MSPmentor readers frequently ask me how to “build” a great blog that (A) attracts an audience and (B) drives interaction. I never really thought about specific “secrets to success” until this past week. During the WordCamp blogger conference in Dallas, GeekBrief.TV host Cali Lewis offered this simple — but effective — seven-step list for building a social media site that enjoys strong community.
Here are Cali’s seven secrets to success…
Rule 1: Understand your core brand value.
Examples:
- GeekBrief.TV’s brand value is “happiness,” Cali says. She wants her three-minute technology product views to leave viewers feeling good.
- I’d be curious to hear what readers think MSPmentor’s core brand value is. We strive to be the ultimate guide to managed services. Do we fulfill that mission? Is our core brand something else?
Rule 2: Start compelling conversations
Cali says you need to look around your daily life to create compelling conversations. Our sister site, TheVARguy.com, attempts to write about everyday experiences with some attitude mixed in. Examples:
- The other shoe falls for former Computer Associates executive
- Memo to JetBlue: Change your WiFi strategy
Rule 3: Be an asset
Cali says your sites and communications need to “Add value. If you want to build an online community, it can’t be about you. It has to be about your community.”
Agreed. Generally speaking, I don’t blog about a topic unless I have a strong opinion or insider’s view on that topic. Straight news is dead.
Rule 4: Make friends, not fans
Cali advises: “Don’t speak at community. Speak with community. Ask questions and answer questions. Loyal audiences will tell other people about your sites.”
Rule 5: Show appreciation
Thank readers over and over again.
Rule 6: Take Breaks
Cali admitted she breaks rule 6 all the time. So do I.
Rule 7: Always be upgrading
Cali says “Never let yourself you get stale. Show your community you’re vying for their attention.”
Living Up to Rule 7
On June 11, we asked readers what they’d like to see next from MSPmentor. In July, you’ll see what’s next from MSPmentor. And I think you’ll be pleased… because the forthcoming site enhancements reflect your requests.
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Thanks for sharing, Joe. Great insights, follow the rules and we’ll stay on the right track — giving our readers exactly what they expect from us.
David: Thanks for the feedback. Cali and the rest of the WordCamp guest speakers also confirmed another key thought: Super-successful blogs usually have a strong personality. A central voice. We aspire to offer that with our own sites.
Check This Out
For another great example of a blog that has built (A) incredible community (B) reader loyalty/conversation, check out DB Ferguson’s No Fact Zone, it’s the top Stephen Colbert fan site. DB spoke at the WordCamp conference. She’s so freakin’ passionate about her site… plus, she digs deep on story angles. That’s why readers keep coming back.
Another great example is TMZ, the gossip site. Love it or hate it, TMZ has the best Michael Jackson news coverage. All of the major media outlets are quoting TMZ. Non-stop.
Blogs Rule, Newspapers Die
The world has changed. Responsible, aggressive blogs now drive the news cycle. Irresponsible blogs will die and/or lose credibility.
I think I’m going on a rant here because I’m tired of the mainstream media whining about the death of newspapers. Newspapers no longer break the news anyway… they wind up quoting great blogs.
And in many cases the news “tips” come in from blog readers. Essentially, we’re all reporters. The best blogs will listen most closely to readers for tips, guidance and expertise.
This is great Joe. May I add Rule no 8? If so It would be:
Secure enough time and budget – Writing compelling blogposts takes time to
a. Do a lot of reading to assume a strong opinion/gain insider view
b. Author a well written response
c. Have some budget to hire someone to deal with the mundane process of multiple posts etc and to buy the time to do this
Srivatsan: You’ve just addressed the biggest myth in the industry… “It’s low cost to launch and maintain a blog”
Without fresh new content — within informed opinions and analysis — everyday, your readers will go away…
Great point, Srivatsan! It does require a lot of time and energy. Securing time and hopefully some financing is important. At the beginning of our fourth year of GeekBrief.TV, we hired an editor so we could put out content at a faster pace. We did and we do spend a tremendous amount of time doing what we do, and you have to realize what you’re getting into!
Readers: Another example of Cali’s ability to connect with readers… She hops onto other blogs with comments.
Cali: Thanks again for your time at the WordCamp conference. And congrats on a great event.
-jp
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