Written on July 28th, 2009 at 12:07 am by Darren Rowse

How to Get In Tune with Your Readers Needs [and Produce Compelling Content]

Featured Posts, Writing Content 116 comments

Compelling – “having a powerful and irresistible effect; requiring acute admiration, attention, or respect”

compelling-blog-content.jpgImage by margolove

Compelling content is a cornerstone of all great blogs. But what is it? How do you write it? Why do some blogs have it and others don’t?

Over the next week at ProBlogger I’ll be exploring a number of important principles (I have 7 so far) of producing compelling blog content. Not all of the principles covered will be relevant for every post you write or even for every type of blog but hopefully in these principles you’ll find something that helps to take your own content to the next level.

Make sure you’re subscribed to ProBlogger to get updates of each post in this series.

Principle #1 – Being In Tune with Your Readers Needs

For content to be compelling it needs to connect with needs of those consuming it.

Whether those needs are for entertainment, news, inspiration, community, instruction, intellectual stimulation, a laugh/or a cry etc – if your content meets the need it goes a long long way to being compelling – after-all, who pays attention to something that has little relevance to them?

Staying in tune with these needs can be done in a variety of ways including:

  • watching the comments section of your blog for questions and problems
  • watching your metrics to see what words people are searching for in search engines to arrive on your blog
  • watching what people are searching for when they are on your blog using your internal search tool
  • running focus groups with loyal readers (something I’ve done a few times with real success)
  • keeping an eye on what questions are being asked on other blogs, forums and on social media sites
  • writing a post asking your readers for their questions or giving them an opportunity to share their needs

3 Hot Tips For Connecting with Reader Needs

Hot Tip #1 – Best and Worst Posts

I’ve recently asked my readers to share their ‘best and worst’ aspects of blogging at the end of a week. One of the benefits of doing this (and one I didn’t anticipate) was that it identified some common and recurring problems that my readers were having. The comments on these posts have led to me writing numerous posts that directly seek to solve their problems.

Ultimately your goal as a blogger should be to produce content that adds value to people’s lives. Produce this and you’ve got a great foundation to build a successful blog upon.

Hot Tip #2 – Ask So What?

I love the question that Chris Garrett (the co-author of the ProBlogger book) encourages bloggers to ask every time they write a blog post.

The question is – ‘So What?’

This question is all about asking yourself whether a post actually matters – does it have any point? Will it help people in some way?

Write it out in bold lettering and put it somewhere prominent in the place that you blog. Before your hit ‘publish’ on any post ask it to yourself – ‘SO WHAT’? Does your point have a point? Does it meet a need? Who will it help?

Hot Tip #3 – Solve your Own Problems

One of the best ways to ensure that your content is meeting real needs that people have is to Solve Your OWN Needs and Problems.

An exercise that I do every time I start a new blog is to not only brainstorm a list of topics I have expertise on and things that I can help others with – but I also create a list of things that I need to learn for myself on the topic. What don’t I know yet? What challenges do I currently face? What aspects of this topic do I ask others about?

Once you’ve got that kind of list you have a list of real needs that people have and your goal needs to be to learn more in order to be able to answer them or to find someone else to help you write content on those topics.

Another useful list to create is a list of problems that you have previously had and have overcome. Think back to when you were just first exploring your topic (or if you can’t remember put yourself in the shoes of a complete newbie who has just started out). What questions did you have? What mistakes did you make? What challenges did you not know how to overcome. These beginner questions and needs are GOLD – write them down and write posts that answer them.

Homework – Go Do This!

Take 15 minutes to go on a Reader Need Hunt

Your goal is to spend the next 15 minutes compiling a list of needs that your current readers and/or potential readers might have.

Start in your blog’s own comment section and hunt for questions and then proceed through the list mentioned above. If you don’t have any readers or those you have are not verbalizing their needs yet – focus upon the last two items on the list.

You can’t find enough of these types of problems and needs. Compile them all in a list and keep it somewhere that you can begin to work through.

What You Said on the Topic

When I asked you what compelling content was to you the themes I’ve explored above came up a lot – here’s some of what you said on the topic:

  • “Content that teaches you something that you can walk away and hold onto. Any bit of information that you can apply to your life.” Mitch
  • “It helps me solve a problem that I have” – Jan
  • ” it needs to be a useful or helpful to the targeted audience. People likes to learn something useful or helpful” – Bash Bosh
  • “Helps me solve a problem that I have” – Dave
  • “The important of audience is pretty obvious – write what appeals to your readership.” – Jeffrey
  • “I enjoy content that logically lays out a problem and then shows me how to solve it.” – Jarie
  • “To me, compelling content is content which falls into one of – 1) Educates me on something I am interested in. 2) Provides insight into something I am interested in. 3) Helps me solve a problem” – Wesley
  • “Helps me to solve an issue or makes something easier to deal with, whether professional or personal. Sometimes its even straight forward advice you read and then think, this is it – this will work – this is my answer! These are often called my “Lightbulb Moments.”” – Denise
  • “For me, compelling content answers a question, solves a problem, or teaches me something I need to know.” – Judy

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I’ll feature more in coming days as we explore more on the topic of how to create compelling content.

Make sure you’re subscribed to ProBlogger to get updates of each post in this series.

Update: I’ll list future posts in this series as they are published:

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116 Responses to “How to Get In Tune with Your Readers Needs [and Produce Compelling Content]” - Add Yours

  • Joshua Elliot

    July 28th, 2009 12:53 am

    That will be great, Darren!

    I like to find out more on my target audience too.

  • Terry Heath

    July 28th, 2009 12:56 am

    One question I occasionally ask myself (but not often enough) is, “What one problem could I solve for my customers that would make me a million dollars?” Asking that reminds me to think about the big issues and concerns, and the million dollar part adds to the motivation! ;-)

  • Carolyn Goodwin

    July 28th, 2009 12:59 am

    Very helpful post. Compelling content also brings to light an issue of interest to your readers. Sometimes posing the question is just as good as providing the answer. And now I’m off to start my Reader Need Hunt…

  • PraShawn

    July 28th, 2009 1:01 am

    great post, I totally agree on what you said about that the blog post got to help the readers out. The main purpose of the blog post is still offering value to the readers. It need to make the life of the reader easy. I think that is exactly what you are doing. Great job. Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

  • The Casual Observer

    July 28th, 2009 1:02 am

    I tried the focus group idea, and it went over like a lead balloon :) I do have an informal group that freely gives their opinions.

    I have 9 other writers on board so that The Casual Observer can cater to a variety of needs/interests. We’re nicheless, attempting to be a web magazine along the lines of The New Yorker – with a broad spectrum of (hopefully) interesting articles.

  • Branko Zecevic

    July 28th, 2009 1:03 am

    Hi Darren!
    Here you have very interesting post so I thank you a lot!
    I like idea that you present about interacting with real people and helping them to solve their problems!
    The second interesting thing that have to be pointed is improving yourself throughout constant introspection and looking for greater post!
    Keep on improving!

  • Best Tips 4 Blogging

    July 28th, 2009 1:15 am

    Awesome, Darren I will surely publish a post every weekend to ask my readers their best and worst experiences.

    Thanks
    http://www.tips4blogging.co.cc

  • Jennifer Bourn

    July 28th, 2009 1:15 am

    Darren,

    This post came at the perfect time for me. I am currently in the process of switching my website over to WordPress to egage more with my audience. This is a great reminder to keep the content valuable and interesting and educational. I always try to share something of interest or teach something to help my community grow and this post hit that on the head. Thanks for the tips on checking out the metrics too, so I keep my content along the lines of what my readers want the most.

  • Chitnis

    July 28th, 2009 1:19 am

    Hey ,
    The home work that you normally give is worth a try .. Excellent post for sure ….
    Understanding the reader with Lijit have helped me a lot .. I normally plan my topics after reading what the readers search on my website .. helps me a lot too ..
    Regards
    Chitnis

  • Stefan | StudySuccessful.com

    July 28th, 2009 1:21 am

    Wow, everybody wants to have problems solved.
    What do you mean by focus groups? Do you have posted on that before, I like to know more about them!
    Great post Darren, I am looking forward to the other posts in this serie!

  • Amxtrong

    July 28th, 2009 1:28 am

    I like hot tip #3 very much! It is useful for me. I did not care and solve my needs and problems so that i had not any readers.
    But now it is not happened.

    Thank your idea so much!

  • Microsoft Guy

    July 28th, 2009 1:30 am

    Wow you will be surprised how reviewing your content multiple times actually still shows you mistakes and things that you could be doing better. I appreciate this article, now I can focus on delivering better content which will receive better comments.

  • Ben Goulding

    July 28th, 2009 1:34 am

    Great post Darren. The “best and worst posts” concept is great. User interactivity increases tenfold.

  • Shajib

    July 28th, 2009 1:56 am

    Thanks for this great post.
    It will be helpful for me.

    Shajib
    http://www.ebooksdock.co.cc

  • Deepak

    July 28th, 2009 2:14 am

    Hey Darren !

    I am back and every time i do come back I am surprised by the utility of all your posts. It will be really good to know how to write what your readers needs.

    You have put up great and practical things about a reader’s needs. This is exactly what I look for in a blog when I visit one.

    Thanks

  • Peter Shine

    July 28th, 2009 2:32 am

    I would like to emphasize the importance of Hot Tip #3, solving one’s own problems first to find the compelling topics for the readers. It’s very important not to forget that the bloggers themselves are also the readers of the blogs, looking for the solutions.

  • Karl Foxley

    July 28th, 2009 2:34 am

    Great post Darren and I agree, the “best and worst posts” concept is a great idea.

    I find that I can get a new blog post idea from reading my comments, ideas that I wouldn’t have come up with myself.

    Karl

  • Tracy

    July 28th, 2009 2:35 am

    This is great, my first and primary blog is humor/weird foods and I didn’t really need to know much more about my audience than that they liked to laugh and be grossed out every now and again.

    I’ve started another blog to share some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned about how to do things online. One thing I’m doing is paying attention to the questions the posters on my forum have and using those to get ideas for posts. They are more or less my target audience (obviously I’d like for more than them to read, but I think they are a good snapshot of a demographic’s needs) and I’m looking to serve their needs.

  • NorthandClark

    July 28th, 2009 2:38 am

    Good Post Darren.

    I still have to get my readers to comment more freely and more thoughtfully. Questions about best/worst experience could be just the thing. Right now most of the comments on my blog read like this:

    Good Post Casey

  • Unoblogger

    July 28th, 2009 2:49 am

    Wonderful insight as usual… iam gonna do your homework and provide the readers with compelling content over and again;)….. I hope!!

  • Steve @ Freedom Education

    July 28th, 2009 2:52 am

    Hi Darren,

    After taking Yaro Starak’s Blog Mastermind and reading some of your material here, I feel that I’ve been armed with some really strong points for creating compelling content.

    Sometimes I focus more on structure (bullet points, “how to” articles, etc.) than on the actual content I’m going to deliver; and that sort of shoots me in the foot because I’m not helping others and don’t feel fulfilled writing these types of posts.

    So I guess becoming prolific at blogging is the ability to harmonize the structure and the content elements together in this sort of synchronicity that creates great content.

  • Rebecca Laffar-Smith

    July 28th, 2009 2:56 am

    Fantastic topic, Darren! I wrote about persuasive writing at Writer’s Round-About this week. I’m just dipping my toes into these concepts so I am really looking forward to your series on compelling content!

    *kneels at the feet of a master and listens attentively*

  • Mike CJ

    July 28th, 2009 2:56 am

    I love the use of the “So what?” test. I trained sales people for many years, and it was the best way to get them to start to think about benefits, rather than features:

    “This product will help improve your writing skills” “So what?” If you write more compelling stuff, you’ll get more readers and more………..” Well you know the rest.

  • Aidil Sharizaq

    July 28th, 2009 2:59 am

    the ‘best and worst’ post idea is fresh idea that i never heard before.Will definitely try it after this.

    i have question though. If we brainstorm a few ideas that can be compiled into a series of post (under one topic) should we publish all the post subsequently? or is it best to alternate between other topics?

    Love this topic.Helps me build better content.
    Aidil
    http://youjumpijump.net

  • Jannie Funster

    July 28th, 2009 3:25 am

    And your hits just keep on coming. Thanks!

  • CMS For Startup

    July 28th, 2009 3:58 am

    @Terry Heath

    But what if you solve important problem to million people in unique and interesting way :)

  • Matt Harris

    July 28th, 2009 4:38 am

    I’ve been working on solving a problem for a while now, the only obstacle is I can’t figure it out. One flaw with this kind of post. However if I can figure it out I will definitely do a full write up on it.

  • Norm

    July 28th, 2009 5:00 am

    Well I’m only new to the blogging business and I have very few comments. You post, however, makes me ask myself quesions like why are people not posting? and what exactly am I provinding to people in my posts?
    This is good food for thought. I guess I have to work on clarifying exaclty what it is I am doing.
    Thanks for the prompt.

  • teratips

    July 28th, 2009 5:44 am

    very thanks, to guide us for this major issue
    http://teratips.com

  • Rahul

    July 28th, 2009 5:44 am

    Its quite helpful with topics like this one. Also to read the feedback of readers on the blog too. Very useful blog. Thanks.

  • We Fly Spitfires - MMORPG Blog

    July 28th, 2009 6:06 am

    Awesome article. I’ll definitely need to do some thinking about what my reader’s ‘need’. I’ve honestly got no idea…

  • Juscelino M. Acevedo

    July 28th, 2009 6:53 am

    This was a great article, however, I have a question. I have read plenty of times, including in this article, how I should look at my searched keywords and write based on these keywords. My problem is that if I have a specific search, such as “setup facebook url” and it sends the readers to a specific post that I have based on that search, what else am I supposed to write about?

    I know it sounds like I am limiting myself, but I honestly do not know what to do with these type of specific searches. Any advice?

  • Sami - Life, Laughs & Lemmings

    July 28th, 2009 6:54 am

    3 excellent tips for connecting to reader’s needs. I think I do number 3 (solve your own problems) pretty well but I love the idea of a best and worst post. I also think the focus group is a great idea.

  • TheManRevolution

    July 28th, 2009 7:03 am

    I think I do an excellent job of being in tune with my readers.

    My comments aren’t as high as I want them to be, but so far I’ve gotten a lot of positive response and people just telling me in general that it really helps them with something.

    That’s what I’m gonna strive for, really. To keep hearing more and more of my readers say that I helped them out with something.

  • Emma

    July 28th, 2009 7:47 am

    Thanks for your research, I believe it’s a great help both for new and experienced bloggers!

  • GR Passwater

    July 28th, 2009 8:08 am

    Excellent post Darren! I always look at what new and interesting thing to include in my blogs for content generation.

    I especially like #3 – Solve your Own Problems. It is interesting to look at how solving your own problems can generate great content.

  • Celes | CelestineChua.com

    July 28th, 2009 8:45 am

    Hey Darren, as I’ve mentioned to you, this post is extremely timely as I’m in the process of reviewing my content and improving the connectivity with my readers. I’ve already gotten several new ideas from this post and I totally look forward to the remaining articles in the series :) Have tweeted this post out too!

  • needmoney.com

    July 28th, 2009 9:05 am

    Useful post, Darren. Working on my list now.

  • SURVEYS FOR MONEY

    July 28th, 2009 9:10 am

    This is great advice for all bloggers trying to improve their content. Writing for your readers and not yourself is surely the most important aspect of having great content. Listening to your readers, giving them what they want, and checking your comments will compell you to write better content.

  • Halloween Costume

    July 28th, 2009 11:21 am

    Darren!
    This is priceless information. Hope to know more information from it.

  • Forex for beginner

    July 28th, 2009 11:48 am

    Can’t wait for the other valued information any longer. Thanks for all the effort made.

  • Anterpreet Singh

    July 28th, 2009 12:29 pm

    Great Tips, Will follow these for sure

  • Phillip Madsen

    July 28th, 2009 12:54 pm

    Thanks for all the tips i am just barely starting to get into the blog scene and i like to read your articles and comments. thank you
    phillip madsen

  • Annabel Candy

    July 28th, 2009 1:31 pm

    It all comes down to who and what. Who are your readers and what do they want to find out at your site. Cheers!

  • Wrought Iron Furniture

    July 28th, 2009 2:46 pm

    Thanks so much Darren, can’t wait to learn more!

  • boostranks

    July 28th, 2009 4:23 pm

    compelling content sparks my imagination. Gives me ideas, holds my interest.

  • Liane YoungBlogger

    July 28th, 2009 6:55 pm

    I do the Reader Need Hunt once every day. And I did find a lot, just by beginning at the comment’s section there where already a bunch of great ideas for a future post.

  • Blogger Make Money

    July 28th, 2009 10:14 pm

    great post, I absolutely accede on what you said about that the blog column got to advice the readers out. The capital purpose of the blog column is still alms amount to the readers. It charge to accomplish the activity of the clairvoyant easy. I anticipate that is absolutely what you are doing. Abundant job. Keep up the acceptable work. Thanks for sharing.

  • S.K SHARMA

    July 28th, 2009 10:19 pm

    Hi darren,
    Good post.First of all I’ll say content is king.But if your content is king and the king without public what does mean?
    May be less public(Traffic).
    Without feedback or comments we can not realize that content is best.
    So how to know that content is best?

  • Nick Stamoulis

    July 29th, 2009 12:01 am

    Putting yourself in the shoes of your audience is very important. You have to anticipate what they would like to see and read.

  • Tian

    July 29th, 2009 1:39 am

    Internet marketing has so many areas that it seems not enough to just stick to what you already know. Keeping updated by joining forums, reading other people’s blog and attending trainings and seminars either on the web or not is indispensable.

  • Sky

    July 29th, 2009 1:42 am

    I think that the secret of success in the online marketing varies. Determined on the nature of your own websites, the best approach might differed from some other kinds of individual blogs.
    In order to lead your own online marketing into success, it’s necessary to check the marketing approaches of different kinds of websites and try to follow the pattern of the websites with similar nature to yours.

  • Phoenix Movers

    July 29th, 2009 1:49 am

    You have some really good information on here with tons to read about. MY blog is business related and I have no readers. Just a bunch of spam. I’m sure nobody wants to read about movers in Phoenix on a regular basis so I will have to search for my own readers. Thank you for your articles.

  • Dave Doolin

    July 29th, 2009 1:58 am

    Lacking comments, I use wordpress stats to see what people are searching for, then update those posts to incorporate the keywords better.

    I don’t have enough traffic yet to mine the comments.

  • fas

    July 29th, 2009 2:26 am

    No doubt about that, what ever said is absolutely true and the best way to understand a person is via surveys and feedback.

  • Scott Thomason

    July 29th, 2009 3:33 am

    Regarding writing down problems beginners may have faced…sometimes I have the opposite problem, where I’ll get TOO detailed with the steps involved in a process. Once I found myself writing a blog post about how to log in to WordPress.com…maybe overkill?

  • Hudson Gets Paid Online

    July 29th, 2009 5:55 am

    Awesome information! What I need to do is get more interactive with my readers, and you really helped me out! I like the 3 hot tips. Thanks problogger!

  • jen james

    July 29th, 2009 6:35 am

    this is so helpful. I rarely consider solving problems via blog content .

  • Anthony Mora

    July 29th, 2009 9:27 am

    Having worked as a freelance writer, editor and PR consultant, I’ve learned that the more you focus on your reader’s needs (than on what you want to say) the more effective you’ll be. This is true when pitching the media; most people miss the mark because they’ve been seduced by their message and seldom think if it meets the media’s needs. The same is true with blogging. Speak to your reader’s needs and issues. Easy to say, sometimes hard to remember.

  • Gary W

    July 29th, 2009 1:19 pm

    Compelling content is something that I sometimes struggle with because sometimes I just need to get content posted.

  • Kingnot08

    July 29th, 2009 7:25 pm

    Very cool tips! Before this, i just write at my own pleasure. I will implement your tips. Thanks a lot!

  • PLR Videos

    July 29th, 2009 8:04 pm

    Anyone can well produce content in any possible flatform available, but the ultimate question is, ‘is it compelling?’ I agree to your insights and advices, they are laced with truth and straightforward enough for an ordinary person to understand and reach this goal. :)

  • Alan Roy Hocking

    July 29th, 2009 10:31 pm

    Fact find, Fact find and fact find some more! I constantly train my sales teams on the basis that if they don’t know what the client needs or is looking for, how do they expect to sell them anything! I also use that theory in every article I post.

    Find out what your readers are looking for and provide the solutions or answers on your blog and you will build a large and loyal following.

  • Matt

    July 29th, 2009 10:58 pm

    You’re so right, understanding your reader is key. As a writer (of blogs, books or anything else), your reader is your customer. Without them, you don’t have a business.

  • management institute in india

    July 29th, 2009 11:27 pm

    I have installed the KeywordLuv and now trying it out to see the effectiveness.

  • Sounds Of Nature

    July 30th, 2009 2:19 am

    Compelling content has to have some kind of edge over others that creates value. Good post… thank you.

  • Christina Crowe

    July 30th, 2009 5:19 am

    Love the series idea! I’ll definitely stay tuned to hear more.

  • shravan Mishra

    July 30th, 2009 5:21 am

    Great post Darren, like always there something to learn.

  • Feedbo

    July 30th, 2009 1:37 pm

    Nice article, totally agree that simply asking the readers is a critically important way to get feedback.

  • Team Nirvana

    July 30th, 2009 2:11 pm

    Darren, this approach is very effective when a blog receives as many comments as you get per post :)

    I recently started deriving ideas from various forum posts that I come across.

    Thanks for sharing the info Darren. Your posts are most eagerly awaited.

  • Nic Oliver

    July 30th, 2009 7:32 pm

    Another good post is one that helps me to solve a problem I didn’t realise I had until I read the post!

    Keep up the great work…

    Nic

  • Wrought Iron Furniture

    July 31st, 2009 2:22 am

    I always keep an eye on what questions are being asked on other blogs and forums.

  • Designer Handbags

    July 31st, 2009 4:26 pm

    this is so helpful. I rarely consider solving problems via blog content .

  • Heating Insulation Grants

    July 31st, 2009 7:58 pm

    Great tips! Content is the soul of a blog. To get in tune with the reader’s needs, what I do is see what is relevant for the time being and how it affected me and what I can suggest to either solve it or my two cents.

  • Tom - Home Business Marketing Tips

    July 31st, 2009 8:01 pm

    I have found that different forums are great places to look for things people need more information about.Another way is to simply ask for readers opinion after a blog post, you will get good input that way as well.

  • Jason

    July 31st, 2009 8:20 pm

    As a newbie blogger, I’ll be taking everything I learned from this and banking on it. I definitely want to help my readers solve their problems!

    Cheers,

    Jason

  • Know your Readers

    August 1st, 2009 7:04 am

    Great post! success in blogging is directly related to it’s readers opinions of your content – connecting with them is the key role in getting to know who they are and developing a relationship with them….Thanks for sharing Darren!

  • David earn money web Shehan

    August 1st, 2009 11:53 am

    Thanks for the post Darren. This is the first time I’ve posted on someone else’s blog. I think that truth is compelling. What resonates more than the truth? I think when people read it or hear it, or whatever, they recognize and appreciate it. And I believe that really great and compelling content must have a great deal of it. How’s that for a load of Malarkey!. Just kidding, I really meant what I said about my first blog post and my comment about the truth. Just started a week off from work and was feeling a little snarky.

  • dhrobonil

    August 1st, 2009 6:20 pm

    I hope I will get more reader from now because I must apply this theory in my personal blog.thank you very much for your article.

  • Dr. Michael Beck | Chiropractic Marketing

    August 2nd, 2009 2:37 am

    Online content is definitely king. And the quality of that content decides how good of “king” you really are. If the content is bad or boring, visitors won’t stay long and will be less likely to return.

  • David Chamberlain

    August 2nd, 2009 10:16 am

    Hey

    This is the first time I’ve been over here but I’ll be back for some more killer information!

    I have recently started blog and really want to find out what my readers problems are. Some of these tips are absolute GOLD!

    Probably a bit stupid of me for not thinking of this, but just checking which keywords people are searching for when they land on your blog is so easy to do!

    I also like the So What? Question. I have just read a couple of my own posts and thought that, so will be using in in the future!

    Thanks for the great post!

    Dave

  • Earner's Vision

    August 2nd, 2009 11:22 am

    First of all, Darren, I appreciate what you do here quite a lot.

    With this post you really stated what the very purpose of your blog is, which really demonstrates it is a pro-blogger blog, designed to help bloggers.

    Secondly, I tried myself, for countless times to convince others of the importance of the content. You give many accurate details on how useful content has to be planned before being written, which by my experience is a highly time consuming action. In today’s world nobody has the time anymore to do things right. So it becomes much easier for many to just throw away some text and make it appear online. The potential revenue that could come with content become the number one priority for many.

    Surprisingly people just consume whatever they are given if it comes from a popular source. Only a very few actually take the time of analyzing what they read through their own brain and not take everything for granted. The AdSense fever is shaping the new face of the internet and we are just witnesses to this.

    I’ve seen people calculating how many posts they could write per day and how much money this could bring for them, but I haven’t seen anyone really care about what happens next, about what usefulness that content that they produce can bring to others.

    And giving the fact that every individual with a pc and an internet connection can potentially become a content generator who will ever have the time to judge which content is good and which is not. The answer should be : the internet users, the visitors.

    But as we can all see more and more sites pop up just like mushrooms after rain, and it might be only my opinion but I think that the quality of the content is no longer a priority to the large mass of content generators.

  • Los Angeles real estate blog

    August 2nd, 2009 12:47 pm

    Thansk for the great advice. I am going to apply what you have mentioned here and work to make my blog more effective. I look forward to your future posts and learning more from your site.

  • Magic Video Blog

    August 2nd, 2009 2:26 pm

    Solid work Darren.

    Hot tip #2 is…Hot.

    Thanks for sharing.

  • Nevin

    August 2nd, 2009 2:34 pm

    Great Work. Write wonderful content to impress the readers are not as easy as people usually thing. It requires dedicated work. You nailed it on this topic.

  • Sky

    August 2nd, 2009 2:36 pm

    Nice work, man.
    I’ve been working hard trying to improve this aspect of my blog as well. It is a hard work. You’ve offered some very helpful tips. And I’ve also got some idea from the comments above.
    Thanks a lot for all of you for sharing your thought.

  • Tian

    August 2nd, 2009 2:38 pm

    Great Work.I’d like the thank the blog owner for posting it.
    Great Comments. I’d like to thank the readers for sharing more helpful and relevant information.
    I think if the content the blogger offered is important or interested enough, people will be willing to spend time on the surveys that they have to answer ahead.
    For example, if you are offering online video clips people are keen to watch online or download, it will make better motivation.

  • Gordon Akman

    August 2nd, 2009 3:02 pm

    That is the most important thing to remember – the blog is for the reader. The author is enriched through the reader’s experience.

  • Trish

    August 3rd, 2009 1:23 am

    There are different writing styles but most of the time, I try my best to write naturally so that I can express my views and present my ideas. It’s not easy to get readers’ attention but I guess what you mentioned here is absolutely right.

  • tzeal

    August 3rd, 2009 9:56 am

    yes I understand that I have to learn before writing on a particular topic, compiling is the key

  • Resume Templates

    August 3rd, 2009 3:18 pm

    For me it’s a simple case of tell them what they need to know + something they never “thought” they needed to know (a surprise of sorts – something that’s factual, surprising and…. but most importantly ADDS VALUE.
    Regards, Fleur Brown

  • *****Free Website Hosting******

    August 3rd, 2009 4:24 pm

    Totally agree with the point of solving your own problems. This itself should give a lot of insight into determining right content for blog.

  • Kerenne Jessop

    August 3rd, 2009 6:17 pm

    Hello Darren!

    These are very helpful advices to bloggers. Some bloggers, for want of content on their sites, sometimes sacrifice quality for quantity. Through experience, I have learned that the quality of a blog matters a lot. Good blogs are those that help readers learn something new, which do matter to them.

    Aside from blog comments, one idea I can also share is browsing forums and question & answer pages. Through these sites, one can have an idea of what information readers want to know about.

  • dave online

    August 3rd, 2009 7:36 pm

    Listening is always the key to a good blog – if you give your readers what they want they will always stay faithful to you…

  • Dean Saliba

    August 3rd, 2009 8:02 pm

    I think I’m in tune with my reader’s needs. They want to earn money and I show them ways. :D

  • Poker Rakeback

    August 4th, 2009 4:44 am

    Thanks. I’m just in the beginning of starting my own blog on my website. Will keep all your tips in mind.

  • Free Wii Points

    August 4th, 2009 7:57 am

    Nice post, Darren! I agree, you do need to be in tune with your Readers Needs to be successful at blogging, in my opinion anyway. I try to write articles that target my readers thoughts and needs specifically.

  • Rajendra

    August 4th, 2009 3:27 pm

    Hi Darren!
    I really like this topic , as most of the new bloggers like me will definetly find useful from this.
    I am also from one of them who is looking for an good traffic on my blog. Its really having an
    good stuff to refer and implement these things on my blog.
    Thanks Darren once again for such post.

  • Ann Marie Dennis

    August 4th, 2009 4:09 pm

    Great post Darren! Really love the tip to ask our readers, what are their worst and best experiences. Creates community, and the more we can find out their needs, the more we can help them. Thank you for your tips, looking forward to learning more from you.

    Annie

  • Kazooli

    August 5th, 2009 4:31 am

    Very nice post and I really liked the ” So What” Tip

  • Paul Wilson

    August 5th, 2009 5:23 am

    Hey Darren,

    I am still learning what my readers want to read, as my blog is fairly new. I will be taking your tips on board, and looking through my comments to find inspiration :-)

    I always try and make sure my posts have a point, but you pretty much seem to have nailed things down over here…!

    Just adding you to my rss, I will be back!!

    Paul

  • Aeryn of E-Starr

    August 5th, 2009 5:47 am

    Thank you for the informative post. I’ve already gotten some ideas for making my own posts more compelling. I’m bookmarking this post, too.

  • Al Lijee

    August 5th, 2009 7:41 am

    Thanks for the Tips.
    I am always listening to my visitors because without them we would’nt be the number 1 website in our field.

    I have always popped back to Problogger just to make sure I am on the right track to pleasing my online audience.

    Checkout my website http://www.appgiveaway.com and send me an email with your feedback if you feel there is more room for improvement :-)

  • Angela @ Article marketing

    August 10th, 2009 3:51 am

    I’m not a pro when it comes to evaluating blogs – and most of what I’ve seen over the years leaves a lot to be desired. But you can take my word for it that your blog is everything they say it is and more! Seriously – nice information. I am so happy to read your blog!

  • Arlene deWinter

    August 11th, 2009 11:40 am

    Hi everybody,
    I am so behind I think I am gong to Build a Better Blog in 60 days!
    I wrote a list post for the course. Its not the first one I ever wrote, but it is a fun one and specially for the blog course.

    Here it is:
    http://www.winterspells.com/2009/08/06/my-nine-favorite-witches/

    If anyone reads it, please leave a comment. I have to run and catch up now!

    Thanks!

  • Arlene deWinter

    August 11th, 2009 11:45 am

    Also I love this article and see many more to investigate.
    Darren you are so organized and clear about these things. I am just discovering you really. I found you through Yaro.

    Homing in on what readers want…I did my thing, provided my best stuff off line for years — experientially! How to take experience and package it into text or audio for the web is a challenge for me. I can do it, but my BEST stuff is the stuff I do With people in the real world.

    I am hoping I can provide a taste of this with video. I wonder if you have had this issue and what you would have to say about it.
    Thanks!

  • ewan

    August 11th, 2009 6:55 pm

    thanks for the tips, I”ll give them a go and look forward to more engagement from readers

  • Wii Points

    August 19th, 2009 11:06 am

    Yeah, I’m actively searching for the potential readers needs and popular niches today. Especially when creating a new blog.

  • Peter

    August 19th, 2009 10:13 pm

    Very interesting and amusing subject. I read with great pleasure.

  • Steve Yakoban

    September 5th, 2009 6:25 am

    Clear and concise article. The biggest challenge is for those new blogs that don’t have enough feedback yet.

  • Rosalie Kramm

    September 5th, 2009 10:32 am

    This is one of the best blogging articles I have read. Learning the principles has given me tons of ideas on topics to write on. Court reporting is what I know best, and I have court reporters following me, especially students, from around the country. They are hungry for knowledge. Thanks for getting me out of my writing funk.

  • mikeck

    September 10th, 2009 3:07 pm

    I’m sorry for that comment, copy and pasted wrong thing. Hey, we own a large site which auctions off quite a bit of product. I’m interested in knowing you would like to do an article on us. Thanks.

  • Sesli Chat

    September 13th, 2009 9:32 am

    Nice post, Darren! I agree, you do need to be in tune with your Readers Needs to be successful at blogging, in my opinion anyway. I try to write articles that target my readers thoughts and needs specifically.

  • Replica Christian Louboutin

    October 12th, 2009 11:43 pm

    This is one of the best blogging articles I have read. Learning the principles has given me tons of ideas on topics to write on. Court reporting is what I know best, and I have court reporters following me, especially students, from around the country. They are hungry for knowledge. Thanks for getting me out of my writing funk.

  • ugg boots

    October 20th, 2009 2:16 pm

    thanks for the tips, I”ll give them a go and look forward to more engagement from readers

  • Mark62

    October 23rd, 2009 12:56 pm

    Your disagreement should be couched in terms of proposed policies that divide people into groups according to age and determine how people should be treated in part according to their group status. ,


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