Regardless if you operate a successful blog or you have just started to publish online, you will likely learn (more quickly than not) creative articles are absolutely key to keeping your visitors entertained and interested. Creative posts are more than a necessity, they are vital to your visitors coming back for more. Sit back, crab a soda, and think back to all the blogs you have read recently – aside from their clean, concise and beautiful designs, what is it about the blogs you enjoy that keep your visiting frequently?
It’s the content! Did you honestly believe it would be anything else? The author you enjoy reading so much has come up with some creative content: useful, intriguing, educational, and entertaining. All key points to creative content, right? If you feel your writing is beginning to dry up and turn visitors off, here are a few tips on what you can do to get back in the game!
Think carefully about the title
Titles are likely to be the first element of your blog post that your visitors read. Your blog title can be the fine, definitive line between a visitor losing interest within a matter of seconds or finding out you have something worth their reading. A great technique to apply when titling your blog posts is to leave out a bit of the details on whatever you decide to write about. If you are too direct, people can decide more quickly whether or not they wish to give you their attention. If you wrap the words around a bit of confusion and humor, it is more likely that someone will take a quick peek out of curiosity at your rambling. If your article has what it takes – you might just get a new subscriber!
Real world examples:
I recently drafted an article with a friend that was a study on how BitTorrent downloads are beginning to be tracked more and more through residential ISPs (Internet Service Providers). The drafts initial title was, “Residential ISPs Crackdown on Torrent Users.”
The title is pretty specific to Torrent users who use Residential internet service. A better title could be, “Another Attempt at Invading Home Privacy,” or, “The Invasion of Home Privacy.” This title suggests a broader audience, leaving out technology and the ISP statement all together. How’s that for getting some attention?
Keep your writing loaded with sugar and juicy posts
Admit it, you’re not an automated writing robot: automagically cranking out articles, proofing to perfection and using correct grammar. You will often find there are times when your creative sugar levels are a bit below your personal standard. When your creativity is not flowing as it normally does, it is best to determine the ideal moment to begin drafting posts. Often, authors sit down and write at a specific point each day or whenever they need to get some articles up and posted. Don’t push yourself by a schedule to keep releasing new posts everyday. You should write (work) when you are passionate about what you are writing and enjoy your creations. Always have a goal in mind when you begin to draft, whether simply having your thoughts outlined or using your post as a response to frequently asked questions via email. Point is, enjoy your articles and write when you feel creative and inclined to do so.
Focus, Focus, Focus and Make Sense!
With all this information, you might be feeling a bit confused. Keep coherency and structure in mind while you write. Always proof, proof again, and possibly ask a fellow-blogging buddy to proof. The ideal article will consist of paragraphs that are not too bulky, well separated and deliver a well rounded punch; point. If a specific paragraph becomes difficult to assign a point, it is likely your ranting and need to proof the paragraphs content.
If you find your writing to be complex and usually ends up with longer posts, it is a great idea to work on a little of the upcoming masterpiece article a bit at a time. Aim for quality, shoot for excellence and stay on point. What you feel is important to your post may not be so logical or necessary in your mind after a greats night sleep. Remember, despite what many say, it is about quality content, not the quantity of posts.
Sleep on it for a night and review your content; worst case you might find some better judgement.
Feedback is always useful
Comments are always useful because they give intentional credit to your post by displaying to your following readers that others are interested enough to take some time out of their busy schedules to give you a response. If you are starting out small, ask some friends to review your blog posts and stir up discussion. It is never a bad idea to ask for peer review of your content.
A great way to get discussions is to get involved with other blogs. Did I mentioned get involved with other blogs? I definitely suggest you get involved with other blogs. Why? Because exchanging comments is a bit like a virtual currency. Most respectful bloggers and visitors will pay tribute to you and visit your site, find an article they are interested in and give you a bit of comment action. Worst case, they don’t like what they see – even then likely to get you comments!
Adding a bit of flair and contextual spice to your articles is extremely important. Over time you will grow to learn what your visitors find most appealing and include those types of material more often. Do not be afraid to try new things.. you can always rebut your own articles with another creative, clever and well thought out article.
2 comments
I’ve found that I write best late at night or during the early afternoon. Other times of the day are too busy or there are too many distractions. This post was really handy ’cause it has reminded me to add more style (and sugar) to my posts. Thanks!
I’m a late at night or early in the morning guy! Cup of coffee and a keyboard and I am set.