Feb 4, 2009
Starting a blog? 12 ideas for blog posts
I’m currently writing a chapter on blogging for a book on online journalism. It includes 12 typical blog post types to kickstart ideas. Here are the examples I came up with – I’d welcome any more:
UPDATE: Also available in Japanese.
- Respond to something elsewhere on the web: the best way to start blogging: simply link to something elsewhere that you feel is interesting, or (better) that you disagree with. If you make a constructive response to what someone else has posted, for example, you can start a useful inter-blog dialogue. You might add links to evidence that challenges what the original post says, for example. In its most simple form, when you simply post useful links, this is called ‘link journalism’.
- Suggest an idea: for a story or for a way of doing things. Invite reaction and suggestions – and don’t expect people to come to you: approach people you might otherwise be shy of asking, and invite them to respond on the comments. Ideas can travel very far, so can be very effective in attracting readers.
- Interview someone: a straightforward and easy way to create a post. An email interview can work well, but if you can put an audio or video recording on the site that often adds value. If you are interviewing a busy person it helps if you limit your questions or, if you’re asking for their advice, specifically ask for their ‘3 tips on…‘ or ‘5 things I know about…’. You can even turn this into a series of interviews with the same theme.
- Blog an event: attend a relevant event – a conference, meeting, public talk, demonstration, or even just a conversation – and write about it. If you have access to the internet during the event you can even ‘liveblog’ it by starting a post as soon as you have something to report and adding updates or new posts as the event progresses. Ambitious bloggers can use liveblogging tool CoveritLive.
- Ask a question: this typically only works once you’ve established a readership and generated goodwill by contributing yourself on your blog and in comments on other blogs, or if it’s for a worthy cause. But it can be very effective in generating useful information. Taken further, you can use free online polling tools such as PollDaddy and SurveyMonkey to conduct a larger survey.
- Pick a fight: many bloggers attempt to generate traffic by loudly criticising another (popular) blogger in the hope that they’ll respond and generate traffic from their readers. This sort of tactic is often referred to as ‘link-baiting’ – in other words, if the criticised blogger responds (takes the bait) it generally means links to your blog. If you are to criticise another blogger, then, it is worth considering if it will be seen as ‘link-bait’ or a constructive and valuable debate. Done well, a genuine argument between two bloggers can generate insight and bring factions to compromise. You can also pick a fight with a company or brand, and mount a campaign to instigate change.
- Reflect on something: it might be something that happened to you this week, a decision or choice that you made, a lead for a story, or anything else. Why did it happen? What are the implications? What did you learn? Keep it open so others can contribute their experiences or insights.
- Do something visual: take photographs and/or video footage as you travel along a particular route. Explain them, ask questions, include relevant links. Or draw sketches and photograph them.
- Review something: try to make it useful – include links to further information, quote from (and link to) other reviewers.
- Make a list: Lists are enormously popular on the web, frequently topping websites’ ‘most shared’ lists. It may be anything from ‘5 ways to tie a knot’ to ‘The 100 best albums by women’. A good tip for your first post is to make a list of the top 10 blogs in your subject area – a useful task for yourself while also making them aware of your existence.
- Write a how-to: in his book Click, Bill Tancer notes how one of the most popular types of search query is ‘How do I..?’ or ‘Why do..?’ Tutorials also frequently top websites ‘most-shared’ lists and can be enormously useful in generating goodwill in your sphere – not to mention attracting comments that then add to and improve your knowledge of the subject.
- Let someone else post: if you find someone with particular expertise or experience, invite them to write a ‘guest post’ on a particular subject. Even if they already have their own blog, they will probably appreciate the opportunity to reach a new audience, or to write in a different context, and again it will improve your own knowledge.
Are there any other typical blog post styles you can think of?
76 Comments, Comment or Ping
Jonathan
Google it! And set up Google news alerts for the key areas / issues you want to follow and comment on. For example, online journalism and / or online advertising.
Feb 4th, 2009
Jonathan
And glossaries / jargon busters, guides, top tips
Feb 4th, 2009
d@\/e
A couple of ‘tumblr’ ideas, quick and easy…
Post a quote, or a sentence written by someone else that’s grabbed your attention.
Post a conversation which is sometimes an easier way to get your point across than structuring a ‘proper’ blog post.
Feb 5th, 2009
paulbradshaw
@Jonathan – excellent addition. Thanks.
@Dave – likewise!
Feb 6th, 2009
The Worst of Perth
If it were me, I’d seriously think of revising several of the poits here.
How about “start something original rather than feeding off someone else’s ideas or material.” as number 1? Lists, picking a fight, etc are too parasitic, they should be crossed off immediately in my opinion, or used very sparingly.
Move number 8 to the top, forget about numbers 1, 6 and 10, and only review something if you have something original to contribute. Don’t link to other reveiws if you don’t have any value of your own to add unless you are an aggregating site. If you are an aggregating site, reconsider what you are doing. No. 3 Interview someone, like number 8, create something visual, is fantastic because you will be forced to do something original yourself. Concentrate heavily on these two. No-one cares if you are linking to some other loser’s review, but they will notice if you get that interview yourself. Do some work for christ’s sake. if you get that interview, others will be linking to you. This is where you are adding value. Don’t offer any half arsed ideas in the how to do section. Do you have any knowledge or insight on how to do it? If not, don’t bother. I’m sorry d@ve, but “Post a quote, or a sentence written by someone else that’s grabbed your attention.” is exactly the sort of post to be avoided to my way of thinking. How about “create a quote that will grab others attention.”? Jonathon. Glossaries, jargon busters? Well yeah, I suppose, if you really can’t think of anything original, it might do for filler until you do. I’d say use sparingly between other original posts.
Several of these points are what’s wrong with online journalism, and blogging in general in my opinion. Anyway. Enough ranting for now.
Feb 8th, 2009
Andrew Marshall
Paul, all good ideas. Another suggestion: find, analyse and explain data. People often want numbers. Assembling it and making sense of it is a useful service and the chances are people will come back for it.
I think it’s fine to do some of the more “parasitic” things; but unless you add something permanently to the conversation people won’t come back.
Feb 8th, 2009
Matt W
>Pick a fight: many bloggers attempt to generate traffic by loudly criticising another (popular) blogger in the hope that they’ll respond and generate traffic from their readers. This sort of tactic is often referred to as ‘link-baiting’ – in other words, if the criticised blogger responds (takes the bait) it generally means links to your blog.
I don’t agree there Paul – simply picking a fight is not linkbait: it is rather abuse. Linkbait should be useful, and people picking fights (the word Dolly currently comes to mind) should be ignored.
Feb 8th, 2009
d@\/e
There’s a difference between ‘ideas for blog posts’ and ‘ideas on how to attract readers’. I don’t blog primarily to attract readers though I am glad when people do read and comment on my blog.The first point ‘Respond to something elsewhere on the web’ on something that is reasonably controversial and responding to it before the rest of the blogosphere does, is probably the best way to attract readers.
Further ideas for blog posts are, in my mind, being inspired right now by the comments here.
Feb 8th, 2009
The Worst of Perth
Actually that sounded a little harsh. I may have been blogging in pyjamas with a cup of wine.
Feb 9th, 2009
Kevin Baughen
Agree with most of the points but find myself aligning very strongly with THE WORST OF PERTH. There is just too much traffic, too much information and too many blogs out there already. Whilst all the points are relevant, I tend to think that readers will appreciate some originality and creativity. The readership figures on my blog always go up when the subject matter is useful and original.
It’s down to bloggers as much as everyone else in the online community to prevent it from beocoming ‘wallpaper’!
Feb 9th, 2009
paulbradshaw
Perth/Kevin – remember this is a list for those just starting a blog and suggesting some easy ways in. This isn’t about traffic or quality, but just finding your feet in a new medium. Many bloggers – including me – start by just linking to good stuff, then as they gain confidence, contacts and knowledge, move on to more analysis, original work and so forth.
Feb 9th, 2009
The Worst of Perth
OK, I have my robe on again. (yes it’s closed.) I can’t believe this. Why find your feet doing something everyone else is doing? Seems a waste of time. I don’t see any problem with starting as you mean to continue and finding your feet there. You’re more likely to be discouraged when you find that no-one cares that you found someone else’s review of something. Make your mistakes doing the good stuff, that’s where the learning will take place. Much better to make a horrendous mistake with your first attempt at video liveblogging then to dip your toe in with with a link to someone else who’s done it first. Perhaps the first item, is what do you want to get out of blogging. Then, if you’re going to be mainly linking, then look at who does it best. 3 quarks is all links, but it is the mix that makes it still reasonably interesting. If you’re going to go how to, how are you going to be the best in a sea of how to’s? Do you do it funny? Do you do it on video? Do you do it in mandarin when you don’t even speak it?
I really think new bloggers should totally concentrate on 3, 4 and 8, and only use the rest sparingly if ever. (Actually never). Definitely don’t go linking to someone else’s quote first up, how pathetic is that? Start a blog and begin a comment war to get readers? C’mon!? No-one should do that. Be bold. Aim for the stars.
Feb 9th, 2009
paulbradshaw
Hey, you’re persuading me… Perhaps we need a gold star system where some are worth more than others
?
Feb 9th, 2009
Chrys Wu
Host a live chat or video chat with someone doing notable work.
Hold a themed photo contest and produce a slideshow with commentary.
Feb 9th, 2009
The Worst of Perth
In that case, let me go in for the kill. All these points are already clogging my feed reader from many sources in the how to blog/get traffic genre. I’m sure you see the same. Put it this way. Would I be interested in a Paul Bradshaw book that contained the same points that every one is advising when starting a blog? No. Would I be interested in a Paul Bradshaw book titled “When they zig – you zag” How concentrating on original content can make you number 1.” Yes, i would. Not that I’d pay for it, but I’d still be interested.
Feb 10th, 2009
paulbradshaw
Thanks – I’m going to revisit this. But I think it worth pointing out that ‘linking to something interesting’ is more about establishing a conversation than attracting visitors in the traditional publishing sense. And I think that is important in getting comfortable in blogging when you begin.
Feb 10th, 2009
Debra Askanase
Paul, I’ve really enjoyed the back and forth between you and “worst of perth,” and I have to chime in that I, too, agree with several of his points: – don’t pick fights as a tip for blogging. Does that generate goodwill? Instead, write about something you care about passionately. That could include busting on another company but only if it is furthering a broader point. The second point he brings up – original content – is king. I don’t want another rehash or list, I want an original point of view. That’s why I read novels and why I follow some bloggers.
Otherwise, I like your list and I found it refreshing to view even after blogging for a while. Good reminders. Here is my one addition to the list:
- Use your unique persona and make it your online identity . Do you have a snarky sense of humor, a love of the absurd or an over-analytical mind? Figure out how to incorporate it into your blogging, which will attract readers looking for a strong sensibility. If you approach your blogging with your online eyes, you’ll find material will jump out at you.
Feb 10th, 2009
The Worst of Perth
Heh, heh. That’s funny. I have a confession. I don’t even wear a robe – OR pyjamas.
Yes sure of course that’s true, but as I say, all these points have been posted a million times by everyone else. A book chapter probably needs a step beyond the clutter? But hey, I have never written a book, so…
I have a policy which seems to work well. I only ever use strictly original (and strictly attributed) photos, and strictly original copy, either mine or submitters, but allow any outside links in the comment stream where it can illuminate the topic. It is a nice mix.
Despite being tempted, especially early on to use previously posted material, it has paid off insisting on all original. Now the blog is being archived by the state library as a historical document, because there are already over 1000 original photos of the city detail that wouldn’t have been taken otherwise. Without this I’d just be another blogger posting snide comments about Perth and the world of art design, architecture etc using stale photos which have already done the rounds. That’s the sort of niche I think new bloggers need to think of carving. Anyway…
Here’s a style of post that may not have been mentioned. The juxtaposition. Linking off, but pairing it with a jarring, shocking or bizarre photo or other material that complements in an interesting or disturbing way. You know New Shelton wet & Dry? That works. http://www.pantherhouse.com/newshelton
Love yer work
Andrew The Worst of Perth.
Feb 10th, 2009
Timothy
I like the part about picking a fight
The rest of this post sucks (hope this works)
Feb 10th, 2009
clhmedia
great article.
i have modified my site to let anyone post just about anything as long as it is not adult related content.
i am working on getting peoples profiles to merge with all their social and sharing sites so it will all be in one easy to find profile online
Feb 11th, 2009
jmexcur
i thought the article was well written and touched on very good points
Feb 11th, 2009
Jag
Guest post idea will really work
, thanks
Feb 11th, 2009
paulbradshaw
@Timothy – thanks for your honesty! But why do the other points suck?
@Worst – juxtaposition is a great idea. Will add.
@Chrys – likewise for live chats and slideshows
@Debra – good way of putting it. Will try to crowbar that in with an attribution!
Feb 11th, 2009
Christo Volschenk
After doing this for a few years, I can confirm that “original” is the key to traffic. I do a mix of linking, aggregating and (sadly far to seldom, due to time contraints) original stuff. Everytime I post something original, I just know the traffic will spike – and sure thing, it does. Sometimes for days after the post went live.
So, I’m with “naked in Perth”: don’t even think of posting if it’s not original.
Feb 12th, 2009
jop
thanks good job
Feb 13th, 2009
Piroli
Nice article! I have tried to translate this into Japanese.
http://www.magicvox.net/archive/2009/02141831/
Feb 14th, 2009
www.UticaLounge.com
Great article, thanks!
I just started a Small Business Advertising blog at http://www.uticalounge.com
Thanks for the tips!
Apr 25th, 2009
Kevin Neadley
Wow, what a great post. Many of your suggestions I think I will try implement in the future on my blog. There are so many great blogs out there that sometimes you feel insignificant within the realms of the blogsphere. Also, it can sometimes seem disheartening when you don’t get the comments and traffic you so desire. I will take your advice and keep persisting. Thanks again for a great post.
Jul 26th, 2009
Roschelle
I love the one about picking a fight! Below the belt tactics work…almost every time!!
Sep 6th, 2009
candihaze
Hi,
I tried to add image but I don’t know how to do this
Can anyone be kind to tell me how?
thanks a lot
Sep 24th, 2009
paulbradshaw
If you’re using Wordpress there should be a ‘media’ button along the top where you type in your entry. Click on this to open a new window where you can add images etc.
Sep 24th, 2009
Tom Baker
A great many good ideas > I am particularly fond of the link baiting.
Nov 6th, 2009
Elske Tielens
While I totally agree with the ‘write original’ point of view, I think you’re missing the point here. This is a blog aimed at people starting a blog. People sitting behind their laptop, drumming their fingers on the table: “sooo.. something original…”. People (like me) with a load of half-formed ideas in their heads, and no idea how to turn these into 500 words that actually say something relevant. You can’t just grap a great idea out of thin air. In linking to other sites, you can get a clear view of what your own, original ideas are. Thus you can learn to write original posts using links as a stepping stone. Or so I hope;).
Just for the record, I agree with the idea that it’s best to write original posts. The only question is: how?
Jan 23rd, 2010
Alex Piechowski
Wow, I’m just starting out, so this has helped me out alot! Thanks for writing this!
I currently have a few posts on http://alex.piechowski.org souly because you’ve wrote this.
Thanks for saving my day, Alex
Feb 21st, 2010
Shawn Banks
i liked the picking the fight idea ….i want to start with me phone company verizion ..they are thieves any one with dirt on them send me an email
shawn2411@gmail.com
Feb 21st, 2010
Fernlokal
Write in English!
Otherwise your audience is mostly limited to your nation…
Feb 24th, 2010
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