Of all the tips to blog more effectively, some of the best ones in my opinion have to do with how not to bore your readers.
You can attract as much traffic as you like but if you bore that traffic when it gets there, your blog has no future.
Since writing Motivated Versus Inspired Blogging, I’ve been giving some thought to the percentage of posts I read that inspire me. Posts I would call ‘extraordinary’.
I do read many exceptional posts, no doubt about it, but relative to the number of blogs I read daily, I have to say it’s not a very encouraging number.
Are your blog posts getting this response?
Of course blogs exist for different reasons. If yours attracts lots of traffic, you have heaps of interaction happening and you’re achieving your goal then you’re doing just fine, obviously. The fact I may think it’s boring doesn’t matter as I’m obviously not part of your target audience.
However if the above does not describe your blog then there may be a good reason why I and everybody else finds it boring. It is!
While something may be like eating sawdust for me, you may love it. For instance I’m not a fan of posts that contain so much information I have to bookmark them to come back to, since invariably I don’t.
I know I can be a casualty of information overload so I just don’t do it which keeps me happier. Give me one or two brilliant tips I can implement immediately rather than 27 I have to come back to.
Truth be told, I think there are far too many boring blog posts out there simply because too many bloggers write in too much detail about the same topics without putting any new spin on their posts.
An extraordinary post for me is one that moves me to want to engage with the material, comment on it and share it.
I believe there is an easy way to get this happening on any blog and in any niche.
It starts and ends with expressing your opinion which is your unique angle so that you can illicit a response from your audience.
Here’s how you can do it too.
Let Your Blog Posts be an Extension of The Social Media Conversation |Tips to Blog
We keep on hearing how nobody wants to be pitched or sold to, so why use this style of “I’m talking and that’s all that matters.” on your blog too? Boring!
Your posts must come across as a conversation. This means you start the interaction with your post but you don’t do all the talking.
Think of every post as a conversation starter just as you would do on social media. All you’re doing is extending that starter to a few more words.
Express Your Posts as an Opinion on a Hot Topic | Tips to Blog
This is the easiest way to give your posts your unique angle and infuse them with your personality.
Everybody has an opinion and likes to give theirs when asked. Ensure you stick to one point of view and defend it.
Don’t worry about whether someone might not agree with you. All the better. Let the conversation begin.
We don’t all have to agree about everything. It is more interesting to read diverse opinions on a topic than everybody agreeing for the sake of boring ‘correctness’.
Open the Floor to Your Readers to Respond | Tips to Blog
You’ve stared the conversation now pass it back to your readers. Guide them with questions and focus areas.
Don’t think of writing your posts as complete topics. Rather think of yourself as starting the conversation and then finishing it together with your readers.
Remember your posts are about people not words. We have blogs so that we can connect further with our target audience.
The people who read our blogs have to be able to understand and relate to what we are saying. They have to feel that they are a part of the conversation.
So what do you think? Do you come across too many boring blog posts? What kind of posts stimulate you to want to get involved and express an opinion?
Please express your thoughts in the comments section and I’ll meet you there!
Lastly I’d love you to share this post with your followers because they might like to join in the discussion too. Thank you.
Be Happy!
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Really nice,There are many people who post a boring blogs, and searching a solutions on how to turn it into right, well this will find enough sources by your tips. Great job!
Also looking forward for more tips about that.
“Remember your posts are about people not words” – this is mean to me..
Conde recently posted..Why Do Some Internet Marketers Succeed While Others Fail To Earn A Dime
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Hi Conde,
Welcome and thank you for adding to the discussion.
I think some bloggers worry about being “word perfect” and correct and this leads to BORING posts.
We can blame our school systems for teaching us to write like this but then again they were probably teaching us to write for world that has changed, well for some of us anyway.
Surely kids graduating today must have been taught about blogging??
The most important thing we want to do in our blog posts is “move” the people reading our posts to some kind of action in as short a time space as possible.
See you next time Conde!
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus, I couldn’t agree more with these points. I have to confess it took me a while to realise these things myself but I’ve only been blogging a relatively short period of time.
I’m trying to put my focus on unique articles now and things I genuinely feel passionate about as I feel this comes across to my readers.
Too many people get hung up on word counts for blog posts – just write what you need to and leave it at that; nobody wants to read 200 words+ of ‘padding’.
I’ll be retweeting this post now.
All the best
Jamie
Jamie Fairbairn recently posted..7 Words and Phrases People are Tired of Reading
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Hey Jamie,
You’re a star for sharing this and leaving a comment too.
Great that you have realised how not to be boring early on though. There are many dry topics out there so the challenge is how to take these and jazz them up.
You nailed it with only writing about what you feel genuinely passionate about. When we come from a place of passion, we just can’t be boring.
Seeing your comment reminds me that I owe you an email. My apologies, I’ll get that to you ASAP. My email inbox seems to be such a popular place these past two weeks. LOL
~Marcus
[Reply]
Jamie Fairbairn Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:03 am
Hi Marcus, no problem. Just send it when you have the time – no rush!
Jamie Fairbairn recently posted..A Beginner’s Guide to Guest Blogging
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:39 am
I took action straight after writing my comment to you Jamie. Shout if you have any questions.
~Marcus
Hey Marcus!
Glad to see I’m not the only one who thinks like this!
While 27 tips are great, it’s hard to put them all into action immediately.
While a person might have a lot of great information to say in one bost, anything beyond 600 words or so is tough for me to stay tuned in.
My approach is to get right to what I’m offering, elaborate on it a little bit, open the floor for discussion, then move on.
No need to dwell on one topic, especially if your readers haven’t requested this.
I look at some blogs that are doing a series and add to the series twice a week or so almost like a 5 week summer course or something.
That’s great and all but what if I can’t make it to all the sessions? That’s a problem for me. It makes me not want to even start on the series in fear I won’t be able to come back and complete it.
Thanks for sharing this!
Chelsea Thomas recently posted..OMG- It’s Happening!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Hi Chelsea,
I appreciate your expert opinion on this. Thank you.
I agree with you I am not good with blog series posts that depend on one having to have read the previous posts.
I’m not saying I don’t read posts like this. If I like the blogger concerned and the writing then I’ll make the effort but chances are if I don’t know you and I encounter your ‘dependent post’ in the middle of a series I’ll give it a miss.
I was taught to make each post a self contained ‘episode’ even if one is linking them by theme. I like this approach more.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
This is a great post. I agree that many blogs are boring. Matter-of-fact, I think mine was one of them once. Since finding a mentor who excels in this area, I am learning how to write to engage with my friends, not talk to them. As with many other things in life, I am finding learning to be an adventure and a process with each article I get better. Maybe writing is like wine – it gets better with age? Anyway, thank you for bring these tips to everyone. Hopefully we will all continue to learn, interact with each other and become better writers in the process.
Carla J Gardiner recently posted..How To Succeed While Being Comfortable In Your Own Skin
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 16th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Hi Carla,
Great to have you stop by and leave your thoughts here.
Learning to be a better blogger is definitely a journey of learning and having a mentor is a great way to learn fast but yes I think you are right…. it just gets better with time and that can’t be rushed.
The worst thing we can do is try to be like anybody else or everybody else when it comes to blogging.
Carla I am interested to know what you are doing differently now than when you first started?
~Marcus
[Reply]
Heya Marcus….been a while I know.
I think when we are beginners we tend to want to impress more than address our readers and become that “leader” we are told we should be.
You will remember I’m sure how in my first few months I was “all over the place” and not really targeting any particular niche. And that site still has some work to do.
Your short post here sums up so much for those reading between the lines. Thanks Marcus. Oh and gratz on the new design. Looks clean and attractive.
Dennis recently posted..Choosing The Right Marketing Opportunity
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 9:04 am
Hi Dennis,
Always good to have you back for a visit and I appreciate all your feedback. Thank you.
I think you have hit the nail on the head there Dennis. When we start we want to impress others instead of just being ourselves, expressing our opinions and asking others to join in.
~Marcus
[Reply]
“So what do you think? Do you come across too many boring blog posts? What kind of posts stimulate you to want to get involved and express an opinion?”
Love your show and tell method here, great way to demonstrate a non-boring blog post! Thanks for that.
I’m inspired to make some big changes to my (currently boring) blog.
I’m with you… Posts that offer an opinion, the stronger the better, with an invitation for feedback tend to float my cork best. And a short list (max. 5) of tips keeps me reading… anything more and like you, I’m saving it for later, which rarely arrives.
Thanks for the inspiration and learning!
Mary K Weinhagen recently posted..Yes… Business IS Booming!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:58 am
Hi Mary,
Welcome to my blog.
Getting to be an inspiring blogger is a journey for most of us unless you were born blogger-ready and I have come across a few of these but the fact that you have even started blogging deserves accolades.
The only thing worse than a boring blogger is one who realises this and does nothing about it. I thonk the fact that you have plans to transform your blog says a huge amount about you. Well done!
I’ll be checking out your blog nonetheless and if I can see anything I can advise yiu about I’ll be sure to do that to help you be better.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi, Marcus!
I personally read number of blogs including your almost regularly, to be good to be true I get bored from some of your posts as well, but I like the way you write and thats the reason I come back.
next thing is I like simple design of your blog which attracted me more.
Regards
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:48 am
Hi Usman,
I like your honesty.
I agree with you I can’t think of a single blog where I find every post to be fantastic but if I like the way the blogger writes generally then like you, I do come back because I know there will be some great posts in amongst those I don’ relate to.
Thank you for the feedback about the simplicity of my blog. I have tired to keep it that way.
~Marcusd
[Reply]
Usman from FirstHosting Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
I’m glad that you taken my words into actions and didn’t mind.
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
probably there aren’t any boring blogs, only successful ones or unsuccessful ones
I love your idea of seeing a blog post as a communication starter and not only a means of one-way communication. That’s that the way to do it. If it changes the percentages of people who are just too lazy to think and to write a comment, I don’t know. It’s easier to be excited about 27 how-to-things and then to nothing.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Business And Sports – Lessons From A Golf Lesson
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:44 am
Hi Oliver,
Thank you for you comment. I appreciate your input.
Once again I guess it depends on what one defines as boring. For me if I don’t get anything out of the post then I have to say it ‘s boring, but only to me. To somebody else it might be riveting content and both responses are justified.
I am often astounded by the number if visitors to my blog versus the percentage of people who leave comments. My goal is to increase the number of commenters at all times and finding ways to do that is a priority for me.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Great post.Thanks for your sharing
I always visit blogs which have attractive topics and many their beatiful photos.
van025 recently posted..How can I sell my Mexican Mayan Palace timeshare
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:43 am
Hello,
Welcome and thank you for your feedback. I like your point about images. They can make a big difference. I actually visit some blogs just to see what image they are going to use.
~Marcus
[Reply]
It is extremely important for a bloger to provide users with high quality content that is valuable, interesting and readable at the same time. Be an expert in your niche, provide users with helpful tips, images and recommendations.
Terje Sannarnes recently posted..SEOPressor is a Plugin to Simplify SEO Work of an Entrepreneur
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:41 am
Hello Terje,
Welcome and thank you for your contribution here.
Valuable, interesting and readable are all important criteria.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
This blog post DID inspire me, so I guess you are not a boring blogger!
I really like how you described a blog post as a conversation starter. I do agree that too many bloggers talk AT their audience rather than conversing with them.
Perhaps if one focuses on asking questions throughout the post rather than just a simple “What do you think?” at the end. Maybe that’s a way to steer your post towards a conversation starter.
As far as the length of posts, I would generally agree to get to the point. However, there are some post in everyone’s blog (Yaro Starak calls them pillar posts) that are the cornerstones of your blog. In these cases , they should be detailed and extensively written (but still to the point).
Thanks for sharing this, Marcus. You made me think this morning!
Dr. Bob Clarke recently posted..How to be Productive When You Just Wanna Be a Couch Potato
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:38 am
Hi Bob,
I do aim not to be a boring blogger but I guess it does indeed depend on what one is after.
I like the idea of asking a few questions along the way. I may have to experiment with that. Thanks for the idea.
Absolutely agree that sometimes we need to write longer posts as in the pillar variety.
Always appreciate your feedback here Bob.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus-
You’ve certainly achieved your objective here, judging my the variety of feedback you’ve already received.
Two things in your post stood out for me. Simple put, it all boils down to this:
“An extraordinary post for me is one that moves me to want to engage with the material, comment on it and share it.”
And the tip I’ll be thinking of most as I write is this:
“Don’t think of writing your posts as complete topics. Rather think of yourself as starting the conversation and then finishing it together with your readers.”
You’ve asked a very powerful question…am I boring my readers??????????????!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you.
Wishing you well-
Nanette
PS – missed your post on motivating vs. inspiring…I’ll be jumping back to pick that one up in a minute
Nanette Saylor recently posted..Life Lessons I’ve Learned From My Mother
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 6:12 am
Hi Nanette,
Thank you that is exactly the question I asked myself and one that I think every blogger should ask themselves – Am I boring my readers?
The problem for me is that I have a lot of loyal readers who visit my blog and comment regularly and who I am sure would not really tell me if I was boring them.
This means I have to dig a little bit deeper than just relying on comments from the faithful.
I have to really try as best is possible to be objective about my own writing.
The one way I know when a post has been more successful than others is when the comments are longer and more lively than usual.
So what I really want is for this to be the norm, then I can be fairly sure I am not boring them.
Thank you for adding to the discussion here Nanette. I appreciate your input.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
Very good topic to choose to write on.
Like you, I see many boring contents in the blogosphere.
Most of the time I dont bother to tell the author because I know that we cannot produce top-class content on a regular basis, though some people are more consistent than others.
Personally I also find some of my contents boring, that’s why I try to make it like I’m talking to a close friend as much as possible. Many blogs miss that.
I regularly check my blog stats at hubspot and the writing style is in the high school range. More conversational according to them.
Our blogs should be more of a conversation, cos it’s not so much about us, but about our readers.
Thanks for sharing this, Marcus!
Tosin
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 6:19 am
Hi Tosin,
I agree with you. All we can do is aim to write less boring posts than we currently do. Any improvement is better than just doing things the same way.
Being conversational as you suggest is often the key to writing better posts.
Thanks Tosin.
~Marcus
[Reply]
These tips are pretty awesome Marcus, I’m going to try to implement them into my own blogging!
Engaging readers in the ways you describe will create much better results for a blog than just some boring author spitting out facts.
Thanks again!
Erin Smith recently posted..4 Funded Proposal Examples to Instantly Double Cash Flow
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 6:15 am
Hi Erin,
I’m pleased these tips resonated with you.
Sometimes it’s a good idea to just tweak the way we do things so that we feel more inspired and when we do then we will also deliver more extraordinary results which is what we are all after.
Lovely to see you here again Erin.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
Some really focused points here.
I too find many blah posts, each day. It’s like sheeple, people following the herd.
Speak your mind, because speaking your mind brings a touch of individuality which no one else in creation – before, now, or forever – can replicate.
Agreed fully on the overload of tips. Show me 1 or 2 ways to become successful so I can implement these ideas immediately. 62 successful tips can’t be implemented over an entire lifetime, let alone a day.
Thanks for sharing Marcus!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..This Spunky Monkey Will Teach You a Lesson in Clarity
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 5:51 am
Hi Ryan,
I like your suggestion about speaking your mind. This is what leaders do anyway.
They neither fear or are concerned about those who may not agree with them. They speak from a personal values point of view.
As for the overload on tips etc, there seems to currently be an over emphasis on the “more is better” approach.
No wonder there is such an intensive speed up of vibration at the moment. If we want relief from this then we have to do quite the opposite, throw out that which is redundant and simplify, simplify, simplify.
Thanks for adding to the discussion here Ryan.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus,
There are tons of blogs that bore me to tears even in my own niche.
It seems like the same topic is talked about again and again and the top 5 or top 20 ways to do something better is getting pretty lame.
I was contemplating writing about this topic myself. You did a great job doing it yourself.
My most recent post is 1200 words just in case you want to read it.
Justin recently posted..Time Is Accelerating And We Must Change
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 3:57 am
Hi Justin,
Pleased I am not the only one feeling a little disenchanted with blog reading some days. Maybe we just need to find others that inspire us more?
Thanks for the feedback Justin. Pleased you enjoyed the post.
I will of course read your 1200 words.
Actually I don’t equate long posts with boring but when they are both boring and long then that is a challenge.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus, aloha. Boring blogger, hmmm; I know exactly what you mean.
What I have found, Marcus, is that even if a topic is not of particular interest to me, as long as I feel like the blogger is talking with me, I can “talk back” to them because I feel like I am a part of the conversation.
Conversely, I have read blogs on topics which are of interest to me, however, the blog was so info packed or “lecturey” that I could hardly wait to finish it.
No doubt about it, Marcus, my preference is a blog like yours where you start the conversation which turns into a party in your comments section.
Thx for these tips because I believe, Marcus, that those who care about their readers, will think about what you said and apply as appropriate.
Here’s to better reading, my friend. Cheers! Aloha. Janet
Janet recently posted..Network Marketing- Social Media Marketing & Life—Travel Agent or Tour Guide by Janet Callaway The Natural Networker
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Aloha Janet,
Great point you make about the importance of being conversational in blog posts. I agree with that completely.
It’s a fact that we are so overloaded with information and pushed for time that the easier we can make it to connect with people, the more effective we will be.
Your comment makes me think about some of the Professors I used to have at college.
Oh my goodness they may have been leading the world in research and some were of the top brains doubt about it, but they were as dry and boring as can be when it came to teaching. I often found myself dropping off to sleep in lectures. LOL
Conversely some of the most inspiring lecturers I had were far less “brainy” but they communicated simply and were able to connect with me emotionally, even when it was on a not so exciting subject like “Statistics” which I was hardly fond of.
No matter how we are communicating, whether it’s by teaching, writing, videos etc, we have to make it our priority to find the way in to reach others in a meaningful way and then invite them back to be be part of the experience.
I used to train business trainers in the art of “experiential training” techniques and maybe we need to teach bloggers to apply the same principles to blogging.
People want to be part of an experience; they want to be drawn in, not be passive receptors as much as they think this is what they want.
Your blog is one of those I love visiting Janet because I am always inspired and always drawn in to participate. I always feel part of the experience you so expertly facilitate.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Janet Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Marcus, aloha. It is all about how the message/info is delivered, isn’t it?
As it happens, I have just finished a terrific book which you would enjoy. It is “Tell to Win: Connect, Persuade, and Triumph with the Hidden Power of Story” by Peter Guber.
Marcus, it is one fascinating story/example after another. Guaranteed you will want to kick up your storytelling ability a notch or ten when you read it.
And, I am partway through another great book “Win: The Key Principles to Take Your Business from Ordinary to Extraordinary” by Frank Luntz. Marcus, this too is about stories and the importance of using the “right” words–topics near and dear to our hearts.
Take care, my friend. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Janet recently posted..To Date or Not to Date by Janet Callaway The Natural Networker
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Janet, aloha!
I take any recommendations from you very seriously so I’ll be getting both of these books. I can tell that I will enjoy them Janet. Thank you so much for sharing these with us.
~Marcus
I appreciate your honesty about a lot of blogs we all read. I do find a lot of them “repetitive”, and I do admit, I’m not that innocent either about being repetitive, but is anyone?
The top of blogs that I really like are those that ask a question that I’ve been asking myself for the longest. And the one thing that keeps me reading is when these blogs ask more questions, building up to the answer(s).
Thanks for sharing these great tips and i’ll definitely implement them!
Sherman
Sherman Smith recently posted..Are You Looking For Another Way To Get More Leads
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Hi Sherman,
No I feel sure that all of us are guilty of being repetitive at times. I know that when I still posted daily, sometimes I felt quite desperate to have a post and this often led to me settling for average and perhaps boring posts at times.
Posting three times a week lifts some of that pressure from me now. I would love to be able to post every day and inspire people every day and maybe I could if I was just a blogger but I’m not so it works for me to know what I am capable of and be true to that.
I think you hot on a great point. If we can answer questions in the heads of many of our readers then we have hit on a winning solution.
Great to have you visit again Sherman. Thank you.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Interesting Post, Marcus. These are great tips. Agree with you bloggers writing same topic again and again.
I’ve seen every other blogger is writing same topic with same tips without putting any extra efforts.
I think this is something that Glen talked about in his recent video. You may want to check out the video http://www.viperchill.com/pro-blogging/
Anyways, Thanks for sharing this awesome post, buddy. Have a great day.
~Dev
Devesh recently posted..Twitter- Rebecca Black- and the Dark Side of Social Media
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Hi Dev,
I guess there are only so many in demand topics in any niche but the creative challenge to us is to be able to make the topic appear fresh and different.
As you say it just tales a little bit of extra thought effort from us to make things unique rather than duplicate what is already out there.
Thanks for the link to Glen’s video. I do follow Glen so knew some of the information but I learned a lot of new tips too.
Always great to have you comment Dev.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
Very cool topic. I dont always like to point it out because it could probably hurt the writer’s ego and I also know that we cant put out quality posts all the time. I think it’s impossible to do.
I consider some of my posts boring atimes, that’s why I want it to look more like I’m talking to a close friend.
Our posts must be like a conversation, Marcus!
Thanks
~Tosin
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Hi Tosin,
I would never tell a blogger that his /her post was boring. We all write better than other posts and the more we do it the better we should be getting.
It is up to each of us to evaluate our own posts which is not hard to do. I know when I have written a great post and when I have not. What we want to be doing is working towards improving this ratio.
Aiming for our posts to be conversational is a good starting point.
I appreciate your feedback Tosin.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus!
As in real life, the best way to connect online is through meaningful conversations.
If a blog has that openness and that quality that makes you want to express your thoughts, then you know that you’re on the right track. That capacity to allow people to be themselves and convey their thoughts freely without fear of backlash or criticism in your little corner is what would make them come back time and again and share their time and effort with you.
I like this part the most:
Don’t think of writing your posts as complete topics. Rather think of yourself as starting the conversation and then finishing it together with your readers.
Great post!
Elmar Sandyck recently posted..The First 5 Good Reasons To Start Writing Articles
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 10:59 am
Hi Elmar,
You make a great point about making people feel safe about leaving comments and more importantly so that they can leave honest comments without any fears arising.
Always appreciate having your imput Elmar and thank you for helping me finish this post.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
These are all great points. I especially agree with the one about not putting too much in one post. There’s only one or two blogs that I will consistently bookmark if I can’t absorb it the first time through. As you know, I use your idea of making your post something that is to be continued. Thanks for reinforcing my thoughts.
Lou
Lou Barba recently posted..Easy As Falling Off A Log
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Hi Lou,
Of course much depends on the type of blog we have and your story telling style lends itself perfectly to the “To be continued” kind of post.
I don’t think long posts are necessarily boring. I read many fascinating long posts but long and boring (which I accept is totally subjective) posts can be a challenge.
Thank you for adding to the discussion here Lou.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus,
Excellent topic here. Sure, there are far too many boring posts out there. I know I’ve published a couple I later yawned at but thought they were great at the time.
Ones that inspire debate or just conversation are fantastic. What I like IS those meaty posts with tons of detail that you stay away from!
Also, humor keeps me coming back. Who doesn’t like a good laugh now and again?
Jon
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 3:51 am
Hi Jon,
It’s a great thing that we are all different isn’t it? Variety in life is such a wonderful blessing.
I have my own fair share of “boring” posts but then how the heck would anybody know I can write inspirational ones if they didn’t have some boring ones to contrast them with? LOL
My goal is just to try less of the YAWN ones and more of the AHA ones.
I agree with you humorous posts are a treat. I have to say I don’t come across nearly as many of those as I would like in the business niche.
Appreciate your comment Jon.
~Marcus
[Reply]
So, so true, Marcus and you really set a good example with your blog! Just seeing all the value-adding comments and and shares on your blog makes you a clear authority on the topic. =) I really feel you on providing a “new spin” on old thoughts, but I sometimes feel completely uninspired and uncreative. Do you ever have those days? =P
It’s a real talent to be able to bring creative, fresh ideas. Do you think that some people just don’t have the “it” factor? Sometimes, I feel like I don’t. =P
I also love your point about reframing posts as conversation starters. The blog suddenly feels like a community that way rather than a boring information repository. =P
Loved this post, Marcus! =) Thanks for your concise tips. =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..A 5K Race on Crutches
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Marcus Baker Reply:
May 21st, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Hi Samantha,
Thank you for the compliments.
Like everyone I am at my best when I am enjoying what I do and passionate about the topic at hand.
I do certainly feel uninspired and uncreative on some days Sam!
There is nothing harder than trying to be inspired when you feel that there is nothing to be inspired about.
What I find makes it worse is focusing on the problem since the more I do the worse it becomes. This is difficult when one has expectations from others to produce some piece of content or other since how does one not focus on it.
For me it I have to consciously change my focus by doing something else – going for a walk, meditating, exercising etc and then often I do allow the space for an idea to germinate, but not always.
It’s interesting that you think you don’t have the “it” factor sometimes Sam as whenever I read your blog I always feel you definitely do have “it”. You always inspire me with a new way of looking at something and that’s what I enjoy about your blog as much as I do.
I don’t believe some people have an “it” factor that we don’t have. I think they may have found a way to be in tune with “it” more consistently so that they can harness the power whenever they choose.
I know that I am better at doing this when I spend more time “going within”, being quiet and blocking out all the “noise” that seems to assault us all the time.
I think what we want to do is in as few words as possible is to stimulate our readers to start talking so I guess what we really want to do is think about posing questions rather than answers.
Loved this comment Samantha. Thank you for making me think about this some more.
~Marcus
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Samantha Bangayan Reply:
May 25th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Marcus, I *love* your point about taking time away. It’s the epitome of valuing personal development instead of falling into the trap of pleasing others for the sake of pleasing others.
Marcus, thank *you* for the compliment. I’m so glad that you find my blog content inspirational as I find yours. I love the idea of being “in tune” with the “it” factor rather than it being existent or non-existent. This makes it positive for anyone, anywhere to reach the same achievements and power in their messages. And as you know, I wholeheartedly agree about short but sweet messages with impact that have the reader reflect!! =)
Thanks for being in touch, Marcus. =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Want to Know Your Future
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Marcus Baker Reply:
May 26th, 2011 at 8:24 am
Thanks Sam.
We do have to be selfish at times when it comes to pleasing others but then I see selfish a being “self care”.
We have to give to ourselves first so that we can give to others or we deplete ourselves of energy and that’s when we battle to find inspiration I believe.
Appreciate your reply Sam!
~Marcus
From my point of view, it is very important for a blogger to be able to do the following: 1) always provide users with original and highly valuable content 2) have a professional website design 3) make effective blog promotion 4) make effective website monetization
Terje Sannarnes recently posted..Email Notifications as a Powerful Tool of an Entrepreneur
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Marcus,
Your break down of what a boring blogger is shed some light on this subject.
We all have our own opinions of what a boring blogger is. A blogger can have great writing skills, but if the blog reads more academic than a conversation, I tend not to read the whole thing.
The post can be about,5 Ways to Get Rid of Dust, I will read the post only if it engages me as if it’s a conversation, and then I will give my response in the comments.
Tisha
Tisha recently posted..Just Say NO to Drugs-The Holistic Truth of Reclaiming One’s Natural State of Health
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Marcus Baker Reply:
May 25th, 2011 at 3:47 am
Hi Tisha,
I loved your example of “5 Ways to Get Rid of Dust” – that gave me a good laugh!
It’s true what is boring for one person is not for another which is good news for all of us.
I have to admit because I read so many blogs what I look for is a post that can either teach, inspire or entertain me as efficiently and quickly as possible.
Thanks for adding to the discussion.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
Great tips! I have these two main keys for my blogs:
1. Good quality content maintenance
2. Attractive layout and theme
I think those two things seriously contribute to the development of my blogs right now. I generate more and more profit every single day. Hope it lasts long.
Andrew Walker recently posted..Advanced MP3 Players Coupon Code
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Marcus Baker Reply:
May 25th, 2011 at 3:37 am
Hi Andrew,
Great to have you visit and leave a comment.
Thanks for adding your two tips. It seems as if you are on target goal-wise! Well done.
~Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
It is a very nice and informative post.Thanks for sharing 3 tips that captivate readers.These tips are very helpful.
waterpearls recently posted..Omnis Coupons
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Marcus Baker Reply:
May 28th, 2011 at 2:47 am
Hi,
Welcome waterpearls…
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment. Much appreciated.
~Marcus
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Hey Marcus,
Great post…
I love your point about engaging your readers.
In my last post here is how I engaged my readers…
“So what your take? Got an email marketing tip worth mentioning? Feel free to let your thoughts be heard in the comment section below.”
I picked this up from copyblogger. It a great way to engage with your readers and acts like a call to action to get your reader to leave a comment.
Plus it is another way to squeeze in another keyword that you are trying to optimize for.
Keep cranking out the killer content
Jesse Huber recently posted..The Guru’s Guide to Email Blasting Your Way to the Bottom
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Marcus Baker Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 4:02 am
Hi Jesse,
Welcome to my blog.
Wow that’s a great addition to the discussion here. Thanks so much for sharing that really useful way of inviting people to join in the conversation.
Much appreciated.
~Marcus
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Great read Marcus I do agree that sometimes information overload can get pretty boring.
I’m not sure if my content is boring or not but I do write like I’m having a face to face conversation, but what I don’t do is request an opinion to engage my readers thanks for the tip looks like it works.
Wa’DellLJones recently posted..Blogger &124 You Got That But You Probably Don’t Have This
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Marcus Baker Reply:
May 31st, 2011 at 3:59 am
Hi Wa’dell,
I am sure you’d know if you content was boring as you’d sense it from your readers perhaps. It’s unlikely since you use a conversation style. Hopefully the canvassing of an opinion will extend the great job you are already doing.
Great to see you here again.
~Marcus
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