Blogging ABC’s
by Heidi Cohen
Blogs stand at the crossroads of social media and content marketing. In addition to providing a content marketing platform for businesses and individuals, blogs provide an outpost for social media participants in Chris Brogan’s view.
For newbies and oldtimers alike, bloggers are always looking for new insights to help take their blogs to new heights. Here are more than twenty-six blogging tips.
A is for advertising bloggers use to monetize their blog. Bear in mind blog ads can wear out faster due to the frequency with which readers visit. Therefore create contextually relevant ads that change over time. A is also for affiliate marketing, a form of merchandising that leverages the content on your blog. Archives are the ever-growing collection of posts you’ve written over time.
B is for the blog and its blogger at the heart of the blogging process. B is also for blogosphere, the entire blogging community. Additionally, B is for blank screen syndrome, the paralysis that hits bloggers when they’re sitting in front of an empty screen with no idea of what to write for their next post.
C is for the comments every blogger wants. For many bloggers and executives alike, comments are a sign your blog is popular. (Unfortunately, comments don’t necessary translate into sales.) Respond to blog comments to engage readers in a conversation and fully leverage the social media potential of this format. Categories are the major topics around which a blog is developed. C is also for call-to-action that informs readers of what to do.
D is for design elements. When you start a blog, there are lots of design decisions required that determine your blog’s presentation. So don’t skip this phase.
E is for editorial calendar around which you plan your blog posts over time to ensure coverage of specific topics. E is for engage which bloggers do by blogging and responding to comments. (It also helps to comment on other blogs.) E also stands for email address lists that allow you to deliver your content via email.
F is for frequency referring to how often you write posts. While some bloggers subscribe to the when-the-spirit-strikes school of blogging, research shows you should blog at least two to three times per week. What’s most important is being consistent in your timing so readers can develop the habit of visiting your blog.
G is for goals. Blogging like any other marketing strategy requires goals. In short, what do you want your blog to accomplish? G is also for guest posts, the articles you write on other people’s blogs or that other people write on your blog. It’s a great way to broaden your audience.
H is for hat tip. In blogging-speak, this is recognizing someone for their help. It’s important since it acknowledges people whose content you’ve used or who’s thinking influenced yours. Click to continue »
