• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • The Famous Blog
    • Blogging
    • Social Media
    • SEO
    • Marketing
    • Design

Famous Bloggers

How To Blog and Start a Business

  • Contribute
    • Submit News
  • Login

Home » The Famous Blog » Add Value To Your Readers Using These Five Proven Ways

Add Value To Your Readers Using These Five Proven Ways

February 11, 2011 - Last Modified: February 11, 2011 by Steven Papas

Add Value

Obviously, we’re all here trying to make money online, but it’s really easy to get caught up chasing the green and to lose sight of why you’re really blogging. A blog should provide value to its readers. In the long run, this value will return to you in the form of profits. But even more importantly, consistently providing value gives you a fan base of people who listen to what you have to say. This reputation for value is more important than the thousand dollars you made off your last information product. It’s the real key to success online.

So, I thought I would discuss 5 ways that you can provide value to your readers and keep them with you over the long term. Feel free to change them to suit your style.

1- Reply To Your Readers

The whole point of your site should be to start a conversation. It’s really not just a matter of you publishing your article or blog post and then that’s that. What you should be doing is getting people talking, and you should be communicating with them as well.

When someone asks a question in the comments, reply to them. Read the comments and, if something occurs to you to add, put it in the comments. Even if you just want to add something to the post, write it in the comments. Replying to your readers will get some interaction going. It will also build your online reputation as somebody who communicates with their readers, and this will really help you get new readers and keep the old ones.

2- Solve Your Readers’ Problems

Whatever problems your readers have, you should focus on solving them. This will depend a lot from one niche to another, but you should basically see that as the focus of your blog. People are looking for information online because they have problems, questions or pain; they want solutions, answers and something that will ease their pain. These things should be offered on your blog.

But don’t stop with just your blog. Your whole network of sites should all be geared toward this aim. This includes your Twitter site, podcasts, marketing articles, Facebook page – everything. Give them what they want by solving their problems, and you’ll be creating value that they can’t resist.

3- Go Crazy With Plugins

There is a whole universe of plugins out there, and each one you add cranks the value of your site even higher. An easy one that most people think of is the comments plugin, which makes your blog more interactive. You can also use the Flickr plugin to add pictures related to your niche to your site. There is a Twitter update that shoots your followers a message every time you update your blog.

I said go crazy with them, but don’t go too crazy. Every time you’re thinking about a certain plugin, first decide whether it will give your readers value or not. Just adding a bunch of junk because you can won’t get you anywhere. In fact, it may clutter things up too much. Keep your readers in mind and only add plugins that they can use.

4- Give Big

Of course, you’re running an online business because you want to make money. But you’d be surprised how much being simply generous for no reason will greatly boost your readership. Give something and expect nothing in return; the value of your site will skyrocket for your readers. If you’re generous, they’ll see that and it will really help to build trust with them.

From my experience with VeryBestSoftware.Net, where I give software reviews and discount coupons, I have seen that it’s a good idea to occasionally give something away. Give away a report to your valued readers or have  savings coupons for  well known products and give them something really valuable. You may lose money by giving something away free, but what happens in the mind of your readers when they get something free from you is priceless. They’ll see that you’re in the game to help and provide value, and not just to make as much money as possible.

5- Give Everyone Respect.

Don’t get caught up in the hating that routinely occurs everywhere online. Stay away from negativity and treat everyone with respect. Even when people ask stupid questions or act rudely on your site, don’t get annoyed with them. They’ve got a right to be there just like everyone else. When the webmaster responds to someone everyone hates, it creates a terrible reaction. You end up just looking like a big jerk who is lording their power over some defenseless idiot. It’s easy to be a hater online; instead be respectful.

I hope this helps to give you an idea of some ways you can create value with your blog too. Feel free to share your experience with us.


ShareTweet

Filed Under: Blogging

About Steven Papas

Follow @stevenpapas

Steven posts software reviews and coupons at his VeryBestSoftware Reviews & Coupons blog. Recently he wrote about an office monitoring software and the latest Symantec services for small businesses.

Reader Interactions

Related Posts

  • Blogging Limiting Beliefs about Money5 Blogging Limiting Beliefs about Money that You Need to Release
  • What’s Up Bloggers! Roundup #8 with Don Sturgill
  • What is Keeping Your Blog from Making Money?What is Keeping Your Blog from Making Money?
  • Start new blog post10 Techniques how to Start a Blog Post to Engage Readers to Stay on Page

{ 47 Responses }

  1. Mark says:
    I actually have something to add to point number 2: Solve Your Readers’ Problems. This is really easy to do in any niche by googling "your niche keyword" + "forum" and find out exactly what questions people in this niche are asking. Then, use those questions as blog post titles. Google loves this and will show you some organic love if you do so...:) Mark
    • Steven says:
      that's great Mark. I agree that we should use titles which are usually searched by users in Google, so it's more likely that they find our blog in search results. Thanks for sharing this.
  2. Sourish says:
    The best way to connect with your readers is interact with them and have a system within the blog where your reader and communicate with the author of the blog .
    • StevenPapas says:
      oh yes sourish, definitely. I don't know why some bloggers deactivate comments after 60 days so no one elsy can comment. That's not the best practice to do as a blogger.
  3. Mavis Nong says:
    Hi Steven, Great tips. #1 & 2 really stand out for me. It's all about providing solutions to your readers' problems and interacting with them. I can never understand bloggers who don't respond to their readers' comments. If you're not going to, you might as well close the comments. Thanks for sharing, Steven. All the best, Mavis
    • StevenPapas says:
      totally true Mavis!! Blogging incorporates interacting with others, sharing ideas, facts, information and opinions. thanks for your comment :)
  4. takiskoumas says:
    Thank you for your usefull post!!! We should focus on solving problems our readers have.
  5. Dimitry says:
    Hi Steven, Frankly speaking, we don't start our blog yet (luck of time). And your post give us a good piece of advice. About the social media plugins... It's depend of your goals, the target market. If my customers 50-60 years old.... ? What do you think? How many people have Facebook, Tweeter or other social media account at this age? Cheers,
    • Steven Papas says:
      Hi Dimitri, good point man. I agree. Good luck with your venture.
  6. Nea says:
    I love this list, but I'd think twice about adding too many plugins. A slew of plugins can slow down your site and readers won't feel too happy about the lag in performance. Other than that, you give great tips here.
    • Steven Papas says:
      That's true Nea, we must not go crazy with plugins. We don't even use some of those and they just slow down our PC. Let's be wise.
      • Sourish says:
        i suggest using minimum plug-ins and keep the server load at the least at all times . use plugins which helps the reader share and comment on the blog . fancy plugins are really not worth it as the reader is here to find good information and not fancy styling by the author . plugins must be used to make the site quick like w3 cache and wp minify
  7. Wasim Ismail says:
    Love the point about giving respect, its so true, treat your readers how you would like to be treated. You don’t want to give out the wrong impression to your new visitors, hence dealing with everyone appropriately and professionally is very important.
  8. Morgan says:
    I love that you said go crazy with Plugins because I LOVE plugins. Yes, they can slow down your site a bit, but as long as you don't go too crazy with them, like you said, and only use ones that enhance your site for your readers benefit, then plugins are awesome. These seem like common sense tactics, but they really aren't. So many people forget about the social engaging part of social media and being online in general. These tips will drastically increase the blog, twitter, facebook, etc. Thanks for this!
  9. Suraj says:
    Hi Steven, I think respect is one of those overlooked items for many bloggers. Thanks for those nice tips to help our readers. If you want to succeed in blogging get used to giving. Give of your time, give of your talents and most importantly give with no strings attached. Regards, Suraj
  10. Timo Kiander says:
    Hi Steven! Great article and valid points! I can see the learning as one of the biggest benefits when replying to comments. As Murray just mentioned, many times the commenter may have more information on the topic than you. That's why you should listen to the feedback very carefully and try to expand your knowledge on the topic. Maybe you could create a podcast/interview with that reader if he/she is providing some extra-valuable information that your readers could benefit from. When it comes to point #5, I just happened to write about this. It's useless to spend your time and energy arguing with someone, even if the comment was nasty. You should rather focus your energy on the more important parts like valuable content creation and serving your readers even better.
    • Steven Papas says:
      I like your approach Tim; we should be open-minded and hear what the specialists have to say. Also, focusing on productive activity rather on vain arguing is my doctrine too. Thanks for your contribution.
  11. Vijayraj Reddy says:
    Give away are great ways to add value to readers...
  12. Juliemarg says:
    I love your ideas except for the comments about the haters. I think of my blog like my home. If you're not nice to me, I'm not inviting you to come in. It's fine to have a difference of opinion, even a heated argument, but if you're rude, you're not welcome.
    • Steven Papas says:
      hello Julie, nice to see you here. Ofcourse I would accept a different opinion, even a controversial one, but not a rude and insulting comment.
  13. Ann Carron says:
    Hi Steven, Great post on how to add value to your reader in five simple steps. Serving others and helping them with honest answers to their problems is worth millions to them. A lot of people are in pain these days with the economy the way it is and lost jobs. Internet marketing is where they could have a new beginning with the support of caring people who pay it forward. This post offers value and offer free resources to get them started on their way to fulfilling their life dreams and goals. Thank You for Serving Others, Ann
  14. Robert Dempsey says:
    Great tips Steven and I couldn't agree more. One of the things I've been working on myself is to also write as if I'm sitting across from the person I am writing, or in this instance talking, with. When doing that the language used is very different, and I tend to worry less if all of my grammer is correct. Just have fun with it and keep it au natural, so to speak.
    • Steven Papas says:
      yes Robert, let's be clear and simple, yet deliver high quality information. Keep it up.
  15. Alex says:
    Hello Steven, I guess almost anyone who leaves a comment expect an answer, because no one wants to talk by themselves and by answering to comments you get to interact with your readers thus making the bond more personal, which in turn will favor you because he might return back or even subscribe to your feed. Of course, freebies always help, but some may consider this a bribe and will sometimes wont accept it. But proving great information like, announcing about a new great discount for some fancy new software, giving coupons codes that can't be find on the internet, it's a great way to build loyal readers.
    • Steven Papas says:
      ofcourse Alex, comments is a great way to interact with your readers. It's a nice feeling, knowing that other people share the same opinion with you.
  16. Lakshmi Muralikrishnan says:
    Hi Steven A well-written article. Thanks!! Being bloggers, we have evolved a literate, tech-savvy, interactive community and as you have rightly pointed out it is essential to empathize with our readers to make this a healthy one. Have a Great Weekend Best Regards Lakshmi Muralikrishnan
  17. Peter Garety says:
    Hi Steven, Great post. Over time, I have come to a conclusion that simplicity is the way how people relate the most. Look at Google's home page - it is so simple, yet it is incredibly powerful. YouTube videos - the guy who is natural and is recording video from his home will get more views that somebody who created video in a hi-tech studio. I am not saying here that we do not need some cool stuff from the latest technology side, but we just need to be careful of implementing every piece of the latest gadget out there. Always user experience in mind. Kind regards, Peter
  18. Aaron Crowder says:
    I've found that the first one (Responding to your readers) is HUGE. If we take the initiative to reply to every readers comment then people are going to take notice and comment more.
  19. Lennart Heleander says:
    Hi Steven, I would just add one general point; Take care of your readers; do not send them a lots of mail with offers. Be strong with the inclusion of comments in the articles and not a lot of unnecessary comments like - I really like your style, great article or tips, Exactly post, ect. They leave your blog.
    • Steven Papas says:
      thanks a lot Lennart, sometimes too much of something isn't good.
  20. The Bad Blogger says:
    Well.. whenever I want to buy some software, I always went to Google to search for coupon codes... but sometime some of the sites coupon codes don't work, I don't know why but some did work, but anyway your five ways of giving and adding value are great, but as for the last one, although respect is something that almost everyone must know, usually when someone wrote something on the comment that disrespect, I always ignored... and never reply... I mean it's meaningless to go on...
  21. Kimi says:
    Hi Steven, Exactly the tips i really need. I feel and guess i have been treating my readers without respect so far :( I feel that they really shameless people, to ask many question to resolve their problems.. I don't mind people ask once or twice but not all the time.. Can't say no either, sigh..
    • Steven Papas says:
      hi Kimi I am really happy I helped you a little bit. Keep up with your good work
  22. TJ McDowell says:
    I think some bloggers treat blog like a glorified collection of ezine articles. No real consideration for what people want, and certainly no sense of community by replying to blog comments. BLOGS ARE NOT EZINES. In my opinion, if you want to hold the title of blogger, you've got to go far above content pusher to interactive expert to succeed. Great points!
    • Steven Papas says:
      that's a great point TJ. Thanks for your contribution. Quality blogging requires some nerve.
  23. Val says:
    Great article, Steven! A few days ago, I had to deal with a serious flux of rather harsh critique on one of my guest posts. And I can testify that keeping it cool and showing respect is the best way to deal with that. I ended up making peace with most opponents, and now I'm working on a new article with one of them. Can't imagine what would be the outcome if I acted frustrated!
    • Steven Papas says:
      You know Val, I 've experience that too, myself. I found out that humbleness is always a good advisor!
  24. Ryan Biddulph says:
    Hi Steven, Excellent advice here. The common theme throughout your post is giving. If you want to succeed in blogging get used to giving. Give of your time, give of your talents and most importantly give with no strings attached. Everybody loves a giver so your cupboard will never be bare. Business, valuable contacts and friends will find their way to you when you become a giver. Excellent point you make with number 2. Too many people trumpet their opportunities. Nobody cares about what you have to offer until you care about them, and this caring comes in the form of showing people How To solve their problems. Give of your expertise. Run a blog, write articles, free reports, eBooks. Eventually, people become convinced that you are a solutions provider and will come to you to learn more about your opportunity. If I were to keep one tip in mind above all others it's #4. Give big. All the time. Never ask, just give and keep giving and eventually all of your giving will be paid in full. Eventually an avalanche of abundances flows your way when you learn how to allow it into your life. Sow, reap. Thanks for being a generous giver Steven. Enjoy your weekend :) RB
    • Steven Papas says:
      Thanks Ryan for your comments. You really added to this post. Blogging could be another word for giving:)
  25. Darren Scott Monroe says:
    * 2 HELLO! Glad to see someone "gets" that Papas! If I had a dollar for every internet marketer want to be starting asite with no idea what their audience wanted I would be a billionaire. You are one of the few people who besides myself have written about this in a clear short form. Solve a problem make a sale. Good job sir!
    • Steven Papas says:
      haha, I think there are 3 Papas lurking around in bloggosphere. Yes Darren, one has to really work hard with dedication in order to master one's specialty and reap his rewards. I 'm still miles away; I 'm getting closer though, I hope.
  26. Murray says:
    I think respect is one of those overlooked items for many bloggers. Just because you run a blog doesn't automatically make you the expert because you published a post about it - you'll be surprised how many people know more than you (hint: a lot). When they come to your blog and leave a comment or interact - while expanding on your topic - you can't trounce them for being more intelligent than you; you should be learning from it. Likewise, you shouldn't belittle people that may not completely understand what you're talking about.
    • Steven Papas says:
      yes Murray, we better stay humble and focus on being good on what we do, rather than boasting that we are the best. thanks for stopping by
      • Murray says:
        Another thing I'd add is making that one on one connection. Your only point of contact doesn't have to be your blog; there are dozens of great platforms to connect with each other which can be way more impactful than just talking people in your post and comments. That one person that you talk to for an hour or so on AIM, Skype, whatever can turn into a really great relationship and plants this big "thank you" in their minds.
  27. Steven Papas says:
    You 're 100% right Tim! Let's be honest and strict here. Would we read what we write, if we were visitors to our blog? Would we buy a product if someone else was marketing that product the way we do? If we want to maximize the effect of our actions, first we are the ones who first have to judge them.
  28. Tim says:
    Hello Steven, Thanks for those nice tips to help our readers. Sometimes we think we're talking to 'nothing' when we write but when we begin to realize that its people that are gonna read the post and that it's people we market to, our style of approach will begin to change. For me, I believe in value so I've got to give it as much as I can. It'll be what I'll be judged by eventually. Thanks for those tips again. Enjoy your day. Tim.

Primary Sidebar

Our Newsletter

Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our blog.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Popular Articles

  1. How to Set Half Rating Scale 1-5 (Poor to Excellent) by Words 116,076 views
  2. Top 10 Sites Where You Can Get Paid to Write 115,888 views
  3. How to Get Targeted Twitter Followers Fast 92,104 views
  4. 66 Awesome Social Media Quotes 78,422 views
  5. 50 Traffic Sources You Should Milk Like Crazy 75,143 views
Schema Structured Data for wordPress
  • Blog
  • Contribute
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclosure Policy

Copyright ©2020 · FamousBloggers - All Rights Are Reserved · Powered by Genesis Framework

  • Login
Forgot Password?
Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.
Go to mobile version