Modern changes to blogging and ongoing. And the medium is by no means dead. In fact, even in the world of quick and easy video content, blogging continues to grow. Yet like most platforms, you need to keep your blog in line with the expectations of a modern web user.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Certain high-profile cases have highlighted the fact that everything is insecure on the web. One of the biggest concerns of users is how their data is tracked and used. And many advertisers do this. Using a VPN is an obvious choice. But thus can block your ads, which you may rely on as part of your blog monetization strategy. However, you can use a cookieless advertising solution like the one offered by Intent IQ. This is shown to increase revenue by as much as 30%.
Modern Changes to Blogging Includes Local SEO
Over 90% of web users Google something, like your business, before using it. So if you have a local business, local SEO can be a massive help. However, as a blogger, this is unlikely. But that doesn’t mean you cannot still use it. For example, you can include strategic links to local businesses in your blog posts based on their Google and local SEO data. For instance, you can include a relevant link to the best steakhouse in your town when reviewing a Tefal Air Fryer.
Multiple Methods of Promotion
With the sheer amount of competition you have these days, building a successful blog has never been harder. And keeping your audience coming back for more is even more challenging. This is why you need to promote your content. But how do you do this well? Well, email marketing is still a valuable way to do this, and it is very cost-effective. But other methods include social media cross-posting, paid media advertising, and the more common outreach.
CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels
The Use of Valuable Visual Content
It is no longer acceptable to simply write a body of copy, no matter how good it is. Modern users want visual content because that is what they are used to now. The top blogs use the following:
- Featured images that complement the content of the blog post.
- Screenshots that help break up the copy and add value to the post.
- WordPress plugins that allow users to easily share quotes or selected copy.
- Animated images, such as GIFs, convey information in a simple manner.
- Embedded media such as infographics and even YouTube videos.
Any of these add much more value to your posts and make a better experience through interactivity. Additionally, they offer easy ways to reduce bounce rates and inform your readers.
Deeper Informative Posts
Today, it is widely believed that most web users want quickly accessible information. But it doesn’t really apply to blog posts if your content is deeply informative. A few years ago, around 60% of blog posts were 500 to 1,000 words long. Today, the average blog post is between 1,500 and 2,000 words. There are reasons for this, including appealing to search engines. But also to provide better information, such as answering questions and combining multiple topics into one.
Modern Changes to Blogging Apply Social Media
Blogging is still popular, and you should continue. But, of course, social media plays a huge role in the lives of most web users today. One of the best uses of social media is simply conversation. You see, blogs are often targeted by spammers, and your blog can become full of it, despite your best efforts. And social means you have more control over comments. So perhaps switch off comments in your blog, and use another channel for engaging with users.
Keeping Your Ear to the Ground
Like anything, blogging will always be evolving. And you must evolve with it to keep it relevant online. This can be intimidating since many of the biggest blogs are becoming more corporate and professional. But there is always a place for any type of blog, which is what makes it worthwhile. So, keep your ear to the ground and stay educated. For instance, learn SEO, keep up with algorithm changes, and educate yourself about what modern blog readers want to see.
Summary
You don’t have to shy away from modern changes to blogging. In fact, this can destroy your blog. You will become irrelevant, lose traffic and drop in SERPs. So, try to address user privacy, use rich media and visual content, and make sure your blog evolves with the modern industry.