A guest post by John Moore
Amanda, I wanted to start off by thanking you for the invitation to write a post for Strategic Fox. I enjoy having the opportunity to engage people anywhere, anytime, and it was a pleasure writing this piece.
When it comes to the blogging process, I must remind you that there is no right approach. However, if your goal is to engage in a dialog to share opinions and discussions, here is what I recommend:
- Determine what you are excited about. Your passions; what you are interested in discussing with other users. I have chatted with a lot of people who recommend a laser-like focus on one or two topics, if this is your passion, follow it. I enjoy engaging on a fairly wide-range of topics and it has been successful, thus far.
- Define goals for your blog. Personal blogs, like corporate blogs, are often a means to an end. My goals for social media usage are defined here. A similar outline may help you measure the results of your own social media efforts.
- Give yourself a target number of posts per week. I strongly urge you not to write a daily blog update, as you will burn out. On the other hand, don't write a post once every two weeks. Readers will not come back. If feasible, try to write 2 or 3 times a week for your first couple of months. As you enter the flow of blogging and begin to find your social voice, you will be able to determine a frequency that suits your life.
- Please, please, please.... Do not write a one-way blog. Comments are critical for engagement and engagement, in my opinion, is the only reason to develop a blog. Unless you are an all-knowing being, keep comments open. Actively review and respond to your readers. As you do this, people will return to your blog, both to agree and disagree with your opinions. This is one of the most critical components for a new blogger, do not forget this please.
- Decide what PR channels you will utilize. I recommend starting off with Twitter, LinkedIn Groups, Facebook, and Technorati. You will get big bang for buck with LinkedIn Groups and Twitter in the short-term, while Technorati will provide longer term payback.
If your goal is to create a platform for social engagement, these tips will get you going in the right direction. Do not get too discouraged when your posts get few views and do not get too excited when you write a post that produces a lot of discussion. I have had a day with fewer than 50 views and a day with over 4600 views. Remain calm with the Tao of blogging and follow the advice above. Maybe one day you and I will be at the head of the virtual blogging classroom.
John Moore
http://twitter.com/JohnFMoore
2 comments:
Thank you so much for guest posting, John.
I really like what you said about setting goals and tracking them. I've implemented a few of your ideas already.
Great tips, John (as always). I did have a thought to add. Those wanting to have a daily blog should use Woofertime.com, where a minimum of 1400 characters are required. Trying woofer might be a good way to "try out" having a blog before you actually start one.
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