One of the best ways to develop a following is to write blog posts that attract readers. Some blog posts become viral and put your name on the map. Listed below are a few secrets that will help you find your audience.
If you have a photo blog, consider some of the following concepts, but remember to focus on headlines and descriptions of your photographs, including the people involved in the process of creating the image.
Headlines are gold.
People love lists. Don’t overdo it but a good list of The 10 Best Dog Photos or 15 Light Room Techniques have a better chance of being retweeted or shared than a post titled New Picture or A Day at the Park.
Ask a question to entice people to click on your post. Make intriguing statements supporting your readers in their goals.
Look for the most popular topics related to your niche. Use insights for search and Google Web master tools to search for popular topics. Keep a close eye on your analytics to see if people are searching your site for specific topics you have yet to offer.
Follow the most popular blogs in your niche. Some blogs list their top posts. If they don’t make it easy, review the number of tweets or Facebook “likes” to determine what people like to read. Don’t copy the posts, but offer your take on the various subjects and come up with new angles.
Don’t be afraid to rewrite your older successful posts. Once a post is over six months old, the chances of your followers remembering them are slim.
Drop names and use current events and relate them to your blog. Localizing national stories is common practice for local media outlets. You can do the same within your niche.
I still get traffic from a post I wrote more than a year ago: Would Ansel Adams be a great digital photographer?
Every post doesn’t have to be a winner or a hot topic. Remember your goal is to develop your own voice. Doing what everyone else is doing will not help you stand out. But, if you apply the ideas above and test everything you do, success will be a few steps closer.
Success is relative. Don’t compare your numbers with other bloggers. Every niche is different. Set your goals based on percentages, such as increasing your traffic by 10 percent over the next month.
Remember: Social media is an endurance game.
Rosh
