When I started blogging one of the first bloggers I found and followed for direction was Adam Singer of The Future Buzz. He’s full of great advice, insight, and tips for bloggers and marketers.
Recently I’ve been working on strategies for the blogs I work on and one of the points that finds its way to the top of these sessions is discussion – comments, tweets, likes, etc.
The question is always, “How do we get more interaction with readers, consumers, and passersby?”
Blogging Agreement and Argument
One of the ways (and I think there are multiple) to increase conversation about your blog posts is to disagree with others. Adam Singer included this on his post 45 Blog Post Ideas That Always Generate Buzz:
9. Write something counter to what the rest of the world thinks.
The difficult part of this strategy is that it’s hard for companies to accept the fact that they have to make some people angry by not agreeing with them (not by hurting or misleading them – disagreeing with them).
I think the trick is to find the right people to agree with and to disagree with. Be prepared to make valid points and be prepared for some backlash.
Taking the agreement/argument strategy on is a tough task. It requires a delicate balance so your company maintains integrity and vision.
Here are a few key points to think about when starting this strategy:
- Choose polarizing topics
- Pick a side and stand strong (choose carefully)
- Don’t get dragged in too far
Polarizing Topics
Every industry will have topics that are polarizing. People like to draw lines in the sand on certain issues. Your job as a blogger will be to find the topics in your industry and write a blog post that catches the attention of both sides of the argument.
And be sure to always have conversion in the back of your mind. Make sure the topic and the side you choose (see below) can lead customers to eventually purchase.
Picking Sides
Taking the argument approach to blogging is difficult. It takes guts and it takes a sharp mind. Once you have a topic picked there comes the decision of picking sides. Realize your goal is to make 50% of readers cheer you on in support while the other 50% bash you into the dirt. Pick the side that best aligns with your brand and image. This is a crucial step that needs to be taken every time before writing.
Leaving Arguments
When arguments start there needs to be a time when you know to leave certain aspects alone and simply walk away. Writing argumentative blog posts will bring in a few readers that are only there for the sake of arguing. Know when to walk away. Realize it’s not worth the effort to argue with every single person. Submit your points. Let readers take sides. Participate in the open and honest discussion, but know when to walk away.
Discussion
Have you ever had a blog post that caused discussion over two points of an argument?
How does that post rate as far as comments?
Example
In general my posts on Country Music Life don’t get too many comments, hence the topic for this post. There are on occasion a few that get some comments though. Here is one of those:
Sarah Evans is A Little Bit Stronger
Sara Evans became somewhat of a controversial figure in country music a few years ago when her divorce proceedings played out in the public eye. Some fans felt the way Sara handled the situation was inappropriate especially regarding her kids.
I didn’t really take a side in the post I wrote. I simply talked about her new music, which I enjoy. I guess that’s kind of picking the Sara’s side on the issue. Some in the comments felt a boycott of her music was necessary. Others came to Sara’s defense.
This is the kind of thing that leads to comments. My own little version of course.
You can do much better.
Wise Men Discussion image courtesy of pedrosimones7