What do People want from a blog?

1. Information

How to …..

e.g. How to be a prolific blogger

2. Links to Resources.

Links to other external sites. Some successful blogs are collections of good, relevant external links. I am always looking out for good articles on writing, blogs. The problem is that searching the internet can be very time consuming. Well researched links to the best articles help alot. (It’s also a useful way to make contact with other bloggers.)

3. A conversation

Only a small % of visitors to a blog will make a comment, but those who leave comments have made a close relationship with the blog; it is in an indication the blog, at the very least, has stimulated further discussion.

4. Inspiration.

Sometimes we visit blogs for inspiration. This can be either in a specific sense; i.e. inspiration for our blog writing, or it could be general inspiration when we don’t feel like writing.

5. Beauty / Aesthetically pleasing.

The internet is not always the most beautiful places. Some websites are so full of stuff and ads, that it dazzles the mind. Other blogs can have a soothing effect. Aesthetically pleasing blogs do attract readers.

6. Regularity

A regular posting schedule does help. At my favourite blogs I’m always happy to see a new entry

7. News / New Features.

Most topics have some news element. Readers don’t want to just see recycle content, the same old “top tips for getting links” It is important to be able to add newness into a blog. Offer new insights and comment on the latest development in your niche.

8. Uniqueness

Whatever you blog about, you have to make sure you stand out from the rest of the crowd. The internet has countless blogs, You have to differentiate your blog from others. This can be through either a personal angle or a different insight.

9. Reliability

This is a little related to regularity. However, in addition to regular postings your readers want to know what to expect. This requires consistent good quality posting - on a targetted niche. If you vary between unrelated themes, you could end up losing readers, but not gaining any extra ones. Successful blogs become well known in a niche.

10. Humour

Humour on an SEO blog may not be most obvious but it can relieve the seriousness. If your humour is a little offbeat / not funny don’t overdo it. (why not to write another blog post)