In the last post of this Better Blogging series, we learned how to Create an Editorial Calendar. If you haven't read the post, go watch the videos and do the assignments. At the end of the lesson, you should have come up with lots of content for your blog for the next month or so.
To complete the discussion on How to Get Blogging Ideas, I would like to talk about two types of posts you can create for your blog. The first is quite easy to write up while the second takes more time to write because you may need to do some research. But if you know what you are writing about, it would be really easy.
Best of Blog Posts
The first type of post showcases a few of your older blog posts. For sure, you've seen blogs that have 'Best of Blog Posts'. An example on my blog is the Make Money From Home post, although not all ideas have links to posts. I think I should be doing more of this kind of post considering that I have a few related blog posts published.
Here's a quick rundown of how to do a Best of the Blog post:
Gather links to posts that talk about a related topic.
For example, you have a recipe blog. You can write a post listing no-bake desserts or easy-to-prepare slow cooker recipes. Simply introduce the topic to your readers and list all the recipes you have posted on your site that have the same topic.
Add an image and a blurb.
Aside from the link to the recipes, you could add a picture of the dish and a short paragraph talking about the recipe.
Whatever type of blog you have, you can do this Best of Blog posts. If you have an online marketing blog, make a post of your best list-building tips. If you have a weight loss blog, create a post of best weight loss tips and tricks. If you have a parenting blog, you can make a post of 15 easy summer crafts to do with kids.
Gather links to other blogs.
Your first option is to look through your blog and see which posts you can make into a best of type post. Another option is to link to posts created by other bloggers in your niche. It's a good way to get to know other bloggers and support them. Who knows, it may open up a way to collaborate with other bloggers.
Take note that you can't just use other people's images or content without their permission. So be sure to ask.
Make drafts.
So, look through your blog posts. By categories is recommended. List thematically related posts. Then make drafts of a few best-of posts. This way you have something made up which you can publish any time.
These posts will be good for your blog since the collection of information on one particular topic is much more likely to get views. If you could come up with a catchy title and make a pretty collage picture, it would be really easy to share the post on social media.
Product Reviews
Many bloggers write product reviews. But there are issues with whether the review is an honest one especially when the PR team or advertising agency gives the blogger a free product and talking points for the review post.
So, if you're going to make product review posts, be sure to do it right. Readers can tell if a review is phony. Reviewing a product that you actually used is highly recommended. One product review post I wrote is a review of My Pureit Excella Water Purifier, which is what we are using even today.
Your goal in making product reviews is to provide value to your readers. While it's great to make a quick buck on a sponsored post or get an affiliate commission, keep your main goal in mind.
Additionally, it is better if you bought yourself the product you are reviewing. Mentioning that in the review adds more credibility to your product review. Think about it. If you wouldn't buy it, why would your reader buy it?
What to talk about in the Product Review
After using the product, provide valuable information that your readers are looking for. You can talk about things like:
- How did it work?
- What do you love or hate about it?
- Who would you recommend it for?
- Will you continue to use this product?
How to be more Credible
It's better to post your own pictures and if you can, create your own unboxing videos and demos.Don't be afraid to say what you don't like about the product. This actually adds credibility to your review and will get your reader's attention.
If the product ís a deal-breaker, say it to your readers. If not, say how you're dealing with it or why you're continuing to use it in spite of the drawbacks.
For example, a kitchen appliance isn't easy to clean, but because it works so well, the clean-up job is something you can deal with.
If you follow these tips, people will find your product reviews very educational. It can become popular and potentially be profitable for you.
Now, you know about two more types of blog posts to create. So, get started writing Best of Blog posts and Product Reviews.
This is the ninth post in our Better Blogging Challenge. If you missed the other blog posts in this series, just click the link above to find the other posts at the bottom of the page.
Thank you for reading.
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