There are a huge number of blogs dedicated to the subject of blogging. Many of these bloggers argue that posting high quality blog articles on a weekend is a waste of time as their audience will often be reduced and therefore their articles will receive less exposure and attention compared to those posted during the week.
I disagree, and in this article I will outline why.
All blogs are different
Just as people are different, so are blogs. Just because some blogs see a dip in readership or visitors over the weekend, it doesn’t mean you can expect the same from your audience.
Study your own traffic logs – understand your readers and visitors. Never assume that readership patterns for one blog are the same for yours.
Don’t forget the first time visitor
Just because the majority of your blog readers don’t visit over weekends, this still means that a minority do. Are they expected to put up with lower quality articles in return for their loyalty?
Have you considered the first time visitor who may drop by? Do you really want them to come to your blog for the first time only to see an article that you consider to be of a lower quality than usual? Remember that you only have one chance to create a positive first impression.
People check for all unread content
Even if you do find a readership pattern emerging, it is worth remembering that even those who may well skip your site over the weekend will often check your blog for all new articles once they return.
You may regret posting low quality content over the weekend when you consider that all those readers who are accustomed to your high quality articles during the week are also reading your weekend tripe, but they are doing so on Monday when they return to their Web surfing / RSS reading.
Be consistent and earn a positive reputation
Regular readers will quickly notice any change in the quality of your blog articles or writing style. Inconsistent quality may result in readers leaving your blog for others they know offer more consistency.
Blog readers want quality articles, and they want this quality to be consistent. Don’t spend time writing articles you know are of a reduced quality simply because your traffic numbers are lower on particular days.
Be consistent and earn a strong reputation for quality articles and authority in your blog’s niche. If you don’t want to write good quality articles, don’t write at all.
{ 19 comments }
This is very true, I have read many people don’t like to post good stuff on weekends. If you want to get any first time readers to come back this point should not be forgotten. Thanks for posting.
This is an excellent point. I read my favorite blogs every day and when they don’t post or post low quality articles, I feel let down. I still read them, but I’d rather they not post at all then post something useless.
I don’t think there is every a good time to post low quality articles. There is still a chance to gain visitors on the weekend, but I feel that it is better to not post at all then to post poorly.
I agree with Russ,
If you want a poor quality post on weekend, why waste your time, ask your grade seven cousin or nephew or better get from an rss feed.
One can not have a good quality and bad quality mindset just based on day of the week.
Very much like when John C Maxwell was asked about bad business ethics, John said there is not such thing as bad business ethics, it is just ethics, one can not have a good home ethics and bad business ethics.
Vijay
I haven’t been at this long enough to do something like this, but, my time is extremely limited. Posting anything that is low quality is a waste of my time and the reader’s time. I don’t have time like that to waste, and would rather post nothing.
Great Post! I am very interested in learning more about Community building, and tried to email you Martin. Unfortunately, my email bounced back. Do you have a different email account?
Thanks Martin!
Jonathan
Michael – Thanks for your comment. I think many people overlook the fact that even though regular readers may skip weekend content, they will often read articles they missed when they return on Monday. Additionally, it is likely that your blog will receive first time visitors on a weekend – not a good first impression if you are writing filler articles of a low quality!
Cade – You offer the perfect example as to why it is essential that every blog article is of the best quality possible. The last thing you want to do is disappoint your readers.
Russ – I completely agree. It is far better to write no content at all than to knowingly write articles of a low quality.
Vijay – You’re right; creating low quality articles is not only a waste of your time but a waste of your readers’ time, too.
Michael Fultz – It’s great that you recognise the importance of only creating the best content possible at all times. I am sure your blog will do well if you stick to this ethos.
Jonathan – I am glad you enjoyed the article. I have dropped you an email
Good points Martin. You’re right, I do check for unread content. Usually on week-ends I have a little more time on my hands to read and comment, so I agree with Cade, when a blogger post lower quality articles on week-ends, I kinda feel let down.
On my blog, I’ll usually post a “good” article (well I hope some consider it good) on Saturdays, and on Sundays I usually write my “smart posts worth reading” posts, kinda like a “what I enjoyed reading in the last week”. It gives some exposure to other bloggers, and gives me a day off (not really lol)
Jon – I follow a similar pattern here. I write a Saturday article of a similar quality to the posts I write during the week. On Sundays I will typically alternate between dishing out some link love for sites that have linked to my articles, and to articles from other bloggers that I want to recommend to my readers.
Videos are always a good thing. But make them relevant!
Daniel – I agree that videos can be a welcome addition to a blog, but you need to consider that not everyone wants to watch a video. Additionally, videos are not suitable for those that like to keep updated on your blog via RSS. I think if videos are used, a transcript should also be offered for your RSS or video-wary visitors.
I definitely agree that videos are not for everyone!
I have it when I stumble on a blog with 50 posts per page, and a video clip in half of them. Takes ages for the browser to load etc. Only include quality clips, and not often even them.
Sutocu – Videos aren’t for everyone. Some bloggers think their visitors will love them but often get a shock when the criticisms come flooding in!
I would say that if you are determined to offer them, make them optional and always ensure you offer a transcript alternative for those who don’t have the time or inclination to watch a video.
I am TSS a Toastmaster, wish to join this club, read few of your valuable comments, its motivating , keep it up
TSS
Toastmaster TSS – Thanks for your comment! What is a Toastmaster?!? In any case, I am glad you are enjoying the blog.
My blog is very ‘news’ focused right now, which makes it hard to post on weekends, when news is generally quieter. I usually try and find something weird/interesting for weekends. Things like volkswagen vs elephant vs little people, usually keep me occupied!
Car News Guy – I love the way you have managed to address the problem of slow news days over the weekend by still writing great content. Writing something a little more light hearted but still of good quality is a great way of keeping your readers happy.
I just close my eyes to the fact that posts must be timed for the traffic. For my two blogs (one tech and one art), I follow an editorial process. 2 posts every week. One on Thursday 12:00 GMT and another on Sunday 12:00 GMT. It is rare that I have had to miss the beat.
(On my personal blog though, I have the posting frequency gone to the dogs. I just post crazily there. :P)
Vyoma – How did you arrive at the decision to publish articles on particular days and at particular times? Did you consult your traffic logs to find the most popular times, use trial and error, or just guess?
I think it’s definitely a good idea to set yourself a posting routine and to stick to it – just as long as your routine and targets are attainable and sustainable!
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