Comment posted on How To Turn Popular List Posts Into Traffic Goldmines by Ryan Biddulph
Hi Robert,
What an excellent point and yes, I do this frequently. It’s why I visit so many blogs each day.
As you note, observing a list post and seeing what points resonate with the readers is like a PSA: this is what to write about! The more popular the topic the louder the megaphone blurts out the message.
One caveat is to make your post, your post. Tackle the topic from your unique point and view and you should have no problem generating strong traffic.
An unlimited amount of ideas resides in each post you visit. Just read one paragraph and bingo! An idea to expound upon can pop up in a moment’s notice.
I checked out a few helpful list posts on blog commenting and dissected strategies that seemed to generate the most interest with a few blog posts. One of my commenting-themed posts received over 90 comments and oodles of engagement. Not a bad deal for a dreaded Disqus, no-follow blog 
Thanks for sharing your insight Robert.
RB
Recent comments by Ryan Biddulph
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Hi Ana,Thanks for sharing your image insight.
I’m all about posting humorous pictures on my blog. Not only does it lighten the mood - I mean, who seeks out a serious blogger - but it also piques curiosity. Inquiring minds want to know, that type of stuff.
We live through our senses. You can write a garbage title but if a reader sees your post and the image is enthralling you will get plenty of looks at the article. We seem to respond to vivid imagery before words because we like bright, shiny and funny things.
Awesome pointer about the image-title. I’d been keeping the title imaged themed but now I know to make it post topic themed. Thanks for the pointer and have a powerful day!
RB
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Wow Ana!The steps I use to write a post are almost identical to yours. Pretty cool.
I too didn’t enjoy writing when new to blogging. Finding my voice was a turning point. When I stopped trying to be somebody else it was much easier to be myself
Practice writing each day. Doesn’t have to be blog posts; it can be in comments, on social networks, wherever. The point is to be mindful of the infinite number of opportunities you are presented with to improve your writing style, which improves your blog posts.
My favorite tip: write blog posts when offline. I rarely pen a sentence unless offline for it reduces a world of distractions. There’s always 10 Facebook Friends to add and 30 tweets to respond to; if you don’t shut out these distractions it’s impossible to create a writing flow.
As for your short and punchy style, it resonates with me. Thanks for sharing your insight Ana and have a powerful day.
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Hi Ana,I like the Cliff’s Notes you’ve provided us with
I agree that networking is vital, and not only vital but viral if done effectively. Networking with successful online entrepreneurs expands your presence like no other practice. Your link gets in front of the eyeballs of many more readers IF you network effectively.
Give before you take. Offer value on a consistent basis. This lets your bloggers know you’re not fishing around for back links; your aim is to bring value to the discussion.
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Hi Ana,Another helpful breakdown here.
I too like how Jym’s blog oozes individuality. I’m sure his blog will reach new levels after taking your advice to heart.
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Hi Elizabeth,I like how you broke down targeted marketing.
Drill down as much as necessary. Many make the mistake of not getting specific enough. When you get clear it’s easier to find exactly who your market is because there’s not much room for error.
The attention getter you mention has a strong emotional component. We buy things because we want to improve our life in some area. We seek benefits. We want to feel good, look good, make more money or do whatever it takes to help us to feel better about ourselves. Learn to tap into these emotions with your copy.
You can generate a list of folks who want what you have to offer, and you hit the nail on the head with this: 10 prospects who are keenly interesting in your offering means more than 100 prospects who don’t genuinely want to find out more about your product or service.
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I am a wife to a great husband of 13 years (here ya go, now I have to make changes to this sentence once a year), a mother to a beautiful and, no doubt, genius little girl, and a successful internet entrepreneur. I also devoted my life to Jesus Christ many years ago, and He remains my true priority, focus, and hope.
{ 48 comments }
Hi Robert,
Thanks for sharing this awesome idea. I tend to use it every now and then, so I should really focus more on this
Great post, Robert.
All the best,
Mavis
Mavis Nong @ Free Marketing Training´s last blog ..Blog Traffic- Promote Your Blog Right Here!
Hi Mavis - when you’ve used it how has it worked for you?
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..The Only Analytics For A Website That Matter
Brilliant! Got a lot of comments, retweets and shares. It works because I add my spin to it and overdeliver
Mavis Nong @ Free Marketing Training´s last blog ..Blog Traffic- Promote Your Blog Right Here!
I have definitely seen more people share lists, because of their short attention span and the link grabbing headlines for sure. Top 5, 10 lists do the best because people want content but without reading through a whole article just to get the (for example) “top 10 ways to make money online” and etc.
Chrissy Jamie´s last blog ..Expensive Gucci Bag Returns Again!
We all love shortcuts. The Internet Marketing forums are full of people looking for them. People’s desire for shortcuts in this case can help us out big time. A definite win for us.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..The Only Analytics For A Website That Matter
The increasing use of lists in posts and articles could be seen as a result of the increasing competition for the readers’ attention. I’m not sure if readers would be too keen to spend much more time reading your blog if its just a series of lists though – finding the balance, as always, is the key.
Mariam´s last blog ..Importance of Social Media
That’s a great insight about list post Mariam. And I agree that too many of that type may turn off readers, which is why I suggest expanding a single item into an entire post rather than creating an entirely new list.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..The Only Analytics For A Website That Matter
Hi Robert,
This is a great idea to get more traffic and comments. I have never seen it that way. I occasionally use the points in lists to get ideas. But mentioning the original writer is something I have not done. Time to experiment with it!
Ishan @ Blogging With Success´s last blog ..Final Debate- Should Links Open In Same Tabs Or New Tabs
Hi Ishan let us know how it goes.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..The Only Analytics For A Website That Matter
Good point, Robert. I also often use the data in my popular post, comments and analytics to get the idea how should I write my next post. The thing is, we, professional bloggers, don’t write about what we are already know. Sometimes, we need to explore new area so that we can better assist our reader’s needs
It’s all about the readers. David Risley just did a post on the major issues he’s seen with some bloggers - #7 was being too self-focused. Sounds like you’re avoiding that in a big way.
How are you leveraging your popular posts? Are you expanding on certain points in them or some other way?
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..The Only Analytics For A Website That Matter
Robert,
On my recent article marketing post you commented “What a timely post for me.”, and now I see in more ways then one. LOL!
It’s linked in commentluv if any of Ana’s readers would like to see it also.
This post is timely for me as well. I’ve been updating some older list posts of my own for republishing. Just a day or two ago I thought it would be a really cool idea to break some points up into individual articles of their own.
I also have another post in draft on this topic; sorry I can’t give the title.
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Article Marketing- Is It Right For You
Dennis you are a tease - not nice. Guess we’ll have to follow your blog to see what you’ve come up with.
With the older list posts, are you writing new ones or updating the previous and putting a new publishing date on them?
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..The Only Analytics For A Website That Matter
Tee-Hee so sorry ’bout that.
Updating for republishing. Originally published 3 or so yrs ago, many points are still viable.
Deleting those that aren’t, adding some meat to those that are. Etc…
Dennis Edell @ Direct Sales Marketing´s last blog ..Three Blog Types- Personal-Business-Corporate – Clearing the Confusion
It’s a very good point, you know your one post has received huge traffic it simply means people actually willing to read that topic so you can write more about that topic or elaborate it according to the comments you received.
Again you’ll receive that huge traffic that’s guaranteed.
Very intelligent tip. I love it.
Shailender @ Romantic Getaways´s last blog ..Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from India Darshan
Thanks Shailender. If you’ve done it or try it out let us know how it goes for you.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..How To Use Google Analytics To Track Your Email Marketing
Hi ,Robert Dempsey
I realized what you said is right but this thing not happend until your blog content is not powerful and not convincing enough to hold the reader more than 1 minute and to return again on your posts. The more tweets, share or votes or useful comments on your posts happend when your idea is connecting to reader and you successful in that. Comments on your post shows that. and I am impressed with your post because it is very honest as you mentioned above
Yes
Thanks Madhav. You make a great point about your content - it has to be good otherwise the traffic you might generate will be pointless if they click past your single post.
Robert,
I have often expanded on my own list posts, but I haven’t paid that much attention to comments on those posts….like duh!
This would be a good reason to write more list posts yourself.
Sheila Atwood@newbielifeline.com´s last blog ..Premium WordPress Plugins – Amazon Affiliates Rejoice!
Oh yeah totally - definitely leverage comments on your list posts too. Great point Sheila.
Hi Robert,
I was sure surprised to see you here. Good job getting out and about.
A great, simple, and likely effective idea too! Its actually been a good bit of time since I wrote a list post & I am experimenting for the next couple of weeks… Yep, you talked me into it. Thanks for the idea!
BTW, that picture might be the funniest thing I have seen today.
Have a great day!
mark´s last blog ..Keywords- SEO and The Cliches On Google’s Whiteboard
Hi Mark,
I believe I got to your site through your comments here too! Ana has such a great connector site. Pure awesome.
You never know where you’ll find me sir, I’m all over. I look forward to your list post and the ideas it can give everyone. Thanks for all your help too.
Thanks for the inspiration …I just finished writing an article based on this post
sort of…
Scheduling it for Monday. Im calling it Why Article Marketing Works for Black Hats and Not for White Hats.
Dino Dogan´s last blog ..You Don’t Need What You Think You Need
Oh, this oughta be good Dino!
Lisa´s last blog ..My Comment Section Is Smarter Than Yours
Awesome Dino! I’m following your blog so I’ll be sure to watch out for the post.
Hmm.. I still have very much to learn from this topic. Im always looking for various ways of generating traffic and getting more comments from other avid readers and writer’s. Interesting…..
I learned a little something not only from you Robert but also by reading some of the feedback from other bloggers.
Thanks for sharing
Steven Dean
Steven Dean´s last blog ..Alexa Ranking Newbie Update
Hi Steve - the fact that you are here commenting and learning tells me you’re well on the path and ahead of those not doing so. Keep it up, keep learning, and most importantly try out what you learn to find what works best for you.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..How To Track Email Marketing With Google Analytics
Hi Robert,
What an excellent point and yes, I do this frequently. It’s why I visit so many blogs each day.
As you note, observing a list post and seeing what points resonate with the readers is like a PSA: this is what to write about! The more popular the topic the louder the megaphone blurts out the message.
One caveat is to make your post, your post. Tackle the topic from your unique point and view and you should have no problem generating strong traffic.
An unlimited amount of ideas resides in each post you visit. Just read one paragraph and bingo! An idea to expound upon can pop up in a moment’s notice.
I checked out a few helpful list posts on blog commenting and dissected strategies that seemed to generate the most interest with a few blog posts. One of my commenting-themed posts received over 90 comments and oodles of engagement. Not a bad deal for a dreaded Disqus, no-follow blog
Thanks for sharing your insight Robert.
RB
Ryan Biddulph´s last blog ..3 Catastrophic Mistakes I Made as a Home Based Entrepreneur
That is a VERY good point Ryan. With everything we do we need to be sure that we are being unique, and that means bringing us to what we write.
Reading a lot of blogs has helped me too. One of the things I’ve done is simliar to you in that everyone gives a piece of the puzzle (and I’m not laying out $2k for a product) so read enough and you get enough of the picture to use a strategy for your situation.
Sounds like we roll the same way. Rock on.
Hi Robert:
Kudos on the guest post. Excellent ideas might I add. So to answer your question if I have done this before. Yes! And actually it was with one of Ana’s posts, a massive list she created on ways to generate traffic. I picked one of her tips and wrote a post about it. And go figure, people really enjoyed that post and it was one of my first posts to start bringing in more readers! (hmmm..thinking I need to do this again soon)
Robert it’s always a pleasure to read your content!
Lisa
Lisa´s last blog ..My Comment Section Is Smarter Than Yours
Yay proof! Thanks Lisa. Super cool it worked out now do it again! And I love your content too - thanks for the delicious comments and posts. I love your style, and believe I met you through your comments here.
Comments FTW!
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..How To Track Email Marketing With Google Analytics
I believe we did indeed meet over here at Ana’s house Robert! See, not only do we find useful content in the comments, but we also find friends, business partners, and all around great bloggers. We’re kind of rockstars us bloggers and all!
Thanks for the kind words as well Robert
Lisa
Lisa´s last blog ..My Comment Section Is Smarter Than Yours
I am going to give you a chance to make another post based on that humongous list, Lisa - I am going to post a challenge on Thursday.
oh yippeee!!!!! I love a good challenge. I may have just a tad of a competitive nature…:)
Lisa´s last blog ..My Comment Section Is Smarter Than Yours
Hi Robert, nice guest post and glad I could learn a little from you here. I will take the time to go to your own blog, I need to get good content and I like to network with good, knowledgeable people, like yourself.
My best and again, thank you…:)
Dan Reed´s last blog ..Make Money Online- What Do The Honest Bloggers Make Money At Home With
Thanks Dan I hope to be able to add some value here - I’ve been getting a ton of it. Please do stop by and leave a comment. It’s always great to connect with like-minded and hardworking people. Looking forward to it.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..How To Track Email Marketing With Google Analytics
Hey Robert,
Using someone’s else post to get ideas about what reader what to read about is definitely a great idea, you are practically doing experiment on other people blogs without they even knowing.
One more think that you could do is make a controversial comment to test what people really like or dislike and how they respond. This way you can analyze the replies and find what they like, which will transform in a post. Of course you can take the thing they don’t like too and make a post about that too.
Alex@Jocuri´s last blog ..Masini 3D NFS
Hi Alex - I really like your idea about posting a controversial comment on the blog. That’s definitely one way to see if people are really passionate. If you have a think skin it’s a great way to go, and sounds like a lot of fun too.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..How To Track Email Marketing With Google Analytics
I agree with you when you say that it’s practically a public service announcement implementing this strategy. Thanks for letting me know how to take advantage of list posts.
I never even thought about doing this but it seems like a very simple process that can bring in a lot of traffic when done right. I am excited to give this one a try and see what happens. Thanks for the tip, I’m sure it will work very well for me.
John´s last blog ..How To Use An Email Address Lookup
Hi John definitely try it out and come back and let us know how it worked out.
And don’t forget to let the people on the other blog know you’re written about the topic, either using your keyword research or in a comment over there.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..How To Track Email Marketing With Google Analytics
Robert,
Interesting (and powerful) way to grab ideas for list posts. is a proven fact people are far more likely to read the, “10 reasons to…” Rather than just an article it states 10 reasons to do something. Using a good and vibrant comment section to glean ideas either pro or con the original article is really a sharp move and a good idea.
Steve@Internet Lifestyle´s last blog ..10 MORE Ways to Earn Internet Income
Hi Steve great to see you. I see the CommentLuv link in your comment takes me to an article ripe for the picking
Thanks for those posts.
Well people are against article marketing because it has been replaced by guest blogging in terms of efficiency. Who still reads article directories? Even though they are so-called ‘moderated’, the quality level of moderation is usually far below that of a quality niche blog, so it is better to publish precious articles there instead.
I agree with you Andreas, especially for building authority sites. Getting the right people to your blog will definitely increase readership, engagement, and further sharing of your content.
list posts are the best when it comes to traffic. easy to read + more information covered in a single post + and keyword research done all the hard work in end.
Vivek Parmar´s last blog ..Make Money By Author Advertising WordPress Plugin
I’m a big fan of working less (as I work a lot) and this can save you tons of time for sure.
Robert Dempsey´s last blog ..How To Track Email Marketing With Google Analytics
Wow, Robert!
Talk about teaching others how to pick the low hanging fruit! I love the clever idea and I’ll be definitely using it. I’m almost embarrassed that I haven’t figured this one out yet, with it lingering right under my nose!
And with most bloggers proudly displaying their popular posts in the sidebar to keep their readers exploring their content, there’s virtually no research necessary to find the sweet spots!
You’re a genius! Thanks for sharing this information!
Heather
Heather C Stephens´s last blog ..Internet Network Marketing- 4 Failure Mindsets to Avoid
Thanks Heather I hope it helps. With the number of comments many blogs get (including this one
there is a virtually never ending source of content ideas.
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