Here is a post for the blogging virgins/noobs/greenhorns. One of the most popular questions is about posting frequency. I just happened to stumble on an article about this at MPDailyFix. The author has the opinion that there is just too much useless content on the web that the good content is being lost in the shuffle.
They mention that there are a ton of blogs started daily and that the sheer amount of content is so overwhelming that trying to stand out is about more than posting regularly. They attribute this to a few things.
One is that feeling the need to post daily will lead to producing poor content (i.e. content just for content sake). I highly doubt this if you are truly passionate about what you are blogging about. To be sure, there are some times when I am not sure what to post, but at other times I am full of ideas for posts. Because of that, I have a cache of publish-ready posts waiting to just be released.
For the smart-asses out there about to throw it in my face that I took a small sabbatical recently and wondering why I didn’t use that content then I would reply that the content I have built up are all of the “pillar” variety (for more about this check out my post for new bloggers) and I didn’t want to post all of it at once.
Anyway, the article goes on to also say that regular posting could be harmful to readers being loyal. Are you frickin’ kidding me? If they don’t have something new to read, they won’t visit. It’s just that simple. Especially on a blog trying to make money. For me, it is more about making enough money to break even. But still, if you don’t get the traffic, you won’t get paid because people have to click on the ads. Loyal readers know where your ads are and are blind to them by now.
The author gives a quite a few more points as to why frequent posting isn’t needed anymore and I can understand what they are getting across. I just don’t agree with all of it. However, don’t post if you all you are doing is posting to have SOMETHING on for that day. Post when you have something to say. I guess I always have something to say.
Anyway, I just wanted to put my two sense in on this. Let me know what you think…Comment for the love of Pete (What? You don’t remember Pete? Lay off the Tequila next time.) If you don’t feel like commenting but you want to support me, Digg or Stumble the post.
By the way, its my BIRTHDAY!!!! So I would really appreciate the jump in traffic if all of you Dugg/Stumbled all of my posts. Sure, StumbleUpon and Digg might ban your usernames, but I would be happy.
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9 Users Responded In This Post
First off Let me say Happy Birthday.
Secondly, It’s more about content. If your posts aren’t up to scratch visitors to your page won’t come back. Post when you can. If you can do a post once a day, great! but make sure it is a worth while post.
Content is key.
Mike
Mike, I agree completely. The main point I don’t agree with in the article I read was they said posting daily added to the “blog landfill”. I think that is bogus. If the content is on point, how could it be attributed as crap?
I do agree with the article saying that new bloggers should not feel such a pressure to post daily. I think they should still write daily and keep them so when they need them, they can use them and it also helps new bloggers establish their “voice” (personal writing style).
Thanks for the congrats. I am feeling so old. I guess working full-time while going to school can do that to ya. *nods off*
But you gotta learn how to spell “cents”!
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also http://othersideofnewyork and http://todaysgizmos.com
I do agree with you. Its very much essential for you to upgrade your blog regularly.
That other author is nuts. Some of the most successful blogs post frequently. Also, when you start out, you need the content to start getting SERP and traffic. Plus, if I blog I find doesn’t post at least a couple times a week, I am going to only visit a couple times per month (or every other month!).
I started blogging only a couple months ago and try to blog 4-5 times per week about relevant topics. It is hard to keep coming up with “Pillar” topics, but you must try. I have had many posts hit on the first page of Google for various keywords. Without putting in the effort, I would never have the traffic I have today.
Keep up the great posts!
I agree with Mike and Spaceman Spiff as I also believe that Content is King. If content is good, interesting to user or blogger then he/she will be visit blog next. Further, one should post it on regular basis as if the user visit that blog next time and he/she doesn’t get fresh and appealing content then that user may not visit blog again.
So, it’s best way to gain trust of your users.:)
I agree that quality content and daily updates will keep people coming back. There are several sites that I used to visit often because they updated regularly. I don’t go to them as often now because the posts are less frequent.
Its True..If you update daily the readers will continue reading your post. Updating is one way of conversation to your readers. Once they miss your one post they find their way to get in touch you again.
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