Blog posting frequency.
It's a very prominent topic.
You know, I used to be part of that discussion, but nowadays I don't (I am not interested in that debate).
You know why people talk about blog posting frequency?
Because it has an effect on traffic (well, not exactly traffic, I will explain that later on).
In this post, I will tell you why I hate blog posting related discussions (but, there are some awesome posts out there about blog posting frequency).
No, I am not going to do that 😉
I am going to tell you what you need to do – yes, exactly with blog posting frequency.
Note: Some people may not like what I say (heck, many may not agree). But, before I start let me tell you: This is my opinion – from my experience and observation. You are more than welcome to disagree with it – but do state a valid reason.
Blog Posting Frequency: Do I Care How Often You Post?
Now, let's start:
First off, should you worry about blog posting frequency?
Nope. You should just care about it.
As a blogger and reader, I can tell you that I don't care about how often you post (or which day you post), as long as you provide me great value content in a consistent basis.
Now, when I say consistent: It can be once in a month or 3 times a week.
Depends upon you, and depends upon your niche (some niches like technology requires you to post multiple times a week/day, others like blogging don't).
In blog posting frequency, you are the decision maker – if you want to post 3 times a week, have the ideas to do it (I know, I don't) and have the time to do it, go ahead.
Note: If you want, I can show you successful blogs that post daily and blogs that post once or twice in a month.
Blog posting frequency My approach: Be Consistent, but not Regular
I used to worry a lot about being consistent and regular.
Difference, you might ask. Consistent: You post consistently, as in once or twice a week. Regular: You post in specific day of the week like every Monday.
Nowadays, I don't. I just can't.
My approach is simple: Post once a week.
As long as I post, I don't care when.
Do my readers care? Some do, some don't.
(Now, many of you might argue that posting at specific day of the week might help the reader to visit that day – I have one answer for you: As long as your reader finds your content valuable and you treat them well, they will come back to you, no matter which day you post or how many times you post).
So, go ahead.
Be consistent with your blog posting schedule.
But, never worry about being regular.
And, if you aren't convinced yet, there is another advantage:
Not only does posting on random days of week gives you a flexible schedule, but it builds anticipation among your readers (In my case, some visitors visit more times a week to find out if I have posted while others – who didn't subscribe to my RSS – subscribed to keep up).
Blog Posting frequently: Does it increase traffic?
In one word, yes.
In two words, yes and no (well, that's three, right?)
Naturally, when you post more than usual, you will see increase in traffic. But, don't be misguided by that.
You see, when you post more, the visitors who usually visit you, they also start to come back more (because there are more articles).
So, you are essentially getting the same traffic (but that does not mean that posting more frequently doesn't get new traffic – it does, but it is more likely to have a small influence upon new visitors, especially in the blogging niche).
Now, if you want to get more page views for your site, posting more frequently will certainly help. But, posting more frequently doesn't guarantee you any new traffic. It might attract new traffic, but it all comes down to the content you provide and the reader.
Conclusion – What are your thoughts?
Ultimately it comes down to your, your niche and your goals. If your goal is to get more loyal readers, then I recommend you post less and focus more on increasing the quality of your content. Now, if you are just focusing on generating more page views (or if your niche demands it), then do post more .
Now, tell me what do you think?
How often do you post?
Do you think your readers care about which day you post or how often you post?
It isn't a question of quality or quantity, it is a question of you, your niche and your goals.
Thank you!