How do you entice birds to land on a bird feeder and readers to land on your business blog?
Image credit: Pixabay
Before you think I’ve lost my marbles or I’m off my rocker, hang on a minute and come along on a tale of discovery.
Let me start from the beginning, will you?
Last week I was taking some time to think about the purpose of blogging and the goals I have for my business blog.
I was contemplating some fresh, unique ways to make my blog work for me and some blog post topics that would be appealing to my audience.
That morning, I was sitting outside on my patio enjoying a cup of coffee, my trusty [ideas] notebook in hand. I looked across the street and couldn’t help but notice my neighbor built a big, beautifully-intricate bird feeder perched high atop a sturdy wooden post.
It was undeniably impressive! Like no other bird feeder I had ever seen – truly a one-of-a-kind addition to the neighborhood.
As I studied the design details of the wrap-around balcony and the portals, it dawned on me that a business blog and a bird feeder share the same goal.
Hint: Looked like a party goin’ on up there! Wings galore! The place was packed with birds.
It made me think …
What’s the main goal for constructing a bird feeder?
And what’s one of the most important goals for blogging?
Visitors!
No sense putting up a bird feeder if no birds come by to enjoy it, right?
And no sense blogging for business if no one drops in to read and subscribe to your posts (and maybe even sign up for your fabulous freebie or newsletter).
Later that afternoon, I walked across the street to speak with the neighbor who built this masterpiece. I complimented him on his craftsmanship and asked, “What are you feeding those birds?! They’re coming by in droves!”
He proudly remarked, “It’s a mixture of sunflower seeds, cracked corn, raisins, and crunchy peanut butter that I roll into balls and place on the feeder – a homemade gourmet treat and they love it.”
No question about it, my neighbor knows how to attract and feed a hungry crowd of birds.
So how do you entice birds to land on a bird feeder and readers to land on your business blog?
Follow these guest-attracting guidelines:
- Create a pleasant, interesting, and helpful environment for visitors.
- Provide lots of irresistible treats and consistently replenish the supply.
- Build an aesthetically-pleasing design.
- Help visitors feel safe and welcome.
- Encourage sharing.
- Make the space easy to navigate.
- Add your personality and keep your writing tone casual and conversational.
- Offer something remarkable so visitors will take flight to spread the word and sing your praises. (I bet those birds are fluttering to spread the word!)
It may sound quirky, but every time I see a bird feeder, I’ll be reminded of one of the biggest goals of blogging – attracting an audience and enticing them to come back to my business blog for more.
It’s Your Turn
Can you think of an inanimate object that reminds you of blogging? Bird lover or not, what strategies are you currently implementing to get readers flocking to your business blog?
Melanie, that was both adorable and wonderfully helpful. What better way to envision your blog than as a happy home for your birds… er, readers? In our quest for bright ideas we sometimes overlook the obvious – a welcoming place, easy to be and use, fun, enjoyable. Yes, we need the great content but people also like the pretty ribbons and the way we package it. I enjoyed reading this very much and I look forward to more of your words of wisdom!
What a great analogy, Melanie. I’d never thought of a blog as a bird feeder before, but it totally works. Love your 8-step plan for attracting the interest of those who visit your blog.
What an awesome metaphor, Melanie! You really made it come alive, and now I want to go make some bird food AND write a great blog post. 🙂
Sharon, this was one of those “happenstance” moments when an idea struck from out of the blue. I love when that happens. 🙂
Thanks for the visit!
The “packaging” is SO critical, Carol Lynn. You and Ralph do a bang up job over at Web Search Social! I especially love the way your accompanying blog graphics have a consistent look and feel. 🙂
This piece was totally fun to write and I’m glad you enjoyed it. If I hadn’t grabbed my morning cuppa and headed out to the patio, I’m certain the analogy would never have come to mind. But from here on out, you can bet I’m going to be more cognizant of what’s going on in my neighborhood. LOL!
Truth is …
You can find ideas to blog about almost everywhere you turn.
Many thanks for joining the conversation!
Melanie, I love this post. The delicious nuggets your bird-feeding friend made to encourage his feathered visitors will become a benchmark for me every-time I post in the future. Is it enticing, delicious, full of nutrition, different, interesting and must have more of! Thank you.
Melanie, I love this post. The nuggets your bird-loving friend made for his feathered friends will always be a reminder to me now when I blog, Are they nourishing, interesting, different and purpose made to ensure that everyone wants some more. Thank you!
Seems my neighbor has a winning recipe for bird food, Alisa. But I bet you can come up with a concoction that’s just as enticing! Your blog posts are already mighty yummy. 🙂
I appreciate you — thanks for swinging by!
One thing I can always use “more of”, Sandy, is fellow bloggers and friends like YOU.
Look around you today. You might be surprised what you find that will turn into the next scrumptious treat for your blog readers! 😉
Hugs for the visit today!