Have you forgotten why you’re blogging?
I’ve long been an advocate of the power of blogging, but when you’re posting three times a week – or even trying to muster up something original once a week – it can be hard to consistently create compelling content for your blog posts.
We all have ‘off’ days, times when the creative juices aren’t flowing. Sometimes finding different, interesting and useful content to share on a blog proves tricky. With that in mind, here are 10 ways to consistently create great blog content, and also to refresh the reasons why you’re blogging:
1. Re-visit your blogging legacy
Have a look through your previous posts – are there any blogs you can add a second part to, an update, additional content?
2. Read through the last 24 hours Home feed on your Twitter account
Reviewing the last day on your Twitter Home feed usually delivers a few good blog ideas or content themes to explore.
3. What are you doing at the moment – share the love
Discuss things you’re working on at the moment: projects, new client work, challenges, success, lessons learnt. Add value.
4. Check the blogosphere
Look at what bloggers are posting and expand their debates – this is a great way to further link into the blog community, too.
5. Become a source of exclusive information
Are you a thought-leader in your commercial space? No? Become one. Add exclusive content in your area of expertise.
6. Ask for help
Speak to your clients, colleagues and trusted network associates what interest them. Ask for their help in creating content.
7. Do market research
Get online and see what your competitors are talking about. Then write something better on the same subject. Add insight.
8. Get passionate
If you have strong beliefs or proven methods around a commercial subject, share it. Share your passion. Readers love this.
9. Remain teachable
Ask your readers what they want to see. Start a survey, ask your audience what they value. Create statistical value.
10. Start with the end in mind
Remember why you’re blogging – think back to your earliest blog posts and recall what sparked you to start blogging. Share it.
[...] the original here: Forgotten why you're blogging? « Bristol Editor Comments [...]
Thanks for some excellent tips. Your points are also relevant to serving our client’s who depend on us to provide them with fresh ideas or assistance in repackaging their messages. Generating content can be fun, but it is also takes some labor.
I have been blogging for a little over two weeks and have really been enjoying it, but I can see that the pace will decline at some point. Thanks
Hi Roy
Hope you’re well.
Many thanks for your inputs – much appreciated, and I hope your journey into the blogosphere proves to be as interesting, fulfilling and exciting as mine has been thusfar!
Basically, as with so many content-based elements online, you get out what you put in. Your tweets are excellent, by the way.
The ability to keep producing online content, day after day, month after month, year after grinding year, is one of the greatest challenges in digital communication. I suggest there are five pillars of blogging longevity:
1] Have a real reason for doing it (ie not just because you think you should)
2] Have a focus (that helps with the passion)
3] Pace yourself (long posts and short posts – and don’t bust a gut to post every day if that doesn’t work for you. But do be consistent)
4] Nurture your audience – as talking into a void becomes very frustrating and disheartening
5] Have a conversation with the world – don’t just talk at people.
Whenever I remember these, my blog becomes better and more fun. When I forget, it becomes a real chore…
Brilliant, solid points as always Simon – many thanks.