Driving web traffic and new readers to a blog can be difficult for many writers, especially when first starting out in the blogosphere. No matter how popular or broad a particular topic might be, bloggers should still focus on keeping content fresh and interesting at all times. Here are a few post ideas to keep the reader's attention and to promote more visitors to almost any blog.
Product Reviews Based on a Specific Topic
One of the best ways to promote a new blog is to offer an opinion or review on a new product or service in the same genre. For example, blogs based on a specific sport can include a review of a new piece of sporting equipment or an upstart business in the sport that offers a new training method. When choosing to write this type of blog post, the writer must first conduct research into the product or service, even to the point of using it for themselves prior to posting. This will give the reader a sense that the blogger has first-hand experience with the product or service, thus making the blogger an authoritative source.
Direct Response to a Mainstream Article
While many bloggers may wish to steer clear of any negative press on his or her site, another effective way to drive readers to their work is by offering a direct response to a popular mainstream article by another source. For example, if a blogger has a strong reaction or opinion on a particular political topic, he or she may wish to reference an article on CNN.com revolving around the same topic in question. In some cases, should the blogger's response receive enough attention, the original article author may also respond to the blog post. In this case, the blog's readership can increase dramatically. However, bloggers should be prepared to receive both negative and positive reactions, so proceed with caution.
Including a Poll in a New Post
Another great way to encourage readers to visit a particular blog post multiple times is to include a running poll on the topic addressed. Not only does this allow the reader to provide an anonymous voice on the subject, but also encourages the reader to check back frequently to see other responses and poll votes. Darren Rouse of ProBlogger.net offers many different poll suggestions to the aspiring blogger.
Give Something Away to Readers
Finally, readership will always be attracted to receiving something for simply reading a blogger's work. In other words, holding a contest or giveaway on his or her site will help boost a blogger's site traffic instantly. Many vendors and new businesses are willing to offer complimentary services to blog readers in an effort to spread the product's name, so bloggers can mutually benefit from contacting these vendors before posting.
Adam Fonseca - Adam Fonseca is a certified Lean Six Sigma Change Agent and an accomplished golf writer. He currently works in health care ...
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