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by Michael Fleischner
Blogs are becoming more and more popular. If you don’t already have a weblog of your own, you’ve at
least posted a comment to one, read one, or heard the term used in everyday conversation.
You may also have noticed that only a small number of blogs are truly known in each industry. As is
true with most major media, “the cream rises to the top”. The best weblogs have a large following
and are valuable sources of information for thousands of readers. There are five primary reasons
why some blogs become popular and others don’t:
1. Focusing on a Popular Content Area. One of the most important characteristics
of a successful blog is appropriate content. In order to gain a large following your blog must
cover a topical area that is broad enough to be of interest to a large number of individuals but
specific enough to have meaning.
Weblogs that provide information on obscure topics can never have a sizeable audience because the
topic is of limited interest. So, if you’re going to start a blog of your own, make sure that your
content area is broad enough to appeal to a large audience.
2. Content that’s timely. The best way to keep your blog readers interested is
with timely content. Your blog should cover current events, opinions, and topics. Popular weblogs
often comment on current events tied to their particular subject area or industry. Not only is the
content meaningful to blog readers, but it encourages them to interact with your blog posts by
placing comments.
Timely content is anything that is of current interest. Your best sources for timely content
include daily newspapers, magazines, Internet news sites, and industry journals. Be sure to choose
timely content that can be discussed and debated. This improves the overall effectiveness of your
blog posts.
3. Updated Daily. The blogs that attract the most readers are those addressing
popular content areas, covering timely topics, and refreshed on a daily basis. If your weblog adds
a new post everyday, then readers have a reason to return. Providing daily updates on a consistent
basis helps users to develop the habit of visiting daily. Updated content builds a loyal following
while encouraging word-of-mouth referrals about your posts.
4. Comments from Industry Experts. Nothing speaks with more authority than an
interview with an expert. The most popular blogs integrate interviews, commentary, podcasts, and
other posts that include an expert who offers their thoughts and opinions on a given topic or
current event. This is an essential reason why so many people return to the most popular blogs over
and over again.
If you’re wondering how to recruit experts for your blog, than look to current best practices for
blogging and Internet marketing… simply ask. Industry experts are always looking to share their
ideas. If you can’t arrange for an in-person or phone interview, email the expert a list of
questions and ask for their responses.
5. Use Interactive Media and Visuals. It’s difficult for blog readers to read
flat, boring text day in and day out - regardless of how stimulating a topic may be. The most
popular bloggers know this and have enhanced their blogs with audio, video, external links,
screenshots, and more.
The best way to improve the overall popularity of your blog is to present blog content in a variety
of formats. Visit other blogs and determine what type of interactivity would work best for your
blog. You don’t need to go overboard, just add interactive content where it makes sense to do
so.
By following the lead of today’s most popular blogs, your blog can thrive. Follow the blog secrets
listed above for enhancing your blog and improving readership. The key is to plan your blogging
activities carefully and encourage interaction with your readers. This enhances the overall
effectiveness of your blog and makes for a truly great blogging experience for everyone. Happy
Blogging!
*Michael Fleischner is a marketing expert and the president of MarketingScoop.com. He has more
than 12 years of marketing experience and has appeared on The TODAY Show, Bloomberg Radio, and
other major media. Visit his marketing blog directory for further details.
Michael Fleischner may be contacted at mfleischner@marketingscoop.com
http://www.marketingscoop.com
Click here to view more of Michael
Fleischner's articles.
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