How To Add Value In A Blog Post
Published May 8th, 2007 in advice, blogging, blogs, ideas, motivation, success, writingI’ve mentioned many times the importance of adding value when you write a blog post. I don’t know that I’ve ever stopped to define exactly what this is, though. It may be self-explanatory to some and it’s also likely that we each have our own definition, something like “I know it when I see it.” Let’s try to come up with a common explanation of this idea then.
To begin with, let’s say that value is anything that benefits a reader. It can be content that’s entertaining and helps to elevate the reader’s mood. It can also be inspiring in that it motivates the reader to work on his or her own projects. It can also contain information that helps the reader to better develop a useful skill. Another possibility is that the information in a post can answer a particular question or need that a reader has at a particular time. All these are ways a post can be valuable.
It seems like a simple thing, then, to add value in a blog post, right? All you have to do is give the reader something that he or she wants or needs. So, what do you blog about that provides this type of information? First, ask yourself.
Most bloggers have a particular niche they’re working. Some are very narrow, like Pez collecting. Some are very broad, perhaps like a typical personal blog that could be about anything. Within any niche, though, there are some common questions that others will have, too. That is the place to start when trying to create a post with value.
Think back to when you were first starting out. What were some of the questions you had? What were some of the things that set you back? What were the things that motivated or inspired you? Take the time to explore some of these issues in a post. These are the things that your readers will also find informative, instructional, and inspirational.
By the same token, we’re all still on this journey. We still have questions and we still have struggles. As you find answers, share these with your readers. When you overcome a particular obstacle, large or even a small one, blog about it. Let your readers know where you are now and how you’re moving forward. This is valuable information in many ways.
Another way to add value is by asking the questions in the first place. You may have a problem to resolve or a need to know something that may not be common knowledge. Then again, it may just be new to you. Ask it in a blog post and solicit input from your readers. This is a great way to add value because many times you will find that others have the same issues now and that some have already overcome them. It’s likely that someone will have some valuable suggestions for you. This input will be valuable not only to you, but also to your readers.
The bottom line is that a blog must add some sort of value to keep readers coming back. If they don’t find at least some small bit of usefulness in what you’re writing, they’ll go on to the next one and maybe even delete your feed from the RSS reader. Don’t get too worried, though. Just remember that we all have valuable knowledge and experience to share no matter what niche we may be in or where we are on the path to success.
13 Responses to “How To Add Value In A Blog Post”
- 1 Pingback on May 8th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
- 2 Pingback on May 16th, 2007 at 5:42 am
Nice tips overall - some days I just can’t find the inspiration to write something good - then I am faced with the dilemma of whether to write something sub-standard or not write at all - so far I am holding up quite well - no posts are better than no-good posts.
Hi HB. That’s something I’ve started considering more and more, too. There is so much information dumped on people every day that I don’t want to add something that they’re going to see in a hundred other places. I agree with your philosophy of posting: I would rather not write a post if I can’t think of anything unique and interesting to say. Thanks for your comment!
Great tips. Blog bookmarked
Asking questions on a blog is a good tactic, gets conversation going.
Hi Ralf and Robert. Thanks! I agree about the questions, too, Robert. I’ve found that it’s better to ask a question if I don’t know the answer than to blog about it as if I were an expert. FreshBlogger’s readers have a lot of knowledge to share. Thanks for your comments!
Why bother to blog if the target audience do not bother, right?
I have found that bloggers who show that they do not hold all the answers in this world are the ones that I can relate to and their blogs are the ones that I want to read.
Hi Jay. I agree. If a blogger is honest, he or she will admit that they don’t know everything. Like you and many others, I’m sure, I like to read about other bloggers’ journeys to find these answers. We can all learn from each other. Thanks for commenting!
Hi—Ray:
I found your blog through the social network mybloglog and i want to say that with my blog, which is a new vegetarian blog, that i dont have all the answers when it comes to both vegetarianism and with blogging. I still am not sure on what niche to pursue with my blog. My biggest problem is getting a hold of my big ole brain, and just straddling it down and focusing on a few things. I think waaaayy to much and end up not doing. Too much thinking and not enough doing. Any advice for an aspiring pro blogger who wants to focus on her main blog and do it well. By the way my name is Missy.
Hi Missy. That problem with focus always rears its ugly head! I feel your pain. I think part of the problem is that we just get too much information dumped into our sensory input every day. If we can just get a handle on that, it’s easier to focus.
My advice would be to spend less time reading about blogging and more time doing it. Yes, it’s important to spend some time checking out other blogs and networking, especially when you’re just starting out, but it’s also important to offer something unique and original to your readers.
With that said, there are a lot of different opinions out there as to what’s most important to a beginning blogger. I used to think posting 3x a day was the key. Now, I’m more inclined to believe that posting 3-5x a week or so with good, thoughtful, useful content is better.
In the beginning you should also spend at least half your blogging time networking with other bloggers, as in interacting with readers in your own comment section, commenting on other blogs, social networking, etc. As traffic picks up and your blog’s authority grows, the balance in your blogging time may shift back more towards creating content.
Again, this is my own opinion and I know others may disagree. Thanks for your comment!
Hi—Ray: I appreciate your advice and will take it to heart. I am doing the networking half pretty good already, i need to now focus on the blogging half more extensively. Thanxs again. Missy.
It’s my pleasure, Missy. You’ve got a cool blog and an interesting niche. I think you’ll do great. Good luck and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any more questions.