5 Questions for a Better Blog

There is an overload of information flying at us from all directions all the time. When you write a blog, it is important to consider how you are contributing to this information stream, and how do you improve your chances of being the place where readers want to be.

1) Does your post add something new or useful to your reader’s lives?

Whatever the end goal of your blog, whether educating, entertaining, or inspiring your readers, offer them something that improves the quality of their lives, adds to their success, or gives them news that directly impacts them today. People are busy, so consider how to capture the little extra time they have by becoming a valued resource.

2) Do you offer a unique perspective on your topic?

How is reading your post different from reading the same information everywhere else on the web? Your readers have a choice. Consider why they should choose your blog, and what do you offer that’s new on your given subject.

3) Does your post have your voice?

Be yourself. Infuse your writing with your personality. Some blogs lend themselves to very personal information, like a diary. Other blogs are professional and strategic, but you can still find a way to be yourself, and let your personality show through your writing. Are you passionate about a subject? Be sure your reader feels that. Having a sense of who you are will help create reader loyalty.

4) Have you dug deep enough into your subject?

Avoid generalizing about a topic, and dig deeper. The internet is littered with summaries and obvious commentary. You will make your blog stand out when you take your readers to new depths of understanding and offer more than patent responses to ideas. Ask specific questions and be a resource, not just a source of more questions. Does the reader get their answers from your blog, or do they have to Google another site for answers? If you ask your reader to do something, explain how to do it, and link to other sites if necessary.

5) Are you blogging consistently?

Blog regularly. If you do not engage with your readers on a consistent basis, they will not continue to be regular readers. In addition, visit other blogs. A successful blog takes time, and interaction. This is a social medium. To get readers, you need to be a reader. Visit other blogs in your industry and make comments.

If you have a question you’d like considered for future posts, please email it to questions@urbantopaz.com.