How to Cite a Blog Post in APA Format (7th Edition)
Complete guide to citing blog posts in APA 7. Covers individual blog posts, organizational blogs, and comment citations.
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Understanding Blog Citation Format in APA 7th Edition
Citing blogs in APA 7th edition format is essential for academic integrity and helps readers locate the original sources of information. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to format blog citations, focusing on author formatting, date specifications, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Author Formatting
In APA 7th edition, the format for authors is crucial. For a single author, the last name comes first, followed by a comma and the first and middle initials. The initials are separated by periods but not by spaces. This consistent format applies to all reference types, including blog posts.
Example of a Single Author:
Smith, J.D. (2023, October 15). Understanding the art of blogging. The Blogging Expert. https://www.bloggingexpert.com/understanding-art-of-blogging
In this example, "Smith" is the last name, and "J.D." represents the initials of the first and middle names.
Two Authors
When there are two authors, both names are inverted and separated by an ampersand (&). Each author's name follows the same format as for a single author. This format is used in both reference lists and parenthetical citations, while narrative citations will use "and" instead of "&".
Example of Two Authors:
Doe, J., & Brown, A.R. (2023, October 10). Tips for successful blogging. Blogging Tips Daily. https://www.bloggingtipsdaily.com/tips-for-successful-blogging
This format clearly identifies both authors and follows the correct punctuation rules.
Multiple Authors
For works with 21 or more authors, the first 19 authors are listed, followed by an ellipsis (...) and then the final author's name. The ellipsis replaces the authors from 20 to the second-to-last author. This format prevents excessively long citations while still giving recognition to the contributors.
Example of 21 or More Authors:
Smith, J.D., Johnson, R.L., Williams, K.T., Brown, A.R., Davis, L.M., Garcia, M.N., Martinez, P.O., Robinson, S.T., Lee, J.H., Harris, Q.E., Clark, A.B., Lewis, R., Walker, T.V., Hall, C.D., Allen, E.F., Young, M.O., King, N.P., Wright, J.Q., Scott, R.A., ... Thompson, L.R. (2023, October 1). Comprehensive guide to blogging in 2023. Blog Central. https://www.blogcentral.com/comprehensive-guide-to-blogging-2023
This method of citation ensures that all authors are acknowledged without overwhelming the reader with lengthy lists.
Date Formatting
For blog posts and similar sources requiring specific dates, the format should be Year, Month Day. The month must be spelled out, and the day should be presented as a number without an ordinal suffix. This is a change from the previous edition, where the date was enclosed in parentheses.
Example of Date Formatting:
Brown, A.R. (2023, October 5). How to engage your audience. Blogging Insights. https://www.blogginginsights.com/how-to-engage-your-audience
In this instance, the date is formatted correctly, providing clarity on when the information was published.
Importance of Following Rules
Adhering to the APA citation rules is vital for several reasons. First, it promotes consistency across academic writing, making it easier for readers to follow and understand references. Second, it ensures that credit is given to original authors and allows others to find the sources. Finally, proper citation helps avoid instances of plagiarism, which can have serious academic consequences.
Practical Tips for Citing Blogs
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Always Check for Updates: Make sure to stay updated on any changes in citation guidelines. The APA regularly publishes updates and revisions.
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Use Reliable Sources: When citing blogs, ensure that the blog is credible and the author is knowledgeable in the subject matter. Peer-reviewed articles or established bloggers in a field are preferable.
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Double-Check Formatting: Verify that all elements are formatted correctly. This includes punctuation, capitalization, and date formatting.
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Avoid Over-Citation: While it’s important to give credit, avoid citing every single blog post or detail. Focus on the most relevant sources that contribute significantly to your work.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Ignoring Author Credentials: While professional credentials are generally omitted, they can be included in special circumstances. Be cautious not to confuse title usage with author names.
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Neglecting the Ellipsis for Multiple Authors: When citing works with many authors, remember to use the ellipsis correctly. It should not be italicized or bracketed.
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Incorrect Date Format: Be mindful of how you present the date. The correct format is crucial for clarity and accuracy.
Conclusion
Citing blogs in APA format requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. Understanding author formatting, date specifications, and the importance of proper citation can enhance the credibility of your academic work. By following the rules outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your citations are accurate, consistent, and helpful for your readers. Remember that proper citation is not only about avoiding plagiarism but also about contributing to the academic community by acknowledging the work of others.
Step-by-Step Instructions
What you need
Before you begin creating a blog citation in APA format, gather the following information:
- The author's full name (first and last).
- The publication date (year, and if applicable, month and day).
- The title of the blog post.
- The name of the blog or website.
- The URL of the blog post.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating a Blog Citation in APA Format
1. Identify the Author's Name
Action: Determine the author's full name and ensure you have it accurate.
Verification: The name should be formatted as follows: last name, followed by a comma, and then the first and middle initials with periods separating them. For example, if the author's name is John Smith, it should be formatted as Smith, J.
Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: If the author's name has titles or suffixes like Jr. or III, be sure to include them after the initials, separated by commas.
2. Determine the Publication Date
Action: Find the publication date of the blog post. This should be formatted in the Year, Month Day style.
Verification: For example, if the blog was published on April 15, 2023, it should be written as (2023, April 15).
Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Most blogs will display the publication date prominently. Look at the beginning or end of the post.
3. Write the Title of the Blog Post
Action: Locate the title of the blog post and ensure it is correctly noted.
Verification: The title should be in sentence case, meaning only the first word and proper nouns should be capitalized. For example, "How to write a blog citation".
Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: If the title is long, make sure to copy it exactly as it appears to avoid mistakes.
4. Identify the Name of the Blog or Website
Action: Find the name of the blog or website where the post is published.
Verification: This name should be in italics in your citation. For example, if the blog is called "Citation Guide", it should be written as Citation Guide.
Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: This information is typically found at the top of the blog post, often near or below the title.
5. Locate the URL of the Blog Post
Action: Copy the full URL of the blog post.
Verification: Ensure that the URL is correct and leads directly to the specific post. For example, it should look something like this: https://www.example.com/how-to-write-a-blog-citation.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: Right-click on the address bar of your browser to copy the URL quickly.
6. Combine All Elements into APA Format
Action: Put together all the collected information in the correct APA format.
Verification: The reference should look like this:
Smith, J. (2023, April 15). How to write a blog citation. Citation Guide. https://www.example.com/how-to-write-a-blog-citation
Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use a template to fill in the information as you gather it to save time.
7. Double-Check Your Citation
Action: Review your citation for accuracy and adherence to APA style.
Verification: Ensure that all elements are correctly formatted, with proper punctuation, italics, and capitalization as per APA style.
Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use an online citation tool to check your formatting, but always verify the result against the APA guidelines yourself.
8. Incorporate the Citation into Your Work
Action: Finally, add your citation to your reference list at the end of your document.
Verification: Ensure that your reference list is organized alphabetically and follows all format guidelines.
Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Keep a running list of your citations as you do your research, so you can easily compile them later.
By following these steps, you can create a properly formatted blog citation in APA style. Remember to take your time and ensure each element is accurate for effective citation.
Common Errors for Blog Citation Citations
Students apply book title rules to blog posts, not realizing they use sentence case like articles
How to Avoid It:- Use sentence case for blog post titles in APA 7 citations
- Capitalize first word, words after colons, and proper nouns only
- Treat blog posts as articles within websites for capitalization
- Apply same rules as journal articles to blog post titles
Students focus on sentence case rules but forget that proper nouns are always capitalized regardless of case rules
How to Avoid It:- Identify all proper nouns in the title including names of people
- Ensure names of places, organizations, and institutions are capitalized
- Capitalize specific geographic names and locations mentioned
- Maintain capitalization of brand names and historical events referenced
Students forget that subtitles are treated as separate sentences for capitalization purposes
How to Avoid It:- Locate all colons in the title that separate main title from subtitle
- Capitalize the first word immediately following each colon without exception
- Apply sentence case or title case rules to remaining subtitle words appropriately
- Ensure subtitle capitalization matches the type of title case being used
Students don't know when acronyms should be in all capitals versus following sentence case rules
How to Avoid It:- Identify well-known acronyms like CDC, NASA, APA, FBI that are widely recognized
- Keep these acronyms in all capitals regardless of sentence case rules
- For lesser-known acronyms, follow standard usage or title case rules
- Check if acronym is commonly written in all caps in professional contexts
Students partially apply rules but are inconsistent, mixing sentence and title case
How to Avoid It:- Choose correct case type for the source type first
- Apply rules consistently throughout the entire title without exception
- Double-check all words against the chosen case rules
- Review title for consistent application of capitalization throughout
Students focus on sentence case rules but forget the basic rule to always capitalize the first word
How to Avoid It:- Always capitalize the first word of any title without exception
- This applies regardless of sentence case or title case formatting used
- Check the very first character of the title for proper capitalization
- Ensure first word is capitalized even if it's a minor word type
Students extend italics beyond appropriate boundaries or apply them inconsistently
How to Avoid It:- Review italics boundaries carefully in citation formatting
- Italicize only titles and volume numbers in reference lists
- Keep all other elements like publisher location in plain text
- Ensure italics start and stop at appropriate points
Students omit periods after initials, especially when multiple initials are present
How to Avoid It:- Add period after each initial in author name formatting
- Ensure all initials have periods following them consistently
- Check that no initials are missing periods in reference lists
- Verify spacing between initials with periods is correct
Students space initials like regular words, not realizing they should be compact
How to Avoid It:- Remove spaces between initials in author name formatting
- Keep initials together without spacing between them
- Maintain periods after each initial without extra spacing
- Check that initials appear as M.K. not M. K. in citations
Students focus on the year in parentheses but forget the period after closing parenthesis
How to Avoid It:- Add period after closing parenthesis of year in citations
- Ensure year is in parentheses followed by period consistently
- Check that year information is complete with proper period
- Verify spacing between year period and title is correct
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Validation Checklist
Before submitting your Blog Citation citation, verify:
- In APA 7th edition, single authors are formatted with last name followed by a comma and first and middle initials. The initials should be separated by periods but not spaces. This format applies to all reference types including journal articles, books, and webpages. The author's name should be inverted (last name first) in the reference list only. This rule ensures consistency across all citation formats and makes alphabetical ordering more efficient in reference lists.
- For works with two authors, both names should be inverted (last name first) and separated by an ampersand (&) rather than the word 'and'. Each author's name follows the single author format (Last name, initials). The ampersand should be preceded by a comma. This format is used in both reference lists and parenthetical citations, but narrative citations use 'and' instead of '&'. This rule distinguishes APA from other citation styles and maintains consistency across multi-author works.
- For works with 21 or more authors, list the first 19 authors, insert an ellipsis (...), then list the final author. The ellipsis replaces authors 20 through the second-to-last author. All listed authors follow the standard inverted format. This rule prevents extremely long citation lists while still providing key attribution information. The ellipsis should not be italicized or bracketed. This change from APA 6th edition's 7+ author rule provides more comprehensive author listing.
- Author titles, suffixes, and credentials (like Jr., Sr., II, III, Ph.D., M.D.) should be included in the reference list. Suffixes like Jr., Sr., II, and III follow the initials, separated by commas. Academic and professional credentials are generally omitted from reference list entries but may be included in special circumstances. Titles like Dr., Professor, or military ranks are not included in reference list citations. This rule provides complete identification when needed while avoiding unnecessary credential inflation.
- For sources that require more specific dating than just the year, use Year, Month Day format. This applies to newspapers, magazines, blog posts, social media posts, and some online sources where the specific date is important for locating the source. The month should be spelled out, followed by the day number without ordinal suffixes. This format replaces the APA 6 practice of including (Year, Month Day) for these source types, simplifying the reference format while maintaining specificity.
- Blog post titles use sentence case in APA 7 references. Only the first word of the blog post title, the first word of the subtitle (after a colon), and proper nouns are capitalized. This treats blog posts similarly to articles or works within a larger website or publication. The rule maintains consistency with other web-based content that is part of a larger container.
- When including URLs for websites, online documents, or other sources without DOIs, present them as live hyperlinks without any special formatting or punctuation. APA 7 removes the 'Retrieved from' prefix that was required in APA 6 for most URLs. URLs should be presented in their simplest form, beginning with http:// or https://, and should be hyperlinks in digital documents. Do not add a period at the end of a URL unless it is part of the original URL. This simplification makes citations cleaner while maintaining functionality for digital access to sources.
- When a URL or DOI leads to a broken or inactive link, APA 7 provides several options for handling the citation. If the source is available through an archive like the Internet Archive, include the archived URL. If the source cannot be located, include as much information as possible and note that the resource is no longer available. For journal articles with broken DOIs, include the DOI but add a note indicating it's inactive. The principle is to provide enough information for readers to locate the source if possible, while acknowledging access limitations. This represents more detailed guidance than APA 6 provided for handling broken links.
Special Cases
Understanding APA Citations for Blogs: Special Cases and Edge Cases
When citing blogs in APA format, it is essential to follow specific guidelines laid out in the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual. This guide will delve into special cases and edge cases associated with blog citations, ensuring clarity and correctness in your references.
Basic Format for Blog Citations
Before exploring special and edge cases, let’s establish the basic format for citing a blog in APA style. The general structure for a blog citation includes the following elements:
- Author's last name, followed by initials
- Date of publication (Year, Month Day)
- Title of the blog post in italics
- Name of the blog
- URL
The basic format looks like this:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of the blog post. Name of the blog. URL
Special Cases in Blog Citations
1. Multiple Authors
In cases where a blog post has two authors, both names should be inverted and separated by an ampersand. For example:
Smith, J. A., & Doe, R. B. (2023, October 1). Exploring the cosmos: New findings in astronomy. Space Blog. http://www.spaceblog.com/exploring-cosmos
For three or more authors, follow the same rule but apply the ampersand for the last author. The format remains as follows:
Williams, L. C., Johnson, T. D., & Brown, M. E. (2023, July 15). The future of renewable energy. Green Earth Blog. http://www.greenearthblog.com/future-renewable-energy
2. More Than 21 Authors
If a blog post has more than 21 authors, you should list the first 19 authors, insert an ellipsis, and then provide the final author’s name. For example:
Jones, A. B., Smith, C. D., Taylor, E. F., Brown, G. H., Wilson, I. J., Lee, K. L., ... Martinez, R. T. (2023, September 10). Collaborative research in climate change. Global Research Blog. http://www.globalresearchblog.com/climate-change
This rule is particularly important as it prevents overly lengthy author lists while still giving credit to significant contributors.
Edge Cases in Blog Citations
1. Authors with Suffixes
When an author has a suffix, such as Jr., Sr., II, or III, include it in the reference list after the initials, separated by a comma. For example:
Doe, J. R. (2023, August 5). The art of blogging: Tips for success. Blog Mastery. http://www.blogmaster.com/art-of-blogging
This inclusion offers clarity about the author's identity, which is especially relevant in academic writing.
2. Specific Dating of Posts
For blogs that require precise dating, ensure you use the Year, Month Day format. For instance:
Adams, P. Q. (2023, March 3). Understanding the basics of SEO. SEO Insights. http://www.seoinsights.com/basics-seo
This format is vital for readers who may need to find the specific post, contributing to the transparency and credibility of your sources.
Why These Rules Matter
Adhering to APA citation rules is critical for several reasons. Firstly, consistency in citations allows readers to locate sources easily. Secondly, it gives proper credit to authors, avoiding plagiarism. Thirdly, following standardized formats enhances the professionalism of your work. Proper citations reflect your attention to detail and respect for intellectual property.
Practical Tips for Citing Blogs
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Double-Check Author Names: Ensure that you have the correct spelling and initials for each author, particularly with common last names or those with suffixes.
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Use Reliable URLs: Always verify that the URL links directly to the blog post cited. Dead links or incorrect URLs hinder readers from accessing the source.
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Formatting Consistency: Pay attention to italics and punctuation. Blog post titles should be italicized, while the blog's name should be in regular font.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Incorrect Author Formatting: A common mistake is forgetting to invert author names or incorrectly using 'and' instead of '&' in reference lists. Always use the correct formatting.
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Neglecting Specific Dates: Failing to include the full date for blog posts can lead to ambiguity. Always provide the Year, Month Day format where necessary.
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Omitting Suffixes: If an author has a suffix, neglecting to include it can lead to confusion, particularly with common names.
Conclusion
Citing blogs in APA style requires careful attention to detail, especially in special and edge cases. By following the outlined rules and tips, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and complete. This not only contributes to the quality of your academic work but also assists your readers in navigating your sources effectively. Always remember to check the specifics of each citation to maintain consistency and credibility in your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a blog post in APA format?
To cite a blog post in APA format, you will need the author's name, the publication date, the title of the post, the title of the blog, and the URL. The general format is: Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of the post. Title of the blog. URL. For instance, if John Doe wrote a post titled 'Understanding APA Style' on January 15, 2023, on his blog 'Writing Tips', the citation would look like this: Doe, J. (2023, January 15). Understanding APA style. Writing Tips. http://www.writingtips.com/understanding-apa-style. Make sure to use italics for the title of the blog and keep the post title in sentence case. For more details, you can visit the APA Style website.
What if the blog post has no date?
If a blog post does not have a publication date, you can use 'n.d.' in place of the year. The citation format would look like this: Author, A. A. (n.d.). Title of the post. Title of the blog. URL. For example, if Jane Smith wrote a blog post titled 'Tips for Effective Writing' on a blog called 'Creative Writing', but the post does not have a date, your citation would be: Smith, J. (n.d.). Tips for effective writing. Creative Writing. http://www.creativewriting.com/tips-for-effective-writing. This indicates that no date is available, ensuring that readers understand this is a specific limitation. For further information, check the APA Style guidelines.
How do I cite a blog post with multiple authors?
When citing a blog post with multiple authors, you should list them in the order they appear in the post. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author's name. The format is as follows: Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year, Month Day). Title of the post. Title of the blog. URL. For example, if three authors, John Doe, Jane Smith, and Alex Brown, collaborated on a blog post titled 'Collaborative Writing Techniques', the citation would look like this: Doe, J., Smith, J., & Brown, A. (2023, February 10). Collaborative writing techniques. Writing Together. http://www.writingtogether.com/collaborative-writing-techniques. If there are more than 20 authors, list the first 19, then an ellipsis, and the last author's name. For more on this, refer to the APA Style website.
Do I need to include the full URL when citing a blog post?
Yes, you should include the full URL when citing a blog post in APA format. This allows readers to access the source directly. The URL should be a hyperlink if your document is digital. For example, if you are citing a post titled 'The Importance of Research' by Emily Green, the citation would be: Green, E. (2023, March 5). The importance of research. Research Insights. http://www.researchinsights.com/importance-of-research. Ensure that the URL is correct and leads to the specific post you are citing. If you have questions about how to format hyperlinks, check the APA Style guidelines for more information.
Can I use a blog post as a source for my academic paper?
Yes, you can use a blog post as a source for your academic paper, but it is essential to evaluate the credibility of the blog and the author. Consider the author's qualifications, the quality of the writing, and the depth of the content. If the blog post provides relevant information and insights that enhance your argument, it can be a valuable source. However, be cautious of blogs that lack rigorous fact-checking or scholarly backing. Always cross-reference information with more traditional academic sources when possible. For more advice on evaluating sources, you can refer to resources provided by your institution or the APA Style guidelines.
What should I do if I want to quote from a blog post?
When quoting from a blog post, you should include the author's name, the date of the post, and the page number if available. If there are no page numbers, use paragraph numbers or section headings. The in-text citation format is (Author, Year). For example: 'Effective writing requires practice' (Doe, 2023, para. 3). In your reference list, make sure to include the full citation of the blog post as previously described. This approach ensures that your readers can locate the original source. For more detailed guidelines on quoting, refer to the APA Style website, which offers comprehensive information on citation practices.
Last Updated: 2025-10-26
Reading Time: 10 minutes
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