What Grips a Blog Reader?

We stumble around trying to figure out how to blog. How do people get great feedback, large numbers of readers, notoriety to the point of earning an income? What kind of writing does it take to snare readers . . . and keep them?

What makes you read a blog?

There. That's it. Make a list of the reasons you take precious minutes out of your busy day, slow down, and read someone's blog. I suspect you envision a good post to be:

1. Funny.
Humor is a universal magnet. If you've got it, use it.

2. Relevant.
The topic addressed a need in your life - right then, when you needed answers.

3. Sincere.
Most people have good barometers. They can tell honesty, sincerity and heart.

4. Inspirational.
Motvational works, too. The post uplifted you, improved the quality of your day.

5. Educational.
Lots of take-away value. Facts in your hand give you a ready to go feeling. A reader could understand easily and quickly use the knowledge.

But you think you do all of this and still don't have readers.

First, it takes time. Blogs take months to grow.
Second, self-praise is a poor recommendation. Readers determine if you hit the target, not you.

Instead of skimming ten blogs today, slow down and analyze why they are successful and what makes you want to read them. Just like hungry writers read good books to improve, ambitious bloggers study those who have gone before them. Learn what works . . . and do it better.