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!