Blogs have become an extremely popular way for people to publish content online. From personal blogs to business blogs and everything in between, blogs cover a massive range of topics and interests. But when it comes to creating compelling blog content that builds an audience, not all types of posts are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular and effective types of content published on blogs.
Informational Content
One of the most common and widely read types of blog content is informational posts. These articles aim to teach readers something new or provide value through knowledge sharing. Informational content comes in many forms, including:
- How-to guides and tutorials
- List posts like “10 Tips for…”
- Explainers on industry topics
- Product/service reviews and comparisons
- Research reports and original data
- Expert interviews
- Case studies
- Step-by-step processes
Essentially any post that answers common reader questions or shares insider knowledge has potential as popular informational content. For example, digital marketer Brad Hoss regularly publishes data-driven posts examining trends across social media platforms. This research-based content performs extremely well as his readers learn actionable insights they can apply in their own marketing initiatives.
Opinion Content
Bloggers sharing their thoughts on relevant topics of interest also tend to attract engaged readers. These opinion pieces include:
- Industry commentary
- Product/service critiques
- Responses to current events/news
- “Hot takes” on debates and controversies
- Reactions to changes impacting readers
- Cultural analysis
- Personal essays and stories
By stating strong opinions, bloggers establish themselves as experts on certain subjects. And even if readers disagree with the blogger’s position, opinion posts still capture attention and spur discussion. Some controversy fuels blogs more than sterile, strictly-factual information. However, striking the right tone is crucial – overly aggressive or biassed opinions full of sweeping generalisations tend not to convert well.
Entertainment Content
People have flocked to blogs primarily for entertainment and enjoyment purposes even before blogging fully took off. Fun, engaging blog content forms connections with readers seeking a brief distraction or laugh. Types of entertainment posts with proven appeal include:
- Humorous observations
- Jokes/funny stories
- Awestruck reactions of wonder to the world
- Amusing visuals like memes and GIFs
- “Just for fun” listicles and quizzes
- Intriguing puzzles or games
Veteran blogger Dooce built her entire platform on sharing hilarious stories from her everyday life as a mother coupled with her signature wit. This authentic personality and comedic style struck a chord with massive audiences. While not every blogger can replicate her exact approach, injecting some entertainment into your content can help attract and retain blog visitors.
Personal Content
One major advantage blogs have over other publications is conveying authenticity through personal stories and sharing details from real-life experiences. Humanising yourself as the blogger through vulnerable posts generates feelings of intimacy that foster loyalty in supporters. Popular forms of personal blog content cover topics such as:
- Challenges, obstacles, failures – and overcoming them
- Moments of struggle and perseverance
- Self-improvement and lessons learned
- Reflections on past decisions
- Lifetime milestones like graduations, weddings, childbirth
- Health/wellness journey
- Travel adventures
- Food/restaurant reviews
Basically any post with anecdotes and insight straight from the blogger’s own life can emotionally connect with readers following along your journey. Of course, revealing sensitive subjects requires careful consideration regarding how much to disclose publicly online. Overall though, blending some personal perspective into professional blogs tugs at heartstrings and brings joy or inspiration.
Conversion-Focused Promotional Content
Let’s not overlook blog content specifically crafted to promote affiliate offers, products, or the blogger’s owned services/courses. Used properly as part of an overall value-driven strategy, directly promotional posts absolutely perform well when executed correctly. Tactics include:
- Coupons/discount codes
- Contests/giveaways
- Limited-time live events like summit tickets
- Free downloads like resource libraries, toolkits, templates
- Freemium products to capture leads
- Advertorial collaborations/sponsorships
Blogger Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income excels at seamlessly blending educational, problem-solving content with carefully-placed promotions for his courses, podcast advertisers, and more through contextual affiliate links. By balancing value and conversions, Flynn satisfies both reader needs and income goals.
Key Takeaways On Popular Blog Content
We just covered the main categories flourishing in the blogosphere, from evergreen informational posts to conversion-focused promos. Below are the key points to remember:
- Research-backed informational content satisfies curiosity by teaching readers something useful, with how-tos and insider tips proving especially popular. Stay data-driven like digital marketer Brad Hoss.
- Opinion pieces focused on commentary, criticism, and pushing perspectives on timely issues generate lots of discussion. But beware coming across too strong without nuanced takes.
- Entertaining content incorporating humor and fun provides enjoyment and emotional connections with loyal fans. Use multimedia like legendary blogger Dooce as well.
- Personal posts with memoir-esque life details, challenging moments, milestones, and more establishes trust and rapport through storytelling. Reveal bits of yourself.
- Promotional content works when incorporated with an overall value-first blogging approach. Use special offers, contests, live events, lead magnets, and advertorial campaigns wisely without aggressive selling. Learn from Internet entrepreneur Pat Flynn’s seamless strategies.
Testing a variety of blog content formats and observing analytics provides the best insight into your readers’ preferences. Pay attention to engagement rates on posts to determine what resonates most. This important feedback should guide ongoing content creation aimed at building both rapport with your audience and blog traffic, email lists, affiliate income, or other goals. Meet their needs and they will eagerly return the value through loyal readership.
Conclusion
It’s clear certain kinds of blog content, like evergreen informational posts and entertaining personal stories, tend to attract more eyeballs across almost any niche or industry. But even promotional ads-style copy has a place on blogs intentionally monetizing through conversions. Ultimately all the highest-performing content provides value, utility, education, or enjoyment for readers in some form or another. Use this intel to audit your existing blog and craft future publications tailored to both your unique strengths as a blogger and the demonstrated interests of your target audience. This winning combination results in famous blogs boasting huge followings.
