ProBlogger brings up a great idea in Day #24 of the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge – analyze “old” mainstream media – particuarly magazines – to get ideas for improving your blog. This is something that makes perfect sense, because in a lot of ways blogs about similar topics are just like a shelf of magazines – all competing against eachother for the same group of readers. So how do you make your publication stand out?
Look at the headlines. What are some current hot topics?
Are the magazines including lists of any kind? Many advertise the Top 10 or 20 Tips. Or a Top 50 list of celebrities.
Is there some type of incentive? Is the magazine offering a vacation getway or a chance to win something else? Douglas Karr does a Monthly Subscriber Contest.
How are photos used in the magazines?
Flip through the pages, not reading the articles, but rather paying attention which ads and headlines stick out. ProBlogger suggests using sticky notes on the magazine to remind you of the elements that you feel make the magazine successful. Give it a try!
Derek,
Thanks for the mention! I love ‘old’ media!
Doug
Of course buddy. “Old” media rocks!