One of my good blogging friends (Chaudalyn Severa) recently asked my opinion in regards to the following question.
If you notice someone search for something on your blog through your stats page, would you message them to help them out? Or would you just write a post about what they are searching for?
Great question.
Readers are often fantastic tools for learning what content you might write about next. What they desire is a “key” element to retaining your readership, promoting blog growth & reaching new fans.
When a reader is searching for more content on your blog – it means they’re:
- engaged
- ready to learn
- trust the content you create
So be sure to deliver what they deserve!
Don’t let the opportunity of answering a question pass you by; as your answer will be readily absorbed by your thirsty reader.
Be Timely!
If someone asks you a question, whether it be through email, social media or blog search – don’t take too long to answer. You want to be sure to deliver content that’s timely and meets that reader’s needs.
If you’re taking the time to write a blog post in response to their question – let them know what to expect!
Include the Personal Touch
Chaudalyn asked, do you answer searched questions via blog post or chat? I’d like to suggest both! It can be rather helpful to your reader to spend some time chatting with them regarding their questions; while catering specifically to their needs and concerns.
Trust me – you’ll gain fans for life if you act in such a caring, genuine manner.
Attribute the Question
As you might have noticed, what I’ve done here is attributed the question to the reader who first asked it. In this case, Chaudalyn. It’s a kind gesture; especially if you include backlinks to their blog.
Always be sure to ask permission before quoting sensitive facts, information & data.
It’s a win/win situation.
Answering questions via blog post is a win/win for all involved.
The reader gets a well-thought answer in response to their question, and the blogger receives a quality lead and inspiration in which to craft content around. There’s certainly no lack of content ideas when you have hungry readers giving you all your ideas!
If you’re lacking quality questions to help you come up with blog post ideas – use the tools so readily available to you. Social media networks, your own blog & even through your email lists. Let your readers know you’re available, ready and willing to answer any and all questions.
So, I pose that same question to you…
…what are your questions that I might help answer?
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
Read more about Christian 
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
That is being engaging and offering to help. An essential step to winning customer trust. Once you are able to do that you can start selling to them Interesting read christian. I would write the post without mentioning the reader as I would not want to alarm them.
Eddie Gear recently posted..The ProBlogger’s Guide to Online Marketing
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 2, 2011 at 9:15 am
What would it be that you would be alarming them to? The reader? Would it be alarming to know you’re being quoted?
I can only imagine that offering that help is important when you’re running a business like genuineSEO. It’s crucial!
Sorry I did not mentioned that clearly. I meant alarm them you are tracking their interactions online.
Very True christian, I do my best to quote people while writing posts however only if its a written question. if its something that they don’t ask but I get to know through analytic data then, its a post that goes anonymous. Wouldn’t that be a better approach? What you think?
Eddie Gear recently posted..The ProBlogger’s Guide to Online Marketing
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 2, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Great thoughts Eddie. I think most often, if you’re just looking at accumulative data of searches – you wouldn’t know who’s asking the question anyway, so you’d have to mark it as anonymous.
Thank you so much! I’m just received my first student question asking for help and I am going to definitely use it as a blog post. The information could help many, many more students out there. I appreciate the validation on this! Ellen Bremen, M.A. @chattyprof
Ellen Bremen recently posted.."Like": Awesome on Facebook, Not for Grading
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 2, 2011 at 9:32 am
Fantastic Ellen! So glad to hear you’ll be able to use that question as a blog post. It’s certainly a fun, rewarding experience. Keep me posted!
Hi Christian,
I have been considering this concept of answering queries, again, but I’ve been beaten back by replies to my “help” that said “get out of my face.” I guess I’m not choosing to help the right reader or to answer questions that weren’t really being asked.
Your article gives me a better place to look for those questions (of course, along with LinkedIn Answers, Quora, and Focus). Thanks for the tips!
Sally Erickson recently posted..How to Improve Your Website Right Now
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 2, 2011 at 11:45 am
That’s not good to hear. Sorry to hear your willingness to help others turned into people biting you back. Those are probably the individuals who are close minded, and don’t really deserve much of your attention anyways.
Christian,
You have exposed a major SEO strategy with this post…;)
I answer questions that I read in SEO forums all of the time in the form of a blog post.
One technique is to link to your post in the forum using short and simple answer with a link stating to read a more detailed explanation “here” and link the “here” to your post.
You can even write it the same day…LOL!!!…;)
Mark
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 2, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Most definitely Mark! I think this strategy shows true grit, through and through, and will always stand the test of time. Delivering content that is useful and answers questions for the readers!
It really shows how “involved” the internet can be.
This looks great!!!
You’ve just reminded me that I need to answer a consult email. I better get to that now!
Chaudie recently posted..Answering Reader Questions via Blog Post – thanks Chris!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 2, 2011 at 11:23 pm
You sure do! Go consult away!
Previously I answered each reader question manually, but these days I prefer writing a post in general so that all readers can benefit from it. It also saves a lot of time!
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 3, 2011 at 11:57 am
It sure does! It’s just fantastic to have a question, answer it, and have that great blog content to benefit from. I’m grateful for questions!
This is a great idea. Something I definitely have to put to use sooner or later. Never really thought about writing an entire post on a question, but then again, I don’t get much comments, usually they’re too basic to be able to elaborate a great deal.
Stocksicity recently posted..When is the right time to invest in the Stock Market?
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 3, 2011 at 8:54 pm
You should certainly try it sometime – because it’s a lot of fun, you learn something, and interact even more with your readers. Loving your blog by the way. Great to be connected.
Why do you think you’re getting comments with little depth?
Thanks
And most likely because it’s still new. I launched less than 2 weeks ago, stuff is still coming in, might have to give it more time.
I used to own a personal blog years ago, that was a lot more active with comments, and I probably would have used this idea on that blog if someone gave it to me 3 years ago. Just have to wait for this one to catch up I guess.
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September 5, 2011 at 1:22 am
Very natural to see not many comments in the beginning, if any! But you’re doing things right obviously. Taking the time to comment on other blogs. That’s a huge first step towards generating a huge following.
Twitter: janetcallaway
September 4, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Christian, aloha. While I don’t have a specific question, I definitely like your answer to this one.
if one person asks the question, probably there are many others who have the same question or may not even know enough to ask the question. By answering on the blog, you help both the questioner as well as other who are seeking the same information.
Plus, when you give attribution, that is not only a hat tip that makes the questioner feel special and know that you appreciate them, it also encourages others to ask as well.
As usual, Christian, a great topic well handled.
Hope tomorrow will be a day of fun and festivities with family and friends. Until next time, aloha. Janet
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September 5, 2011 at 1:27 am
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Janet. Love the recap. Especially the thoughts regarding “hat tipping.” So very true. They feel more special, and connected to you and your blog. A great way to develop your community!
Hopefully you have a great day tomorrow as well! Appreciate all you do for me.
Christian
Hi Christian,
I totally agree about answering readers questions. The reward is fresh content and the one that asked the question becomes a loyal reader and helps get your content out there.
I quite often create videos for my readers showing them how to complete a task. The benefits of doing this are great. Only this weekend I received an email asking how to do a certain task, I simply replyed with the link to a video I created a year ago.
One person that asked for my help actually placed links to about 10 of my videos on their blog and has been ranking in my traffic stats ever since.
Not only that he also tells people and then those people tell others and the cycle starts again.
I don’t have any questions for you at the moment Christian, but I’ll think of something
Have a great week and I’ll catch you up soon.
Barry
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September 6, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Wonderful thoughts Barry. Love the video idea. I bet they bring in some decent traffic from YouTube as well, if that’s where you’re hosting them, as people are most likely going to be searching for those answers in many different places.
Hi Christian,
In that situation i would probably write a post, but it depends on how the question fits with my blog profile. Because you have to admit, some people search for really stupid things.
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September 6, 2011 at 4:22 pm
True, Richard. That’s where having a few, multiple blogs could certainly help. Sometimes answers that are a little “off the wall” can be answered with a link pointing to an existing post – or even writing a post on your “miscellaneous” personal blog.
Hi Christian,
I do watch my stats to see what people are searching for and then try to write about it. The stats can give one quite a bit of info when we pay attention to them.
And when it comes to comment I like to go into detail with my readers when the need comes up.
Great info here, and when i think of a question for you I’ll let you know. thanks for leaving that door open to us bloggers that can always use your knowledge and help.
Blessing to you,
Debbie
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September 5, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Hey Christian,
Wow, that is a great question Chaudalyn asked.
I’m always quick to answer questions usually in the form I receive them. Of course they come in comments and emails from my readers so I just respond as soon as I receive them, or are aware shall I say.
I never really thought of writing a post about that topic unless I’ve received several comments that my readers are looking for more information or have more questions about it. That’s when I’ll usually turn it into a post.
Once again, good ideas thrown my way Mr. Hollingsworth! You’re the man!
Hope you are enjoying your weekend and have been doing something fun! I’ll catch up with you later.
Adrienne
Hi Christian,
gotta leave my wisdom on this one
(I have been one of your quieter readers in the last few weeks, lol, but here I am again).
I am trying to respond as quick as possible, directly, by mail or wherever the question was asked and then I add it to one of my smart sketch/notebooks. If I have time, I write a blog post about it right away or it waits until the right time has come and I feel it would make a great post. Either way, eventually it makes it to my blog because I think if one person asks this question, there might be others who would like to find out more too.
Checking the stats is definitely exciting and insightful. If you have a fan page on facebook, you can check your stats as well, which I do at least 1x per week.
I hope yore doing well and I am hoping you’re having a great long weekend doing some fun stuff,
Franziska San Pedro
The Abstract Impressionist Artress
Franziska San Pedro recently posted..CREATIVE MINDS: Bret Taylor
Christian, I often get asked personal development questions on FaceBook and blogging questions through my contact form on my blog.
I always try to answer them as soon as I get them. One reader today asked me 10 questions in regards to blogging and I was happy to answer them all.
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I’m with ya!
People are reading our blogs for a reason – the content! If you see someone searching for a piece of the puzzle that isn’t there yet, then we should write something about it – absolutely!
Once the post hits the site, the reader may think ‘how ironic’ 
.
This is a good idea and I wanted to apply this to my blog too…Thanks for the post!!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 6, 2011 at 9:53 pm
You’re welcome Sher. Thank you for stopping by. Keep us posted on how it works out for you and your blog.
thank you for the Post Christian
i love doing that as well, when i run out of ideas sometimes readers bring me new ideas with their questions
thank you
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 7, 2011 at 8:22 am
Good to hear you do this as well Farouk. It’s extremely helpful, isn’t it? Just love being inspired by readers!
This looks great!!!
You’ve just reminded me that I need to answer a consult email. I better get to that now!
People are reading our blogs for a reason – the content! If you see someone searching for a piece of the puzzle that isn’t there yet, then we should write something about it – absolutely! … Thanks for sharing Keep it up. 
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September 7, 2011 at 8:24 am
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It’s great to see how much of an incredible database of content and answers you can produce as you slowly start answering questions from people around the world.
Twitter: MattGron
September 7, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Thanks man you are a role model for me! Are you using an editor calendar?
Regards from Stockholm!
Mattias Gronborg recently posted..Create a better social context for your blog with Livefyre
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September 8, 2011 at 3:54 am
Maybe I’m just not very bright, but I don’t think I’m familiar with the term “editor calendar.” Like a calendar an editor puts together for writing in timely fashion?
Twitter: MattGron
September 10, 2011 at 6:01 am
Sorry my bad! I don’t even know if that’s a word
(my Swedish – English).
My question is if you schedule your posts ahead in a calendar, or are you writing posts that pops up in your mind day by day?
Mattias Gronborg recently posted..Build a home base and choose your social outposts
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September 12, 2011 at 7:41 am
Mostly the posts are coming out by calendar. Most of the time the posts are scheduled out about two weeks in advance, but I’ve been slacking a little the past couple of weeks. Then there are random posts that I’ll also publish – just on a whim. Immediately.
So it’s a little mixture I guess. What do you like to do?
Twitter: MattGron
September 12, 2011 at 9:08 am
It goes in cycles for me sometimes the creativity flows and then it’s much more easy to write and v-log. Often I plan a week ahead. /Mattias
Mattias Gronborg recently posted..Build a home base and choose your social outposts
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September 12, 2011 at 10:43 am
That’s great Mattias! Most bloggers don’t even consider planning a week ahead – so you’re well ahead of the curve!
Hi…I am really glad that I have found your site…Thank you for the idea you have given me…
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 13, 2011 at 11:07 am
You’re welcome Lenny. Glad it helped.
This is an excellent post full of good ideas. Makes me wonder if you would ever write an advice post: How to best time-manage having more than one blog.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 13, 2011 at 11:08 am
Will certainly answer that question Sara. Look for that blog post to come out within the next week. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks! Thats cool of you.
will be looking forward to it.
Hi Chris…This is a good idea and I think this can be very helpful for me then…I have to try this…
Twitter: smartboydesigns
September 26, 2011 at 11:26 pm
I’m excited for you! Let me know how it goes. I’d love to know!
Answering questions thru writing a blog post is the best way to share your knowledge, thoughts about a certain topic. In that way, you could actually elaborate things to make it more useful not only for a single person but for everybody who will visit your blog.
Maria Pavel recently posted..How to Receive CNA Certification in High School
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September 30, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Thank you for sharing Maria. Really appreciate those thoughts. Elaboration is key. You can’t just state the facts if it’s a little more tricky. You’ve got to elaborate, explain and teach. Love it!
Actually, I already saw some bloggers who do that strategy. They even make videos personally give their answers or make video tutorials. In this way, they could also let their visitors know how they value their readers.
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September 30, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Most certainly. It’s definitely not a new “thing” to answer reader questions on your blog. It’s really a great way to connect.
Love the video idea. Reminds me of Chris Pirillo.