Three Formulas for Sparking Conversation
A year ago, I wrote about creating reader-engaging posts. In that article, I discussed the benefits of creating posts that got your readers involved. Now I want to point out some techniques and formulas content that will keep your readers talking, on and off your blog.
For your content to truly be great, you don’t want people just reading it. You want people discussing it. However, many bloggers struggle to create “conversation-worthy” content. What is the magical formula to sparking discussion?
As it turns out, all you really need to spark imagination is a little imagination. While there are many ways for you to draw in readers, it is the creation of discussion that will keep them here. Here are some formulas for creating comment-worthy content every time.
1. Be Entertaining
Half of the readers of blogs on the internet do not actually focus on educational value – they focus on entertainment. If you can get people to have some fun while still learning your lessons and understanding your primary message, then people will start talking about your content. Here are some example entertaining headlines:
- 23 Reasons Your Content Reminds me of my Moldy Sweater
- An Open Letter to the Makers of My Horrible Couch
- Blogging: Better than Freshly-Baked Sliced Bread
2. Create a New Perspective
This works especially well if you happen to be up-to-date on the issues in your niche. Putting an new perspective on popular assumptions, news-worthy events, or old-time sayings will get people talking about your ideas. Readers are always looking for more and more information on a subject, and if you can offer them something never before read, they will start talking about it. Here are some examples of New Perspective posts:
- Is Content Really King?
- Can Scammers Market Better Than You?
- Who Care’s About the First Lady’s Wardrobe?
3. Be Personal
When someone tells a story about themselves and you find it interesting, you pass it on, don’t you? Readers love hearing more about the bloggers behind the content, and if you can provide them with some insight into your mind, they will end up discussing your writings and your authority even more. Some fantastic personal posts might be:
- How I Started My First Profitable Website
- 34 Life Lessons I Learned from the Marines
- Why I Will Never Go Back to Ohio
If you can make readers discuss your content, your blog will grow simply by word-of-mouth and so will your authority. Learning to create not simply posts, but ideas and discussions will help you to develop a thriving community. Discussion is the foundation of any great society, so make sure your content gets people talking!
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I often see Comments which are longer tend to be longer than the original post thus creating more content this can be very useful in organic search results.These are very helpful tips which i shall be implying into future posts
If you actually sum up the whole tips mentioned, I think it goes back down to the key role of a blogger – that is, to provide YOUR opinion for the benefit of OTHERS. I think of that statement everytime I create a post.
These are some cool tips. Nowadays, due to huge number of blogs in each subject area, people are tired of reading monotonous and boring details in a blog post. They want posts which are lively, and tend to rejuvenate. Your tips just hit the nail on the head. Great post
Great stuff as always, Alex. If I may add:
4) be engaging – ask pertinent questions
5) be controversial – while not being a douche
Conversations are an important part of a blog, which should never be ignored by the blogger, otherwise it’s just a one way street.
Hi’ Alex,
I just stumbled across your blog and I love this post … I will most definitely be subscribing and will certainly point my readers to your fab content
New Kid SmartDad
Thanks Alex for these valuable tips. Indeed, a blog is a community for people where they use the content, share it and discuss about it.
I also liked the tips given by Tibi regarding being engaging and controversial.
What I can add here is providing content as a result of polls and surveys. This one could take more time to prepare and needs proofs and documents. But, once done, it can generate interests and start discussions.
Anyway, I like this post and give it a 5-star.
To Your Success!
Hooshmand
i think one important aspect which should be always present in blogging is by adding a personal touch on your blog, making readers and total strangers feel welcomed to join in the conversations. of course, you have to reply to their comments as much as possible.
Really awesome post.I wish you achieve success.
Regards
Salman
There are some great tips here! When I’m writing a blog entry, I often think to myself, ‘is this something I would enjoy reading if I weren’t writing it?’ and if it’s not, I just start over. It’s all in how you say something. People hate boring.
Thanks for these tips and ideas!
Brenon MacLaury
I think Be Personal is a must, for branding and make different with other blog.
I like the “creating reader-engaging posts” very much, so i always be up for you.
Thanks
I find that being personal is the most effective formula up there. It makes sense – personal experiences are usually more unique, and people love unique content.
Being personal sums it up all for me. I always try to speak spontaneously on posts and I think thats what gathers the attention of my readers to actually comment and put their own opinion on it.
Wow, I was just wrote about all three points. Looks like we are on the same page! Hope to know you better
You are so right in everything you have said here!! Make a good first impression and keep building on it!!
Well done
Kevin
You have brought up a good point. We don’t want people just to read our post. We also want people to discuss it. Cheers!
This is very good information. I recall that, indeed, I do enjoy reading entertaining articles that are based on true to life experiences. On the other hand, I also easily get bored by articles that are too technical and not fun. Thanks for sharing this insight.
Good stuff. I find way too many people write blogs that are devoid of personality. I think people follow blogs not just for the good content, but also for the character who is behind the blog.
Sure, you need to have good content as well, but if you are as personable as a piece of cardboard, you’re going to have trouble getting a good following.
Sean
Good content attract more user come to visit your blog often . But the content must have a popular keyword . Visitor can search any content by keyword in the search engine .This way can make more visitor come to your blog .
Thanks for sharing these 3 furmulas, which should be taken into account by everyone. But often reality looks different.
hi Alex,
Scott
Great post. I like to always end my blog posts with a question, like “what do you think about xyz”. I find I get a lot more comments that way, assuming people read the post and got to the end of it.