Ms Google - your new virtual teacher.
"A useful blog post once a week is better than low-quality content published daily." – Ms. Google
Last week, Google released an helpful SEO Guide [PDF Book] that discusses factors which are often responsible for improving the rankings of your websites in Google and other search engines.
Now there’s a new document from the same Google Webmaster Central team that offers tips on how bloggers can improve their blogs.
It suggesting publishing full feeds, using tags and getting readers though comments on other blogs. If you have a blog, you probably know all of this already but for those in a hurry, here’s a quick summary:
1. Provide full-text RSS Feeds: Rich, full-content feeds make users happy because they can view your content with minimal effort. They may result in a short-term decline in visits to your actual blog, but the long-term gains of increased readership and mindshare are typically worth it.
2. How often should you blog: A frequently updated site encourages people to return - as long as your content remains relevant and engaging. A useful post once a week is better than low-quality content published daily.
3. Leave thoughtful comments on other blogs: Visit these blogs, comment on posts, and participate in the discussion. Thoughtful comments with useful information will make readers more likely to visit your site.
4. Use Categories & Tags in your blog: Labels and tags are a great way to organize your content, and encourage users to browse your blog.
5. What should your write about: A great idea is to search Google for subjects of interest in your field. If you can’t find a good answer, create a blog post about the subject - chances are that other people are searching for the same thing. (Related: Beating Bloggers Block)
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/internet/blogging/google-tips-on-better-blogging/5492/
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
Those seem to be routine tips but the mention of the same from Google should make them the most important steps to optimize a site.
Written by Rohit on 11.20.08
Nice and succinct summary, I was just about to write a blog entry on something similar, more along the lines of my experience to date of blogging.
Thanks.
Written by Ed Richardson on 11.20.08
Usually bloggers does not give full text RSS feeds fearing that no one will then visit their site… but its true that in long term full text feeds are the best approach if you want good loyal visitors
Written by Akash on 11.20.08
I can say that the PDF file which offers Google as search engine optimization starter guide is nothing but basic guide for SEOs and blogging advices are nothing but for quality content.
Written by Elzu Beth on 11.20.08
Amit thanks for the tips for bloggers once again, you are always in front to give tips to your readers.
Written by venkat on 11.20.08
Nothing new here. I had been reading the same in all great blogs. Google’s is a late entry
Written by Arun Basil Lal on 11.21.08
Though useful content once a week will gain long-term viewing, it can’t flood your site with visitors like a few more per week.
What if your content one a week then spreading somewhere else or sb has such useful tips, too? I do encourage blogger to blog more if possible.
Just my 2 cents.
Written by Gofree on 11.21.08
Interesting advice! Now I guess I dont have to feel bad about posting just 2 times a month!
Recently you seem to have developed a Google addiction?? I am a fan of theirs too but also a critic. I think we still have some way to go with search engine technology before we get satisfied.
Written by lvs on 11.23.08
I would add 2 more tips:
1. Use all the relevant and social networks and bookmarks out there
2. Write guest posts and have guest posts on your blog
For a good social site that compliments blogging, I would highly recommend Twitter. If you have a blog, then you have to have a Twitter to provide your readers an even better way to stay connected.
- link
Written by Jun Loayza on 11.26.08