chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

colon cleanse — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 11:16:19 -0000

interesting blog post...well done...

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Jo — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:39:15 -0000

Thanks for the blog. I've just started blogging and I'm at the stage that I realise I need to improve my strategy.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

reseller — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:47:47 -0000

That's nice scheme of an idea and it is so useful to build blogs correctly. Nice tip, thank you.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Bronson — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:27:19 -0000

I really have to stop posting late, I just noticed all the syntax errors in that reply.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Bronson — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:57:04 -0000

I'm with you on that one Danny. It's a Jerry Maguire movie moment - "You had me at Lego!"

One thing that this post helped me realise it that in place of leaving lenghty comments here, I could post them as an intro on my own blog to introduce my visitors to the conversation taking plac here.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Trish — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:00:12 -0000

Fantastic post, Chris. Nicely done.

Trish
http://www.trishlawrence.co...
@trishlawrence

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Madeline Hicks — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:30:30 -0000

This post is awesome! I just started blogging this term as part of an assignment for an advanced PR writing course at the University of Oregon. I have struggled with finding a “focus” for my blog. Your post made me realize the importance (and effectiveness) of building blog posts off of each other. I noticed that my favorite blogs are the ones that have a common thread. When I visit a blog, I already have an idea of what kind of information I’m seeking. I have also noticed that a focused blog attracts a consistent following of readers. That said, I would also add that I sometimes like a blog post that comes out of the blue, that is completely unrelated to the “theme/topic” of the blog. I think this should be done sparingly, but it might attract a few more readers. Great read! Thanks so much!

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

CMarch — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:09:30 -0000

Chris,

I am just getting started with a blog and found this very helpful. My blog is talking about SEO and other online solutions, but it is hard to really keep focused on what our readers would find helpful. I blog for my business, so it also is difficult not to seem like we are simply making plugs for our products, because what we really want is to connect with people who are intersted in the same things, and of course eventually really connect and reach out to potential clients.

I do need to stay focused and not 'shoot in all directions' as you say. Thanks for the tips!

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Mark Madsen — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:55:52 -0000

I've got several blogs for different voices. Just recently decided to cut out all of the noise and start focusing on two blogs that speak to specific audiences. It just took a little time to find my purpose and map out a plan for success online. Paying attention to the needs of my readers has also been an important part of my content evolution.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

On the Money — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:19:23 -0000

Neat post full of common sense advice. Thanks. I'll just clear away this meccano ...

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Jeremy Hilton — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:10:28 -0000

@jamiefavreau

I did the same thing. The original subject of my blog was culinary in nature, but I found myself writing frequent posts about social media. I had definitely strayed from the initial vision of my blog. To solve this, I created a new blog just for social media. Now, the occasional personal tangent/rant still happens on my culinary blog. But I'm ok with that. I think it fits my personality.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Jamie Favreau — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:50:34 -0000

Very helpful but I started out with my blog writing about what I was passionate about then I found out that I am just as passionate about New Media. So my blog was meant to be one thing and I am off on a tangent with another one.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Marissa — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:38:32 -0000

Chris,
Thank you so much for this advice. I am just entering the world of blogging and have definitely struggled to find my voice, theme, and formula. I am a Public Relations student and because I have no expertise in a specific area, I thought it would be best to share what I am learning and doing as a PR student. I hope to utilize your advice about blog posts like building blocks in putting together a useful, informative, and sensical blog. Thank you!

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Hilary — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:20:43 -0000

This blog has made me think more about how I construct my blog. I often have a number of drafts on the go but also feel as though I shoot off in random directions or obsess on one subject too much. Thanks for prompting me to look in more detail at what I'm publishing.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Search-Optimization — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:10:13 -0000

Your post was very timely. I am working on an Equestrian site www.HOrse2Heart.com and am at the next step of expanding the Equestrian Vacation section. How this is structured in the overall Word Press format is a real challenge. Yes the site is made up of blocks, but how we design the flow and “line of site” for the user is critical plus takes real effort and planning. So we end up with a hybrid of a blog and a web site combined with a portal with a lot of community participation encouraged, bake at 350 degrees for a year or two and you have something. What it will be starts now with planning.

With Horse stories as the foundation, we have over 300 now, we are adding different components: podcasting, video, electronic books, books to order, travel information, music reviews, product reviews and more to come. The stories in blog format are the reason to visit, but we now wish to keep them on the site, involve them in the creation, and deliver value to them for their time spent in the process.

The “Building Blocks” post is a nice start covering the basics, now it would be nice if you were to write about some critical components that will develop community with a way to monetize our efforts in a way that the visitor thanks us for what we deliver.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Nicholas Chase — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:29:26 -0000

Chris,

My blogs have different tactics and focus. One on 'Guitars' was to learn Wordpress. One was to share my success or failure at blogging and marketing: http://donotreadthisblogunl...

All my blogs are based upon current thoughts and I write posts from beginning to end in about fifteen or twenty minutes maximum. The need to agonize over each word or sentence structure never crosses my mind. I do take care to be helpful in each one, passing along a nugget or two of true experience.

Maybe I exhibit too many directions, I genuinely enjoy writing. My comments sections are limited to two or three responses, no more than five on any one post. I suspect my readership is decent, as FeedJit and LiJit tell me I have had one-hundred visitors in a week's time. Being patient and waiting forincreased traffic to my blogs is something I am practicing.

Respectfully,

Nicholas Chase
www.twitter.com/nachase

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Debbie Summers — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:33:03 -0000

I've had an epiphany.. Your post has just changed the way I look at my blog. You're completely right... My blog should be built around my potential customer's needs. I think I've been going at it backwards.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Kaye Dennan — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:16:16 -0000

I like the analogy. I have been writing about business plans for small business and basically that is what I have done - what is, what to get from it, how to, where to get information - each a different blog post but on the same topic.

Until I took this approach I used to be all over the place, jumping from one idea to another, often depending on what I read somewhere else.

It certainly clarifies your thinking, but you don't have to make every blog follow through one after the other because the topic may not be interesting to every reader.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Amber Walkowiak — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:28:54 -0000

I'd like to think I have a theme, but I doubt I have enough posts yet to judge. This is definitely information to keep in mind though. It makes sense. I mean, all of the blogs that I read are focused on a certain topic or theme so why wouldn't I write in the same manner? Thanks for the insight!

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Stephanie Valentine — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:00:43 -0000

Chris,

Great food for thought as always. I've definitely seen the need to focus on certain themes or threads when writing lest people get lost. I notice that some of the best bloggers do that and people get to know, 'This site is for this' and come back when they need that kind of resource. Thanks as always!

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Jeff Korhan — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:36:32 -0000

In my mind, your blog theme, topic, or voice is the frequency you are broadcasting on - it's your channel. People tune into a channel because they like it and want to experience it again, even if it is slightly repetitive. Lack of focus is just a bunch of aimless noise.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Camille Van Duyn — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:29:57 -0000

Very helpful tips. As a blogging novice, I still often find myself struggling to write meaningful posts that relate to each other in some way. I have key themes and subjects that I like to focus on, but sometimes I get caught up in thinking "Well, I care about this, but will anyone else?" And I end up changing my subject matter.

I'll keep the "building block" idea in mind as I write in the future.

Great read!

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

KJ Rodgers — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:43:09 -0000

With every blog of yours I read, I feel more and more comfortable contributing to all of this new social media techniques.

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Tumblemoose — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:03:45 -0000

Taking your advice and reviewing my last 20, I am focused on the niche for sure. I'm not certain I understand the concept here Chris, but I can say the posts are helpful and almost always prompt engagement amongst the readership.

With a tag line like "Inspiring Writers Every Day" there is a lot of pressure to deliver content that will do just that. I'm going to roll the building block concept around my tongue for a day or two and see if I can find the flavor.

Cheers

George

Re: Build Blog Posts Like Building Blocks

Natalie Friton — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:40:58 -0000

I like the block idea. My first blog was a random assortment of thoughts until I realized I had one string of "themed" ideas that I separated out into another blog, topic being health & running. It works because I have questions that others have and by creating blogs out of the answers to those questions it becomes both helpful and interactive because others can share their solutions/answers to the same problems. I also think having a niche area to focus on helps the blog have more purpose because you have a better sense of who your audience is within that niche.