Today there is so much material we can read online that we are always evaluating what is worth our time to spend reading. If you are a blog writer then you are interested in people reading and commenting on your articles. With some brief research I have put together a short bullet list of key points to consider when writing a blog post. The key point to remember, putting the bottom line up front, is that online readers scan articles to find salient value to satisfy their immediate need. Once that is satisfied then your audience may dig deeper and possibly take action. i.e make a comment etc. The key word is scan. These are 10 points to consider if you want to get beyond SCAN.
1. Get to point in the first paragraph.
2. Use short paragraphs or number lists. Pro: Easy to and get to the core quickly.
3. Provide the facts. Pro: Increases trust and credibility. If you can, provide links to the facts or the experts.
4. Use a concise obvious title describing what the article is about.
5. Write in simple easy to understand language. Pro: the less time people can spend understanding what you are saying the easier they receive value
6. Keep your articles short. If people can get some really good stuff from your article at a glance then there is a good chance they may read more of your blog.
7. Use headings and sub headings.
8. Highlight, Bold and underline key points.
9.Use pictures and images to help make your point.
10. Get to the bottom line. Because sometimes that’s all people have time for, especially, self employed, independent contractors and small business owners. (who make up most of my audience)
You may use only some of these points in your articles each time. What do you think. is there more to add to the list?
Now, increasing your reader action, (i.e commenting) is another matter. Next time I will talk about on site activity and whether it is important may depend on your internet strategy.
A couple of weeks ago Maria and I attended the Mauruarend Art Gallery Asian Exhibit and Event. Well actually I was there to take photos and to shoot the video. It was a lot of fun. Lots of food and wine plus live music for all, compliments of Maurice Middendorf.
We had a lot of friends come out and I think all toll there was about 150 guests. I am sure these events are only going to grow. Check out the video and if you want to come out to his next event make a comment below or send us an email. It is sure to be a good event and probably bigger!
Domain name selection is an important and part of the internet marketing process and requires a realistic amount of thought especially if you are expecting to use your website for more than an online business card.
How to pick a kick ass domain name by Bruce Clay provides a good, simple bullet list of things to consider when choosing a name or names.
To look up domain names, a clean and easy site and one I have used for many years is Omnis Networks. Their domain checker is right on the front page and they do not have a lot of confusing sales pitchy stuff on the front page like some of the other mass market company’s. Let us know if this helped you.
If you have any tips or special strategies you use let us know here or send us your link.
Since there is a lot of talk about social media these days I thought it would be appropriate to list some of the top articles on the subject. Do’s and don’ts, analytics and key factors are all important, yet the bottom line question is whether there is any ROI – Return on Investment. My readings indicate that social media development is very individual and certainly different between industries.
For many companies currently, the scope of social media development is best kept to the main stream basic’s. i.e Facebook Linkedin and Twitter. If you are an early adopter then you may want to expand this list,” in your spare time”. However in many industries the ROI is either too long, or has not yet been determined. In a significant way that is. While there are many people working diligently at finding appropriate ROI metrics it is still too early to tell whether it is worth spending the time to build and maintain a social media momentum.
For independent contractors and branders and the self employed there seems to be some real ROI. Meaning – conversions – new business. For writers, blogger’s and such my research shows some good stuff. For the guy or gal that owns the tile business, the distribution company or the brick and mortar retail shop I haven’t seen the returns. Yet if ROI is measured in good will and PR and online presence then I would say then sure I see some evidence of ROI.
Here is a list of some articles that may help tighten up your approach to social media as part of building the over all search engine marketing mix, for your business.
If you can spare a few moments let me know what industry or market you are in and whether you are finding it a worth while investment of your “business time”.
