How to Create Blog Content Your Readers Will Love– Guaranteed!

By: | January 9, 2016 | Tags: , , , , , |

Blog Content has different formatsYou received a gift on December 29 if you are a WordPress user.

Did you like the gift?

Did you find it valuable?

Do you remember what it was?

You received your WordPress Annual Report for 2015.

Thanks to the report, you have the ammunition to create content your readers will consider valuable.

What if you didn’t save the report? No problem! This post will still empower you.

What if you’re not on WordPress? This post will end with an action plan so all bloggers get empowered.

What is Content?

In the context of blogging, the term content refers to the information you present electronically.

According to blogging guru Neil Patel, content should be interesting and worthy of the time spent reading it. There are many different types of content you can produce in order to attract visitors and turn them into loyal followers.

The point isn’t to create content. You could keep a diary or journal if you wanted to do that.  The goal is to create content that gets noticed.

How to Create Content that Will Turn Your Readers Into Subscribers

According to recent statistics, there are over one billion websites. There are ways to ensure that your readers don’t leave your blog and go to another website.

Have you looked at the annual report that WordPress sent you? To find it in your Email box, search Annual Report.

Let’s look at mine as an example:

These posts received the highest page views. It is easy to analyze them to find commonalities that I can replicate in future blog posts.

They have many factors in common. First, four of them were How To posts.

Next, and more importantly, the content of #2-#5 all has to do with getting traffic to your site.

The headlines indicate the content of the posts:

  • #2 How to get 1,406 people to your site,
  • #3 and #4 How to find and keep 3,000 new blog followers
  • #5 How to get blog traffic

My readers have spoken! Their message is crystal clear. They want me to write about how to get traffic to their blogs.

It does not matter what I want to write about. If I want traffic and the chance to have my readers become blog subscribers, I need to write about this topic.

There is an expression, The customer is always right. What if you are thinking that it’s your blog, shouldn’t you do what you want to do?

I have read many articles by blogging guru Jon Morrow. His answer is “no!”. If you want to attract subscribers, do what makes the reader happy.

How to Vary Your Blog Content

Look, I certainly don’t want you to get bored writing about the same topics all the time. I certainly don’t want your readers to get bored by your repetition.

There are multiple ways to vary your blog content so that the information is basically the same, but the format is still engaging because it is novel.

You can vary the way you present your content by varying the format. The following are effective formats for presenting the same information that would be in your blog posts:

  • Case Studies Readers love case studies, so they know your methods are effective. My third best-performing article of the year, How to Quickly Get 3,000 New Blog Followers, was a case study. I have written many spin-off posts in order to capitalize on the success of that case study. My 4th best-performing post of the year, How to Quickly Find 3,000 New Blog Followers, was one of those spin-off posts. (Examples: https://mostlyblogging.com/category/case-study/)
  • Tutorial posts Teach your readers a skill they might need. Tutorial posts are effective because they consist of action plans, usually complete with screenshots, that readers can take immediately. (Examples: https://mostlyblogging.com/category/tutorial/)
  • Interviews There are different ways to present your content in the form of an interview. First, you can interview many people, ask them the same question, and present their answers. An alternative approach would be to interview one person and ask that expert many questions and present their answers in your post. (Examples: https://mostlyblogging.com/category/interview/)
  • A Mistakes Post Instead of telling readers what to do, tell them what not to do. Readers love mistakes posts for peace of mind. They get assured they are not making those mistakes. (Example: 8 Backlinking Mistakes that Every Blogger Should Avoid )
  • Guest Post Just like teachers are encouraged to have guest speakers, you should feel motivated to have guest authors. Your readers get the variety of hearing a different voice on your blog. Also, the guest author may be an authority in an area you don’t consider yourself to be strong. (Examples: https://mostlyblogging.com/category/guest-posts/)
  • Reviews You could review a product, a book about your topic, even a blog in your niche you’d recommend to your readers. (Examples: https://mostlyblogging.com/category/reviews/)
  • Infographics Readers love infographics since they read it faster than they would a blog post. Infographics also appeal to readers who learn by looking at pictures.
  • Mega-lists List posts are common, so why not create a mega-list? Google your headline, and beat your best competitor. Whatever their highest number of tips is, add at least one tip to your post. (Example: 71 Awesome Tips That Will Make Your Blog Successful)
  • Debate Readers love a good controversy. Find a writer who believes the opposing view, and collaborate on an article together, each supporting the opposing position. Readers can weigh in on who they agree with. (Example: 18 Important Things You Should Know About Self-Hosting)
  • Question/Answer Post You can have your very own forum right on your site! Copy readers’ questions or concerns as you publish. When you have an ample amount of questions, publish a question/answer post. Since your readers will have written the questions, all you have to do is copy the answers you gave them and paste them into your post. All the writing will be done before you even start. These are great for blogging days when you are especially rushed. (Example: How to Blog Like an Expert)
  • Series Create a series around a certain keyword. (Examples: How to Get Tremendous Blog Traffic with Instagram and How to Get Tremendous Blog Traffic with Instagram Part II)
  • Videos YouTube has never been more popular. Your information does not have to be conveyed in writing. Actually, readers’ ability to see you builds trust. Embedding the video in one of your blog posts will keep readers on your site longer and help lower your bounce rate.  The shorter the video the better, so they won’t take you long to make. The goal is for viewers to go to your site for more information. (Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yzh40LHWUA)

How to Schedule Your Content

Many marketers, as well as bloggers, feel you need a strategy for the kind of content you will create. According to Steven Bradley of Vanseodesign.com, that strategy becomes your roadmap for producing your content. According to the blog, that strategy can help you focus on what your topics are and the formats they will take. Even SEO will be enhanced if you use this strategy, Bradley went on to say.

Bradley continued by saying the way to ensure you vary your content is by using an editorial calendar and planning different formats on there.

How often are you supposed to put out this content? You should publish content on your blog, at least, several times a week to be effective.

What if you can’t think of content that will lend itself to these various formats? How You can Immediately Overcome Writer’s Block discusses solutions.

Are You Ready to Create Different Forms of Content?

You now know how to find the information you need to develop a strategy for your content.

Look at your Annual Report in order to assess

  • What interests your community
  • What problems they’re trying to solve and needs they’re looking to fill
  • What type of content trends among your community

Experiment with the different forms of content offered in this article and see which gets the highest results.

If you are using Blogger, or a platform other than WordPress, look at your stats pages to see your blog posts with the highest page views. Play to your strengths and create content like those posts, content your readers love.

Readers, please share, so others know about these different types of formatting your blog content can take.

Can you think of any other ways for presenting your information? Which type on the list have you tried? Which have you had the most success with? Which formats are you planning to try? I look forward to your views.

Related Posts:

How to Get Loyal Visitors to Repeatedly Return to Your Blog

How to Engage Blog Readers Who Are in a Rush

31 Types of Content Marketing

Sources:

QuickSprout.com

www.vanseodesign.com

 

 

 

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Sherri,
      Thanks for reading what I wrote, visiting me, and commenting. I hope you found the article valuable.
      Janice

  1. Pingback: Blog Content
  2. Robin khokhar

    Hi Janice,
    It’s another amazing post. All of these tips are relevant, and i have not used any info graphics for my site or used for getting links. But i think info-graphics will help.
    Also thanks for sharing the post.

    • Janice Wald

      HI Robin,
      Thanks so much for writing. “Amazing”! High praise! Thank you! If you need help with infographics, let me know.
      Janice

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Kandace,
      I am glad you found the ideas for versatility valuable. Thanks for writing and letting me know you did.
      Janice

  3. Kandace

    I searched annual report and did not have an email from them? I use the free WordPress could that be why? Or maybe because I just started blogging around 6 months ago?

    • Janice Wald

      … I don’t know. Search Annual Report, Jetpack, WordPress…
      I have only been at my site since August. I received two, one for the site I am on now and one for the site I was on prior.
      Janice

  4. John Doe

    This was a wonderful post. There is soooo much relevant and important information. How do you keep coming up with such great ideas for your blog?????? I always like when you have guest bloggers. Are you still accepting requests to be a guest blogger? Does a person have to be an influencer to guest blog? Are there specific subjects that a person has to write about?

    • Janice Wald

      Anyone can guest blog. Thank you for your compliments and your interest. Write me on my Contact page, and I will send you the criteria.
      Janice

  5. John Doe

    Do you ever do an individual analysis of ones blog and explain how they can improve their blog?

    • Janice Wald

      Yes! Write me on my Contact page if you’d like to set up an appointment for a free power consultation.
      Janice

  6. Mona AlvaradoFrazier

    I really enjoyed receiving my WP report (and I have the free WP) and found which themes resonated with readers. The topics surprised me but gave me valuable insight for future posts.

    I liked the report so much I made a blog post about it: http://alvaradofrazier.com/2015/12/30/top-5-posts-of-2015-an-authentic-cultural-experience/

    Your post gave me ideas on other content and ideas to use. What I enjoy reading on other blogs are infographics, tutorials, and videos. My ‘blog’ intention for the New Year is to use these in my blog posts.

    One item I’d add is to ‘recycle’ or reuse old posts with some updated info and photos. Thanks for sharing your WP report with us; very helpful.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Mona,
      Great idea to reuse old posts. I always reuse them when I link back or have a “Related Posts” section.
      I think many bloggers blogged about their reports. I waited for this post to write about my report.
      Janice

  7. LuAnn Braley

    ARGH! There is so much good information in this post…I’m going to have to bookmark it!

    • Janice Wald

      Hi LuAnn,
      I am so glad you found the post valuable. Bookmarking is a great idea, so you can come back to it. Thanks for writing and letting me know you liked it.
      Janice

  8. Jeanette Hall

    My annual report was WAY incorrect! Never wrote the articles they said I did, for starters. And the list goes on…

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Jeanette,
      Great to hear from you. I hope the first week of the new year treated you well.
      I can’t imagine why your report would be so way off. Don’t computers dictate those things? Frustrating that you couldn’t find the accurate information. Could it be because you changed sites midyear?
      Janice

    • Janice Wald

      HI Estelle!
      Thank you for your kind words. Bookmarking is a great idea to reference later.
      Janice

  9. Gift David

    Hello Janice, I must say a big thank you to you for sharing such a wonderful and important content with your readers. I appreciate your good works.

    • Janice Wald

      HI Gift David,
      Great to hear from you, and all the way from Africa =)! Happy New Year to you.
      Thanks for the appreciation, the validation… as a blogger, I’m sure you know how much the kind words mean.
      Thanks for writing me.
      Janice

  10. Melinda

    I was excited to read my annual report! Of course, I didn’t absorb all the info, but such a more full one than 2014s!!
    Thanks, BBFFJ, for keeping me on my toes! Always more ways I can improve!
    Your BBFFM

    • Janice Wald

      Hi BBFF M,
      I’m sure you got something out of it, like your top 5 posts of the year.
      So glad you find my blog helpful. Thanks for writing as always.
      BBFF J

  11. dgkaye

    Fantastic post here Janice, chock full of great ideas. Thanks as always. 🙂

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Debby,
      Thanks for the kind words and for sharing on Google+. Hope all is well.
      Janice

  12. Mark

    Thanks for sharing another extremely helpful blog post Janice!

    This post is literally bursting at the seams , with not only,
    extremely helpful information!

    But you have also provided a ton of extremely helpful resources too!
    Thanks, I’ve gotta check them all out and read several blogs, from some
    of these experts, I was not previously aware of!

    • Janice Wald

      Thanks Mark,
      I appreciate the kind words about my article. I am glad you found the various content formats helpful.
      Janice

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Becky,
      Thank you so much for the compliments on my article. I am glad you found it valuable. I would like to invite you to subscribe to my blog. I have articles like this all the time. I am also having a blog party this Saturday, and I would love it if you would come.
      Janice

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Julia,
      Thank you for writing me. I am so glad you found the various formats helpful.
      Janice

  13. Kathleen

    A good informative post Janice. I did not get a report 🙁 Oh well I can read your post. A great post for the Bloggers Pit Stop
    Kathleen

  14. Leanne

    I find it really tricky finding the balance between writing what I like and writing for my readers. I guess it comes down to whether I want to grow my blog or not and how important numbers are to me in the grand scheme of things. Thanks for this post Janice.

    • Janice Wald

      HI Leanne,
      Glad you enjoyed the article. It would be nice if you could find popular topics that you enjoy reading about. Thanks for the comments.
      Janice

  15. Margaretha

    I have bookmarked this post so that I can work through the different formats – I especially like the idea of interviews. Thank you for a very useful post, Janice

    • Janice Wald

      So glad you liked the article Margaretha and found a new format that might be potentially useful. Thanks for writing me and bookmarking the post.
      Janice

  16. Sarah - Craft Invaders

    So much to think about! I can totally understand why they are such popular posts. We started our blog last year, and when I first started reading up on all the advice that people so generously share it was more than a little overwhelming. 8 months on, I still have loads to learn and implement, but now I can read posts like yours, and relate it to all the blogs I have visited during that time, and the posts that have attracted me. I am pinning, and know I will be revisiting this post again and again as I continue to work on my own skills. Thanks x

  17. sue

    So much valuable information here Janice I’m pinning so I can refer to it! Thanks for hosting Blogger’s Pit Stop and have a great week!

    • Janice Wald

      Wow Deb! High praise! Thank you! I admit I was proud of it. It was also well-received, which was rewarding to see. I am usually so busy I don’t get to include an infographic, but I did this time.
      I woke up to your compliments on Sunday morning. A great way to start my day. Big smile here in California. Out of 300 posts– really, thank you!
      Great getting to know you this weekend. I send out official Welcome to My Blog Emails on Thursday, but I am curious where you found my blog. I network in many places. Thanks again for the follow, the comments, and the nice words about my writing.
      Janice

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Deb,
      I was aware that my post was the lead story in the British newspaper today since I am already receiving traffic from it! I am so flattered and grateful for your support of my writing.
      Janice

  18. Pingback: 25 Tips You Need to Know That Will Make You Blog Differently
  19. Adebisi Adetunji

    Thank you Janice for sharing this post on creating a variety of blog content. Very informative. I’d like to share the link with others on my blog Have a great day.

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