"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Monday, July 25, 2011

Do You Suffer from the "Super-SIZE " Syndrome?


There's no doubt about it: in these economically challenging times everybody is trying to get more for less. True?

We often opt to super-size our meals and our deals.
Some mistakenly of the mindset that "bigger is always better." Not always.

In fact, it's one of the reasons that far too many potentially promising bloggers lose out on reaching their traffic goals and would-be fans.

Let me explain.

I often read some very engaging, effective bloggers across the Net. But I don't "follow" them, or sign up as a subscriber because they don't update their sites regularly. And frankly, I get tired of playing "hide-n-go seek" trying to figure out when the heck they'll update their blogs.

But, what I'm finding out is that the culprit for many is time and a lack of ideas.
So they don't post anything. Sometimes for days. Sometimes for weeks. Sometimes for months. Then they lose their mojo.

Folks, let me break it down as simple as a fraction reduced to its lowest terms.

A blog post does not have to be lengthy or laborious to be "quality".
Are you with me here?

Trust me. In my frequent travels across the Net and with different niches, I've read posts that were long, and went on and on and bored me to tears. If it were a "live" performance, I'd be searching for the nearest exit. For real.

Conversely, I've read stuff that was short and sweet and fun to read.
It's not the size, but the content and the level of engagement that matters.

To help you to discover ideas for fast and "fulfilling" updates, I offer the following suggestions.

1. Post motivational quotes and a beautiful image to inspire readers. Karen Lange at Write Now often uses this technique successfully.

2. Share vacation photos, or pictures of your family or garden. I love learning about the person behind the blog. Don't you?

3. Post a music video. Cynthia at Simply Positive Blog often entertains me with her choice in artists.

4. Share some writing related trivia, or trivia as it relates to your particular niche.

5. Pose a problem or thought provoking question and ask readers to weigh in.

6. Sponsor a contest.

7. Share links of other interesting reads across the Web.


Get the picture? Now get it in gear!

Thoughts?

Image George Cochrane

14 comments:

  1. Great suggestions! Sometimes coming up with new post ideas can be a challenge, and these are sure to spark creativity. I have actually been contemplating a personal post that will share a few little known Karen facts.

    Thanks for the mention; I love sharing interesting quotes that make me think. I suppose it's the writer in me - you know, liking how words interact and are interpreted together. :)

    Have a great week!

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  2. This is just what I needed to hear, thank you! So often I think I don't have time to write a blog post because I think I need to post something big and important every time. Terrific reminder that quantity matters, and that big is not always better.

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  3. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 26, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    Hi Karen,

    Thanks for your thoughts. I look forward to learning more fun facts about you. :-)

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  4. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 26, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    Nihara,

    True--big is not always better. And substance is more important than glitter. Good to see you here today. :-)

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  5. Quality over quantity is an excellent tip.

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  6. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 26, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Thanks, Wendy. I always love your photos. :-)

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  7. Hi Jennifer,

    Great post, and thanks for these tips. I feel really guilty if I don't post frequently, especially if I see from my stats that readers popped by my blog from different parts of the world. As I approach my blog's one year mark, I am hoping to improve my posting frequency. Thanks also for the suggestion about letting the blogger's personality shine through. I need to do more of that.

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  8. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 27, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Hey Yasmin,

    Funny, I was just thinking about you. Hadn't heard from U for awhile. :-) Congrats on your anniversary. As a fellow blogger, I can attest that it is truly an achievement.

    Thanks for dropping in,

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  9. Boy, am I guilty of some of this! Sometimes I don't post due to a lack of time, other times due to an abundance of insecurity. No more excuses, right?

    Thank you for the encouragement and blogging suggestions. I'm cutting and pasting the suggestions into my "Blogging Ideas" Word document as we speak. :-)

    Have a lovely week!

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  10. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 27, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Janette,

    Hurray for you! Keep me posted with your progress. :-) I appreciate your feedback.

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  11. Hi Jen,

    I'm more than guilty of blog neglect.
    You've given a lot of suggestions that are meaty and valid. I'll certainly put them to use.

    AB

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  12. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 27, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Well...surprise, surprise! Fancy meeting you here. :-) I'm gonna hold you to that, lady. Love the new blog and your lovely pieces. Much continued success!

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  13. Thanks so much Jen.
    I took your advice today. Thanks for always providing exceptional content.
    Rock on!
    AB

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  14. Jennifer Brown BanksJuly 29, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    AB,

    How sweet! Thanks--glad things worked out for you. :-)

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