e-Business-Formula Internet Marketing Discussion Forum

[Paul_Short]

Hi Kevin,

Like you, I'm always looking for the secrets to the success of different business models, the psychology behind the mass appeal and the real mechanics of how and why trends develop in the way thet they do. I know that sentence won't make sense to a lot of people, but it's how my mind works.

Now here's my take on the success of business blogs. By business blogs, I don't mean blogs about business, but blogs that are themselves set up as a business.

1. http://www.gawker.com - Nick Denton of Gawker Media publishes a series of 8 blogs catering to the hip crowd. The subject matter is clearly defined for each and they are all published as up to the minute news and info sources. Here's the list:

http://www.gawker.com - Entertainment News
http://www.gizmodo.com - Cool Gadgets
http://www.jalopnik.com - Cars
http://www.screenhead.com - Movies
http://www.defamer.com - Hollywood Gossip
http://www.wonkette.com - Politics
http://www.fleshbot.com - Soft Porn
http://www.kotaku.com - Gaming

Notice how they all have mass appeal.

2. http://www.drudgereport.com Matt Drudge started blogging world news a few years back and basically, all his site is, is a collection of the top news headlines of the day, or the hour. Again - mass appeal, with a healthy dose of urgency and collecting news headlines in one spot so readers don't have to surf 50 different sites to get their headlines.

3. http://www.slashdot.org Rob Malda and Jeff Bates publish "News for Nerds - Stuff that matters".

4. http://www.instapundit.com Glenn Reynolds publishes his opinions on popular opinion. What's hot is what he blogs about.

5. http://www.boingboing.com A directory of wonderful things. These people point out anything and everything that's hot, new, exciting, or at least tell people that it should be.

6. http://www.adultreviews.net The name says it all.

7. http://www.fark.com A rating system for strange and interesting "reader submitted" news and links, with a humorous slant.

8. http://www.lockergnome.com A series of hip tecchie blogs written by numerous contributors.

If anyone wants to get their own successful blog going, I would suggest studying all of the above, find what they have in common, and apply those to your own model.

Remember - mass appeal, unique voice that speaks to the reader in a way they can relate, multiple posts per day, newsy and opinionated, and provide a lot of value to the reader.

But like any business it takes work and careful planning, but flexibility as well. Know what your readers want and give it to them in such a way that they will come back for more.

Paul Short

[Kevin Robb]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your detailed post...everyone should take note of this as it has been delivered by the "Blog Guru" himself, Paul Short
[b]Paul said:[/b][quote]Now here's my take on the success of business blogs. By business blogs, I don't mean blogs about business, but blogs that are themselves set up as a business. [/quote]
Everyone should read this comment more than once...there is a strong message here if you choose to run with it.

[b]Paul said: [/b][quote]Remember - mass appeal, unique voice that speaks to the reader in a way they can relate, multiple posts per day, newsy and opinionated, and provide a lot of value to the reader. [/quote]
A valid point, you need to post regularly and ensure you are offering value to entice the reader to return

[b]Paul said: [/b][quote]But like any business it takes work and careful planning, but flexibility as well. Know what your readers want and give it to them in such a way that they will come back for more. [/quote]

Strong research always helps but the ability to change and adapt to market trends needs to be considered at all times.

You have offered much to consider Paul, clearly Blogs give us the opportunity to reach the market, in whatever field it may be, by providing timely and current information that they all seek.

I would be interested in comments from others...what do you think?

Cheers

Kevin Robb