As a blogger, you must identify with your readers and understand precisely what they want. This process is very important to make your site a success. The basic idea is to find out as much as you can about your readers. Once you understand your readers, you will be capture their attention and provide them with valuable content.
Last week I mentioned that successful bloggers understand their demographic and that is 100% true. One of the 1st things I notice when I’m analyzing a new client’s site is their traffic. I usually recommend installing Cystats, Wordpress Stats, or Google Analytics. Once those are installed and their initial traffic reports are shown, the fun begins.
Once I get past the daily traffic stats, I take notice to the most visited pages and top referrers. Those 2 sections will reflect what your most popular topics on your site. If you know what is popular with your readers, it will make it easier to maintain their attention over and over again. There is another myth that isn’t widely talked about. Your most popular posts are not always your most commented. There are plenty of times that the content that you write will get lots of readers, but not many comments. Gaining comments is a different challenge, that I’ll address when we discuss writing styles.
OK, back to discussing your demographic. Understanding your demographic is different when you’re talking about a new site (less than a year), compared to one that is well established. A well established site has a content that you can use to your advantage. By addressing topics that are discussed in previous posts you can expand your thoughts, views and ideals. With most blog sites maintaining a 3-4 minute average time on site, it’s important to maintain your readers attention. A common practice is taking on subject and breaking it down into a series, such as part 1 & 2. That way you are able to maintain your readers attention.
Understanding your demographic with a newer site can be more challenging. Since you don’t have an archive of content to base your traffic and reader interest, you’ll have to plan a strategy. Successful bloggers approach their content with a plan. The best way is to make a simple goal and category chart. By simply listing your top 5 categories that your site to revolve around will give you direction.
Example -
IDW Publishing
- Wordpress Tricks
- Blog Development
- Wordpress products
- Thesis Tips
- Instructional videos
Once you’re able to list these categories, it will make it easy for you to create valuable content that will fit into your site development. Eventually, you will be able to review the traffic stats for your most popular categories and posts.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is very helpful information, Mitch! I found your site through Kevin Mandeville (@KEVINgotbounce), he recommended you as a WordPress expert.
I recently started my own site and have been guest blogging for Nextvoice247, so I am excited to implement your tips on finding out the most I can about my readers!
I think it is very important to engage with readers as well, replying to their comments and checking out their sites (if they have blogs, etc.). Also, I think networking with bloggers in your ’space of interest’ is important.
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I’m glad you found my site. You’re right… engaging with readers is very important and creates a online community. Keep up the good work.
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