Why Not Ask Your Readers A Question?
Yeah, that one’s for you, folks. Wood Beads and Gomez the Windshield Monkey and Metal Briefcase and all you other guys who regularly comment out here. It’s both an idea for you to use and one for you.
See, it’s never exactly a bad idea to give an occasional shout-out to your readership. Keeps people happy, and thus, keeps them engaged. But you’re also doing something else with this–you’re giving them further engagement by forcing them to think.
If you’re running an advice blog on some general facet of life, like movies or car repair or some kind of handicraft, ask your readers a question some time. Ask them why they do what they do. Ask them HOW they do what they do. If you’ve got a new idea, ask them why they don’t try this, or if they’ve even thought of it.
What you’re going to do here is harness curiosity. We’ve talked about doing this before with interesting post titles and whatnot, but looking at a crowd of people and asking them “why?” often has an engaging effect. People start to ask themselves why. Some even ask, why not? And anything you can do to get people thinking is something you should do at any opportunity.
Your readership is the most important thing you have, bloggers. They’re what keep your numbers up, your Adsense revenue going and your bottom line in tact. So next time you set up a blog, don’t forget to give these folks a little of that metaphorical love. It’ll come back to you several times over.
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#1 by Consolidation School on January 12, 2010 - 3:27 am
Indeed, I find that asking questions is the best way to keep people engaged in a conversation and to "listed" actively to people…
#2 by Metal Briefcase on January 12, 2010 - 7:13 am
Thanks for the mention Paul. I agree that answering your readers questions is important. A blog is not a static book where you only read what the author has to say. A blog is an interactive discussion between the blogger and the blog's readers. So don't take your readers/commenters for granted. Take the time to acknowledge them and form a solid connection. That will keep them coming back much more frequently. Also, it's a great way to learn about your readers and spark more discussion.
#3 by Car Transporters | I on January 12, 2010 - 12:15 pm
Asking questions is defiantly a way to engage your reader, it will keep them coming.
#4 by book rentals on January 12, 2010 - 3:13 pm
You are right, people love to talk about themselves and it will help them feel included in the process instead of just an observer. Its much like a bar that takes care of the regulars or Shout “norm” at cheers….
#5 by Paul on January 12, 2010 - 4:19 pm
That's a great summation, book rentals.
#6 by Indiasafaries on January 14, 2010 - 3:00 am
It could be great appropriate idea to ask the question from the reader how do they want to post or information or matter to read. It is obvious that any in the world want something which should be useful for them in any way.
#7 by Essays on January 14, 2010 - 6:33 am
#8 by Program on January 14, 2010 - 8:53 am
A good speaker and active people! Do you think?
#9 by Kevins Promotional P on January 14, 2010 - 9:48 am
great suggestion. ill give it a try on my blog. it should also make the blog appear more conversational and less .. .ahhh "salesy"
#10 by used tires on January 14, 2010 - 5:40 pm
Congrats on getting featured Metal, that was cool
Till then,
Jena
#11 by Bidet on January 15, 2010 - 6:34 pm
Asking questions is a great way to get the readers involved. If you get them involved they will come back and continue reading your blog.
#12 by wholesale usb on January 18, 2010 - 5:27 pm
You are right, people love to talk about themselves and it will help them feel included in the process instead of just an observer.
#13 by Scrap Gold on January 20, 2010 - 4:26 am
I agree that answering your readers questions is important.
#14 by wood beads on January 21, 2010 - 1:14 am
wow it's been a long time since I visited this blog.
well…It's good to be a participant than to be a lurker.
I like the article Paul. THanks