Operating a blog isn’t the same as simply posting content on your pages, certainly not if you want to experience all that a blog can offer. A blog can be a great addition to your search engine optimisation campaign, but to enjoy all the benefits, you’ve got to become familiar with the form.
Blogs can be a great way to get content onto your pages. If this is all you want your blog for, fair enough. If you want to enjoy some of the other benefits of blogging, avoid the following mistakes.
1. Forgetting about conversation. One of the biggest bonuses of operating a blog for your search engine optimisation campaign is that it opens up an avenue of conversation between you and your site’s users. This is an incredibly valuable thing. Some site owners, though, throw this opportunity away.
When your blog begins to attract comments or email communications, don’t ignore it. Reply to the things your readers say, and use that communication to promote even more communication. You may reach a point where you can’t possibly answer all the comments you attract, but when your blog is just starting out, this won’t be the case. Use whatever attention you get when you first get it.
2. Trailing off into nothingness. This is a problem that’s common with all kinds of SEO content. It’s easy to get writing when the first spark of inspiration is still lighting your way. It’s much harder when the first rush of enthusiasm wears off. Lots of blogs fail because their content quality goes down just as their readership goes up. Planning can take care of this to some extent, and it’s a good idea to discuss this as part of your SEO services.
3. Lecturing, not talking. One way to blog stardom is to become a resource for your industry. To hit this high achievement, you do have to aim for it. Aiming to become a resource doesn’t mean that you have to talk down to your readers. This has been the downfall of quite a few blogs. Talking down to people is never going to win you any fans.
The style of your blog is largely up to you, but it is important to be aware that blogs tend to be more conversational in tone than other types of writing. You can talk to us at SEO Consult about the right tone for your site’s SEO content.
4. Chatting, not informing. A flip side to the above point is in assuming that your site’s users know just as much as you do about your subject. Chatting in your blog to a bunch of your peers is very different to trying to educate newcomers to your industry. Research your audience, and try to find their level.
5. Worrying too little or too much about readers. Your site’s users are important, there’s no doubt. They will be the reason for your blog’s success. Despite this, it’s important not to concentrate solely on them, as this can result in a bland blog. Consider them, but aim for your own personal tone.