How Many Posts Should You Write a Week?
Easy Answer: However many you want.
But in thinking about the nature of blogging lately I’m wondering if I should be blogging more often.
Why Should You Blog Every Day?
- It’s easy to see that many of the top bloggers post virtually every day. Of the bloggers I regularly read David Armano and Jason Falls are two of the exceptions. Seth says you should post every day. (Sure, you think he’s over-hyped and you’re tired of him and his books are too short, blah, blah… but he’s never steered me wrong.)
- I can take a quick glance at my stats and see that I get significantly more traffic on days that I put up a new post. In fact, I haven’t blogged much this month, and I’m having the worst month I’ve had in quite some time (since March) in terms of traffic. So by that logic I could really increase my traffic if I posted once a day.
- Something for everyone. Let’s face it, everything you write is not going to resonate with everyone who reads you’re blog, whether they’re loyal subscribers or not. By posting more frequently you’re ensuring that there’s more content on your blog for people to connect with and learn from.
- I suspect that if you were posting every day, especially if you’re not used to it, that you’re really stretching yourself to find new material and maintaining the discipline necessary to keep up such a torrid pace. (I understand that it comes relatively easy for most people that have been doing it – and also that the people that do it for a living have all day to read and think up posts whereas we have at best a couple of hours in the evening provided we don’t want to watch Dexter – It’s ALMOST as good as LOST.)
BUT, then I think about all the reasons why I don’t blog more often…
- Because I don’t think you should blog if you don’t have something important to say. And it’s hard to have something worthy of sharing some days. There’s already a large echo effect in our community. Just the past two weeks I think I’ve read eight posts about ‘context.’
- I don’t know about you, but I’ve unsubscribed from blogs that put out what I felt like was too much content. I’d way rather read 3 solid posts a week, than 10 with 2 being great, 2 being solid, and 6 being nothing short of mediocre. Reading garbage is time I’ll never get back. I try to have more respect for my readers than that. I had a good discussion with Matt Cheuvront and Monica O’Brien some time ago on this very subject. Monica’s opinion (I was inclined to agree) was that IF you could maintain the same quality of posts, then yes, posting every day would probably be beneficial for your blogging efforts.
- I already try to do two things every single day: 1.) Workout and 2.) Talk to pretty girls. I enjoy blogging, and it’s done wonders for my career and enabled me to make some awesome connections and ultimately friendships. However, there’s plenty of days when I’ve had a long day at work (I haven’t taken a vacation, personal or sick day in 10 months), and I’m TIRED and IRRITABLE. If blogging feels like a job and I’m not making as much as Darren Rowse is to do it, then I’ll pass. Because seriously, Dexter is awesome. So is running in the rain. And talking to my friends back in Texas.
So what do you think?
Would you want to see more content from me? Would you feel overwhelmed and chunk deuces? How many posts do you typically write a week? Why? Do you have a schedule? When you feel like it?
Holla atcha boy in the comments section.
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Popularity: 3% [?]
I always enjoy your posts, though I have to admit, I got hooked from reading your dating theory…it was so refreshing! I personally prefer a balance between frequency and length of the post. If someone posts everyday and each post is more than 800 words, I probably will press the “Mark all read” button when I haven’t had a chance to check after a few days. On the other hand, everyday with about 400 words of solid content would be great. And like you said, you get challenged to provide variety, and you’ll reach different readers that way. I myself go through bouts of 2-3 times per week, ranging from personal experience to marketing to general professional life entries. It’s a good rhythm for me, and because I sit and focus (instead of think, man I really need to post today), I find I enjoy the process of writing more. Which is why I started a blog in the first place.
Good post!
Emily Jasper´s last blog ..Who’s Your Customer: Regulars or Visitors?
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admin Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 7:24 am
@Emily – Thanks for the kinds words & I’m psyched you liked my guest post on Dating Theory on Jenny’s blog. It was fun to step out of the ‘marketing realm,’ and I was flattered by the response to that post.
I like your approach. I enjoy when writers write predominantly in their niches and comfort zones, but I also like a personal element that really humanizes their blog for me.
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I’m with you, I’ve both unsubscribed from blogs because they haven’t updated in 3 weeks, but also because they update 3 times each day. Either way, it’s not so much the frequency, but that the content itself didn’t make the frequency worth it to me. I just cleaned out my reader and really had to decide which blogs had the content that I wanted to take time to stay up to date with. Personally, I try to do it 3 times a week. So that’s not really an answer, but it’s somethin, right?
Jackie Adkins´s last blog ..Most Overused Business Analogies…EVER!
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admin Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Something is better than nothing I suspect…
And you’re right. If a blog posts 3x a day, but their content is worth reading that often I will. The thing is I have a lower threshold of patience for that amount of frequency. 1 out 3 isn’t doing the trick. If someone writes a shoddy post once a day that’s tolerable, but if I have to avoid 2 shoddy posts for one good one, I’m probably opting out.
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It definitely depends on the type of blog. News style blogs will by nature put out lots of content so I don’t mind having to scan through lots of items in their feeds to pick out what looks interesting.
But for industry professional type blogs, I definitely agree that the best approach is “say more, less often.” Many of us are following a lot of different blogs, so I totally appreciate when bloggers post less frequently with genuinely useful, thoughtful material. Posting just to stick with a publishing schedule is a disservice to the readers.
Adam Sherk´s last blog ..Google Social Search: Are You in Your Target Audiences’ Social Circles?
[Reply]
admin Reply:
October 30th, 2009 at 7:34 am
It definitely depends on the type of blog AND what the goals of that blog and it’s community are. I realize there’s not really a hard and fast answer, and I think most people (me included) probably agree with you. I guess I contend that IF you have something of value for me every single day, then by all means, but MOST bloggers aren’t capable of that.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insights Adam. I look forward to more from you!
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I typically write a new post on my blog 2-3 times a week, usually weekdays. It seems like a good number because it keeps content fresh, but not so fresh that readers don’t get a chance to stop by and comment.
But if you aren’t feeling inspired to write that much, I say only post when you feel up for it. Afterall, it’s your blog. It should be fun, not a chore.
David´s last blog ..The First And Last Time I Guest Blog For Anyone
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admin Reply:
October 29th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
You bring up a great point David, and one I intended to address in the post (and forgot). I love the community I have surrounding this blog, and I get a lot of value out of the comments people leave.
One thing I’ve noticed with blogs that post more frequently (with some exceptions obviously) are that they typically get less comments. With more post turnover they have less time to digest the content and participate in a full-fledged conversation.
I’d hate to sacrifice good discussions for more posts.
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Write when you have something to say, is a good rule.
If that happens twice a week, works fine
I suspect people who blog everyday spend a lot of time researching [or get their research done] – which is a significant investment of time.
So the question is of time and content
My personal experience is the blogs I enjoy reading the most [including yours] are those that post twice a week [500 words] or once a week [longer, almost essays]: with remarkable and diverse content that stays relevant over the long-term.
Cheers
Anita
Anita Lobo´s last blog ..playin’ with words
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October 30th, 2009 at 7:51 amThanks for the mention Ryan. I find myself all over the place. Sometimes I write 5 times a week, other times I go a month without writing. This has definitely hurt my blog’s growth – I’m a firm believer that consistency is essential. It’s just easier said than done.
Lately I’ve been trying to write shorter posts that are topical and to some extent, time-sensitive. I’ve been trying to use mind maps to keep track of my ideas and (hopefully) lead the reader somewhere over time instead of just writing what I think about.
Comments have dropped off, but I think that’s due to the conversation taking place everywhere (Twitter, FB, etc.) I’m not sure comments are a great indicator of a successful blog anymore. There are just so many people blogging that it’s hard to keep up, honestly.
I think I’m babbling now, so I’m going to submit!
Monica O’Brien´s last blog ..Free content sells. We get it. What’s next?
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November 2nd, 2009 at 7:51 pmGreat article, glad Elisa connected us!
I agree that 3-4 new posts per week is what I look for in a bloggin’ buddy. What I want is solid material that makes me think, makes me laugh, pushes me to be better, or even a combination of all those things.
Blogging is about reputation, and in many ways you can compare it to a struggling sports star. Who cares if you hit a home run 2 months ago, where’s the performance right now (Ryan Howard get it together)? Solid content needs to keep pouring out or eventually readers will be lost.
When I started my blog back in July I tried to post daily and found myself pushing ideas out before they matured. My own blog flavor was missing and I sounded like everyone else. I realized that my best stuff comes out when I write 3-4 times a week and that’s exactly what I push for now.
Great Article, looking forward to reading through a bit more!
PS – I think this season of Dexter may turn out to be my favorite yet. And sure I agree LOST is still a bit better, but if the writers don’t end it intelligently I’ll move my favorite killer into the #1 spot!
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November 4th, 2009 at 1:07 am