can upload an image from your computer or enter the URL of an image from the web. To add images in Markdown mode, use ! [ ] and ( ) symbols around the alt text and URL of the image. For example:
!This is an image
You can also use HTML tags to add images, such as <img src=“…”>.
Use Media
Media refers to any other type of content that is not text or image, such as video, audio, or animation. Media can add variety, interactivity, and engagement to your post. Media can also complement your text and images by providing different perspectives, formats, or modes of expression.
To add media in Editor mode, click on the arrow icon in the toolbar. A pop-up window will appear where you can enter the URL of the media from the web. Steemit supports YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud media. To add media in Markdown mode, use HTML tags to embed the media, such as <iframe src=“…”>.
Use Line Breaks
Line breaks are useful for creating spaces between paragraphs, headings, lists, quotes, images, media, or any other elements in your post. Line breaks help to improve the readability and layout of your post by creating white space and visual separation.
To create line breaks in Editor mode, press Enter twice at the end of a paragraph or element. To create line breaks in Markdown mode, use <br> tag at the end of a paragraph or element.
Use Captions
Captions are optional texts that accompany images or media in your post. Captions can provide additional information, explanation, or commentary for your images or media. Captions can also enhance the meaning, relevance, or humor of your images or media.
To create captions in Editor mode, type the text below the image or media and use italic font. To create captions in Markdown mode, type the text below the image or media and use * symbols around it. For example:
!This is an image This is a caption
You can also use HTML tags to create captions, such as <figcaption> … </figcaption>.
Use Text Slider
Text slider is a special feature that allows you to hide some parts of your text under a horizontal bar that can be dragged by the reader to reveal more text. Text slider is useful for creating suspense, curiosity, or surprise for your readers. Text slider can also save space and avoid spoilers for your readers.
To create text slider in Editor mode, type four spaces before the text you want to hide under the slider. To create text slider in Markdown mode, type four spaces before the text you want to hide under the slider.
This is a text slider
Drag the bar to reveal more text
You cannot use HTML tags to create text slider.
Conclusion
These are some of the basic formatting tips for writing blogs or posts on Steemit using the style of Medium.com. By applying these tips, you can improve the quality and attractiveness of your Steemit posts and increase your chances of getting more exposure, engagement, and rewards from the community. Remember, formatting is not only about aesthetics, but also about communication and expression. A well-formatted post can make a big difference in how your readers perceive and appreciate your content.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy Steeming! 😊