You may have heard mixed opinions about frequent posting when blogging. Some argue it's too demanding, while others swear by its benefits. Back in 2007, I created my first 30 Day Blogging Challenge. I blogged for 30 consecutive days. It wasn't easy, but I did it. And I kept on doing it. Not because I liked writing (I don't). I kept blogging because it works. It still works to this day. But the internet being what it is wants to tell me that it's wrong for me to post more than once in a blue moon. Pah. Like a vaccine that strengthens your immunity, understanding the benefits of frequent posting will allow you to overcome this negative mindset and gain a better understanding of why frequent posting works.
In this article, you will discover:
- How frequent posting leverages Robert Cialdini's principles of influence.
- Insights from "Atomic Habits" about quantity leading to quality.
- Data-driven evidence on the impact of regular blogging.
Equipped with this knowledge, you'll be better positioned to appreciate and harness the power of consistent blogging. As well as be able to refute any nonsense about it being bad for you.
The Psychology of Consistency: Insights from Cialdini
Robert Cialdini, in his influential work, highlights the power of consistency in shaping behaviour. When we commit to frequent blogging, we're not just creating content; we're building a habit that aligns with our identity as writers, as creators. Cialdini's principle of commitment suggests that once we see ourselves as dedicated to our work, our actions naturally follow suit.
This principle is vividly seen in the blogging world. Bloggers who regularly post develop a stronger sense of identity and commitment. They're more likely to continue this practice, reinforcing their self-perception as consistent and reliable content creators.
Moreover, frequent blogging resonates with the principle of social proof. As we consistently post, our audience grows, creating a community that expects regular updates. This social expectation further reinforces our commitment, creating a positive feedback loop of writing and engagement.
Frequent posting isn't just about the content. It's about embracing an identity that encourages commitment and harnesses social dynamics for sustained success.
Quantity Leads to Quality: The Photographer's Tale from "Atomic Habits"
James Clear, in his book "Atomic Habits," shares a compelling story about a photography class. The teacher divided the class into two groups. One group was graded solely on the quantity of photos submitted; the other, on the quality of a single photo. Surprisingly, the group focused on quantity produced better quality photos. This anecdote beautifully illustrates a key principle in blogging: frequent practice leads to improvement.
The connection to blogging is clear. By regularly crafting posts, bloggers naturally refine their writing skills. They learn what resonates with their audience, how to craft more engaging content, and develop a more authentic voice. This improvement isn't just theoretical; it's backed by the fundamental law of practice. It's true. You should've seen some of my early posts.
The act of producing content frequently helps overcome perfectionism, a common obstacle for many writers. The focus shifts from creating the perfect post to a Kaizen mindset of continuous improvement. Each post becomes a learning opportunity, driving bloggers towards excellence through consistent practice.
This story from "Atomic Habits" serves as a powerful reminder: the path to quality is often paved with quantity. By embracing frequent posting, we unlock the potential for significant improvement in our writing skills and content quality.
Embracing Discipline: Lessons from "The War of Art"
Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art" emphasises the importance of discipline in creative pursuits. He introduces the concept of 'Resistance', a force that hinders our progress and creativity. Pressfield argues that to overcome Resistance, we must cultivate a disciplined approach to our work. This is particularly relevant for bloggers.
Frequent posting is a testament to this discipline. It's not just about writing when inspiration strikes, or worse, when you have something to say, but rather about committing to a regular schedule. This commitment trains us to overcome Resistance, turning writing into a habitual practice that grows our businesses rather than a sporadic activity.
By blogging regularly, we also sharpen our writing skills. It's a journey from rough, unpolished thoughts to clear, compelling narratives. Each post is a step forward in mastering the art of communication.
Frequent posting helps us understand our audience better. It fosters a deeper connection, as readers come to anticipate and rely on our regular updates. This relationship is built on the foundation of discipline and consistency that Pressfield advocates. I recommend you read The War of Art, if you haven't already.
Embracing the disciplined approach of frequent posting not only helps us slay the dragon of Resistance but also hones our craft and strengthens our bond with our audience.
Seth Godin: Champion of Consistent Blogging
Seth Godin, a renowned marketer and author, is a strong advocate for frequent posting. His philosophy is simple yet profound: "Ship often. Ship lousy stuff, but ship. Ship constantly." This approach aligns perfectly with the ethos of frequent posting.
Godin’s own blog is a testament to his belief. He writes daily, covering a myriad of topics. His consistency is not just about quantity. It's about the discipline to show up, the courage to share ideas, and the commitment to engage with his audience regularly.
Frequent posting, as Godin practises, does more than improve writing skills. It nurtures the ability to think clearly and express ideas succinctly. Each post is an opportunity to refine thoughts and present them compellingly.
Godin also highlights the importance of building connections through blogging. Frequent posts keep the conversation going, inviting readers into a continuous dialogue. This regular engagement builds a community around shared ideas and interests.
Seth Godin’s approach to blogging encourages us to embrace the process of creating, sharing, and connecting. It's about being present and active in our communication, consistently contributing to our community.
Gary Vaynerchuk: Mastering the Art of Frequent Content Creation
Gary Vaynerchuk, aka Gary V, a prolific entrepreneur and content creator, is another strong advocate for frequent posting. His mantra, "Content is king, but context is God," highlights the importance of not just creating content, but also understanding where and how it fits into the broader conversation.
Vaynerchuk's approach to content creation is relentless. He believes in putting out a high volume of content across various platforms, adapting to each medium's unique context. This strategy is built on the idea that frequent and diverse content creation leads to greater engagement and a deeper understanding of your audience. From experience, this works. With our transport blog we once had a digital footprint bigger than DHL, Fedex and UPS combined. This doesn't happen overnight, or, by accident.
For bloggers, Vaynerchuk's approach emphasises adaptability and relevance. It's about consistently producing content that resonates with readers, tailored to their interests and the platform's dynamics. This approach requires discipline, creativity, and an acute awareness of the audience's needs and preferences.
Through frequent posting, as practised by Vaynerchuk, creators can cultivate a more robust online presence. Each post is an opportunity to engage with readers, gather feedback, and refine the content strategy. This ongoing process of creation and interaction is key to building a loyal and engaged audience.
Gary Vaynerchuk’s philosophy inspires bloggers to be prolific, versatile, and deeply connected with their audience, enhancing the impact of their digital footprint.
Ann Handley: Embracing Consistency in Content Creation
Ann Handley, a renowned content marketing leader and author. Her approach to content creation blends consistency with creativity, making her a respected voice in the digital marketing world.
Handley's philosophy is rooted in the belief that regular writing sharpens and hones your skills. She encourages creators to "write to express, not to impress," highlighting the importance of authentic communication over perfection. This mindset is crucial for bloggers who aim to connect genuinely with their audience.
By advocating for consistent content creation, Handley underscores the significance of discipline in the creative process. It's not about churning out content for the sake of it, but rather about finding your voice and refining your message through regular practice.
Her insights are particularly valuable for bloggers. They emphasise the importance of understanding your audience, crafting compelling narratives, and being consistent in your publishing schedule. This approach helps build a dedicated readership and establishes you as a trustworthy source in your niche.
Ann Handley’s perspective inspires bloggers to focus on regular, meaningful communication, ensuring that each post contributes to a larger conversation and strengthens their connection with readers.
Mari Smith: The Synergy of Blogging and Social Media
Mari Smith, often referred to as the "Queen of Facebook," is a notable advocate for regular engagement with social media and content marketing. Her philosophy stresses the importance of frequent, consistent posting, particularly on social media platforms, to maintain visibility and engagement with an audience. Blogging gives you more content and enables you to increase your reach of not only your website traffic, but also your social media platforms grow.
Frequent posting allows you to keep pace with social media trends and conversations. Every blog post can be repurposed into multiple social media posts, infographics, or even short videos. This strategy is crucial for maintaining a robust online presence.
Repurposing blog content for social media is efficient. It reduces the pressure to constantly generate new content for social channels. Instead, you leverage your blog's content, ensuring a consistent message across platforms.
Smith's approach underscores a key advantage of frequent post: it fuels your social media strategy. By following this approach, bloggers can boost their digital footprint, reach wider audiences, and create a harmonious relationship between their blog and social media efforts.
The Data-Driven Benefits of Frequent Blogging
Statistics and data are persuasive storytellers, especially when discussing the benefits of frequent blogging. Regular blogging can significantly impact audience growth, search engine optimisation (SEO), and content visibility.
First, let's talk about audience growth. A study by HubSpot reveals that businesses that blog regularly generate 55% more website visitors than those that don't. This increase isn't just numbers; it's potential customers and engaged readers.
Now, onto SEO. Search engines favour fresh, relevant content. Websites that frequently update their blog are more likely to rank higher in search results. This means more visibility and, consequently, more traffic. In fact, companies that blog have 434% more indexed pages, enhancing their SEO efforts.
Finally, consider content visibility. Each blog post is an opportunity to be seen and shared. Frequent posts mean a steady stream of content for your audience to engage with, leading to higher overall visibility. Plus, this continuous engagement keeps your audience returning for more, building a loyal readership.
The data speaks clearly: frequent posting is a potent tool for boosting online presence, enhancing SEO, and cultivating a dedicated audience.
Beyond Metrics: Mental Health and Productivity Benefits of Frequent Blogging
Frequent blogging offers benefits that extend beyond measurable metrics like audience growth and SEO. It positively impacts mental health and productivity, aspects crucial for a fulfilling creative journey.
Regarding mental health, blogging can be a therapeutic exercise. It offers a medium for self-expression and reflection, aiding in processing thoughts and emotions. Regular blogging establishes a routine, providing a sense of stability and purpose. This routine can be particularly beneficial for mental well-being, as it adds structure to one’s day and a sense of accomplishment.
In terms of productivity, the discipline required for frequent blogging fosters time management and organisational skills. It encourages bloggers to plan their content, manage their time effectively, and meet deadlines. This disciplined approach can spill over into other areas of life, boosting overall productivity.
Frequent posting keeps the creative juices flowing. The more you write, the easier it becomes to generate ideas and turn them into engaging content. This continuous practice can lead to a state of flow, where writing feels less like a chore and more like a rewarding, creative endeavour.
Frequent blogging is more than just a tool for online growth; it’s a catalyst for personal development, enhancing mental health and productivity.
Throughout this article, we've explored the multifaceted benefits of frequent posting. Let's briefly recap the key takeaways:
- Aligning with Robert Cialdini's principles of influence, frequent blogging strengthens commitment and consistency in your writing journey.
- The "Atomic Habits" lesson reminds us that quantity can lead to quality, enhancing our writing skills through regular practice.
- Frequent posting is not only good for your mental health, but it boosts your creativity.
- Data-backed evidence reveals that regular blogging boosts audience growth, SEO, and overall online visibility.
Frequent posting is more than a tactic; it's a transformational habit that positively impacts your writing, mental health, and productivity. As you embrace this practice, you'll find yourself growing not just as a blogger but as an individual.
Looking to take your blogging to the next level? Consider exploring advanced content strategies and SEO techniques to further amplify your blogging success.
Sarah x
P.S. Why not join the 30 Day Blogging Challenge and truly benefit from frequent posting? You've nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Another golden blog post from you Sarah. Each time I read one of your posts, it gives me something else to think about; something to factor into the growth of my business. Excellent value – always.