Careful categorization of posts is a hallmark of an effective blog. Recently, I tried viewing my blog as if I had never seen it before. I saw multiple opportunities for improvement. For example, I added a Twitter update widget to the upper right corner. I also changed the way my calendar of upcoming events is displayed. I'm still working on that. I also noticed that my blog Topics (or categories), now listed in the upper right, were out of control. There were too many of them!
Many posts were categorized under several Topics, making it harder to plan and organize future posts. If I was having trouble organizing my thoughts, I wondered if you were having trouble absorbing them. So I streamlined and reorganized the Topics, paring them down to the 6 main Topics you see now. Here's how you can do it too.
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Look at what you blog about most. Taking stock of what you blog about most will help you streamline and plan future posts. My analysis showed that most of my posts are about Advocacy, Fitness, Leadership, Small Business Success, or Social Media. Everything else is either Miscellaneous or a sub-category of one of the main topics.
Once you know what you blog about most, you can better focus your blogging efforts and make it more productive and efficient. This will save time and help you solidify your position as a “go-to” person in particular subject areas.
The posts that do not fit under the main Topics can be placed in an area called, for example, Miscellany, Random or Just Fun Stuff.
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What do your readers respond to most? Take a hard look at which categories of posts generate the most conversation at your blog. These are areas you want to focus on and blog more about. Blog less about things people don't respond to, and blog more about things they do respond to. There should be lots of posts in the Topic areas that your reader like most.
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Ask readers what they think. The best way to find out how your blog can be improved is to ask your readers. If you think you may need to consider reorganizing your blog Topics, ask your readers to offer suggestions. Ask them whether your blog is organized and easy to follow, or whether it's confusing and jumbled. Is it organized and aesthetically pleasing, or is it random and jumbled with no particular focus.
Ask them what they like and what they don't like. Ask them if they'd like to see you blog about other topics. Readers have great ideas, but they frequently only share them when asked. Why not give them the opportunity to help you improve your blog?
Question: What do you think of my blog? Is it organized and easy to follow? Where can I improve?
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