Are you struggling to get your content seen? Wonder how top business bloggers write blog content people want to read and share?I was honored to join Atomic Chat, a Twitter chat hosted by Atomic Reach. The topic was based on my article, "7 Simple Tactics to Create Blog Content That Spreads Like Wildfire.It created a lively discussion around blog content, engagement, and what makes it readable, shareable, exciting and compelling.Below are the question and answers between Atomic Chat and myself, including the many incredible shared nuggets of wisdom throughout this chat.
How to Write Blog Content People Want to Read and Share
Q1: How important is it to pick a niche when blogging?
Extremely! Focus on your area of expertise and get clear on your target market. Otherwise, you’ll get lost in the noise. Define your professional expertise; what you’re passionate about and who it is you want to serve.
Break down your target market into smaller niches for maximum potential to be a thought leader #AtomicChat— Atomic Reach (@Atomic_Reach) October 1, 2013
Once you define your niche and target market, you can create content specifically designed with their needs in mind.
The best kind of content is the kind that seeks to help your audience. #atomicchat— Cendrine Marrouat (@cendrinemedia) October 1, 2013
Q2: How do you optimize your blog posts as much as possible? What should you consider?
Always review and tidy it up before publishing. Remove any unnecessary words/phrases. Look to your adjectives and adverbs!Pay attention to your keyword density - the percentage of keywords used based on the number of words in your post.
Also deep linking to relevant pages helps search & social discovery for your audience & makes content evergreen. #atomicchat— The Middle Child (@LindsayFultz) October 1, 2013
Don’t neglect your images! Your image title and alt attribute effect SEO and your ranking, so be clear in your description.
Q3: How frequently should you post content?
There are many who say once per day while others say once a week. To me the answer can be found in a few key questions.
If you write high quality content, you don't have to worry about SEO. #AtomicChat— Atomic Reach (@Atomic_Reach) October 1, 2013
What are your goals, time commitment, and reader appetite? There is no one size fits all answer.To me it always comes down to quality over quantity. How much can you commit to without quality suffering?
A3: To me it always comes down to quality over quantity. How much can you commit to without quality suffering? #atomicchat— Rebekah Radice (@RebekahRadice) October 1, 2013
Remember: writing your latest blog post and hitting publish is just the beginning. Always make time for promotion!
Remember: writing your latest blog post and hitting publish is just the beginning. Always make time for promotion! #atomicchat— Rebekah Radice (@RebekahRadice) October 1, 2013
Q4: How do you write catchy headlines/ blog titles?
The goal is to create short, effective headlines. Start with your main keyword and then work it into your title and post.
Content posting should mirror marketing efforts, brand goals & #custserv capacity. Sell when you can support #atomicchat— Brandon Harig (@BH_Social) October 1, 2013
That doesn’t mean stuffing the keyword in to an awkward post title. Make it natural, organic and relatable.
A5 Making sure your reader can digest your content. Proper grammar and spelling are keys and subtitles help. #atomicchat— Emily (@emkslone) October 1, 2013
You want your post title to stimulate curiosity, generate a response or action and summon emotions.
+1 RT @RebekahRadice: A4: You want your post title to stimulate curiosity, generate a response or action and summon emotions. #atomicchat— Jodi Okun (@JodiOkun) October 1, 2013
Q5: What does readability mean, and how does it help bloggers?
Readability is what your reader will feel as they read through your post. What emotions are you eliciting?I also read each of my posts out loud to get a better feel for flow and how it will sound to my reader.
RT @BH_Social Knowing what your blog voice is and giving readers that tone, quality every time also helps boost readership #Atomicchat— Clifton Webb (@CliftonW21) October 1, 2013
If I’m tripping over words, I’m positive they will as well. I edit my posts ruthlessly!
Q6: “Apply the Rule of One” - what does this mean?
The ‘rule of one’ is applying one writing rule to each of your posts.Do you offer a solution, show how-to, encourage through facts or entertain? Know your posts end goal.
Yep! You won't connect w/your readers if you don't have an end point in mind. MT @RebekahRadice Know your posts end goal. #atomicchat— Sandy S Harris (@SandySHarris) October 1, 2013
Then ask: How does this article make the lives of my readers better or easier?
RT@RebekahRadice: Always ask: How does this article make the lives of my readers better or easier? #atomicchat [sensational advice♥]— MyOfficebooks (@MyOfficeBooks) October 1, 2013
Q7: You get a lot of shares and comments on all of your articles, how do YOU create content that spreads? What have you learned?
My goal is to create content that’s relatable and easily digestible. I do this by staying focused on topic and consistent.
I maintain an annual calendar and map out my content month-by-month. Google/keyword search is all a part of identifying topics. #atomicchat— Rebekah Radice (@RebekahRadice) October 1, 2013
I want my readers to feel that the complex just became simple and easy to implement.Take your time.
@Atomic_Reach It took me a year before I really felt I'd hit my stride. Finding your voice takes time, but it sure is fun! #atomicchat— Rebekah Radice (@RebekahRadice) October 1, 2013
I’m also looking to generate and maintain meaningful relationships. Great relationships sprout opportunity!
RT @Atomic_Reach Huge thanks to @RebekahRadice for taking the time to share her blogging tips tonight! It's a wrap! #AtomicChat #atomicchat— Steve Cassady (@SteveCassady) October 1, 2013
How are you creating engagement, interaction and content that people want to share? I'd love to hear your tips!
About Rebekah Radice
Rebekah Radice, co-founder of BRIL.LA, has traded narcissism for purpose. When not driving growth, you'll find her tricking family into thinking she's Emeril Lagasse - likely covered in marinara. The spotlight was fun, but impact is better. These days she's using 20+ years of brand brilliance for good.