9 tips for better blogging and user feedback

Blogging is the new journalism but many media-affiliated blogs are less than extraordinary. Some examples of great blogs include Dallas Morning News' Cowboy Blog, Ted Allen's Top Chef blog (Bravo) and my personal fave: VH1's Best Week Ever blog.

I'm a fan of BWE because the TV show is only 30 minutes but the blog has between 10 and 20 blog posts every weekday. That may seem like a lot (it is), but Best Week Ever also makes use of its "Blogger Action Network" to highlight posts from related blogs not affiliated with VH1. Here are a few more tips on how to better your blog and increase participation among your readers.


1. Include exclusive content
The internet is a great place to include content that, in the interest of space/time, didn't make the broadcast/newspaper/magazine. Exclusive interview and candid outtakes are a great addition to any blog and can be touted in the original story.

2. Ask open ended questions
The best way to invite reader participation is to ask an open ended question. This works best with commentary rather than hard news. Or, at the end of each post, simply ask readers for their input. For example "What do you think about this?"

When readers do comment, respond. It is important that the blog feels like a community and that readers feel like they are a part of that community.

More after the jump

3. Make your blog pop
Are you still using a stock template or does your blog have a unique design that stands out? Even if your blog is gritty, hard-news investigative journalism it could still use a little bit of color. Find a designer to give your blog a makeover or google "blog templates" to find something that suits your topic.

4. Create eye-catching headlines
Your headline can be the difference between a visitor taking the time to read a post or simply glossing over it. A great headline is not only eye catching, but should include relevant keywords that make it more likely to be clicked from a search engine. (Search engine optimization is important, read this Wikipedia entry for more info)

5. Be concise
Many journalists and professional writers, when given the opportunity, will ramble. Blogs are not the place to publish that 10,000 word article that got canned. Keep your posts short and to the point. Break up long blocks of text into shorter ones and include headers when necessary.


6. Make use of your RSS feed
Most blogs include an RSS feed that users can subscribe to via a feed reader or email. Make your RSS obvious somewhere on your page: include an RSS icon somewhere on the page and encourage readers to subscribe to your content. Page views are important so include the first paragraph or two in your RSS feed and a link back to your blog to read the rest.

7. Be a social bookmarker
Social bookmarking sites like Del.icio.us, Digg, Reddit, Ma.gnolia (and several others) allow you to share your bests posts with readers who may not otherwise see your content. Include links or icons that let users automatically submit their favorite posts to such sites. For example, check out the row of icons below each 10,000 words post.

8. Interact with other bloggers
With the millions of bloggers out there, chances there are other bloggers that are that covering similar issues. Find out who these bloggers are and send them links to some of your posts that they may find interesting. There are many local bloggers who are eager to trade links with an established media organization and may be doing so already.

9. Post consistently...
...and not just when news breaks. Having a inconsistent blogging schedule dissuades readers from coming back. If you build it, they will come!

Thanks to NorthxEast and Cash Bulge for the inspiration.

Labels: blogging