# <center>INTRODUCTION</center>

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<center>![quality (1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmV3cnd6bepM6fwTadFtj3Fa1oCPCmwrgjquPpJbcgmuvn/quality%20(1).jpg)</center>
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The following article highlights a few of the formatting tips and tricks that I use in my Steemit posts. In my opinion formatting a post adds a certain quality to it that makes it interactive, easier and more enjoyable for others to read. 

I’ve separated each tip into its own heading but since some of my explanations are a bit lengthy, feel free to skip ahead to the summary page below for quick tips :) 
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# <center>MARKDOWN STYLE</center>

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<center>![markdown (1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmP8paBHD2sVUiBwDnnfNoCkkKrT7WyzQDWvDc5eZEQGVL/markdown%20(1).jpg)</center>
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Learning the basics of markdown style is easy and it adds a lot to a post. I only use the basics in my articles but I personally believe that it adds a lot to their overall look and quality. It gives a post style and makes it easier and more enjoyable to read.

### For a markdown cheatsheet click the following link: [Markdown Cheatsheet](https://github.com/adam-p/markdown-here/wiki/Markdown-Cheatsheet#lists)
 

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1. **Headings:** You can create a heading by inserting #’s before each word. (ex. # Large Heading, ## Medium Heading, ### Small Heading)

2. **Font Size:** Changing font sizes is done in the same way as creating a heading (i.e. #, ##, ###). 
I typically increase the size of my font when I want to emphasize a particular point or to make something stand out. 

3. **Bold & Italics:** Asterisk’s are used to make fonts bold or italicized. A single * on each side of a word makes it italic. Two ** on each side of a word makes it bold and three *** makes it bold and italic. 

4. **Centering:** I always center my images and all of my headers and titles. Centering creates consistency within the article and breaks up the information so that it’s easier to read. It also makes it look symmetrical and pleasing to the eye. I typically center any quotes or dialogue within my posts as well. (see cheatsheet for instructions on how to center items).

5. **Lines and Spaces:** I always add a line after a header or anytime I want to create a break between information. Sometimes I also add spaces if a text block ends up too close to an image. (see cheatsheet for instructions on lines and spacing).

6. **Links and Source Referencing:** Links are done as follows [] () but without a space between the characters ](

7. **Lists:** I rarely use lists in my post but recommend it because its good practice in general. People love lists because they provide information in the simplest way possible. Lists are quick and easy to read.
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# <center>ADDING IMAGES</center>

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<center>![images (1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXVfRMUm7279CRyk7eQ2m4wLT1L94WRiXnhQ851JLMWKM/images%20(1).jpg)</center>
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I try to add an image after each heading to create a visual for the reader and to break up the text. Images create interest  and give readers a break between long passages of written word. 

I center all of my images and format them to 780 x 480 +/-. I find this to be a good size for Steemit posts as it tends to fill up the entire page horizontally and it’s not too big vertically. I personally think that making all images a consistent size makes a post look professional and well put together. I also try to pick images that have a similar vibe if possible.

To crop and resize images I use the website fotor.com and it’s been working well for me. It doesn’t allow you to make images larger but it’s easy to make large images smaller.

I try to add 3 – 7 images per post depending on the articles word count. 
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# <center>CREATE A TEMPLATE</center>

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<center>![template (1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmT9KXZbEmmXt9YAzbBEgjHGCv9GTLRPVE5GUFEK16MxSZ/template%20(1).jpg)</center>
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If you notice that you are constantly doing the same steps over and over for each post on Steemit then I highly recommend creating a formatting template in Microsoft Word or another writing program. Creating a template not only makes each of your posts consistent in their look but it also saves you a lot of time from having to do the same steps over and over again. 

Creating a template only takes a few minutes but in the long run it saves you a lot of time. 

I begin writing all of my posts in Microsoft Word using my template, which is actually pretty basic. Yours can be as complicated as you need it to be - depending on your writing style.

Mine template mostly consists of a string of markdown code for centering images and headers which are stacked on top of each other on separate lines as follows.

<center>Header</center><center>Line</center><center>Image</center><center>Text. Text. Text. Text</center>

#### <center>Repeat x10 keeping in mind that It’s easier to delete</center><center> unwanted items than it is to add them</center>

<center>Line</center><center>Empty Image Source Links</center><center>Line</center><center>Thank You Message</center><center>Line</center><center>Signature Gif</center>

#### Note: Keep in mind that my template is actually the markdown code for each of the above. This saves me from having to write "< center >< /center >" a hundred times.
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# <center>PROOF READ YOUR WORK</center>

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<center>![proof (1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbKXhPXX6ZJSKGfs3Dfy49Cn19rsE7hdozGjF4Hq5KFQ9/proof%20(1).jpg)</center>
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Proof reading your work is important as it allows you to identify and correct any spelling mistakes or awkward and hard to read sentences. Sometimes is helps reading your post out loud as well. 

Articles without spelling mistakes or awkward sentences are easier for others to read and they appear more professional. 
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# <center>SUMMARY</center>

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<center>![summary (1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWwSJpBcX7Gf51XiyFWkZQx6BVGDaytpWBWmaGuqFrQsF/summary%20(1).jpg)</center>
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### 1. Learn the basics of Markdown: This creates style and Interest for the reader

### 2. Format images: Images create interest, break up the text and give the reader a break before continuing on in the reading. Formatting images to the same size makes an article look professional and well put together. 

### 3. Create a template: This creates consistency among posts and saves you a lot of time. 

### 4. Proof read your work: Identifying spelling mistakes and correcting them makes a post appear more professional and it makes it easier to read.
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# <center>CONCLUSION</center>

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<center>![conclusion (1).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQma5rAUGWWse2PJJPxrvs8onNui5HJALHNcg6ZeafccoPY/conclusion%20(1).jpg)</center>
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That concludes my article on creating a quality post on Steemit. Keep in mind that these are just the formatting tips and tricks that I use in my posts. You may have your own style or may see other great posts that use different techniques. I recommend experimenting with different styles and finding something that works well for you. 

### What are your thoughts? What tips do you have for me? What did I miss?

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Image Sources [1](https://www.lynda.com/Project-Management-tutorials/Project-Management-Foundations-Quality/159186-2.html) [2](https://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Inside-Sales/482056-2.html) [3](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/scheduling-for-creatives) [4](https://www.lynda.com/Marketing-Business-Skills-tutorials/Writing-Marketing-Plan/186109-2.html) [5](https://www.cuinsight.com/an-audit-is-the-starting-point.html) [6](https://www.linkedin.com/learning/accounting-foundations) [7](https://www.lynda.com/Photoshop-tutorials/Communicate-design-plans/616734/655170-4.html)

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# <center>Thanks For Reading</center>

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