When you think of blogging content do you think of long, useful articles or do you think of something else? Content for your blog goes way beyond putting together a few helpful paragraphs on a specific topic.
Each type of blog content has a different purpose. For example, PDF reports and ebooks may be lead generators for your business. Case studies are to help your subscribers make a buying decision and a checklist to help your audience stay on track when completing a task. Quick tips help your readers get to know you and your level of expertise. So, when you make a list of the types of content you'd like on your blog think of the bigger picture.
Here are some ideas to help you generate useful blog content for your readers. When you share the post you'll also be able to access some handy bonus content! #Spoileralert! It's a really useful checklist. Just remember to share from the box at the end of the post!
Step 1 – Workbooks and planners
So your readers can apply what they’ve learned. They might be given away for free or be part of a product for sale. Here's my collection of planners.
Step 2 – PDF Reports & White Papers
Longer “articles” on a specific topic that can be used as an ethical bribe to build your list, as a gift for your customers, or for distribution by other websites and affiliates.
Step 3 – Ebooks
For free or for sale, ebooks can be very valuable for your readers. Here are my ebooks for sale: Sell More Stuff With Blog Posts. Content Frameworks, and Local SEO.
Step 4 – Checklists
Make it easy for your readers to complete a process by giving them a handy checklist. If you’re marketing to construction workers, give them a checklist of things they need to accomplish before working a job, like a health and safety test. If you’re marketing to small business owners, offer checklists of things they should accomplish before launching their brand.
Step 5 – Transcripts
Got video or audio? Have it transcribed, so the content is easy to reference and can be consumed by readers who can’t watch the video or listen to the audio.
Step 6 – Case Studies
Share success stories and experiences of your willing customers and clients.
Step 7 – Quick Tips
Who says you have to write long articles? Share a daily tip that your readers would find valuable.
Step 8 – Inspirational Quotes
People love quotes. Find relevant ones for your market add them to an image and et voila! You have a very visual post.
Step 9 – Product Reviews
Your readers will appreciate in-depth and honest reviews of products. It helps them make a decision. Here are a couple of my reviews – Convertbox (yes, you really should get it) and WPX.
Step 10 – Product Comparisons
When your readers might need to make a choice between products, make it easy for them to compare features and benefits. this is a really powerful piece of content that can make a difference to your audience.
Step 11 – Interviews
Audio, video, or written – interviews are relatively easy to put together.
Step 12 – FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Answers
Ask your readers to submit questions and pay attention to what they ask via email, on your blog, etc. Create a FAQ with the answers they need.
Step 13 – Questions for your Readers
Turn the tables and let your readers create the content. Ask them questions that will get them thinking and self-reflecting.
Step 14 – Flowcharts
For your visual learners, a flow chart illustrating a process might come in very handy.
Step 15 – Instructions
If there’s one thing that’s lacking online, it is detailed instructions for people to use products and services. Give your readers an extra hand by giving them handy instructions.
Step 16 – Content Summaries
Summarize long pieces for your readers, saving them plenty of time in the process.
Step 17 – Fill-in-the-Blanks
Give your readers a chance to apply what they’ve learned and self-reflect by giving them a fill-in-the-blanks sheet.
Step 18 – Resource Lists
Everybody loves good resources. They save heaps of time. Share yours freely.
Step 19 – Tip Lists
No need for long-form articles all of the time – just give your readers an easy-reference tips list.
Step 20 – Spreadsheets
Help your readers keep inventory, do calculations and stay organized.
Step 21 – Glossaries
Keep a glossary of jargon and terms for your readers.
Step 22 – Patterns
Think craft patterns, sewing patterns, etc.
Step 23 – Editorials
Include commentary on guest articles, in your newsletter, etc.
Step 24 – Audio & Podcasts
Record and publish…it’s as simple as that. Audios with just yourself or as an interview work well.
Step 25 – Live-Action Video
Share a useful video of yourself or with someone else.
Step 26 – Screen Capture Video
Show a slide show on your computer, demonstrate software, or how to use a website.
Step 27 – Coloring Sheets
Sometimes just for kids – but you might have useful ones for adults too because coloring is therapeutic!
Step 28 – Quizzes
Quiz their knowledge, personal suitability, and more.
Step 29 – Questionnaires
Get your readers feedback or make an opportunity for your readers to self-reflect on their answers.
Step 30 – Photographs
Easy peasy content. Take a picture and share it. Tools like Canva make this easier than ever before – just add branding!
Step 31 – Illustrations
Whether it’s hand-drawn or computer-generated, you can show statistics, share an idea and more.
