It’s a Surprise Quiz!
Content is king. It is the product and the service we offer to our readers. Content is what they come for. So when we look on our front page, our job is to make sure that readers will find what they came for. Our posts are our way of extending ourselves, our thoughts, our business savvy, and our expertise. They are the flag that carries our branding message to the world in every sentence.
Sometimes we can look in the wrong direction. Instead of choosing for our readers we unconsciously choose for ourselves.
I use this 5 Point Pop Quiz to check today’s post.
- What was my purpose for writing today’s post?
- Who is the audience who will enjoy the post? Are they the core audience of my blog or business?
- Is there real content in the post? If it’s a link list, do I personally recommend every link on offer? If I’m passing on information, have I added my own insights, analysis, and value to it?
- What will my readers learn or get from reading today’s post? Will they be informed, entertained, or moved to action?
- For today’s post, did Ichoose for myself or for my readers?
Now and then we all forget and find we chose ourselves over our readers. Other times we write for each other, rather than for the folks we want as customers. I’ve been writing for years and I know I still get caught there.
I hope your post passed this 5 Point Pop Quiz with flying colors — the flying colors of a brand well focused on your readers. If not, I bet you know just what to do. . . .
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Don’t forget to sign up to meet me in Chicago. Seats are, oh so, limited.
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So true. I think sometimes the pressure when you’re blogging is simply to produce, produce, produce… it’s as if you’re judged (by hits, revenue, etc.) purely by the quantity of material you churn out rather than its quality. Good points to keep in mind.
Hi Terrell!
Welcome! Sometimes I think we’re pulled to put out content. Sometimes I think we get pulled to blog for traffic. Sometimes, we blog for links and just plain old attention. All of these are things I’ve done and will probably do again. I hope to avoid them as much as I can, because they don’t give much to my readers . . . . and that’s not very hospitable. 🙂
Sometimes we write forward – across the table to our readers – and sometimes we write sideways – around the table to our content producing cohorts. It’s important to learn how to do both to the satisfaction of both parties.
Hi Liz,
I know we’ve discussed this before, but sometimes writing for me is the right thing to do. Not when I’m doing the litany of things you listed (links, stats), but when I write to answer a question I have about a subject that might be instructive to others. I may not have a name or a face for them, but I know that (in most cases) I can’t be the only one who will ever ask this question. My best posts of that type end up being the ones that generate the visits and stats. [I need to remind myself of that on a consistent basis]
Mike
Hi Mike,
What you are describing is choosing for the reader in the best way possible. Sometimes we don’t know our questions until someone else asks them. Anytime you champion a reader, you know I’m right there with you! 🙂
Hi Liz — I really like this list. Sort of a criteria list for “skillful” blogging. I have been surprised at how easy it is for me to wander off the mark in my writing.
What is especially seductive is getting caught up in linking and writing for the sake of stats and rankings. Felt like the time I blew all my money in a Vegas weekend. It seemed harmless fun at first and then, Whoosh – sucked into the need to “win”.
Hi Easton,
I read your comment and it so fascinated me. I just now realized that I never acknowledged it. I see writing the same way — forward, in from the side . . . I know exactly what you mean!
Hi Dave!
I do so like your blog. 🙂
I get tempted by the same seductions. So these days, I think about what I’m going to write on the night before or even a few days ahead. I leave room to change my mind, but I’ve found that when I’m not searching for a topic I’m less likely to try to get approval with what I write.
Winning is fun! I agree with you on that. Your insights on Vegas and blogging would make a great post. 🙂
We often have guest writers, and we often struggle to keep our writers focused. Your questions will be helpful for both these guests and our own writing. Thank you!
Hi Katie!
Welcome!
I’m delighted that this will help you. You’re welcome. You’re not a stranger anymore. 🙂