Now that your blog is set up and you're ready to go, the next step is filling it with content. This can be a challenge for most of us, but it doesn't have to be.
Most people write blogs because they're passionate about a topic, and they have knowledge to impart or have an opinion to share. This makes for interesting reading because people enjoy reading authors who are emotionally attached to their subject. This should be a major consideration when deciding on the subject matter of your blog.
Let's look at some tips and best practices for filling your blog with quality content that should attract followers.
Tips and the Top 10
People love to find tips about how to do something better. Thanks to David Letterman, we all love the top 10 lists. These have a way of attracting reader's attention.
Find good tips on your topic and post them to your blog. You don't always have to use 10 either -- you can use any number. Actually, posting something like "Top 6 Twitter SEO Tips" makes it seem more genuine than stuffing in four more items just to make it 10.
Solve Problems, Ask Questions
One of the best ways to approach your blog posts is to put yourself in the shoes of your followers and identify a question they might have. Your assignment is to answer that question with a post.
This makes your post more conversational. It will also help you get more followers, because you're answering a question that's likely already on your readers' minds.
Look for Growing Trends
Staying on top of trends might help you identify a topic that will be of interest to your readers within a specific time period.
Let's say there's a growing buzz on a new iPhone app. If you use a tool like Twitter or hang around blogs or forums related to iPhone apps, you can post it on your blog. You might just be the go-to blog on that topic, if your timing is right.
Take a Poll
A good source for unique content is to poll your followers. Ask a question that solicits a response. Get out on Twitter and invite people to your blog to take the poll. You'll be surprised at the response.
People like to have a platform on which to express their opinions. Once you're done, you can follow up with some rich, relevant content.
Networking and Partnerships
Interact with people outside your blog. Set up a Facebook or Twitter account and interact with people.
Find out what's on their mind. Read their blogs. In addition to finding new readers, you'll find some fresh ideas that you can bring back to your blog.
If you come across a difficult topic, don't feel like you have to do days of research to make sure you cover the topic accurately. Go find other experts who have the answer and refer your readers to them for the specifics. You can build some great relationships and probably get some quality referrals that come your way.
How Often to Blog
Getting a blog started and launched can be really exciting. Once the honeymoon is over, you need to be prepared to stick with it for the long term.
Some people blog every hour, some daily, and some weekly. These are all fine, but you need to pace yourself. If you blog every day and then stop for a week or two, you'll likely lose your momentum and your followers. Just be consistent.
What Lessons Have You Learned About Blogging?
Taking my own medicine, it would be great to hear some of the tips or lessons other bloggers have learned. Feel free to share with us below so we can learn from your experiences.
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