Why do some blog instantly become hits, while others languish without a reader to be found? Although the subject matter can play a big role in popularity, a lack of readership can be attributed to a lack of style in the blog. Since there is so much competition out there, you’ve got to work on creating a special hook that will keep your reader’s interested. This is the key to developing a corporate blog that will get noticed. Here are some tips on how to pick the right style hook for your blog.

1. The Funny Hook –

If you are a naturally humorous person, don’t be afraid to let your sense of humor shine through your posts. Granted, this is not the place to share off color jokes, but if you have a talent for wry, dry or witty writing, your blog can be a great outlet. If you can make people laugh while they are reading a corporate blog, that is a big accomplishment. Readers remember funny blogs right off the bat and they’ll want to return often to make sure they get their daily dose of funny. However, if you do not have a flare for comedy, this is not the best hook to use. The key is knowing whether or not you have the talent for being truly humorous. If not, there are plenty of other hooks that you can use.

2. The Newsy Hook –

This is the perfect hook for those that may have a drier writing style or for those that don’t feel comfortable cracking jokes all the time. If you have the time to spend monitoring news and breaking it on your corporate blog, you can develop a very devoted readership. It’s best to stick with news that is related to your corporate sector, but there may be times when you can push the envelope a little bit. Many blogs have taken off after they covered one item that was very popular. The readers will stick around if they like your style and the information you cover.

3. The Controversial Hook –

This hook should be used with care and only by those that are masters of PR and capable of handling controversy. The blogs that use this hook are probably the most popular, but there is a fine line to walk here. If you are worried about your company getting dragged through the mud, or if you have a board that you have to please, it’s best not to use this hook.

These are just a few examples of hooks that you can use to start creating that relationship with your readers. If none of them fit, then just let your personality shine through your posts. Being friendly and open can be a hook on its own and may actually create better results than all three of the above hooks combined. The secret is finding what works for you and your readers. Once you’ve got that down, the sky is the limit.

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Originally posted 2008-09-03 05:20:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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This is a question that many business owners have when they consider getting into the world of corporate blogging. These days, it seems as though everyone has a blog and that the market is entirely glutted. The good news is, that there are more than enough niches to go around and there are plenty of ways that bloggers can stand out from the crowd, with a little hard work and some perseverance.

The first step is to find out just how many similar blogs you will be going up against. Do some research and subscribe to each of these blogs. Track them for about a month or so to determine how frequently they publish, what kind of content they are producing and whether or not you feel you can do it better.

This market research is incredibly invaluable and will help you determine what steps you will need to take next. For example, if your competitors have very good blogs, but they only publish rarely, you can use this to your advantage. By publishing once a day, or at least a few times a week, you can offer readers instant gratification on that topic. This works very well for micro-niches, and for very popular topics.

The second thing you will learn is whether or not their blog posts are any good. Do they have readers commenting? Learn from the mistakes they made before you make your first post to your blog. This will assist you greatly in spending less time figuring out what your readers want to know, since essentially, you are dealing with the same market.

After you have gone through these steps, the next one to take is to find your own unique voice, and your own unique take on the subject. Unless your blog will be specifically about your company, there is a lot of room to get creative and branch out. For example, if you are using your corporate blog to discuss certain products that are already widely talked about, find a way to make your voice stand out.

Always research the topic before you post to determine first how many posts are similar, and how popular the subject matter is. By using these techniques, you are actually benefiting from the fact that corporate blogging is so popular and using that to your advantage. You will be able to discover new keywords, or even new ideas that will help you improve your blog. Give it a try and see just how much information you can uncover on your competitors as well as the different products you will be posting about.

There are millions of websites and blogs, and while some may never find their readership, with careful work and a lot of research, you can begin to carve out your own section in the blogosphere. Remember, it can take months to find your stride, so give it plenty of time. With promotion, quality content and commitment, your corporate blog can succeed, no matter how much competition you may be facing.

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Originally posted 2008-10-29 05:41:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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