My Blogging Research Reflection

This week we were asked to deepen our understanding of the blogging practice and how successful bloggers accomplish this process. I settled on sixteen diverse blog entries and articles. They ranged from the typical “how to blog” to “corporate blogging” to “marketing your blog” to “making money from blogging”. Surprisingly I gained insight from each of them.

Content choice was the most cited means to success. Obviously, the content topic must provide value to gain readership. It should be original, fresh, and stand out from the crowd. Original and unique Pillar Articles such as white papers or how-to guides are a great way to attract readers and more importantly links from others. They should be timeless and produce repeat visits. Often they have a viral effect. Aside from Pillar Articles, blogs should usually be short. Numbered lists such as the 5 Types of Blog Posts for More Traffic were often cited as being very effective. The entries should engage the reader in conversation as opposed to merely imparting information. This practice provides valuable input and can often drive traffic to your blog especially if you have comments from recognized sources. Title choice and keyword selection are vital content components.

Somewhat surprisingly, consistency was the second most cited subject. This ranged from posting frequency to the content itself – don’t contradict yourself. Trust and perception are keys to gaining and retaining readership. You have only a few seconds to make an impression. The blog should have and convey a goal, purpose and target audience. Well thought-out graphics and illustrations hold attention. The blog should be well designed and maintained. It must reveal you and your content as trusted resources. You should: write about what you know and insure the information you provide is accurate; network and build relationships with likeminded people; read and comment on other respected bloggers blogs; post links to sites you want linked to your site; and soft sell – don’t be too commercial.

Generally speaking, successful blogs take a lot of planning and require hard work. This includes self-publishing and money-making blogs. The content must be credible, consistent, and valued. In 5 Content Strategies That Top Bloggers Use + 3 Things That Set Them Apart, Skellie notes that no one blogging habit or style is required for success but consistency, tenaciousness, and a natural fit are common traits of her most admired bloggers. This is consistent with my research.

The following blogs and articles influenced this blog entry. See my delicious account for additional articles I read for this reflection.

• 5 Content Strategies That Top Bloggers Use + 3 Things That Set Them Apart
• 5 Types of Blog Posts for More Traffic
• How To Write Great Blog Content – The pillar Article
• 21 Tips to Earn Links and Tweets to Your Blog Post
• What Makes A Good Blog Entry?
• Starting a Blog
• Blogging tips: growing an audience
• Blogging for Money