How to Cite a Blog MLA: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to How to Cite a Blog MLA

Have you ever read a blog post or research paper and wondered, “How do I know this information is reliable?” In both academic and business settings, the answer often comes down to how well sources are cited. Learning how to cite a blog MLA is not just a technical requirement—it's a vital skill that helps you build trust, avoid plagiarism, and enhance your credibility as a writer.

Sounds complex? It doesn’t have to be. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format was designed to bring consistency and clarity to scholarly writing. By following a standard approach, everyone—from students to seasoned professionals—can create citations that are easy to read and verify. This shared system allows readers to quickly trace the origins of ideas, strengthening the value of your work and the integrity of your arguments. As noted by educational resources, the ultimate goal of MLA documentation is to ensure a common template that serves everyone’s needs and protects both writers and readers from the pitfalls of misinformation and plagiarism.

But why is this so important in the business world? Imagine you’re drafting a business proposal or publishing a thought leadership article. Your audience—be it clients, colleagues, or potential partners—wants to know that your insights are backed by credible sources. Well-cited posts signal authority and professionalism, making your arguments more persuasive and your brand more trustworthy (Wharton Communication Program).

• Builds trust: Readers can verify your sources and feel confident in your content.
• Avoids plagiarism: Proper MLA blog citation ensures you give credit where it’s due, protecting your reputation.
• Enhances credibility: Clear, consistent citations show you value accuracy and integrity—qualities that matter in every field.

So, how to cite a blog MLA? Once you know the essential components, it’s a straightforward process that elevates your writing and sets you apart as an authority. Even expert content services like BlogSpark recognize that meticulous citation is a hallmark of high-quality, professional blog writing. In the next sections, you’ll discover exactly what goes into a proper MLA blog citation and how to apply these standards to your own work.

The 9 Core Components of an MLA Blog Citation

When you start building a citation, you might wonder, “What exactly do I need to include?” The answer lies in the MLA’s core components—a set of elements that provide a clear structure for every citation. Whether you’re a student, a business writer, or a content creator, understanding these MLA citation components will help you create accurate and professional references every time.

Breaking Down the MLA Blog Citation Structure

Imagine you’re assembling a puzzle. Each piece has its own place and purpose, and when combined, they form a complete picture. The same goes for citing a blog in MLA format. The Modern Language Association outlines nine core elements that act as building blocks for any citation. Some are required, while others are optional, depending on the details available from your source.

• 1. Author. If the blog post lists an author, start with their last name, followed by a comma and their first name. For group or corporate authors, use the organization’s name. If there’s no author, the citation begins with the title. (For more on how to cite a blog in MLA with no author, see later sections.)
• 2. Title of the Post. Place the blog post’s title in quotation marks. Capitalize all major words, and end with a period inside the quotation marks.
• 3. Title of the Blog (Container). Italicize the name of the blog. This acts as the “container” for the post. End with a comma.
• 4. Contributor(s) (Optional). If editors, translators, or other contributors are credited, include their roles after the blog title, using phrases like “edited by” or “translated by.” This element is optional and not always present in blog citations.
• 5. Version (Optional). If the post is part of a specific version (like a revised edition), note it here. This is uncommon for blogs but can be included when relevant.
• 6. Number (Optional). If the blog post is part of a numbered sequence (such as a series or volume), include the number. Most blogs don’t use this element, but it’s available if needed.
• 7. Publisher. List the publisher only if it differs from the blog’s title or is especially relevant. For most blogs, the blog name and publisher are the same, so this element can be omitted in those cases.
• 8. Publication Date. Record the date the blog post was published, using the format Day Month Year (e.g., 21 June 2022). If no date is given, you may leave this out.
• 9. Location (URL). Include the full URL of the blog post, omitting the “http://” or “https://” unless required. This is essential for online sources so readers can access the original post.

How to cite a blog MLA?

Start by gathering as many of these components as you can. If an element is missing—like a contributor or version—simply skip it and move to the next. The MLA format is designed to be flexible, allowing you to create a complete citation even when some details aren’t available (Santa Fe College MLA Citation Guide).

You’ll notice that some elements, like contributor, version, and number, are rarely used for blogs, but they’re part of the official MLA citation template. By understanding each component’s role, you’ll be ready to assemble citations that meet academic and professional standards. In the next section, we’ll walk through how to put these pieces together step by step, so you can confidently build your Works Cited entry from start to finish.

Building Your Works Cited Entry Step by Step

When you’re ready to create a Works Cited entry for a blog, it can feel like you’re juggling a lot of details. Where do you start? Which pieces are essential? Let’s break down the process into clear, manageable steps so you can confidently assemble an MLA works cited blog entry that meets every requirement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Citing a Blog in MLA Format

Imagine you’ve gathered all the information from your chosen blog post. Now, it’s time to put those nine core components together in the right order. Follow these steps and you’ll have a polished citation ready for your Works Cited page.

1. Start with the Author’s NameBegin with the author’s last name, followed by their first name. If there’s no author, start with the post title. For multiple authors, list the first author as Last Name, First Name, followed by other names in normal order. For three or more authors, use the first author’s name followed by et al. (BibGuru MLA Blog Citation Guide).
2. Add the Title of the Blog PostPlace the blog post’s title in quotation marks. Capitalize major words, and end with a period inside the quotation marks.
3. Include the Blog Name (Container)Italicize the name of the blog, followed by a comma. This identifies the container holding your post.
4. List Any Contributors (Optional)If the post credits editors, translators, or other contributors, add them here, using phrases like “edited by” or “translated by.” Most blogs won’t require this step, so skip it if not applicable.
5. Mention the Version (Optional)If the blog post is part of a specific version or edition, include this detail. This is rare for blogs, so you’ll usually omit it.
6. State the Number (Optional)If the post is part of a numbered series or volume, add the number. Again, this is uncommon for most blogs.
7. Identify the PublisherList the publisher only if it’s different from the blog name. If the blog and publisher are the same, you can skip this element.
8. Provide the Publication DateEnter the date the blog post was published in Day Month Year format (e.g., 21 June 2022). Use abbreviations for months when required (e.g., 11 Dec. 2018).
9. Finish with the URLAdd the full URL exactly as it appears in your browser. Omit any URL shorteners, and do not include a period after the URL to avoid confusion.

Formatting and Punctuation Tips

• Use italics for the blog name, but keep the post title in quotation marks.
• Separate each component with the correct punctuation: periods after the author and post title; commas after the blog name and publisher (if used); and no period after the URL.
• Double-check the order: Author. “Post Title.” Blog Name, Publisher, Date, URL.

Let’s see how all these steps come together with a practical example. Suppose you’re citing a blog post by Shannon Miller titled “Google’s Change the Game initiative is turning girls into game developers,” published on Hello Giggles on December 11, 2018. Your citation would look like this:

Miller, Shannon. “Google’s Change the Game initiative is turning girls into game developers.” Hello Giggles, 11 Dec. 2018, hellogiggles.com/lifestyle/google-play-change-the-game-girls-gaming/.

Notice how each element fits into its place, and the punctuation guides the reader through the citation. Following these steps not only ensures accuracy but also helps you present your sources with professionalism and clarity.

Wondering how to cite a blog MLA? With these sequential steps and attention to detail, you’ll find the process becomes second nature. Next, we’ll reveal a standardized template for MLA blog citations, making it even easier to format your sources every time.

How Do You Cite a Blog in MLA Format?

When you’re ready to put it all together, having a clear MLA blog citation format at your fingertips makes the process simple and repeatable. Sounds complex? It’s actually quite straightforward once you see the standardized template in action. Let’s break down the essential structure you’ll use for every blog post you cite in MLA style.

MLA Blog Citation Format: The Template

Author’s Last Name, First Name.

"Title of Blog Post."

Blog Name,

Publisher (if different),

Date of Publication,

URL.

This template is your go-to guide. Here’s what each part means:

• Author’s Name: Start with the last name, then first name. If no author, begin with the post title.
• Title of Blog Post: Place in quotation marks. Capitalize major words.
• Blog Name: Italicize the blog’s name as the container.
• Publisher: Include only if it differs from the blog name. Otherwise, skip this part.
• Date of Publication: Use the day, month, and year format (e.g., 28 Mar. 2013).
• URL: Provide the full web address, omitting the period at the end.

For example, a properly formatted entry might look like this:

Cohen, Micah. “Retirements Contributing to Largest Senate Turnover in Decades.” FiveThirtyEight, The New York Times Company, 28 Mar. 2013, fivethirtyeight.com/features/retirements-contributing-to-largest-senate-turnover-in-decades/.

Using this MLA blog citation format in your Works Cited list demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to professional standards—qualities that matter whether you’re writing for school or for business. How to cite a blog MLA? Just follow this template, and you’ll ensure every citation is polished and credible. Next, let’s see how to handle in-text citations for blog posts to complete your documentation process.

Formatting Your MLA In-Text Citation for a Blog Post

When you quote, paraphrase, or refer to a blog post in your writing, you need to give clear credit within the text itself. This is where the MLA in-text citation blog rules come into play. But what does that look like in practice? Let’s break down how to cite a blog in-text so your references are always accurate and easy to follow.

How In-Text Citations Work for Blogs

Imagine you’re writing a research paper or a business report and want to reference an idea from a blog. Instead of repeating the full Works Cited entry, you use a short parenthetical citation right after the borrowed information. This not only points your reader to the full citation at the end but also keeps your writing clear and uncluttered.

• Standard Parenthetical Citation: For most blog posts, simply include the author’s last name in parentheses at the end of the sentence or quotation.Example: Writing clear citations builds trust with your audience (Naish).
• Using the Author’s Name in the Sentence: If you mention the author in your sentence, you don’t need to repeat the name in parentheses. Just include the borrowed idea or quote, and skip the parenthetical.Example: Naish argues that clarity in citation helps readers verify information.
• Citing a Blog with No Author: If there’s no author, use a shortened version of the blog post’s title in quotation marks for your in-text citation. Make sure this matches the first element of the Works Cited entry.Example: Proper attribution is essential for credibility (“If Bigfoot Were Real”).
• No Page Numbers? No Problem: Blog posts rarely have page numbers, so you only need the author’s name or the shortened title—never add page or paragraph numbers unless they are explicitly provided (Orange Coast College MLA Guide).
• Multiple Authors: For two authors, include both last names (e.g., (Smith and Patel)). For three or more, use the first author’s last name followed by et al. (e.g., (Moore et al.)).

Where and How to Place Your Citation

Place the parenthetical citation immediately after the quote, paraphrase, or referenced idea, and before the period or other punctuation mark. If you’re quoting a longer passage (a block quote), the citation comes after the period.

• After a direct quote: "Blog citations can be straightforward" (Naish).
• After a paraphrased idea: Citing sources helps maintain academic integrity (Naish).

How to cite a blog MLA? Use the author’s last name or a shortened title, skip the page number, and place the citation right where your reader needs it. This simple process ensures your work remains professional and trustworthy. Next, let’s explore how to smoothly introduce these in-text citations into your sentences without breaking the flow of your writing.

Integrating In-Text Citations Smoothly into Your Writing

Ever feel like citations interrupt the flow of your writing? When you’re learning how to cite a blog in MLA format, the real challenge often isn’t just remembering the rules—it’s making sure your references blend seamlessly into your sentences. Integrating in-text citations naturally not only keeps your work readable but also boosts your credibility by showing you’ve done your research.

Why Use Signal Phrases?

Signal phrases act as a bridge between your ideas and your sources. They introduce the author or source, letting readers know where the information is coming from before you present a quote or paraphrased idea. This technique makes your writing smoother and easier to follow, especially in academic and business contexts.

MLA Blog In-Text Citation Example: Using Signal Phrases

• Introduce a direct quote:As Miller asserts, "Google's Change the Game initiative is turning girls into game developers."
• Paraphrase with the author's name:According to Miller, the initiative encourages more girls to pursue careers in gaming.
• Use a reporting verb or phrase:Miller points out that industry representation is vital for young women interested in technology.
• Blend the citation into your analysis:By highlighting the program's impact, Miller suggests that targeted outreach can close the gender gap in tech.

Other Ways to Integrate Citations

• With a prepositional phrase: In Miller's view, early exposure to coding makes a difference.
• With a summary statement: As noted in the Hello Giggles blog, industry initiatives are changing perceptions.
• For sources without an author: "Google’s Change the Game initiative is turning girls into game developers" highlights the importance of inclusivity (“Google’s Change the Game”).

Sounds complex? It’s actually quite intuitive once you start practicing. The key is to choose verbs and phrases that match the context—words like "argues," "claims," "suggests," or "reports" all work well (IUP Writing Center). Remember to follow up quotes with your own analysis, reinforcing or expanding on what the source says.

How to cite a blog MLA? Integrate your sources using signal phrases and well-chosen verbs, and your writing will remain fluid and authoritative. In the next section, we’ll tackle what to do when a blog post has no author—so you’re always prepared, no matter what kind of source you encounter.

How to Cite a Blog in MLA With No Author

Ever come across a blog post with great information but no author listed? This is a common scenario, and it can leave you wondering how to cite a blog in MLA with no author. The good news is that MLA style has clear, straightforward rules for this situation—so you can still give proper credit and keep your writing credible and professional.

What to Do When There’s No Author

When a blog post has no named author, MLA citation no author rules say you should start your Works Cited entry with the post’s title instead. For in-text citations, use a shortened version of the blog post’s title in quotation marks. This approach helps your readers find the full entry on your Works Cited page and ensures your citation remains clear and consistent.

• Works Cited: Start with the blog post’s title in quotation marks, followed by the rest of the standard citation elements (blog name, date, URL).
• In-text citation: Use a shortened version of the title in quotation marks, matching the first element of your Works Cited entry. No author’s name is needed.

How to Shorten the Title for In-Text Citations

Choose the first one, two, or three significant words from the title (skip initial articles like "the," "a," or "an"). The shortened title should be clear enough to match the entry in your Works Cited list. For example, if the post is titled "The Ultimate Guide to Digital Marketing for Startups," you might use ("Ultimate Guide") as your in-text citation (Purdue OWL: MLA In-Text Citations).

Comparing MLA Blog Citations With and Without an Author

Works Cited Entry (No Author)	In-Text Citation (No Author)
"Timeline: Asia-Canada." The Canadian Encyclopedia, Historica Canada, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/asia-canada. Accessed 30 Aug. 2024.	("Timeline")
"If Bigfoot Were Real, He’d Be an Endangered Species." Wildlife Today, 18 Mar. 2024, wildlifetoday.com/bigfoot-endangered.	("If Bigfoot Were Real")

• Tip: If the blog post also lacks a publication date, simply skip that element and include the access date at the end of your citation.
• Alphabetizing: In your Works Cited list, alphabetize entries by the first significant word of the title, ignoring articles like "the" or "a".

How to cite a blog MLA? When there’s no author, use the title as your anchor in both your Works Cited entry and in-text citation. This method keeps your references organized and easy for readers to follow. In the next section, we’ll look at important updates from the MLA 9th edition that make citing blogs even more flexible and accessible.

Key Updates for Citing Blogs in MLA 9th Edition

When MLA released its 9th edition, you might have wondered: “Do I need to learn a whole new set of rules to cite blogs?” Good news—while the core structure remains familiar, several important MLA citation updates make the process clearer and more flexible than before. If you’re committed to accurate referencing, these changes will help you keep your citations current and compliant.

What’s New in MLA 9th Edition Blog Citation?

Let’s break down the most significant MLA 9th edition blog citation changes that affect how you document online sources:

• URLs Are Now Required: In previous MLA editions, URLs were often optional. MLA 9 now requires you to include the full URL for online sources, such as blogs. This ensures readers can access the original post directly and easily. Omit the “http://” or “https://” prefix unless necessary for clarity. If a URL is excessively long, you may shorten it as long as the core domain and path remain visible.
• Access Dates Are Optional (With Exceptions): The 9th edition clarifies that you only need to include an access date if the blog content is likely to change or doesn’t have a clear publication date. For most stable blogs, you can skip this step, making your citation process more streamlined.
• Greater Flexibility with Publisher Information: MLA 9 continues to allow you to omit the publisher’s name if it is identical to the blog name or not especially relevant. This simplification helps you avoid redundancy and keeps your citations clear.
• Expanded Guidance for In-Text Citations: The new edition introduces the term “citation in prose” and provides more examples for citing sources without authors, including blogs. This means you have more options for integrating citations naturally into your writing.
• Updated Formatting for Pseudonyms and Usernames: If the blog author uses a pseudonym or username, MLA 9 recommends placing the real name first, followed by the username in brackets. This provides clarity and consistency across your Works Cited entries.
• Shorter, Cleaner URLs: If a URL runs over three lines, MLA 9 allows you to omit unnecessary tracking parameters to make your citation more reader-friendly, as long as the main website and path remain intact.

Why Do These MLA Citation Updates Matter?

You’ll notice that these changes are designed to make citations both more accessible for readers and less cumbersome for writers. By standardizing URLs, clarifying when to use access dates, and simplifying publisher requirements, MLA 9th edition blog citation rules help you create references that are both accurate and easy to follow.

How to cite a blog MLA? With these updates, the process is more intuitive than ever. In the next section, we’ll put all these rules into action with a complete example—so you can see exactly how a modern MLA blog citation comes together from start to finish.

A Complete MLA Blog Citation Example from Start to Finish

Ever wish you could see the whole MLA blog citation process in action? Let’s walk through a practical, step-by-step MLA blog citation example—so you can confidently apply every rule and nuance you’ve learned so far. Imagine you’ve found a blog post with valuable insights for your academic paper or business report. Here’s how you’d break it down, cite it, and reference it within your writing.

Mock Blog Post for Citation

Suppose you want to cite this blog post:

• Author: Jamie Lee
• Title of Post: “Remote Work Revolution: How Companies Are Adapting”
• Blog Name: Modern Workplace Insights
• Publisher: Modern Workplace Media
• Date of Publication: 2 May 2024
• URL: modernworkplaceinsights.com/blog/remote-work-revolution

Breaking Down the 9 Core Components

#	MLA Element	Example from Mock Blog
1	Author	Lee, Jamie.
2	Title of Post	"Remote Work Revolution: How Companies Are Adapting."
3	Title of Blog (Container)	Modern Workplace Insights,
4	Contributor(s) (Optional)	[Not applicable]
5	Version (Optional)	[Not applicable]
6	Number (Optional)	[Not applicable]
7	Publisher	Modern Workplace Media,
8	Publication Date	2 May 2024,
9	Location (URL)	modernworkplaceinsights.com/blog/remote-work-revolution

Putting It All Together: Works Cited Entry

Lee, Jamie. “Remote Work Revolution: How Companies Are Adapting.” Modern Workplace Insights, Modern Workplace Media, 2 May 2024, modernworkplaceinsights.com/blog/remote-work-revolution.

This entry follows the MLA blog citation example template: Author. “Title of Post.” Blog Name, Publisher, Date, URL. Notice the punctuation and formatting—quotation marks around the post title, italics for the blog name, commas separating elements, and no period after the URL.

Sample In-Text Citation

When you reference this blog post in your writing, use the author’s last name in parentheses:

• Many companies have shifted their management strategies to support remote teams (Lee).

If you mention the author in your sentence, simply include the idea or quotation without the parenthetical:

• According to Lee, organizations that embrace flexible work policies see higher employee satisfaction.

What If There’s No Author?

Let’s say the same post had no listed author. Your Works Cited entry would begin with the blog post’s title:

"Remote Work Revolution: How Companies Are Adapting." Modern Workplace Insights, Modern Workplace Media, 2 May 2024, modernworkplaceinsights.com/blog/remote-work-revolution.

And your in-text citation would use a shortened version of the title:

• Adapting to remote work presents unique challenges (“Remote Work Revolution”).

Key Takeaways

• Gather all available citation elements before you start.
• Follow the MLA order and punctuation exactly for a polished Works Cited entry.
• Use the author’s last name (or a shortened title) in your in-text citation.

How to cite a blog MLA? With a clear example and a step-by-step breakdown, you can see how easy it is to create citations that are both accurate and professional. In the final section, we’ll recap these steps and discuss how mastering citation can elevate your writing—whether you’re a student, a business leader, or a content creator.

Conclusion

When you first encounter MLA citation rules, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. How do you keep track of all the components? What if you miss a step? The good news is that once you break down the process, citing a blog in MLA format becomes a straightforward routine—one that boosts your credibility and sets your content apart.

The Steps to Accurate MLA Blog Citations

• Gather all core details: Author, post title, blog name, publisher, publication date, and URL are your essentials. Optional elements like contributors or version can be added if available.
• Follow the order and formatting: Use quotation marks for the post title, italics for the blog name, and commas or periods in the right places. Don’t forget, the URL comes last—without a period.
• Handle missing pieces: No author? Start with the title. No date? Use an access date if needed. MLA’s flexibility lets you adapt to real-world scenarios.
• Use concise in-text citations: Rely on the author’s last name or a shortened title, and skip page numbers unless provided.
• Integrate citations naturally: Signal phrases and smooth transitions make your writing more readable and authoritative.

How to cite a blog MLA? With the right guide, it’s a process anyone can master—whether you’re a student, a business leader, or a content creator.

Why Consistency and Quality Matter for Businesses

For companies and content creators, proper citation isn’t just about following academic rules—it’s about building trust and authority in your niche. Well-cited, SEO-optimized blog content signals to your audience (and to search engines) that you value accuracy and professionalism. This is especially critical when your brand’s reputation or your clients’ confidence is on the line.

But here’s the real challenge: consistently producing high-quality, authoritative content at scale. You might know the citation rules, but finding the time and resources to apply them to every post—while also focusing on strategy, creativity, and audience engagement—can be tough.

Streamlining Professional Blog Writing with Expert Support

Imagine having a reliable partner to handle the research, formatting, and citation details for you. That’s where expert content solutions like BlogSpark come in. By automating the tedious parts of blog creation—from keyword research to MLA-compliant citation—BlogSpark empowers you to publish well-cited, SEO-optimized blog content faster and more efficiently than ever before. This means you can focus on your core business while ensuring every article meets professional standards for accuracy and trustworthiness.

• Save time: Let technology handle repetitive citation and formatting tasks.
• Maintain consistency: Every post follows the same high standards, enhancing your brand’s authority.
• Scale your output: Publish more content without sacrificing quality or compliance.

In summary, mastering MLA blog citations is a valuable skill—but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re aiming for academic excellence or business credibility, the right tools and expert support can make your content shine. Consider leveraging smart solutions like BlogSpark to ensure your writing is not only well-cited, but also engaging, authoritative, and ready to stand out in any field.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I cite a blog in MLA format?

To cite a blog in MLA, include the author's name, blog post title in quotation marks, blog name in italics, publisher (if different from the blog name), publication date, and the full URL. If there is no author, start with the post title. Always use proper punctuation and formatting for each element.

2. What should I do if a blog post has no author in MLA citation?

When a blog post lacks an author, begin your citation with the post's title in quotation marks. For in-text citations, use a shortened version of the title in quotation marks, ensuring it matches the Works Cited entry. This approach helps readers locate the correct source easily.

3. Is it necessary to include the URL when citing a blog in MLA?

Yes, according to MLA 9th edition guidelines, including the full URL is required for online sources like blogs. This allows readers to directly access the original content. Omit 'http://' or 'https://' unless needed for clarity.

4. How do I format an MLA in-text citation for a blog post?

MLA in-text citations for blogs typically use the author's last name in parentheses. If there is no author, use a shortened blog post title in quotation marks. Page numbers are not required for blogs unless specifically provided.

5. Why is proper MLA blog citation important for businesses and content creators?

Accurate MLA blog citations build trust and credibility with readers, demonstrate professionalism, and help avoid plagiarism. For businesses, well-cited content also supports SEO and positions your brand as an authority in your industry.