If you blog, you’ve heard it; “content is king”.
But what does that really mean?
And, who’s to say what’s good or bad?
Today’s Lesson
“Content is king” seems to imply what we blog about has value, and obviously, more value would be better.
But who determines that value? An imaginary value grader in the sky? Us? Our readers?
I’ve read blog posts I thoroughly enjoyed which didn’t have what others might see as value, but for me they were a fun or thought provoking read. I’ve also read articles which had what I would say had tons of information (i.e. possible “value”), but they lacked a human element.
And on the flip side, I’ve written posts others may not have found value in, but for me, I felt they did.
This can be a confusing issue, especially for new bloggers.
If we read “content is king”, but all we want to do is share a thought of two, intimidation could set in and many a blog post may go unpublished. In fact, many a blog may go unstarted (is that a word?).
I’d hate to see that happen.
Blogging is meant to be fun and a reflection of who we are.
Let’s not let three little words dampen our dreams of writing.
What say you?
Today’s Assignment
How do you determine if what you’re sharing has value? Or do you?
When you read other blogs, what keeps you going back?
Is it the value you find in a blog or something else?
Care to Share?
~Barbara.
I agree. I say what I want. But it might be different for non-personal blogging, which is far more cold and calculated.
Hi Vered,
That’s a good point. Professional blogs may be more cold and calculating, especially if they’re concentrating on SEO (search engine optimization) and wanting to rank high with Google.
I study the Internet as a philisophical and anthropological phenomena. As an Internet “Missionary” I often point out that what ever you are into, someone online is into it too, and probably would love to read a blog about it. But everything won’t be for everybody.
Good point, Terry.
I think you have to be true to what you want to write about, put yourself out there to the (blogging) Universe and know that others who are interested will find you.
There are lots of blogs out there that are poorly written but you know what? Someone’s reading them and finding them of value.
My niche leans heavily into the metaphysical. Chances are good that a hard core scientist might not find value in what I write. It’s all relative, eh? What’s “king” to one might be a “two of clubs” to another.
Thanks for the interesting and thought-provokind question, Barbara. I look forward to hearing what others think about it.
You’re welcome Lisa,
*smiles* I like how you put that “What’s “king” to one might be a “two of clubs” to another.”. That is SO true. As much as it would be great to please a huge audience, we may need to learn to be pleased with what we have.
Hi Terry,
That has to be fascinating – to study the internet. I like your advice. It’s very true. We’re not going to please everyone, however there’s probably some out there who would love to read what we share.
Hi Barbara,
Awesome post! I know what you mean.
Since reading that “Content is King” thing before starting my blog I tend to have the ghost of the “Is it good enough?” questioning, and my laptop has many “wannabe” posts waiting for a chance to be published. Only after almost a year and based in the comments received I started to realize what you explain here.
I stopped thinking if my posts have value, rather I prefer to just write what comes out and I know for some will have value, for others they’ll be entertaining, for others can be crazy and many more will find nothing there and will move on. Like Yaro Starak said: “It’s about finding your tribe”
Same thing about reading other blogs; if it is fun, can learn something, makes me think, etc. I’ll keep coming back; is not about value but rather more like rapport between bloggers.
After changing the approach and leaving behind the worries of “Content is King” writing has become easier, faster and a lot more entertaining 🙂
Raul
Thank you Raul,
I’m happy to hear you’re now writing that which moves you. Like you said, it makes the process a lot easier and enjoyable.
That’s also true what Yaro says. If we can find our tribe, what we share will resonate with them. It’s kinda like “going home”.
I write how I am feeling at the moment or something that has affected me. Most of the blogs I go to regularly have that something that keeps me coming back. It varies.
Hi Silly Girl,
I hear you. Different blogs offer different things and usually it’s enough to keep us going back, even if it’s not for every post.
Hi Barbara.
We can’t please everybody, I guess. In the end, if we just give it our best, there is value in knowing that for ourselves — I know, kinda cliche… Even excellent posts can go seemingly unnoticed through obvious lack of comments. For a business blog I’m sure that SEO content is king in the search engine’s eyes. I personally prefer being entertained, creativity and the human element in blogs.
Hi Davina,
Very true. We can’t please everyone. But like you said, if we know we did our best (or close to it), all we can do is hope others enjoy it too. Like you, it’s the human element of blogs that I prefer.
Hi Barbara,
I write from the heart from my every day life.
Each blog I visit fulfills its own need within my heart..some to encourage, laugh, motivate, entertain.. I like if the content is consistent with the theme of the blog, but each post has it’s own value for someone..
In my own writing, sometimes my most heartfelt pieces coincide with a low readership day and I think it’s a reminder that it’s the process of writing it all out as well as the flow of creativity rather than the response in comments..
Hi Joy,
That’s a good point. Some of our posts will receive less comments than others, but that’s not to say they’re not good. Like you said, it’s the process.
HI Barbara,
I blog about things that are close to my heart and things i feel deeply connected with….in the hope that at some level it will connect with the reader too.
BUt, yes like Davina said, we cant please everyone. I think it finally comes down to the question: Why do we blog? If its for our growth/learning amalgamated with the readers, then we will write with passion. And the same goes fro blogs I read, If they are written with passion for whatever the topic….I will go back for more. Somehow the content, whatever that maybe, needs to connect us on a much deeper level. Sometimes even one quote like on Lance’s Sub\nday post, gets us! Isnt it….
I guess what i am saying is writing with passion is king…whatever the content 🙂
Much love,
Z~
“Passion is king” – LOVE LOVE LOVE this. Yes. Truly and yes.
You nailed it, Zeenat.
Hi Zeenat,
That’s beautiful. “Passion is king”. And you’re right. When we write about that which we’re passionate about, we can’t help but draw others to us who are passionate about the same.
The only thing I really worry about content wise, is if I’m getting my idea or thoughts out there in a manner that others can understand and relate to.
Zeenat – I like that – ‘Passion is King” – If you have passion the content will take care of itself.
Hi Heather,
With you writing a business blog, I can understand why you would be concerned about getting your message out there in a manner as to not confuse your readers. It’s a fine balance, isn’t it?
Dear Barbara:
I think writing from the heart brings “you” into the post. If one writes on topics that they are not very familiar and passionate about makes it a damp squib. I agree with you when you say “Blogging is meant to be fun and a reflection of who we are.”
Fodder for thought, this post was.
Thanks for sharing this. Made me ponder and wonder.
You’re welcome Susan,
I agree. I know for myself, if I tried to write a blog post on a topic I have no interest in, like you said, it would come out like a damp squib.
Your comment makes me wonder how those who blog in an effort to make money must feel, especially if they are publishing articles just to publish and have no knowledge of the topic.
Barbara, love this post! And you know what? I just post what I want to post. That’s it. I don’t worry about if it has value beyond the fact that some may want to read it, and some may not. Those who may not will move on to someone else’s blog which is fine by me. I have to be fine with it… it’s what I do as a reader of blogs myself. 🙂
Thank you Tony,
You get it! When we post something that moves us, we can hope others will enjoy it, but if they don’t, they don’t. There are plenty of other blogs out there to read.
Content may not be King, but it is terribly important. Throwing together thoughtless posts, because you’re rushed or because you think you need to post every single day can only hurt the quality of your content.
For me, both in my writing and from the blogs I read, I look for something that adds value to life. Something that improves or broadens thinking, experiences and knowledge. That can be from any genre.
Well written humor is quality content. It makes me laugh it gives me joy. Shared ideas and information that teach, inspire or entertain can all be one of two things: quality or garbage. No matter what the topic, it’s the quality that will bring me back for more. And it’s that quality that is the mark of good blogger.
I keep coming back here because I enjoy the quality thought provoking posts that you write, Barbara. 🙂
Thank you Joella,
I’m happy to hear I make you think. I share that which I wonder about, and by doing so, love hearing responses from others as it helps to broaden my knowledge base and helps those who read the comments, as well.
What you said is true. When a blogger is throwing posts together just to post or to please the search engines, it becomes obvious and whatever value the blog had, can be greatly reduced.
HI Barbara … I think you have to offer value of some sort – good writing, good ideas, a good story, good information .. and I guess I look at my commenters and if they’re happy – I am. I like to have a relationship with my commenters .. which while the numbers are not too enormous is possible .. what happens if they double double .. then I’m in trouble trouble .. ?!
I look usually for value .. information – technical and self-development with spiritual, and bloggers I can relate to .. people I can communicate with through blogging and feel at home with ..
It’s the value and the entertainment that comes with value .. knowledge and creativity and fun and lightness of life ..
I like to feel at home – but learning … and being here a lot .. with other blogging friends .. Hilary
Hi Hilary,
I agree. When we start developing relationships with those who comment, we begin to visit other blogs because the blog author makes us feel “at home”. That’s a pretty neat feeling, isn’t it?
LOL at your “double double – trouble trouble” 🙂
I just do what I do and don’t worry too much if other people are reading it or viewing my pictures. Of course, I know that some are and I’m a little jealous of Karen’s following, but she has a specific niche (quilting) while mine is more general.
I do think that content is important, but content isn’t everything. Crappy content is still crappy. Great content is great, but is meaningless if no one visits the site.
Hi Mike,
Isn’t that the truth? If no one is visiting, it doesn’t matter if our content is good or bad.
I’m not surprised Karen has a large following with her quilting blog. For one, she’s got a great blog and secondly, quilters are a tight knit group.
Hi Barbara, I always want something in my blog posts that will provoke some discussion. I believe getting people to think more deeply about something has value, even if they don’t see it themselves. That’s why I keep coming back here! Thanks for another thought provoking post!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Thank you Mandy,
I know exactly what you’re saying. Anytime we can provoke others to put on their thinking caps, we are opening the door to sharing value. Even though they may not comment, often they will leave a blog thinking….
Barbara,
I try to balance the needs of the few with the needs of the many. I’ve given up posting based on my perceived value. Stuff that I thought would be a real hit and provide a lot of value has ended up being a big snooze, and sometimes a quick post has gotten great feedback about being helpful.
In my persnickety old age, I’ve decided to just post what I feel is right.
George
Hi George,
We never know how a post will be received, do we? Like you said, sometimes we get it all wrong. I like your idea of just posting what feels right to you. You’re following your heart.
I don’t think there’s any blog that has really has no value at all. If you are not getting value out of a blog, then the blog and the reader aren’t a good match.
For example, that’s say there’s a blog where it’s some emo teenage blogger ranting about how much her life sucks. Her issues might seem trivial and provide no value to some adult readers, but maybe she provides value for some people. Maybe there’s someone reading it thinking, “Wow, I am going through the exact same thing. It’s like we totally understand each other.” Even if it’s just complaints about how miserable she is, it can still provide value because misery loves company. Or maybe there’s a reader laughing at how immature and miserable the blogger is. Sure, schadenfreude isn’t very nice, but you can’t deny that the not-so-nice person isn’t getting pleasure (value) from it.
So I believe any blog provides value. Actually matching up the provider and receivers of the value is another story though…
This is a little off-topic, but when I saw the title of this post, what came to mind was:
“No king, no king, la la la la la la!”
“Idiots! There will be a king!”
Sometimes certain words just trigger random movie references in my head… 🙂
Hi Kelvin,
Your example proves the point to a “t”. If we search long enough, or blog long enough, we WILL find or attract like minded individuals and value will be found.
I’m glad to hear the title triggered a movie reference for you. 🙂
Hi Barbara – I’m with Kevin on this – different people will get value out of a particular type of blog, or even a certain post.
For many of us, writing one awesome post a week just wouldn’t be realistic, if we want to attract a decent number of readers each month.
Also, it’s difficult to decide which posts might be well received and which ones won’t. Sometimes, I’ve written something I’ve been really proud of and haven’t got much of a reaction from readers at all. Other times, I’ve written something which I thought was just ok and readers have loved it.
It’s difficult sometimes because we already know our topics and knowing can sometimes be harmful because we don’t know which things will interest the folk who don’t know.
Hi Cath,
That’s true. It’s not just our blog, but each post we publish that may or may not appeal to readers. Like you said, we may think we have a winner, but it goes over like a lead balloon.
I’m also thinking of how our readers are often the ones who “tell” us what direction our blog needs to go. If one particular type of post consistently gets lots of comments, it’s often our readers way of saying they want more of those. I know that’s what happened to Nadia of Happy Lotus. She started her blog in one niche and it was her readers who said they wanted her to write more on a topic she was only skimming the surface of, so she changed the direction of her blog.
What has value to me is connecting with others and interacting, so I write to connect and communicate and hopefully enough others were discover what is there and pass it on…
I liked the passion concept that Zeenat wrote about.
Wow another thought provoking post – thank you
You’re welcome Patricia,
I hear you. Connecting with others can be more important than what the author is writing about. We visit to say “hi” and the post becomes secondary.
Barbara, I look at it this way, if I am not inspired to write a post I won’t write one. On the other hand, when I write a post i always feel that it has value. Echoing what was stated by Kelvin, if the reader dosen’t feel that they were given value then the post simply was not a good match for the post. It’s as simple as that.
It is the same with any brand, just because we don’t like all of their offerings dosen’t mean that we don’t like their brand. Blogging is not different. I like Alicia Keyes, but I don’t like every song on every cd. That’s my take on it, and I hope that my comment adds value to your blog.;=). Keep up the good work.
Thank you James,
Yes. Your comment did add value. 🙂
I think most bloggers feel the same as you do. We want to share share value, however for some of our readers, the post may not resonate with them.
Your example of an Alicia Keyes cd is spot on. It reminded me of how when we went to the cell phone store yesterday, they had dozens of phones to pick from, but only a few suited our needs. Meanwhile, other customers were buying those we had no interest in and for them, they were perfect.
Hi Barbara,
I think the no.1 reason I find blogs valuable is because I’ve gotten to know the person and think of them as a friend. So what they say is important to me.
If I don’t like a blog’s content I don’t comment or read it no matter how many times one would comment on mine. It’s just not authentic to do.
I love personal stories…it makes a blogger a person, and from there a friend. They endear me!
I love when people share knowledge that is normally charged for and I think Steve Aitchison and Dragos Roua are two who do this. They tell you what they use to do their ebooks and how they do it. That’s value!
I love Tara Mohr because she is pure wisdom. Stuff I can relate too.
I don’t find value because someone is popular or has the “it” factor if I don’t like their stuff… well so be it. I may stick around to see what their it factor is all about or how they do certain things but I can’t keep reading and commenting if I have no interest. There are too many blogs and not enough time.
Hi Tess,
Isn’t that the truth? “There are too many blogs and not enough time.”
That’s a good point you raised. When we become friends with other bloggers, we visit them no matter what they post. We comment to show support and just like real world friends, are there for them through thick and thin.
Hi Barbara
I think that Content is King is an old SEO mantra.
Simply put, if you sell Hamburgers in New York you have to mention Hamburgers and New York a few times on your website, and in your titles and meta tags, or the Search engines won’t know what your website is all about.
I don’t write for the search engines but I am aware that I have to mention my key words and phrases a few times.
I also use the All in One SEO plugin to help out with SEO matters.
Your website has a Google pagerank of 4 and Google generates Sitelinks for your site so I’m guessing that you have your SEO well and truly sorted!
Hi Keith,
I’m with you on that; content is king when it comes to SEO. If we’re not telling Google and the other search engines what we offer on our site, they’re certainly not going to send a specific audience to us.
Although my site does have a page rank of 4, I don’t use SEO a lot. That said, with this blog being about blogging, and having the word “blog” in the title twice, I think it helps to let Google know what I’m all about. I also think it might help that this site is over three years old.
I LOVE your blog! In fact I’m so smitten I had to post about it on my own site today. I love the way it looks, the way it invites and makes the teacher/student in me want to stay and learn something new.
I started blogging a couple of years ago as a way to practice my writing and create a place to write more regularly. (I wanted to stop aspiring to write, and write!) At the time I didn’t know much about blogging, but I just jumped in and have taken delight in the learning curve (most of the time).
I’ve learned a lot, and now I’m ready to take my blogging to a new level where I can write to teach…teach to equip…. your site gives me inspiration to actually do it.
This is my first time visit, but I’ll be back soon!
BTW, I had a wonderful LOL moment when I read your potential BIZ card for blogging experts — for a small fee I’ll tell you what I tell others for free.
Here’s wishing you a BEAUTIFUL day!
Thank you Brenda,
I am humbled and honored by your kind words, and am so pleased you found me. I look forward to seeing you again soon.
I know what you mean about the blogging learning curve as I, too am self taught. It’s not always easy, but persistence pays off.
Thank you for the mention on the “fake” business card. I’m happy to hear you liked my sense of humor.
See you soon.
I believe we should strive to create a balance.
Whilst content is important it’s often how we present it that really matters
Hi Arts Web Show,
That’s very true. Sometimes it’s not what we say, but how we say it. Great observation.
Hi Barbara!
To me “Content Is King” means to consistently offer interesting NEW stuff. After all, blogs are dynamic, and a blogger who keeps pumping out good new stuff that is useful and / or interesting and original to read will fair well I think. With promotion, of course. A blogger like YOU!!
xo
Thank you Jannie,
You’re right. “Content is king” can mean different things to different people. For some it means quality SEO posts, whereas for others it means to post consistently. However we define the phrase will determine how we apply it.
Like you, I also believe a blogger will do well if they consistently publish something new, interesting or useful. Or, like you do, supply your readers with fun to read material and pictures. 🙂
Well, content is king is clearly a marketing term. There are people who view blogging as writing and blogging as a content mechanism to draw more traffic and make sales.
There are those who fall between the two camps. I think most people fall into the category of using content for the purpose of making money.
Marketers are more willing to outsource the work of writing to the actual writers because, quite frankly, they don’t enjoy writing, are too lazy to write or lack the talent the write.
So, yes, it can seem very cold from a writer’s perspective, but it also makes absolute sense from a marketer’s perspective.
And for those of us who are in between…well…that depends our moods.
Hi Gina,
Yes. “Content is king” is definitely a marketing term, and when applied to blogging, like you said, can make the process of writing seem cold, as well as take the fun out of the blogging experience.
Well put, “And for those of us who are in between…well…that depends our moods.”. 🙂
Excellent food for thought. I love the variety blogging offers. I have completely enjoyed reading posts with a sense of humor because they remind me to laugh. I enjoy informative posts because they help me grow my knowledge base. And then there are posts that appear to be driven purely from a personal experience or point of view. I enjoy them because they remind me that we are all human and sometimes our personal life will cross with our professional one.
Hi Shirley,
That’s true, isn’t it? Reading a variety of blogs offers us the chance to expand our knowledge base, plus remind us there’s more to life than that which is in front of us. There’s truly a lot of talent in blogosphere.
Value is going to be in the eye of the beholder just like beauty. I tend to agree with your idea that it should be fun although even fun can mean something completely different.
A successful blog is going to provide value on two levels.
To the reader-if no one reads it what is the point?
To the writer-the value may be emotional and personal for just getting a view out to the world or maybe the value to the writer is financial, providing a living.
Keep it fun either way is what I say!
Hi James,
That’s true. What is valuable to some, isn’t valuable to others. It reminds me of when we publish a post we think is awesome and the responses are just so-so. Then we can publish what we feel is less than perfect and our readers love it.
Like you said, if we can keep the fun in our blogging endeavor, we’ll do okay. Over analyzing can quickly destroy that.
It’s funny when that happens. You think you write the best post of your life and know one seems to notice. Write a short note about something you could care less about and the world seems to find it the most profound statement of the year.
Hopefully, a sense of humor will overcome any doubts that come up. 🙂
I wonder if a blog that has blank pages would be of any value? I love to look at a crisp white background. It relaxes me. But really, with blank pages, its not really a blog is it. I like to think of content and groups of content like a painting. No two artist paint exactly the same picture. And not all painters are Gustav Klimpt. I would have to say that the painting isn’t a painting without the paint. So just maybe content is still king.
Hi Donnie,
That’s funny you should mention a blog with blank pages. Years ago a blogging buddy did just that. He wrote a post title “Nothing” and the page was blank. It was his way of saying he had nothing to share. Although it projected the message he was aiming for, I’m sure the search engines were confused.
I like your analogy between blog posts and artist’s paintings. It’s like we could each take the exact same topic, write a post about it and each one would be completely different.