So You Have a Blog, What’s Your Point?

April 4, 2011

Choosing a good topic is only the first step in creating a fantastic, bookmark-worthy blog post. After you’ve selected a topic– or better yet, beforehand – decide on the main point of your post. Each post on your blog should have at least one point. Whether it’s to encourage readers to sign up for your email list, urge them to leave a comment, or encourage visitors to buy something, each and every post should have a specific point and a call to action.

Here are four common points that blog posts have:

1. Encourage subscriptions

If you write some awesome content that leave your visitors with an overwhelming feeling of “OMG, she/he was talking to me and I needed this right now!,” they’ll be impressed and longing for more. At the bottom of these types of posts, ask people to sign up to your newsletter or simply include a sign-up box for your email list so you can capture traffic while they’re still wowed by your brilliance!

2. Sell something

Whether it’s your own products or someone else’s, blog posts can make people more receptive to buying something. Product reviews, case studies, and new product announcements can help you sell a product or service. Just be sure to skip the hard sell, be HONEST regardless of the compensation, and keep in mind, people like comparisons. So if at all possible, throw in some product comparisons and give people a genuine reason to go with what you’re offering.

3. Engage your readers

Sometimes, you just want to reinforce that sense of community. To get your readers to respond, you could ask questions, do a survey or poll, invite discussion, run a contest, or actually suggest that readers respond in the comments section or on their own blogs. People like to be engaged so engage them!

4. Encourage viral marketing

This is one of my favorites! If you want your posts to go viral, you need to create valuable, share-worthy content that others will want to save and pass on to friends or even tweet to their followers on Twitter. These types of posts, called “pillar content,” make up the backbone of your blog. While they may not be directly monetized, they encourage readers to return again and again, and to recommend your site to their colleagues and friends.

Of course there are other reasons for blogging, so if you have a reason that’s not listed above, not to worry. The key is to have a reason and to know that reason before you even start writing. Then and only then does that post belong on your blog.

Your turn…

Speaking of pillar content, what’s that one blog post you created that went viral, had much discussion and/or was your favorite on your blog? Please share your link with us. Who knows, maybe we can make it go even further and don’t forget to share this with your network as well! : – )

About Kesha Brown

Kesha is the Creative Director and Principal Web Designer at her company XD Web Solutions who specializes in helping small businesses and organizations maximize their online presence. Go ahead and follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

40 Comments to “So You Have a Blog, What’s Your Point?”

November 25, 2011 at 7:05 am
Kate Brown Wilson says:

Well for me I think to share brilliant idea for any readers, I never tried subscribing to any site, maybe I should try this for me to gain additional info that I really need.
Kate Brown Wilson recently posted..שליחת SMS

[Reply]
May 27, 2011 at 3:45 am
James Foster says:

Getting a blog started is not just all. You have to keep writing and writing content that keeps your readers get back to your blog, and thats really tough. I do not think it unethical in going controversial, but you should be true and precise as much as possible.
James Foster recently posted..The Differences Between a Spa and a Whirlpool Bath

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
May 27th, 2011 at 8:26 am
Absolutely James…sometimes it is tough but like you said, just keep writing and soon enough, your readers (and new ones) will come back

Also, one way to keep them coming back is through reminding them – via social media and newsletters!

[Reply]
James Foster Reply:
May 28th, 2011 at 6:02 am
@Kesha, Yes true indeed!
The perfect and ethical way of what I see of reminding them would be through social media and newsletters.

Regards
James Foster recently posted..Varieties of Kids Beds

[Reply]
April 26, 2011 at 2:44 am
Maria Pavel says:

Hi Kesha,

I guess another method to get viral is to make a controversial article. Quality articles are ok, but everybody’s doing it already (or at least trying). Why not make a post that makes readers think. Most have full proof ideas on what they believe, try to make them doubt. Off course, i’m not saying we should write against our beliefs, just offer some alternative points of view.
This is worth some testing.
Maria Pavel recently posted..Can I Get My CNA License Online

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
May 2nd, 2011 at 12:23 am
Controversial posts usually always get traffic, comments, and whatnot. We see it everyday with news, lifestyle and celebrity blogs, and of course “strong belief” blogs like those related to religion or politics – though the controversial technique can work in mostly any niche.

If that’s ones nature, you’re right. It definitely works.

[Reply]
April 6, 2011 at 11:29 am
Heather C Stephens says:

Hi Kesha!

Great post. I don’t know if it was just me, but it took me a while to figure out what the point of my blog was. I needed to experiment a little bit to see what my readers liked, what they didn’t respond to well, and fine tune my message to fit their needs.

As I got to know my readers better, my blog posts were more on target for them. I think that it’s important to figure out the point or we will lose our readers, but if anyone out there is like me, we don’t always know right off the bat. It’s a process and as we grow and gain experience, our readership will as well.

Great post!
Heather
Heather C Stephens recently posted..Webinars Success Secrets and Clever Marketer Webinar Cheat Sheet

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Lovely to see you Heather and thanks for sharing your experience!

You are right; sometimes it takes a bit to really understand your purpose/point and get into the swing of things.

True, it’s an evolving process for most of us and I think as long as we can adapt and regroup quickly, we’ll be ahead of the bunch – at least in keeping our target audience engaged and knowing what they want

[Reply]
April 6, 2011 at 9:24 am
Dahlia Valentine
Twitter: thatIMthing
says:

Hey Kesha,

I just finished moving and unpacking (uuugh… why did I have to accumulate so much stuff???) and had to pop by to see what you were up to.

As much as I try to steer away from list posts, those are the ones that always seem to go viral for me. Though I always try to include a number over 30 in mine. The bigger the better. My best so far was 86 Resources That’ll Help You Become a Profitable Amazon Affiliate (http://thatimthing.com/become-a-profitable-amazon-affiliate/).

Also, I totally agree with the “Sell Something” adage. Nobody wants to work for free, so why even act like it? As long as your content is good, you’re honest and your recommendations are on par for your audience, I say go for the sale. Not the hard sell, like you said. But weave your recommendations into your content. At least that’s how I do it.

Cheers!

Dahlia
Dahlia Valentine recently posted..March 2011 Passive Income Report

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 6th, 2011 at 9:34 am
@Dahlia, and you do it oh so well (weaving in recommendations)!

Yes, people like lists and, wow, I see you like large lists which is probably why people like your posts! There’s so much value in them.

I like to keep my lists small, let people play with stuff a little bit at a time

This affiliate post of yours is definitely a good one and you know I’ve already seen it because that’s where I’m headed this year! Still working on that Amazon issue though – shhh

BTW: I guess you’re like me in that I don’t like to be packed up for too long…the last time I moved I took off work just so that I can unpack and not be cluttered…kudos to you and hope you get some ME time now to relax and chill out for a while

[Reply]
April 6, 2011 at 6:49 am
Contamination says:

Point 3 is the whole point of Blogging, imho.

If you don’t engage your readers & reply to their comments, then just delete your blog now.
Contamination recently posted..Back From Vacation

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 6th, 2011 at 9:35 am
@Contamination, LOL…I hear ya – delete!

That was funny but really true. If you seriously want to grow your brand/business, engagement is key!

Thanks for your feedback and hope to see you back soon!

[Reply]
April 5, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Marcus Baker
Twitter: marcus_baker
says:

Hey Kesha,

Those are all great blog ideas fo getting to that point.

I guess what’s most important is knowing why you have a blog in the first place. When you have a clear vision for what you want to achieve then you can impement the specifics to reach your target.

Whatever one does, one wants to offer value no matter whether its the free information or the paid products.

~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..This Blog’s Top Supporters for March

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
@Marcus, exactly! I think people sometimes start blogs because they think they have to for their business but don’t really have a clear vision like you’ve stated.

So hopefully these tips will help them get a better handle on their blog writing and objectives.

Thank you for your valuable feedback!

[Reply]
April 5, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Tisha says:

Hey Kesha,

You have mentioned a lot of things that I have not thought about. This is great information to know. Thanks…I’m going to book mark your site to use it as a reference.

~Tisha

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
@Tisha, I love to hear that (bookmark my site)! Thanks deary!

[Reply]
April 5, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Josh Garcia says:

Hey Kesha,

All of the points you made are strong. The last one, bookmarking or sharing content is probably the number one mistakes bloggers make by not sharing other people’s content. I just finish sharing this content.

Have a great day…
Josh
Josh Garcia recently posted..Secrets of Selecting The Right Orlando Real Estate Agents

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Hey Josh!

Thank you so much for sharing and for your feedback here! You are right; this game is all about giving [first] and receiving. It doesn’t do any of us any good if we only cared about our own stuff!

[Reply]
April 5, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Tammy Matthews
Twitter: TrueLifeSuccess
says:

Kesha,
I want my blog to be a community where people enjoy going and these tips will help me get there. I’ve done a few of the things, but you gave me even more to make it even better.
Thank you,
Tammy
Tammy Matthews recently posted..Don’t Believe Everything You Think

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Glad I could help, Tammy! If you need any additional feedback or just have questions, you know where to find me

[Reply]
April 5, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Oliver Tausend
Twitter: luckyoliver70
says:

Hi Kesha,

thanks for sharing your ideas. It definitely makes sense to encourage people to participate on your blog so that they become and aren’t only consumers. Interaction is crucial.

Take care

Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Power Of Gratitude Pt 8 – Blessings Of A Home-Based Business

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
And thank you, Oliver, for your feedback! I like to take notes of your blog titles as I think they definitely entice eyes to read more and engage in your posts!

[Reply]
April 5, 2011 at 3:45 am
Diana Simon
Twitter: coachdiana11
says:

Hi Kesha, you always share valuable content! For me at this stage, i am blogging to gain more visibility but eventually, it’s to get more subscribers. It would help me to get my opt-in setup as soon as possible and I am working on that. I don’t really thought about pillar posts but looking back at the posts that I have written, those where I have described my experience with blogging has really gotten a good response. Oh yes, I love asking questions
Diana Simon recently posted..Tracking Your Blog’s Progress

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Hey Diana! First, thank you for the lovely note!

Secondly, yes, start building your list (Devesh and I talked about this in the comments below too).

When you do write what you consider your “pillar post,” be sure to let me know (if I hadn’t already read it!)

Lastly, questions are a great and fun way to engage your audience; it may even spark more post ideas for you

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 11:50 pm
Jeanine Byers Hoag
Twitter: DressingMyTruth
says:

Hi Kesha! Great point.

I didn’t used to, but now have been trying to make sure my own posts have a call to action and sometimes, will tie them in specifically to the post.

Thanks for the tips!
Jeanine
Jeanine Byers Hoag recently posted..Six Items or Less &amp Project 333- Ballroom Dancing &amp the Uniform

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Tailoring your call to action to your post is a wondermous idea Jeanine! I’ll be looking for that

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Devesh
Twitter: tnsblog
says:

Hi Kesha,

Awesome post. Love all those points. Providing the high quality content is the best way to encourage viral marketing.

Encouraging email subscriptions is the best way to engage with your blog readers & building trust. I think there are still many bloggers who aren’t utilizing the power of mailing list. Building list is something that no blogger should. miss.

~Dev
Devesh recently posted..Use these 5 Simple Tools to Grow Your Online Business

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@Devesh, you’re right. I didn’t really start building a list until late last year but have had websites for years! But you know what, knowing what to do with that list is another hurdle many people fail to conquer, including myself in the beginning. Email marketing is a huge area that is still not entirely tapped into and has many great benefits for the small business owner. Let me know if you ever do any email marketing series or posts!

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Steve Nicholas
Twitter: stevetheowl12
says:

Great post, Kesha! I think that this post does a great job of laying it on the line about the basics of a blog, and I think that there are definitely times where the important things to explain are the basic ones.

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@Steve, I like what you said “…the important things to explain are the basic ones…” It’s sooooo easy sometimes to forget about the basics! None of this is complicated. Maybe not easy but definitely not complicated

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Ronnie "Hats"
Twitter: hatmanCANdo
says:

Hi Kesha,

Great content as always. This is a big part of why I have created multiple blogs.
Each can provide a different bit of content for users. I am hoping that my more personal one is the main piece of my branding. It is a work in progress, but I feel that I am on the right track.

Best,
R$Blessed

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@Ronnie, as long as you feel you’re on track, I’m sure you are. If you ever need any assistance, a second pair of eyes, or what have you, don’t hesitate to contact me!

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Jym Tarrant
Twitter: JymTarrant
says:

Hi Kesha,

Great work. There should always be a clear intention for a post.

One other possible ‘post purpose’ I would add in there is to establish or consolidate your position as an authority in your niche. This could be done by being on top of current news, or displaying your authority on a certain topic – always by giving value in an accessible way of course!

Some of my best pillar content that’s been most discussed and viewed has been in the form of check lists – here’s a link to a post of mine on how to write the perfect blog post as an example.

Thanks Kesha, Love the point of this post!
All the best,
Jym
Jym Tarrant recently posted..Simple Blog Strategies for MLM Lead Generation – Timeless Blogging

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 5th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
I checked out your post and I see great minds think alike!

You are right about establishing yourself as an authority. For most of us that’s our overarching goal so all the tips you and I have shared in our respective posts are geared towards exactly that!

Thanks for your feedback, Jym, and sharing your link!

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Janet @ The Natural Networker
Twitter: janetcallaway
says:

Kesha, aloha. WOW! Thx so much for this, Kesha. I’m honored and thrilled.

“I could take your thoughtful comments and create new blog posts! Hmmm, idea brewing.”

I’ll be watching. Aloha. Janet
Janet @ The Natural Networker recently posted..Kina’ole — My Cat’s Name is a Concept by Janet Callaway The Natural Networker

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Kamylle Parker says:

Thanks for the advice. Your timing is perfect!
Kamylle Parker recently posted..Suffering from Social Media Overload

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Janet @ The Natural Networker
Twitter: janetcallaway
says:

Kesha, aloha. Love your point with this post and your comment about a bookmark-worthy post. That is what we all want; to make our content of such value that our readers will save it. We do this, Kesha, as you so consistently do; by delivering solid, actionable content.

This post of yours is a case in point–no pun intended (or maybe so). If people look at your list and think of the post they are about to write, they can ask themselves if they have a definite outcome they want to achieve. If they don’t, as we well know, the post will ramble. We need to respect our readers and give them quality reading each time they visit us.

Thank you, Kesha, for giving me the opportunity to share a link with your readers. The title of this post attracted many new readers to my blog, from the comments people enjoyed learning from the content of the post and there are some very interesting comments as people share thoughts, insights and reflections.

http://www.janetcallaway.com/seduce-your-lizard-brain-by-janet-callaway-the-natural-networker/

Beat wishes for a terrific week, Kesha. Look forward to visiting again soon. Aloha. Janet
Janet @ The Natural Networker recently posted..Kina’ole — My Cat’s Name is a Concept by Janet Callaway The Natural Networker

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 4th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
@Janet, yes I remember this post of yours – very enlightening! Not only was the content great but the title was very seductive – ha ha!

I like that you said “respect our readers!” One way to do that as a writer is to put yourself in the mind of the reader and then ask “Would I read this and find enjoyment (or get whatever the point is that’s being made)?

Thank you, Janet, for always providing value to this blog’s content.

I could take your thoughtful comments and create new blog posts! Hmmm, idea brewing

[Reply]
April 4, 2011 at 3:31 pm
The Cubicle Chick
Twitter: TheCubicleChick
says:

Great post. I really need to work on encouraging subscriptions. I don’t do this right now and I am missing out on the opportunity to get more email subscribers. Again, for me, I’ve always been the “creative” and “visionary” but not the business or the marketer. Reading material like this, though, is helping me improve. High five!
The Cubicle Chick recently posted..Never give a good idea away- Execute!

[Reply]
Kesha
Twitter: xdwebsolutions
Reply:
April 4th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@The Cubicle Chick, yes you are and this is why you need a VA to help you with the marketing pieces *HIgh five back atcha deary*

[Reply]