How to Cite a Blog Post in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 05/07/2024

Citing a blog post in MLA style is essential for academic integrity and giving credit to the original source of information. MLA format provides a standardized way to acknowledge online content, including blog posts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to cite a blog post in MLA format.

CITATION ELEMENTS OF A BLOG POST

• Author or Screen Name: Start with the name of the author or their screen name if available. Use the real name if provided, otherwise, opt for the screen name.
• Title of Blog Post: Enclose the title of the blog post within quotation marks to distinguish it from the rest of the citation.
• Name of Blog: Italicize the name of the blog to indicate that it is a title of a standalone work.
• Blog Network/Publisher: Include the name of the blog network or publisher if it is provided. If this information is not available, you can omit this part of the citation.
• Date of Post: Format the date of the post in the following order: Day, Month, Year. For example: 7 May 2024.
• URL: Insert the URL of the blog post in the citation. Ensure that the URL is accurate and functional, allowing readers to access the source easily.

Always Check MLA Guidelines: Stay updated with the latest MLA guidelines as they can evolve over time. Referencing the most current standards ensures accuracy and compliance with academic requirements. Prioritize Real Name: If both the author’s real name and a screen name are provided, prioritize the real name in the citation. This promotes transparency and proper attribution. Use “n.d.” for No Publication Date: When a blog post lacks a publication date, use “n.d.” (no date) in place of the date in the citation. This indicates that the date information is unavailable. Include Comprehensive Information: Include as much information as possible in the citation to assist readers in locating the source. This may include the author’s name, blog title, publication date, URL, and any other relevant details available.

EXAMPLE CITATION FOR BLOG POST

Let’s consider the citation of a blog post authored by Denise Williams titled “5 Must-Have Accessories for Spring Fashion” from the Chic Trends Blog, a part of the Chic Trends Network. This post was published on 7 May 2024.