Rob Conaway publishes the aGreatChef.com blog to “explore the world through food”.
How do you come up with new post topics?
Usually my blog posts are about something that is going on at the restaurant or the hotel. If there is nothing new happening then I’ll blog about something personal that is related to the food/hospitality industry or will add a freebee like a recipe.
What writing style do your readers seem to like best?
I use a combination of insider tips/information and offers/freebees. Since my blog covers myself as a chef, the restaurant from my view and the hotel I have found that this combination works best. The insider tips and information helps with those who already know of me and/or the restaurant to be kept up to date on what s going. This allows me to get them new and exciting information ahead of any other media outlets, since I control the timing of the release. The offers and freebees are great at attracting new traffic via the search engines while adding some great content for the social media outlets.
What’s your biggest tip about writing a successful blog post?
If you are looking to drive traffic to your site, make sure the topic is something that people are searching for. If you are looking to attract a lot of comments, blog about a topic that is controversial or people have different opinions on…and always respond, even if you do not agree.
What is the most common mistake new bloggers make?
Expecting that everyone will find the blog, or the “write it and they will come” mentality. You must be constantly marketing yourself and your blog every chance you get, from SEO and directories to word of mouth and social/traditional media outlets. During your waking hours you should be thinking of new marketing opportunities for you and your blog.
What are your 3 best tips for blogging?
1. KISS or keep it simple stupid.
2. Regularly add new content and posts to keep your blog fresh and sticky. Nobody likes stale bread.
3. Keep your posts on topic. If people are signing up for updates on your travel or hospitality blog, they are probably not going to care if your cat went to the vet. It’s better to write nothing at all then to cram you blog full of off topic fodder.
