How Conversations Can Transform Your Blog

When it comes to crafting engaging, authentic blog content, interviews are one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. But why are they so effective? According to Mary Vergenes, President of Cup O Content, it’s because they bring a genuine, human element that resonates with readers on a deeper level.

"Interviews allow you to bring in real voices, not just your own," Mary explains. "It’s not just you as the writer saying, 'Here’s what I think.' You’re featuring someone else’s experience, someone who can lend expertise or personal insight. It adds a whole new dimension to your blog."

This added authenticity and diversity of perspective can elevate your blog from standard opinion pieces to engaging narratives that draw readers in. Whether you’re interviewing an industry expert, a client, or even someone with a compelling personal story, you’re bringing something fresh to the table—something that will keep your audience coming back.

Great Interviews Start with a Recording

Of course, before you can feature an insightful interview in your blog, you need to capture it effectively. Recording an interview might sound intimidating, but Mary assures us that today’s technology makes the process simple.

"If you're able to do the interview in person, that's ideal because you get that personal connection," she says. "But realistically, most interviews happen remotely these days. Tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or even just a phone call work perfectly fine for this. Just make sure you're recording it with decent audio quality, especially if you're going to transcribe it later."

Mary recommends using either built-in recording features from platforms like Zoom or investing in a good quality microphone if you’ll be doing frequent interviews. Having clean, clear audio not only makes transcription easier but also ensures that if you want to use snippets for social media or podcasts, you’ll have quality material.

Transcribing with Digital Tools

Once you’ve conducted the interview, it’s time to transcribe it. Manual transcription can be tedious and time-consuming, but there’s a better way. Mary is a big fan of Otter.ai, an AI-powered transcription tool that turns hours of typing into minutes of automated work.

"Otter.ai is a huge time-saver. You can upload your audio, and within a few minutes, you'll have a full transcript ready to work with," she says. "It’s usually very accurate, though I always recommend reading through to make sure everything’s correct—especially names or technical terms."

One of the features Mary appreciates about Otter is its ability to highlight key sections of the conversation. "It’s great for organizing your thoughts," she says. "You can mark important moments or add comments, which makes it much easier when you sit down to write the blog."

This streamlined transcription process allows bloggers to focus on crafting the story instead of getting bogged down in the mechanics of transcription.

Integrating Interviews into Your Blog

But how do you actually weave the interview into your blog post? Mary advises against using a strict Q&A format unless it serves the specific purpose of the blog. Instead, she suggests incorporating quotes into a narrative format, using them to support key points or drive home the blog’s main ideas.

"You want the interview to flow naturally within the story you’re telling," she says. "Instead of just listing questions and answers, think about how the interviewee’s insights enhance the narrative. What key themes or takeaways can you build around their quotes?"

By doing this, the blog becomes more dynamic and engaging. Readers don’t feel like they’re just skimming through a back-and-forth; they’re following a cohesive story that integrates valuable insights from the interview.

"Focus on the best parts," Mary suggests. "Not every word of the interview needs to make it in. Highlight the most impactful quotes or the moments that really stand out. These are the sections that will resonate most with your readers."

Featuring Interviewee Images

Another important aspect of creating a compelling interview-based blog is incorporating visuals. Including images of the interviewee adds a personal touch, humanizing the content and creating a stronger connection between the reader and the person being interviewed.

"People want to see who’s talking," says Mary. "If you’re conducting the interview in person, take a few photos during the conversation or ask for a posed shot. If it's remote, request a professional headshot. It adds a level of professionalism and personality to the blog."

In addition to headshots, Mary recommends using relevant contextual images—photos that show the interviewee in action, such as a chef preparing a dish or an artist at work. These images add depth to the story and provide visual engagement that complements the written content.

She also reminds us not to forget about SEO. "Always include alt text with your images," she advises. "It’s an easy way to optimize your blog for search engines while making your content more accessible."

Making Interviews Shareable and Engaging

Beyond adding authenticity and depth to your blog, interviews have another key advantage: they can significantly boost your blog’s reach. "People are proud to be featured," Mary points out. "When you interview someone, they're likely to share the post with their own audience, whether that’s through social media or email. It expands your blog’s visibility beyond your immediate readership."

Additionally, readers are more likely to engage with content that feels personal. When an interview features a real person with a relatable story or expert knowledge, it’s much easier for readers to feel connected, which increases the likelihood of them commenting, sharing, or even reaching out with questions.

"At the end of the day, people connect with people," says Mary. "Interviews create that connection and make your blog more relatable. And that’s what keeps readers engaged."

The Takeaway

Interviews can take your blog content to the next level by adding authenticity, unique perspectives, and greater engagement. Tools like Otter.ai make the transcription process easier, and incorporating visuals helps readers connect with the interviewee. Whether you’re weaving quotes into a narrative or conducting a full Q&A, interviews offer a valuable way to differentiate your blog from the crowd.

As Mary Vergenes puts it: "Interviews make your content richer, more credible, and more engaging. They give you a chance to showcase voices and stories your audience may not have heard before, and that’s what makes your blog stand out."

If you want a resource to help you create blogs and articles based on interviews, Cup O Content can help. Contact us today to find out more.