There are 2 types of blog posts. The first type are the ones that gain views which last for a couple of days before they are forgotten about. The second kind are the ones which still gain views and even comments, despite going off the main page of the blog. To make referring an easier job, I shall name the types A and B respectively.
Type A posts are plentiful. Many blogs, be it anime or non-anime related, will definitely have it. Most of the posts that fall under this category can be explained with 2 reasons. First, the posts are so boring/sucky/common that no one bothers reading them after they disappear from the RSS feeds. The other reason could be the lack for branding.
The latter is often the main reason, simply because posts that bore the hell out of readers won’t even be getting hits even when they pop out fresh with the click of the Publish button. Lacking the brand is one of the most common problem most blogs face, in this case, anime blogs. With a whole lot of anime blogs out there, it isn’t easy to make your very own anime blog stand out and be known for something unique. Only blogs with a certain amount of history together with many interesting reads will be branded.
Branded blogs often have more readership as compared to a normal blog if they both post on the same topic. For example, reporting of news. Even if the normal blog reports the news much earlier than the branded blog, the branded blog is bound to get comments at least 5 times more, and at least 10 times the number of visits. This is the world we all live in. People go for brands that assure quality.
So, if your blog is an unbranded one like mine, what can you do? Hide in a dark corner and get all emotional?
To start off, look at the other branded blogs. They were never branded when they started off. They started off like any plain old blog. Only through hard work, consistent posting and providing enjoyable reading experiences for the readers did it start evolving into a branded blog. Take DannyChoo for example, his blog dated all the way back to 2004. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that much of a branded blog. It’s been 4 years and his site has long evolved from a blog into a community, which is pretty cool. All this through his constant development of his site and information about Japan and the otaku culture. This is why I really look up to the man a lot.
Then, start setting goals for your blog. What do you want your blog to be known for? Figurine Reviews? Episodic reviews? Editorials? Reporting of news? Or just random yet awesome rants?
With this goal in mind, start working towards it. Constant posting is a good start, since more posts would probably mean more readers visiting your blog. Of course, I’m not suggesting that you should post so much that you sacrifice the quality of your posts. That would just be spamming, and readers will stay away from your blog for good.
Hey, I’ve been talking so much about anime blogs and brandings that I totally left out the Type B posts. Instead of me explaining, I shall use some self-explanatory examples.
- Moyism doesn’t really update his blog due to real life commitments, but his older posts still get visits. Everyone wants to drool at the pictures of his mind-blowing purchases, and at the same time, trying to figure out how he forks out cash to support his hobby. Also, his posts with his l33t room pictures make readers feel like they are visiting some virtual figurine museum.
- Take a look at RIUVA’s Most Commented Posts section on the side bar. I’m sure those posts get decent number of daily visits.
As you can see, Type B posts are evergreen posts that will have and continue to have constant readership as long as the Internet and the blog survives on.
Before I end off this post, I shall mention a few other branded blogs that come to mind.
- Bj0rn’s blog doesn’t seem to be frequently updated, but he still gets decent daily visits. His blog is probably branded as an anime blog that posts random anime stuff. I guess the reason it’s unique is because not many other blogs do that.
- Moeside by Windbell has a nice mix of real-life and otaku related posts, which makes the blog possess a personal feel. There’s also quite an amount of reader interaction, making it feel like a mini community. His blog’s probably branded by the nice cozy community there.
- Ramblings of Darkmirage is known for one thing. Darkmirage’s sharp and sweet sarcasm.
- Ex-fansubber ひとり言 has straightforward personal thoughts on anime, manga and other otaku stuff. The list goes on. That’s probably why readers enjoy reading Hinano’s blog. Or maybe it’s because she’s a female… Hmm…
- The FØØL’s Progress has an otaku grand uncle behind it. 0ne’s(formerly zer0) experience pwnz all.
- Heisei Democracy’s Shingo brings news to the English speaking anime community fresh from Japan’s otaku oven. Not everyone understands moonspeak, but everyone wants to be updated, so Heisei Democracy acts as the unofficial otaku English newspaper.
And the list goes on and on. There are simply too many uniquely branded blogs out there to name them all.
As for my blog, there’s not much of a goal that I’ve set. I’m basically blogging about what I feel like blogging about, be it otaku or non-otaku. Who cares if my blog’s name is Furu Anime Panikku? Remember, the abbreviation is FAP, and that could stand for Furu Anything Panikku. Ah ha!
Finally, I end this with a graph on FAP’s readership/website traffic/whatever you call it, in case there are any curious souls out there. After all, I don’t place any counters such as sitemeter here, so no one else knows the stuff behind the scenes, except for me, double and I.
Click for larger view
Look at the range of mountains my blog traffic forms. Cool, isn’t it? And in case you were wondering, the site usage statistics began in December when I first got my own domain and hosting.
It can’t be said that those branded blogs only post Type B posts. There are far more Type A posts than Type B posts, even on branded blogs such as Riuva or DannyChoo. However, that label is a huge factor in attracting new readers and keeping old ones.
Heh, it’s funny…I was contemplating what to do with my Type A blog today too. Do you think Type A blogs sometimes merge into Type B?
Hmm. The past entry on my blog which consistently picks up a few hits daily is the one which contains the words ‘anime’ and ’sex’. Which is slightly depressing.
I guess I’m just a lazy guy. Then again, there isn’t really anything much interesting to write these days and on top of that I was busy with real life commitments. That’s for having that point of view on my site though. Since I have commitments at SGAB, that kinds of make my site a bit known.
Anyway, now that I’m a free man, I should be writing more. Let’s start off with the upcoming Eva movie! =X
Very true. XD i guess we all gotta work hard for success.
I still get a crapload of comments/searches on my ancient posts on Mamotte Lollipop and Kamichama Karin. They just…won’t stop…
The downside is I constantly have to delete comments like “WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD THE SCANS!?!?!?!?” ^^;;
IcyStorm > You have a point. But it’s often these labeled blogs that usually publish Type B posts.
Caitlin > Like IcyStorm has stated, it’s impossible for a single blog to have all type B posts. Type A posts aren’t that bad, actually. If they actually serve their purpose, it’s all well.
bj0rn > I’m so going to post about the Eva movie and once again brag about my Eva ticket from Japan’s cinema!
Choo > Yea, don’t give up!
Hinano > This is the first time I heard someone complaining about his/her blog getting crapload of searches. LOL
Guess you have some rather good analysis there…
I agree with what you write there and I will try to work even hard….SEarching for a Brand …
Well just gotta find your own niche and create a new brand. Its also about perseverance, I’ve seen so much bloggers start for a few months and die off.
you have given me motivation to add more posts on my blog. oh and that rei cellphone case you saw in my blog cost me 5 US dollars.
Kesenaitsumi > Continue the search for your own brand!
alafista > Creating a brand is not really all that tough. Creating a unique brand is tough.
otaku dan > Glad I’ve inspired another fellow anime blogger. And 5 US dollars is freaking cheap @.@
^^; just write whatever you want, follow your heart and drill and nothing else matters. It doesnt matter who reads it, at least you made an effort to write it out.
I think blogs should attempt to insert humour a little better. If it’s done well, then it can make a blog enjoyable to read regardless of the mood you’re in. Personally, the blog I check for updates the most is Derailed by Darry (http://anime.miao.us/) simply because it’s always an entertaining read.
pp > True. Blogging’s a really good way for self expression.
Mark > It’s hard to insert humor properly without it being cheesy, what more good humor.
I agree, but those who are capable of good humour should try to include it as it definitely makes it more fun to read.
adding on, a few tips to get more readers to your site.
- Posting regularly means your post will turn up in google search more often whenever someone search for something.
- Make your post title short and sweet. Easier for google search.
- Post comments on other people’s blogs. This way, people will return the favour and post at your blog as well. this is how a community starts out. ^^;
- Don’t write too long. Come’on face it, unless u are a branded blog, people don’t have the patience to read through a long winded post. So to start off, keep it short and sweet and always include a picture, it catch people’s attention more than words.
hmmm… a pretty detailed analysis and very interesting indeed. As some said, i think humour is another factor that attracts viewers.
gordon > Thanks for the addons =)
seiryuu > Yes, but that’s something I usually fail to use properly in my writings >_>
Unique posts are definitely good but one aspect that is perhaps more important is the social interaction with other bloggers through social exchange of hyperlinks, commenting and the likes. You never know how much you can gain from that.
Some consider that shameless advertising, but if you want a decent audience, you always have to innovate. I always try to find more ways to improve the blog, make it easy for people to accesss and most of all, let people have fun ^^
Thanks for the advice Wise Ol’ Impz =D