Blogs are an integral part of Web 2.0. Companies who were once skeptical about the effectiveness of web 2.0 are quickly acknowledging the value of blogging on the internet.
While setting up a blog is relatively easy, many companies struggle with ideas on how to make their blogs grow.
Here are three simple steps that will help you increase your blog readership:
Post regularly - Post unique
Giving your readers new and interesting content to read everyday is the best way to convert occasional visitors into regulars. Though simple in word, it's not so simple to make the commitment. You must get into a regular pattern of writing unique content and posting it regularly.
Ideally, your blog should have at least three posts a week, if not more. Don’t make the mistake of posting three on one day and then none the next week. Most visitors will skim for new content and then move on. They don’t have time to determine if you've posted new content. You either did or you didn't.
With the explosion of existing blogs and new ones being created everyday, readers have an endless selection of articles to choose from. If you don’t stand out from the crowd, your viewers will go elsewhere. Keep your readership growing by giving them content they are unlikely to find anywhere else. Breaking news prior to a major release will lead to more readers, more comments, and more links to your blog.
Encourage comments - Discourage abuse
While comments are a core blog feature, it is important to carefully consider what your company policy is concerning comments. Allowing comments to be posted un-moderated can generate increased participation but it could also lead to increased chances of offensive remarks and spam comments.
The best way to balance the interaction with your readers with the need to have control over comments is to add a verification tool such as CAPTCHA.
If you choose to moderate comments, make sure you have the resources to regularly approve comments, or note, in a timely manner. Readers hate to be kept waiting and will lose interest and if it takes too long for them to be heard.
Acknowledge Comments - Reply to those who comment
If your reader has taken the time to leave a comment on your post, it is common courtesy to reply, especially to questions. If several comments drift around a single topic, address them all in a single reply.
Starting a blog is easy. Maintaining a blog is much harder. Take the time to develop a complete blog policy and structure before starting. Make sure you can dedicated the time to both posting regular content and for replying to comments.
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