Time for a “survey” on how you’re doing π
When I first started blogging, my “best blog post” was a common concern.
I was pretty paranoid about shares. I’d check in on a few posts multiple times a day, rarely happy. But is that the point at all?
No.
Now 4 years later, I’d like to close the circle.
So I ask you to help. Join in and brag.
Note: Whether you’re a regular or still on the brink of your first comment, go ahead. Not a competition, unless you like that.
Ingredients: cooking good posts
What do you consider as you try and craft an epic post? Here’s what I try to bake in there:
#10: Useful
#9: Random
#8: Controversial
#7: Out-of-control comprehensive
#6: Fast-moving
#5: Title
#4: Food
#3: People
#2: SEO
#1: Inspiration
Sure, SEO isn’t necessary for a life changing post.
BUT!
I’d bet more of your posts could be Google #1’s for their content, but a little SEO tweak here and there are holding them back.
#7? Tough, but if you pull it off, amazing.
#3? Always good to be relevant to other posts, other bloggers and real-life figures.
#6? Good for combating ADD levels.
Now for my best post. Β I’ll pick this one.
Why, Dear Blogger?
If not for the amount of shares it’s gathered, then for the ranking above other articles I’ve written.
*Pats self on back*
This post tries to cover all #10 items in the list above. It was a result of lots of research, but more importantly fills a gap in this niche. Sure, there are other lists of “best places to blog” but I’m positive none are this comprehensive.
Some stats, you ask?
I shared this graphic a couple weeks ago. Well, this favorite post of mine now brings over 40,000 unique eyeballs to the blog each month.
Can you imagine 40,000 people chatting about blogging with 40,000 coffees?
Isn’t it crazy how one post can outperform like that?
Especially when it’s a post we wrote last minute and didn’t figure for much success.
And for the really statistical minded, I use post views to track the numbers at the top of each post.
Comments: Sharing our best posts
Now it’s your turn. But before you do so, here are some serious blogging lessons I’ve learned with your help. Here they are:
Lesson #1: Reflecting on our best posts should help us realize the things that make for a good post. Repeat repeat repeat!
Lesson #2: The power of randomness. When you write a lot you will uncover random moments of genius. For example, my best post was not written as the list it is today. It was a pretty sloppy comparison of Blogger and WordPress, that eventually talked about 20+ other platforms too. The formatting of the list took forever and was only finalized when my blogging editor, Lorraine, ran her magic wand over it. I think the best bloggers are able to publish often then adapt their content to what people are really asking for.
Well, that was more casual that serious. Perhaps I don’t have a serious bone in my body. But I am seriously curious about a few things:
- What is the link to your best article, post, guest post, or even a page?
- Why is that so?
- Who will be first π
Go for it!
p.s. I’ll give this post good SEO so it ranks for “best blog post” and gives commenters some visibility of course.
Would be happy to see some new visits π Blog about girl in Istanbul π
http://inncii.blogspot.com.tr
http://strive4wellbeing.blogspot.com/
Guys join my new-born blog where I writhe about nutrition, sport tips, spirituality etc…
My best post is, well… informative, with a twinge of opinionated satire. Yeah. That sounds about right.
http://straightwhitemale.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/how-to-diy-eleventh-circle-of-hell/
Because comedy.
Hello, we have a blog about Brazilian cities on http://www.viagenspelobrasil.net
Hey Greg,
My name is Anum Zaidi. I am a new blogger. My blog is about life lessons!
http://lifelessonsbya22yearoldgirl.blogspot.com/2014/08/do-not-enter-without-permission.html
This is my very first blog post. I hope the title is somewhat intriguing to you and also conveying the message. So would you be interested in reading the blog post and probably wait for more of these?
Kind Regards.
Greg, you are helping me a lot. I read lot of your articles, especially on posts and SEO side.
My best post is regarding a travel experience. I wrote with lot of images and generated lot of interest. Few comments too.
http://eshivakumar.com/valparai-to-athirappally-stroll-along-rainforests-of-kerala/
My best and most popular post was probably one on The Writing Process. Clearly it was something I knew about and as a writer it makes sense that it would be something people interested in writing would be interested in. I tend to like reading similar blogs by other writers.
Thanks Pat.
What are some must-follow steps of the Process Dear Blogger readers should know?
Hey Greg – Nive Post which got me thinking. Each and every one of my Blog Posts are like my babies so I am not able to choose which on is my favourite!! Over the years, I know that I slaved a lot longer on my older Posts as blogging was new to me and I have got better over the years.
Even parents pick favorites Mina!
jk π
Which one do you think was most helpful to your audience?
Hi Greg, thanks for letting us share. I struggled to decide on my best post. I decided not to go with the one with the most shares or the most views but this one: http://www.biannualblogathonbash.com/2013/11/kids-say-the-darndest-things-about-blogging/
Oh. my. lord! Haha! Did your kids say all that Kathleen? How many products do you review?
That’s a great question, Greg. I like what Paul had to say, that he hopes his next one will be the best. I find that I’m usually surprised by which posts do best, and I wholeheartedly agree that the more you write, the more likely you are to uncover some random piece that resonates with your audience. I specialize in category #1 on your list, and it’s always a crap shoot to know what is going to inspire people. But that’s part of the fun!
This one’s a current high-performer: http://thepalettemuse.com/master-bedroom-makeover-budget/
I bet it is! Must have been tough though. All your posts are high-caliber!
Ditto on all that π
Hi Greg!
its a good idea that you have come up with this post, well.. my blog is not that old but since i hit my first publish button i have created some wonderful posts and this one here >> http://www.allyspeaks.com/2014/06/how-to-get-ranked-top-on-google.html is one of my best posts so far as it has more visits among all posts and its one of my best posts up to now..
I hope there will be more good posts coming on – http://www.allyspeaks.com
Cheers.. and welcome as I’m now having my cup of coffee
%
C(_)
Hope so too, Ally! π
Hi Greg!
My best blog post thus far is a DIY post. A little craft that’s easy for kids to do. I don’t fancy myself a DIY blogger. I mostly write about my experiences as a Mama of 5 little babes. But every once in a while I throw in a recipe or craft.
I think it’s been so popular because of Pinterest and I do try to link up my posts weekly. This post his ‘Best of the Week’ on some other bloggers sites and that certainly didn’t hurt.
Thanks so much! Your blog is the best and that’s why it’s bookmarked! π
http://www.madlywish.com/diy-rick-rack-flowers/
-Whitney
I am still so new to this game but I’m choosing my best post as
http://frugalforeveryone.ca/raised-bed-gardening-organic-style-any-size-any-where/
Its the one I most enjoyed doing and also where I had the most interest.
Lenie
Greg,
This post helps Windows XP users recognize the dangers and outlines XP upgrade options:
http://www.winxpmigration.com/upgrade-advice-for-windows-xp-users/#winxpocalypse
Thanks for the opportunity!
n1 Darrel! *pats Mac* π
Making all these “dofollow”
Really making “All these” dofollow???? π
Yea it’s a bit of work but hopefully a good incentive. Plus I’m just bored.
This is my best blog post so far it doesn’t have any comments so I’m tempted to choose one that does. But this one by far had the most social shares. http://www.paulscavella.com/398/7-best-motivational-speakers/
Here is mine. I hope it helps someone…
http://jasharonia.blogspot.com/2014/06/4-basic-tips-to-consider-after.html
This is my best blog post of the year so far. http://thebutlerjournal.com/2014/05/16/atlanta-greek-picnic-dos-donts/
Lol spam comments getting flooded π
You asked for this, Greg! π
And I guess while I am here, I will brag a bit, too, about my post on Google+ Circles, which has had nearly 6000 *tracked* views. I say *tracked* because that post was imported to my new site from my old one.
By the way, I have over ten thousand views *tracked* on my #1 post in Google about the Liebster Award, but many other posts of mine have hit the #1 spot, too.
Including my post about false teeth.
So far, it’s had over 3200 hits (tracked on my new site) and counting…
I’ve helped many people deal with their teeth issues, too. It’s nice to help others!
And to think I wasn’t even going to publish that post! Talk about a fluke!
The post Max referred to in his comment was this one: Interview with a Blind Man. It’s had 324 views already. I wrote it less than 4 months ago. Because my regular readership is small, having that many views is GREAT.
Here’s its url: http://wordingwell.com/interview-with-a-blind-man/
I quite have a few best pages but this one is the highest which is the Nominated For The Liebster Award! post http://markfaizey.com/2014/05/12/nominated-for-the-liebster-award/
Hey Greg! email marketing really works.. thats why I am here π
My best post is WordPress breadcrumbs explained:
http://www.gaghour.com/wordpress-seo-breadcrumbs-yoast/
I hope this will get you have a look at my post. Am I the first one??
You are, well done!
That’s one heck of a tutorial. Leaves me wondering what you’ll cover next? π
Thanks a lot for appreciation Greg.