In today’s connected world, it’s important that your content is shared with others through building links. Your reach spreads as your content is shared. That translates into more visitors to your blog, as well as a likely increase in purchases. How to get links is a frequently asked question...
If you notice that no one is sharing your content, that’s something you want to change. Here are some reasons that no one is sharing your blog and improve traffic to your site
1. Unfocused Content
People like to share content that is useful, interesting, entertaining and timely. Focus your blog content on a particular topic or niche. When you focus your blog content, visitors know what to expect, and they will be more likely to share it -- especially if they think a friend or family member will find it useful. Know your audience, and what they want. Then, create focused content that provides them information they can use; they’ll be more interested in sharing. When people know what to expect from your blog, they will be engaged, and become fans.
2. Your Posts Lack Variety
Look for ways to change things up a bit. Add different images to accompany the post. Create video blog posts on occasion. Invite guest posters to share their insights. Offer giveaways for a change of pace. As long as you mix it up a little, you will be able to attract more followers, and more shares for your content. You want your content to seem fresh and interesting, and adding a few extra elements will help.
Even if you are writing a blog as a way to lure people to a web site where they can buy your products or services, you don’t always want to be writing about your product, your sale or your latest promotion. Don’t always post pictures of company events, or ramble on about yourself. That’s gets really old, really fast.
Few people want to share a post that’s about your company’s latest hire. Instead, focus on providing useful content that your readers can use. Tutorials, industry news, and other posts that take the focus off you are more likely to be shared.
Remember, too, that while commentary can be interesting and relevant, you don’t want to be too long-winded. Don’t turn an interesting opinion into a long ramble that becomes boring halfway through.
3. You Aren’t Engaged in Social Media
In order to encourage your readers to share, you need to be active on social media. When you appear as a person, rather than just another logo or just another blogger, readers want to interact and share. Use social media to get the ball rolling, sharing your posts on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and other social media sites.
4. Your Headlines Don’t Grab Attention
Your headline is your first impression. Your headline has to grab the visitor, or he or she will be gone before getting through the first paragraph -- and there certainly won’t be any sharing involved. Create headlines that are accurate and interesting. You want to create an expectation of the content with your headline.
Popular headlines include number lists, as well as “how-to” articles. These types of headlines create expectations in the reader. If your headline conveys a sense that you will provide something entertaining, or that you will show the reader how to do something, it is more likely to be shared.
5. You Post Inconsistently
One of the keys to getting more shares is building a following. If you post inconsistently, however, you won’t be able to build a following. Post on a regular schedule. This includes posting on predictable days of the week, as well as posting at a similar time each day. Readers will become used to your schedule, and actually start looking for your posts. Soon, they’ll be sharing your posts with the people in their networks.
6. You Haven’t Encouraged Regular Followers
Fans are more likely to share your blog content. They will defend you when others attack you, and they will be willing to spread the word -- without prompting -- on your blog posts and other content. So, you want to encourage regular followers.
Engage these followers through the comments section, and on other social media venues. You can also encourage followers by holding contests and by offering freebies to top users. Encourage regulars, and they will be more invested in you -- and more likely to share your content.
7. It’s Hard to Share
Social media is a vital part of a successful blog. Each week on Facebook alone, more than 3.5 billion pieces of content are shared. Are you making it easy for your visitors to share your blog content? Sharing buttons shouldn’t be obnoxiously obvious, but it’s possible to make them visible and easy to use.
There are a number of layouts that allow you to add Google +, Facebook Like, and Tweet buttons to your blog posts, creating a situation that makes it easy for visitors to share your content with those in your networks. Add share buttons to the top of your post so that it is simple for a reader to share without needing to think about it.
Examine your blog posts, and determine if you could improve upon the experience for your readers. Once you put your readers first, and offer high quality content, they will be more likely to share.
This guest post is written by Lior Levin, a marketing consultant for a company that offers a to do list app, and who also consults for the Master Security Studies program at the Tel Aviv University.
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