Blogs aren’t just a means of communication anymore. They are expected to provide value while still being entertaining. Value refers to information – not just information they can find out through Google and Wikipedia but information that you have come to know from your experience in your field. This information can make your blog more valuable than something your users read once or twice a week. As a blogger, here’s how you can step it up:
- Ebooks
Small eBooks that offer good insights can help users understand the industry better. It also builds your credibility in terms of being an industry expert. Ebooks are also great for explaining and showcasing your talents while still providing information. Your eBooks can include links back to your site, which will ultimately improve SEO and traffic. Ebooks have a great selling value and if yours is successful, you can spread it on to popular online shopping sites.
- Newsletters
Newsletters can be monthly or weekly circulated. They can be a collection of blogs or contain other content. For example, companies send online newsletters that are a general roundup of the latest happenings in the niche. Newsletters allow readers to quickly catch up on necessary information. You can even send newsletters with updates about yourself/ your company.
- Online courses
Online courses are starting gain popularity rapidly. What was once seen as an alternative to formal schooling has evolved into classes covering every niche possible. If you have enough of a reputation online, you can offer courses to teach readers about your niche. For example, if you’re a social media expert, you can create a course where you teach others about social media marketing over a specific periods of time. Online courses can be spread over multiple topics and usually last 1-3 months. You can offer classes once a week or more depending on your schedule.
- Webinars
Webinars work in the same way as online courses but different topics are covered each week. Users tend to view webinars as trustworthy sources as they can see you live. T o make your webinars even better, you can have a Q&A section that answers questions that users have asked on social media. Webinar invitations can be sent out through email, social media and various other sources. Setting up a live comments section will allow viewers to ask questions live. You can also invite guest speakers and hosts to make it more exciting.
- White papers
White papers cover a certain topic in detail. Initially these were us by companies to promote themselves and their products but more and more social media moguls are offering whitepapers on their blog. Not only do you have to start with the basics but you have to go into specifics about a point you’re making, the problems you encounter and the solutions to these problems. As such, you have to explore topic beyond the general scope and dig in. White papers can also showcase features, products or services.
Adding one or all of these to your blog, is beneficial for yourself and your readers. Bloggers that are currently offering these services do so in return for for sign-ups, social media activities or money to provide access. Some even give these as a free add-on for purchasing certain products. Extra services are a great way to monetize your blog. If the information provided is good enough, users will be more than willing to make a contribution.