Useful Blog Post = Answer A Forum Question
Posted on July 24, 2007 by
Adie 
Blogging 
20 Comments
How many times have you written a blog post and wondered if any of your readers found the post useful? Many times when I’m blogging I’m not sure if I’m writing something useful. Here is a little tip that can help.
Answer A Forum Question
Find a forum in your niche. You can do this by searching for cell phone +forum. Just substitute cell phone with your niche. Once you find the forum, read the threads and find a question you can answer. If you can’t answer a certain question, you can do research to answer it. Then, post the question and your answer on your blog. That’s it. Nice and simple.
This method works because many people in your niche are probably asking the same question. However, they don’t speak up because they’re too lazy, too shy, or they don’t want to show their lack of knowledge.
Remember in elementary school. You didn’t understand something the teacher said. However, you didn’t raise your hand to ask a question, because you didn’t want your classmates to think you were dumb. Or maybe you were too shy. The same principle is at work with this method.
Get To Know Your Target Audience
Some of my favorite blog posts are when bloggers take questions from their readers and answer them. These blog posts are usually very valuable for me because the readers are oftentimes asking the same question I’m thinking of. Also, no matter how well you think you know your readership, it’s always a good idea to ask for feedback.
Another advantage of this is you keep up with the state of your industry. Having a good understanding of your industry is an underrated but very important principle. By reading the forum posts of your target audience, you’ll have a better grasp of their problems. Use this information to provide relevant solutions and your blog will become a useful resource.
I used this method in this blog post: Focus On Backlinks Or Content?
Free Link Offer
If you try this method, you’ll have a chance at a free link. Simply leave a comment with a link to the forum post and your blog post. If your blog post is good quality, I’ll point a free one-way link to you. :)
I’ll give one link per blogger. It doesn’t matter what niche you’re in as long as it’s not porn, illegal stuff, etc. And I can end this offer at anytime.
Popularity: 7% [?]
If you like this Article then please subscribe to my full RSS feed.You can also subscribe by Email.Related Posts
So often I find inspiration for new blog articles by frequenting forums in my niche and looking for questions that members are asking.
Much of the time I also take inspiration from comments that are left on my blog.
There are plenty of sources out there; you just need to know where to look and this article provides that information!
- Martin Reed
It is so simple. Why didn’t I think of that? Thanks for the wake up call. Great post.
Also, I was worried after you took over for Matt but your info has been just a solid. Keep up the good work.
- Corey Koehler
Thanks for the positive feedback.
Adie actually bought the blog from Matt. Then, Adie hired me in the beginning of this month to blog for him.
Just out of interest, Dee - how did Adie find you? You are doing a great job.
- Martin Reed
Thanks!
Adie posted on Performancing’s blogging jobs section. I applied and got the job.
Like Mr. Koehler said above, “why didn’t I think of that?” Great idea. My favorite blog posts are always the ones that make me feel like I should have already come up with the idea.
I’ll try your method and let you know when it is done.
Cool. Just drop a comment on this post once you’ve tried the method. If your blog post is quality, I’ll link to you :)
Ooops, I just noticed the offer of a free link if we reference our forum inspiration!
Unfortunately I don’t have the time to go through all of my articles and reference them with the inspiration I have found from another forum, although here is one example I stumbled upon just by chance.
Here is the original forum post asking for advice about forum spam:
http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/showthread.php?t=468398
Here is the resulting article I wrote about the issue:
http://www.communityspark.com/are-you-a-spam-fighter/
- Martin Reed
Great example, Martin.
I’ll send you a link today or tomorrow :)
Yep good idea. I often get my ideas to write a post or tutorial because people on forums asking about it.
Not only do I like the concept of this post but even more, the way you’ve spelled it out here. I’ll do this shortly and shoot for something linkworthy…either way a great boost to my blog (just putting this idea into practice) and a great post from you!
You’ve got the idea. I just want to reward quality blog posts. Quality stuff should get rewarded.
[...] If you missed it before, I’m giving away free one way links to bloggers. All you have to do is apply the advice I gave in this blog post, Useful Blog Post = Answer A Forum Question. [...]
The information is the interesting. Thanks for sharing. I have recently created my blog and is still trying to learn from you and other experts.
[...] recap, I’ve been giving away backlinks. All you have to do is follow my advice in this blog post, Useful Blog Post = Answer A Forum Question. Once you’ve posted your blog entry, leave a comment with your blog entry URL. I’ll [...]
Great suggestion! And thanks for the easy search string to find forums related to my niche (teen literacy).
I just used your tip write the following post:
Poetry for 8th Graders
Here’s the forum where the question was asked:
8th Grade Poetry
Nice niche.
I’m sending you a link this Friday. Thanks for participating.
[...] been giving away free one way links. All you have to do is answer a relevant forum question on your [...]
[...] If you missed it before, I’m giving away free one way links to bloggers. All you have to do is apply the advice I gave in this blog post, Useful Blog Post = Answer A Forum Question. [...]