Slow-Blogging for a Fast-Paced Age
[by Colleen Wainwright]
Blogging hit the mainstream about four years ago, but much of the advice I encounter around how to do it well still seems written for the “Wild West” era of 2004-2006.
Yes, you need to stick to your area of expertise. Sure, “Top 47 Ways” posts will still draw wandering eyeballs. And fine, allow yourself an occasional, newsy “pile on” post–sometimes the topic is too juicy (and the temptation too hard to resist).
But in a mature blogosphere–one where ready content far outweighs available time and willing eyeballs–you’re far better off doing more with less. Write thoughtful, insightful essays over tossed-off, half-baked ones. Opt for comprehensive how-to’s over slap-dash lists. Think legacy, “evergreen” pieces rather than newsy blasts. And do each of them with far less frequency.
Building a blog slow-cooker-style takes a lot of time–and for some of us, even more restraint. It will also take more time to build a loyal following for your blog. That’s okay. The last thing you want to have happen is to be “discovered” before you’re ready; just ask any one-hit YouTube wonder.
Create a rich trove of reliably good content and when one of your outstanding pieces gains Internet traction, you’ll be in a much better position to gain from it.
Colleen Wainwright blogs far less frequently than she did when she started seven years ago, but hopefully, with increased quality. However, she will not shut up about how important it is to provide useful content, as you will see should you attend one of her totally useful, hopefully not-boring ASMP chapter talks on how to market yourself more effectively.
One Response to 'Slow-Blogging for a Fast-Paced Age'
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Fantastic advice! Exactly the encouragement we needed to hear to keep focused on quality over quantity.