In blogging, it helps to be trustworthy and a great storyteller. My sense is that the best blogs share nine common traits in publishing quality content.
Why do the best blogs share nine common traits? I base my conclusions on two factors: Information gleaned from Google and from my own journalism experience. (See Google’s revelations in the “Coach’s Corner” at the end of this article.)
Nine content traits:
1. Relevance
It’s the No. 1 factor why bloggers resonate with readers. Readers will spot a headline and summary and then subconsciously ask themselves at least one of three basic marketing 101 questions – “What’s in it for me?”…“So what?”… and “Why does this matter?
Insert links to related content on your blog. In the perceptions of your users, the links will provide additional relevance, and will increase their time-spent on your blog.
2. Timeliness
Readers like staying current and appreciate being able to stay abreast of developing trends and published studies.
3. KISS
As an acronym, “Keep it Simple Stupid,” is apropos for blogging.
Most Internet readers are geared for simplicity.
That’s why successful blogs present information in the form of checklists or chronological steps.
4. Event analysis
Whether it’s the release of federal data, inaugurations, Supreme Court cases or sporting events, such events provide ample topics about which to write.
5. Exclusivity
In journalistic vernacular, readers relish reading exclusive content or information not easily obtained anywhere else. If you can uncover important information before anyone else, you’ll enjoy a strong reputation for investigative work.
6. Continuous coverage
Some events take days or even months to unfold. Such coverage attracts repeat readers.
7. Diversity of topics
Don’t become known as a one-trick pony. You can develop an image of being relevant for the broadest number of readers by providing a diverse range of content. When feasible, make sure your articles are evergreen or timeless, and are updated as situations develop. You’ll be amazed by the volume of readers who reach your blog via keyword searches. As a result, they’ll often read articles that are several years old.
8. Name dropping
People like reading about famous newsmakers and companies. Try to write timeless pieces, but update when necessary.
9. Value
Provide helpful blogs that add value to the lives and careers of your readers. An attitude to provide service is helpful.
Finally, here are related blogging tips:
SEO and Other Strategic Tips for a No.1 Rated Blog — To own your blogging niche, you must understand the evolving process — important basics in search engine optimization (SEO) and other strategies. If you’ve been blogging for awhile, you know success doesn’t keep come automatically. Blogging is arduous work.
Best Practices in Thought-Leadership Web Publishing — Thought-leadership Web publishers naturally want the most-possible readers and financial success. For many facing the dynamics of marketplace-change, it’s challenging to become a frontrunner on the Internet.
13 Tips to Develop the Best Content for a Top-Rated Blog — Content marketing has become an art form via blogs. Google the term, blog, and you’ll see millions of search results. At last count there were 190 million blogs. So you face serious competition for readers’ eyes. That’s especially true if you want to be known as a go-to informational site in your niche.
25 Best Practices for Better Business Writing — If you want to accelerate your career or turbo-charge your business, one of your priorities should be good communication. Good writing is necessary in a myriad of ways, including letters, advertising copy and presentations. A lack of writing skills will can hold you back or even hurt your career.
From the Coach’s Corner, consider information provided by Google – the planet’s No. 1 search engine. The so-called mystery about how to achieve success on Google is a misnomer.
Google has been transparent in divulging its rationale for ranking Web sites.
Examples:
Google Insights – 23 Key Questions about Your Web Site — Google has unveiled vital information about what it considers important for Web site ranking. Without divulging proprietary information, Google emphasized it’s all about value – quality for Internet users. In other words, there are no shortcuts for success.
Google Speaks Out About Frequency vs. Value — In blogging and Web site publishing, what do you think is most important, freshness or quality? It’s a discussion that never seems to end.
Checklist: 14 Strategies to Rock on Google — Periodic changes in Google’s search criteria and algorithms have indeed hurt many Web sites. But it’s possible to bullet-proof your site’s prominence on Google by taking 14 precautions, which is worth your time and energy. Google has perennially owned about a 66 percent search-market share in the U.S. and a 90 percent share worldwide.
It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
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