Admittedly, I’m getting stingy on new blogs to which I subscribe. When I first got involved with social media, I was subscribing to anything and everything. A while back I purged and got down to a manageable amount of daily blog reading. But, more and more people are writing interesting and engaging content and I continually want to add more blogs to my reading list.
So, what am I looking for on a blog site that will urge me to subscribe? If I was starting a blog today and looking to build a subscriber base that included other established bloggers, here are some elements I would include on my site.
- Unique, Actionable Content: To be honest, I don’t care if you’ve been blogging for 5 years or 5 minutes, if I feel I’m going to leave a site having learned something new, count me in. I’m all for subscribing to someone that can teach me something.
- Let Me Share: If you have something good, let me tell others about it. Offering methods to bookmark or post on a favorite social media site is a way to let visitors know how to participate.
- A Recognizable Avatar or Logo: The part about blogging I like best is community. Whether that be through participating on a favorite social media site like Small Business Brief, Sphinn, or StumbleUpon or through frequent commenting, I like to know you’re involved and participating in the discussion.
- Frequent Content: If you go three weeks between posts, you’re not showing you’re committed to blogging. A couple posts a week is fine - it shows you enjoy what you do and are passionate. Displaying recent posts in the sidebar also gives visitors a quick snapshot about your content.
- Have a Focus: I’m typically more attracted to sites that offer a focus and make that focus clear through easily found description or images. If your intent is to write about marketing one day and your trip to the zoo the next - that’s great - just let me know your content will be varied.
- Decorate: Put a few minutes into adding images to your posts or your site. So much of social media is visual perception!
- Show Some Enthusiasm!: I personally love writing that shows a passion for a topic. Energy and enthusiasm should be easy to show in your writing if you’re truly excited about what you’re doing.
Anything else you would add?
Tags: Blogging, marketing, RSS, Small Business Brief, social media, Sphinn
Great Post Patrick…I would add that one of the 3 or so posts a week be a “pillar” article - a longer, evergreen piece that could serve as a standard tutorial for an industry. This is key to showing expertise over a certain topic.
Best
Joe
I would like to add to Joe’s post, don’t just re-hash others points by saying you read something interesting, and give a link, add to the converstation, don’t just regurgitate.
If you subscribe to blogs in a particular industry it often happens that the same story is linked to by half a dozen people.
Joe - great thought! I completely agree. If a writer can keep that going it shows a dedication to a topic and an audience.
Hey Neil,
Also a good point. I have no problem with people referencing a news story or blog post as long as they have an opinion to offer. Your audience could actually start looking forward to hearing your opinion.
-Pat
Patrick,
I want bloggers with a point of view, an opinion, whether or not I agree. If the subject matter is a rehash but the point of view is fresh or provocative, my interest is captured. It’s nearly impossible to come up with new content in marketing blogs, as even though tools change the basic principals remain the same. Although you would be hard pressed to believe that based on some of the stupid and intrusive marketing that exists, then and now.
Excellent post, Patrick!
Thanks Lewis,
Agreed - I recently signed up for a blog that was only on its second post because the content was very useful and very well-written. It also shared a strong opinion which grabbed my attention.
I’m one of those people who has to be reminded that blogging is as much about commenting on topics in other blogs as much as receiving comments on my blog. I don’t know how I could not remember that since you always bring it up when we talk!
7 Tips For More Blog Subscriptions…
If I was starting a blog today and looking to build a subscriber base that included other established bloggers, here are some elements I would include on my site….
Hey Patrick,
Don’t you have time to read at least 150 blog posts everday? You need a time management course! No your post is right on, you do have to cut and run with the best, but is it is a hard job with all the great content. Have a Merry Christmas!
Best Regards,
joeB
In my case subscription is based on an instinctive feeling that I don’t want to miss out on what this guy has to say.. so it can be plain funny, controversial, or like you said if I think I have learned something.. of course the herd mentality also shows its head, and if I see that a blog has a lot of subscribers even I add my name
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The frequent content is the hardest part of the deal. If you want real content and to show some expertise then at some point you will need to do some background research which is the real time sink. It’s just got to be made to be part of your routine.
I would put enthusiasm and passion on top of the list. If you don’t have it, you have no chance to create something valuable. And is the same for blogs.
Thank you so much for the tips! I am beginning to really like this site. Just came across it today, but each post I read has given me good ideas and insight. Thanks!
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