Your blog is usually something you write that comes from your experience and interests. Blogs can be written to any number of subjects from medical to sports, and even art to technology. There is always a rumor that a blog with a wide variety of subjects is not worth the time to read. This is of course, only a rumor. A blog can be about anything as long as it is somehow relatable to your readers.
Who are your readers? Well, when you made a site, you had to have thought of who you wanted to connect with online to share your interests and experiences. Of course, with many subjects, you have to do more work in spreading your word, especially if you want to have some traffic. However, for those who are just wanting to have a blog or already have one, but really do not know what to do in order to make a focus on their blog, try to answer these questions for yourself:
- 1. Who do you want to read your blog? What type of people and what age group do you want your blog to be available to?
- 2. What are your interests? Are they relatable? Can you research and give more information on the subject for your reads to find out more? Are you wanting to just have a special interest blog that only focuses on one thing? Do you want to provide a blog that elaborates on many subjects? In general, what type of site do you want to have?
- 3. How much traffic do you want to your site? Are you wanting to make money? Do you want to give away things for free?
Your content is one of the most important things that attract people to keep coming to your site, even if it is just for you to make friends in your targeted age group. The best ways to help your visitors know what to expect are several things:
- Make a navigation that is clear and concise on what to expect in the site. This gives them a way to navigate the site so make sure it can be reached from any part of your website.
- Make categories that your readers can click on or look through a drop down and go to those areas they are interested in reading.
- Put a search attribute on your site for your readers to be able to search for things within your site’s content.
- Tag clouds are an iffy matter as some can have over 100 words and look a bit cluttered, but if you have a site that have under 50 tags, then you place one. It works like the search and your categories in allowing your readers to click on the tag of interest they want.
- Try to post related links within your site or to other sites that will allow you to give more information to your readers. Your readers will thank you for being resourceful.
Great post. Every point makes sense & make me think about how to improve mine regarding my goals.
Hope to read more from you.
Vincent Lejeune’s last blog post..Vivre à bout de souffle
@Vincent Lejeune, Thank you for reading. I always hope that it makes more sense. I actually added graphics to spruce it up. 🙂
Awesome posts. Kudos to you. A lot of great advice!
Good advice. I’ll have to go back to this one next time I blog. I suck at blogging most of the time.
Billie Jean’s last blog post..Music Star?!
@Billie Jean, Nobody really sucks at blogging. It is all about you when it comes down to you and your blog. Your blog = you, for a simple equation. Just make it as you want: your interests, where you like to shop, where you like to go online, anything! 🙂
Some very nice points you bring up. I have a search box for my website but I never actually saw the point of having a tag cloud, maybe because I think they look messy no matter what, especially when some tags are larger than others.
Michelle’s last blog post..Did you have fun?
@Michelle, yes… I agree with your opinion of tag clouds. For a couple months, I tested my site with tag clouds and although it was a nice way to sort things out, after I had reached over 50 tags, I found it way too cluttered. I have seen a few sites that use this tastefully. In fact, Chanel ( http://diaryofchanel.com/) has a nicely done tag cloud. I think hers has been one of the few exceptions of not being so cluttered. 🙂
Hi Nile:
Thanks for this information. I’m always seeking to refine my blogging, and there are several hints here that I can incorporate. Also, I have a mini pink electric guitar for sale in my studio that looks an awful lot like your pink guitar above 🙂
All the best,
Leslie
i love to play your mini pink guitar, i am seeking unique writer like you.
I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!
Hello Nile, I agree about the tags – when there are too many, they can take over the whole sidebar and become very difficult to read. If I want to search on someone’s blog, I like to use the Search bar. Yours is great right up where people can see it, yet out of the way of everything else also!
Keep up the good work Nile. Regards from Julieanen
Yes – I do agree, Content is still king. Both to users and to Search Engines. The uniqueness and grade of content that you are offering are keys to having a good/authoritative blog. One should realize that having a blog is not always necessary about you or your business – it about your reader / clients. If you don’t focus on them you will never achieve success.
Great post. What really important now a day with blogging is the reason to blog. In my case the reason I blog is to share my experience and interesting finds on the virtual and real world. The more information I was able to share the more happy I am with blogging, it helps me keep going everyday.
Coming down to your readers is important for a successful and popular blogging experience. When people start responding to your posts, you know that they are understanding what you are saying. Building upon that momentum, you get lot of learning and fine tuning your content in a more appealing way.
The above points are very good advice. I believe that if your blog is easy to navigate, it will attract more readers. I’m also a firm believer in “less is more” in terms of design. In regards to content, I say keep writing whatever you want if it keeps attracting readers. No need to “limit” a blog if the audience is happy with what they’re getting.
Great post! I am always looking for ways to make my site more attractive and interesting! Thanks,
Holly
Nile, this is great information and I must say that your one of us few who respond to the comments left. This is a must as you know and more people should get in the habit of.
I make it a action that is priceless and no matter how long it takes. I get through hundreds of responses. Some even if it took me a week. I am the only one managing my blog. That is dedication at it’s best.
Thank you Nile for giving us more to look at when supporting our readers. Some type on interaction is needed to keep them returning for more.
Hi Nile, I like what you said….A blog can be about anything as long as it is somehow relatable to your readers. Since there are a ton of readers out there, that leaves it wide open as to what we can write about. I think the key is to be yourself, post about what is interesting to you…..as appose to what you think people are looking for.
I loved all you tips! They are right on.
Lynn
Thanks Nile,
Now I have the incentive to clean up my blog. I do it every six months or so, but I need a better call to action. I also need to organize it following the above tips.
Sometimes I think I’m a little scattered on my blog, so it does need refining and organizing older posts to specific sections.
I do know who I want as readers and have obtained that. But I am also reaching out to fresh new people all the time by engagement.
I find that I do get more people on my blog by commenting on others and also reaching out to one person per day, just to see how they are doing. Not a sales chat, but one whereby we can get closer and know more about each other.
Donna
The more targeted you are in the blogging the better. The information you are writing about has to be relate-able to the reader. Has to be of some value for them or they will just leave.
It not only builds your brand but a relationship with your readership.
Hello Nile! I’ve read your blog post regarding whats our site focus on & I just found some excellent info from your post & it will help to focus on my blog too.
You made me think about my content and the topics I used in my blog. I need to target my visitor’s interest to make sure my visitors gets a boost. Thanks for this awesome post.
Nile, I think you provided some great information about the focus of a website.
I agree with Jacob that it not only builds your brand, but also relationship with your audience
Some very nice points you bring up. I have a search box for my website but I never actually saw the point of having a tag cloud, maybe because I think they look messy no matter what, especially when some tags are larger than others.
Never really knew what cloud tags were all about. I agree that they are just a little messy in a lot of blogs. I do have to say that you site should be about something and all your post should relate to that subject. Otherwise, who would come back. You aren’t any expert in anything. I may come back if it is funny but when searching for information I like to stick with ones that give me the most value.
Great points. When I started blogging a few years ago I mixed a few niches on one blog. It is clear now that we need to keep it simple and relevant to the readers. Nobody wants a busy blog.
Thanks!
Aidan
Hi Nile,
Knowing who your niche is very important as a blogger. I totally agree that it has to be focused to your perfect audience. This year one of my goals is to make some changes on my blog. I am planning to change my theme but I have resisted. However, after reading this post, you have inspired me to do it. I want to see better navigation and more focus so I think your tips are very helpful. Thanks!
Raena Lynn
Great post Nile. I appreciate the content you wrote about. Have a great day!
Hi Nile, Excellent post on blogging! I’ve only been blogging for about 9 months and I really appreciate your insights. I will incorporate your suggestions as I refine my blog and try to learn the art of doing it well.
Nile,
Good point about tag clouds. They can be annoying and overused. You made a comment in the end about linking to other related, informative sites. Great advice as that can also help your SEO especially when linking to authority sites.
And , yes, people really need to think about WHO their audience is and target them and this article gets them to think about that!
Posting related links within your blog is a must if you want to keep the visitor engaged. It also helps you to reduce the bounce rate!
Hey Nile, I also agree that tag clouds are a psin, even though they probably help SEO. In local marketing a list of surrounding suburbs helps ranking. I know I use my blog for my main interests, so it si not paser focused. I am sure I could narrow it and get more readers, so thanks for the reminder.
Hi Niles…
Love your points as always. Your point about knowing your niche and the group of readers that you wish to address before you begin to post is critical
Hi Nile:
It is definitely important to know your readers and what you want to relate before you start up a blog. If you don’t you might end up very disappointed.
Kevin
Hello Nile thanks for all the tips. I haven’t really used tag clouds myself, I have also found they can look cluttered. I guess from what you’ve said here it’s one of those things where less is more! 🙂
Hey Nile, I’ve seen even some experienced bloggers without a search box or anyway to search their site. As a visitor looking for something you know you should be able to find on someone’s site, that can be frustrating. Such a simple thing yet so powerful and necessary. Gotta think about the visitor! Great tips.
Very nice tips Nile. Your post will surely help a lot of people in their business. Thanks for sharing.
I think the most difficult part when I started blogging was to organize it and have a system to reach the type of audience I wanted. I like what you said about tagging related links, it will definitely create more interest among the readers.
I am new to blogging, and so far i am going no where with it, i am trying to learn a thing or two from experienced people such as you, i can use any help or advice i can get, thanks a lot
Thanks for this post. I’ve got to share this to my friend who wants to start blogging.
My sites focus is real estate and the goal is to convert leads to home buyers. Seems to be working well so far. Great post.. VERY informative.
when it comes to blogging the main focus of the blogger should be on getting the message across the visitor.Blogging is a great means of communication.Nice post
I write my blog and my topic is about sports and outdoors, ofcourse I have to focus on this topic as I feel enjoy and I love sport and some adventure sports. I put some products related with every single article on my blog.
Great post !!
This is so true. Blogging can be about anything. That is very important to know and i think people don’t understand how it can be used in many different ways and it can be about basically anything you’re reader wants to read. Thank you for this wonderful information.
I use bloggin for SEO purposes, it also helps me provide and build up my network of people who will then follow and tweet the relevant info i provide them
Hi Nile,
I think that blogging about your interests and what you love is a sure way to get somewhere. And it’s always nice to see that a lot of other people are interested in the same thing and who want to read your posts.
“Some very nice points you bring up. I have a search box for my website but I never actually saw the point of having a tag cloud, maybe because I think they look messy no matter what, especially when some tags are larger than others.” Right
Thanks for this informative article, i have a question about the tags. Is there a limit of how many tags your site can have and if so what is the maximum number you can have?, thanks.
You should have beween 3 to 8 tags. However, do not confuse tags with keywords as the tags are for the internal search of your site, rather than for Google.
Thanks for clearing that i am kinda new to all this lol
Hi Nile,
really the art of blogging what is our sites focus, nice post.
Thanks for sharing such a nice post.
Nile,
Am one of those people who started with a general blog and faced a lot of negative energy from a few bloggers who said general blogging is a waste of time.
Am now clocking a year and still going strong. In fact, some of my readers are now occasionally writing for my blog 🙂
If I am reading blogs, I want it to trigger my interest and I can relate to the facts the blog is referring, that is also what I want when I make a blog.
Awesome thoughts, Nile. When it comes to be online or to do something online, the content becomes the prime factor for better success and you really very well disclosed this thing here. What the information you presented here is really helpful to properly build a successful blog. Thanks for your great advice.
Thank you for these wonderful tips! They will surely be helpful for me as I have recently started a website.
It is definitely important to have a write in a specific niche. Thanks for sharing! In addition, be sure to check out my new post on the cost saving vistacost vitamin website. Read my article at: http://yourlifetube.com/vitacost_coupon_codes.
I agree that a blog should have a certain focus, if it’s too thinly spread and diverse you’re going to have to put in a ton or work to get it up to scratch. If you want to blog covering numerous topics I would probably recommend setting up a seperate blog for each topic – that way you can really hone in on the topic in question, and if you do some keyword research you may even get some benefit from having in domain keywords 😉
I am always seeking to refine my blogging, and there are several hints here that I can incorporate. Also, I have a mini pink electric guitar for sale in my studio that looks an awful lot like your pink guitar above . thanks for the information
Awesome thoughts, Nile. When it comes to be online or to do something online, the content becomes the prime factor for better success and you really very well disclosed this thing here. What the information you presented here is really helpful to properly build a successful blog. Thanks for your great advice.
Yes, I fully agree with you. Especially about the tag cloud. I do not like to put a tag cloud on my blog. Because I think it would be very disturbing to my readers.
thank you for your post
Well I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… its quality that counts in all of this. As you say its got to be focused (and thats a good reminder to me too, as I tend to drift…) but overall its keeping that focus.
Cheers for the advice, it always helps to focus on the basics.
Thank you for the tips! They will surely be helpful for me as I have recently started a blog.
This article is full of practical great advice. However it is very hard getting people excited to read about home security, which is what my site is all about. No matter how hard I try to make it insightful it just doesn’t appeal to anyone.
Yes, we must know what we want with our blog, content will have an important role for a long term, so we must provide a good and high quality contents to keep people stay coming and coming and become loyal reader.
Good post with much sound advice, I have had a blog for a while now and the questions that you raise will help me to identify my goals and provide a pathway for continuing growth.
Thank you for sharing I look forward to reading more
Nice and very valuable post.I could get more knowledge from this.I hope to come again.thanks…
I think that running a blog about your passions and what you really like is a sure way to get somewhere. My sites focus is Metal Shelving and the goal is to convert leads to buyers.
Hii Nile, thanks for the post. Totally agree with you, these all points are really important for consideration. Quality Content is very important , good quality content really help in ranking higher.
This post helped me a lot, Am always a gud reader of yours..thank you
My blog does not have a search attribute I guess thats why i lack frequent visitors.THanks for the sound advice.
I strongly agree with you partially. If I write different type of content on different topics then it is hardly to get return visitors. Yes I can get a lot of visitors but trouble to get return visitors where return visitors always want same type of content in same blog. By the way thanks Nile for written the nice article.
Thanks for the post. Useful, i agree with the comments, quality contect is just a half of succes, dont optimize your post for Search engines, optimize them for readers
Nile, thank you for your advice: I’ve learned, over time, from some very successful online entrepreneurs, that we must niche very deeply and specifically. I’m in the process of rethinking one of my sites completely. Can you provide insight into how many categories and how many tags are optimal for a site?