Creating a blog for your website is a great idea. It can generate links, comments and social shares. However, in order to generate all this ‘buzz’ you have to have content worth sharing and linking to and commenting on. This is often easier said than done.
While you can write on generic topics you find relevant to your niche or service, this usually doesn’t generate much attention. If you are ready to create epic content that gets the attention you want and deserve, ask these four questions.
What’s Everyone Talking About?
It can be hard to stay updated on all the trends online; however, there are a number of tools and tricks to use to help this along. You can set up Twitter lists, search for trending hashtags on Facebook and even use news aggregators such as Feedly to see all of the latest news from custom picked industry blogs.
Helpful Tip: When you talk about what people want to know, it will generate interest, clicks, shares and traffic so spend some time each day reading up on the latest trending topics.
What’s the Data Say?
Google Analytics is an invaluable tool that can provide you with insight regarding what is killing it or falling flat on your website. Take notice of the topics that generated a lot of traffic. Do they have a common thread? If so, you may want to stick to this type of content since it works. You can also see what didn’t do as well and eliminate that from your content rotation.
Helpful Tip: Top lists seem to always do well. Create a unique list that covers a trending topic in your industry – chances are the traffic will come flowing in.
Is there Room for Guest Bloggers? (apply to writer on this website)
New ideas for content don’t always have to come from you. Ask influencers or other experts in your industry to contribute to your website. This is a win-win situation – it gives them more visibility and brings new people to your website. Not to mention you are filling in one of your content holes. Helpful Tip: Be sure you find people who can add value to the blog, not just a random post that offers nothing your readers would be interested in.
Are You Listening to Your Social Media Followers?
While you may believe social media is simply a bunch of nonsensical chatter, the fact is if you listen to your followers and join in on the conversation, you can find out what they want to know. Listen to questions and then develop content around the questions being asked.
Helpful Tip: Be sure you are posting a link on your social media channels when something new is posted. This will help generate even more interest.
If you take some time to stop thinking so hard about what to write on your blog, it will likely be obvious. Answer common questions, find relevant, trending topics and listen to questions your audience is asking. Creating killer content is as simple as listening to what is being said.
Tabitha Jean Naylor, Clearwater FL
Tabitha Jean Naylor, Clearwater FL is the Founder of Successful Startup 101, a digital magazine that provides answers to today's most pertinent questions facing startup founders, and the Owner of TabithaNaylor.com, a marketing firm that delivers 'big agency' quality at rates that are affordable for startups and small businesses.
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Great ideas Tabitha. The graphic is cute! Tons of ideas to really evaluate to create quality content. Thanks for your expertise.
I agree great content Ideas and the graphics are cool! Lots of things I can use to fill the pot holes in my content marketing. – Clinton
Wow! I picked up a lot from this post.
There is so much value here that I will be coming back to often.
This is a goldmine!
There is definitely a lot of great information shared here! Especially for those who struggle sometimes to come up with content for their blogs.
Awesome post Tabitha and I too love your graphics. I think most of us struggle with content ideas at times so this is a great reference. Thank you!
This contains very useful information, thank you!
Great post. I know this issue is something most people online who are promoting their various businesses have struggled with at one time or another.
Great information. I have struggled with creating content, but now you have given me something to use at those times. Thank you for sharing this valuable info.
Great info here. Open new eyes for me definitely going to work on my graphics. Thanks for sharing
Thank You Tabitha wonderful infographs. This contains some very useful content.
So much great information!! Guest blogging freaks me out but I think it’s time to consider it! Thanks for sharing!
Tabitha, thanks for another great article packed with information. Love the infographics.and will be checking out more trending hashtags for article ideas.
Thank you !! So helpful as i continue to learn.
Great info
Great article. Learned a lot.
Great idea’s and i love the images that help illustrate what you are saying.
What a great article! Absolutely LOVE your infographic! I’ll be keeping that handy for sure! THANK YOU!