Comments on: When Going Off Topic Can Help You Find New Readers

By: Jaf

Jaf — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:11:14 +0000

Interestingly i am reading this post after i just set up a offtopic category in my newly setup blog…. normally i blog about tech and gadgets like that however at some points i wanted to share something else too but hesitated, i know it really annoys the readers if you post something offtopic…. but i just didn’t want to make offtopic after every other post rather randomly and as i had thought it could help me share more as well as pick up some new visitors….. and now after reading this post i am more convinced that my decision was right… however i have read you other blog post about going offtopic … how to let you blog 2 …. i took note of that thanks for your suggestions !!!

By: A Taylor

A Taylor — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:06:00 +0000

Great Post Darren,

I have 2 technology related blogs and for the oldest of the blogs I have for most part over the last 3 years always written 4 or 5 off topic (usually humorous) posts per year.

The problem with technology related blogs is that oftentimes the subject matter can be a bit dry…so I think that going off topic occasionally is key in these type of blogs to keep readers coming back.

By: Corinne Edwards

Corinne Edwards — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:44:19 +0000

As a problogger fan and a real estate broker (I am taking a pass on that for now with the crazy market) I was fascinated at how you wove the two topics together. It was brilliant.

I think it also enhances your image of being a real person just like the rest of us and not just a very successful blogger.

Besides, your real estate tips were helpful!

By: David Airey

David Airey — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 08:39:23 +0000

Hi Darren,

I think I’d be equally hesitant at first, but I’ve found that my more personal posts are often the ones that generate the most interesting discussion.

I enjoy connecting more with my readers through personal insights, and I’m glad this one worked out for you.

Ciao for now.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 07:50:14 +0000

WEll, isn’t a blog for writing down what you think and passionate about?

Plus your blog is already very popular, so it doesn’t even matter too much how off topic it’s.

By: A Blog about Nothing

A Blog about Nothing — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:58:31 +0000

Since I don’t have a topic it is kind of difficult to get off topic. What I like to do is try to keep at least 3 or 4 general categories alive and well in my “Recent Posts” section. That way people can get a sense of the different things I’m likely to cover. Just because they don’t like one, well that means I have several other chances to catch their eye.

By: Bontb

Bontb — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 04:18:56 +0000

Darren,

I will disagree with you on this one, it is easy for blogs that don’t runn google adsense to write “little bit off topic” but for blogs that run google adsense they have to stay on topic at all time.

Here is my example for past 24 hours.

I created 2 posts one about what is kontera and other one was about my blog.

Those two posts ruined my google adsense, I recieved free advertising from GA ( hurricane ad). In order to get that back I had to remove two posts and probably I will have to write more about stuff to help other bloggers make money online.

Thank’s God google adsense was not my main income. I only receive few hundreds of dollars per year.

Got any other suggestions ? Darren?

By: Firewalker

Firewalker — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:49:47 +0000

I think you can get that type of response because your blog is already famous. Any post you made would make search engine tremblings.

By: 21st-Century-Citizen.com

21st-Century-Citizen.com — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:07:02 +0000

One of the biggest values I find about straying a bit off-topic is how it increases the range of Blog Carnivals I can participate in.

I write an environmental blog, but have been able to put posts in blogs on everything from cell phones (recycling phones) to leadership.

These allow you to bring readers in from a much wider variety of people. It also ensures you’ll get stumbled or dugg to different topics — again bringing in new readers.

Kevin

By: Simon

Simon — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:50:39 +0000

Funnily enough, all the posts I contributed to the recent 31 days group writing project were technically off topic. I’ve not really written about blogging before, except some of the more technical aspects (tweaking wordpress for example). Thankfully it brought me quite a bit of traffic from both here and elsewhere, so maybe that “off topic” topic will not become an “on topic” topic. I can’t believe how convoluted that statement is!

By: Jeremy Steele

Jeremy Steele — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:39:42 +0000

I think going off topic is more along the lines of talking about your cat, photoshop, your new car, a bag of rotten foot in your kitchen, and a swimming pool in a single paragraph.

That paragraph was off topic.

By: Brian Clark

Brian Clark — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:55:44 +0000

A post that uses another subject area to deliver blogging lessons is not off topic for this blog. It’s just smart blogging. Now, if you had written a post about what selling your house can teach you about parenting, that would be off topic.

Seeing the seemingly unrelated connections is what creativity is all about. Good work.

By: Jesús Barrio

Jesús Barrio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 21:44:05 +0000

Yes, real estate bloggers also follow your blog. I had commented your post in my real estate blog (in spanish language), and also have received new visitors from other blogs, somes of them where about investing and business.

http://www.tecnologiainmobiliaria.net/2007/09/similitudes-entre-el-bloging-y-la-venta.html

Thanks!

By: The Adsense Consultant

The Adsense Consultant — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 21:09:46 +0000

I feel that all things are related and as long as it does relate to the topic of one’s blog I feel that its alright to post something out of the usual as long as it relates to your blog and you can really tie one thing to another if you try hard enough. As a matter of fact – posting off-topic sometimes – I got that tip from you.

I don’t think a blog’s readers will get mad if the info posted relates to the blog in one way or another.

By: DPeach

DPeach — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:29:11 +0000

Hmm, I did not really see it as off topic. It seemed like a great illustration to a point. As a pastor, I am constantly looking for ways to illustrate a point and thought this was just a good illustration.

Though there was a lot more information about real estate than there was about blogging, it was appropriate.

By: Mahesh Mohan

Mahesh Mohan — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:26:56 +0000

It doesnt matter what .. You can write about whatever that comes to your mind.. A blog is simply to express your thoughts…

By: Karthik

Karthik — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:46:24 +0000

I did wonder about the post to be honest, it was not like you would blog about something personal every other day! But yes, like you mention, a little “personal touch” goes a long way!

By: Starfeeder

Starfeeder — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:41:31 +0000

“The key is to keep it relevant to both your regular readers as well as potentially new readers.” – great point… I then to want to go off-topic a lot

By: Terra Andersen

Terra Andersen — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:14:58 +0000

I have noticed this quite a bit with my blog! It seems blog readers also love personal infomation, which is really the last think I thought they’d want!