This post is especially for you if you aren’t using your blog as a tool to create stand-out, valuable content that gets you noticed, builds positive word of mouth, grows your audience, and builds your list.
If you want to know how you can make your blog a vital resource that people actually want to read and feel compelled to subscribe to, be sure to read this post.
Today I want to give you six specific ways to create Flagship content, and how creating flagship content can attract more attention to your blog.
Let’s get started…
Q: What will distinguish your blog from the others? A: Flagship content
What Is Flagship Content?
Flagship content is any form of content created on your blog that has the potential to do some very important things. These important things include:
- Bring new readers and new links incoming to your blog (which is a good thing for Search Engine Optimization).
- Again — more readers. Flagship content MUST be evergreen so that over time you can continually refer to it even if it’s in the deep archives of your blog.
- Eventually it can bring traffic from search engines (this is IF you do proper keyword research, and your Flagship content is really that good).
- You can create a special section or category at your blog so that your Flagship content can easily be accessed and your value clearly demonstrated. Sometimes it can be labeled Start Here to ensure that your readers are consuming your best stuff from the time they land on your blog.
This is important to mention again, but Flagship content is NOT dependent on time. This means in twelve months, your Flagship content is still be relevant.
The result of all of the above is you will be providing your best value on the topic in your niche. This creates authority.
Authority creates exposure. Exposure will create more traffic. More people will visit your blog to read your Flagship content, and if you have an offer that is congruent with your Flagship content, it’s likely your list will grow and grow and grow.
If you don’t understand the importance of creating Flagship content at your blog be sure to ask your question in the comments area of this post. (I suggest this be the first content you create at your blog).
How Do You Create Flagship Content?
There isn’t just one way for creating Flagship content. But there are certain characteristics and types you can work on right away. This will help you even if you’re NOT intending to create Flagship content.
Here are the typical Flagship content types that you can post to your blog:
“How-To” Blog Post
Think about your industry and write an article that teaches how to do something. Be certain to only write how-to articles on topics you genuinely understand how to do and have experience with.
Examples:
- How to market a network marketing business on a budget of $125 a month.
- How to choose an appropriate midwife for the birth of your child.
- How to publish a book without going through the mainstream publishers.
- How to prepare traditional American holiday dishes.
It should be obvious which how to topics will be popular and relevant to your audience. Make it a point to create your how to posts in story form.
Definition Blog Post
Does your industry have key concepts which might seem like a foreign language to those who are new to your industry? If so, then a definition post is perfect.
If there is a concept that’s complicated, produce a definition post that defines the concept, clearly explaining what it means and how it can be implemented along with a glossary of key terms.
What may seem simple and obvious to you usually isn’t to the newbies. So define things in simple terms and create a resource.
I mentioned a glossary of key terms. If there are a handful of key concepts in your industry, list the key terms, and the concepts that go with them. Then provide a one-paragraph definition for each. Doing so makes a great reference post, and will often be referred to by others.
Theory or Argument Blog Post
The important thing here is to present some unique thought. Give your opinion on a major issue in your industry that you suspect your readers will take an interest in.
Don’t rehash what others have already said, or if you do, really make an effort to put your own spin on things, or speak of your unique experience and/or tie it all into your own story.
It’s important to say these once again … make sure your theory or argument is independent of time.
Make an effort with this post to spark a conversation, maybe even a little controversy.
Free Report, Whitepaper, E-Course, Boot Camp
Okay, so this one is probably the most important. AND… it’s not something I recommend you publicly post on your blog.
Yet, you need to know about this aspect of Flagship content. If you don’t, all of your Flagship content creation will be in vain.
Here’s why:
You’re going to use the Free Report, Whitepaper, E-Course, or Boot Camp for list building. This is key. You must build your list. Leverage your Flagship content to do that. Make this aspect of your Flagship content a focus. Try to give away your best stuff in exchange for a name and email.
Consider how you will present this Free Report, Whitepaper, E-Course, or Boot Camp
You have a few options:
- Create a PDF which your readers can download.
- Type the content into several blog posts and interlink them together. If you’re using WordPress for your blogging platform, I know that you can make it so the posts are private, and only those with a direct link can find it on your blog.
- If you can’t decide what the best method for your free resource could be, my suggestion is to offer it in as many modalities as possible. These include PDFs, video, audio, written form on your blog, physical mail pamphlet.
Can you think of more other multi-media?
The important thing with this content is to create a complete all-in-one solution to a common problem.
List Article Blog Content
This is by far one of the most popular Flagship content types.
You’ve seen these at other blogs – everywhere.
The usual titles are “Top 7 Ways To…” or something like “10 Tips To Improve…”
These will always work well and here’s why –
- Lists are easily digested. Especially those who skim and scan, and most web readers are skimmers and scanners.
- Articles that are between 300-700 word range with clear bullet-point lists and a compelling headline are good traffic pullers.
- Lists provide actionable lessons and people love to share lists with other people. Also list blog posts are often linked to by others.
- Be wary of doing lists of topics well covered by other people or on really simple concepts. As usual, the more “you” included through stories and a unique style, the more attractive your list blog content will be.
Technical Blueprint Blog Content
A technical blueprint is focused on the technical aspects of a problem. It might involve the use of graphs, spreadsheets, images and/or video to demonstrate how to do something.
Key thing to remember here is that it’s step-by-step and visually enhanced to communicate exactly how to complete a task.
You can apply the principle to almost any industry that has common tasks which may be complex to understand.
Final Thoughts About Creating Flagship Content for Your Blog
That covers some of the most basic and powerful types of Flagship blog content for you to apply to your blog. If you write an article each week using one of the concepts above, you will have a solid foundation for a successful blog.
All you will need to add to the mix is effective marketing which is another topic altogether. Just remember you must have content if you’re going to market in the first place.
Last thing that is important to remember, which I’ve already stressed a few times throughout this post … be sure your Flagship content is timeless, original to you, solves a problem solving and is applicable to your audience.
Just the act of doing this alone will set you apart. Do it well and you will have created a valuable blog that grows your audience and grows your list.
***
This content originally appeared on The Renegade Blog
This content was originally inspired by two great blog teachers, Yaro Starak and Chris G for first introducing me to the concept of Flagship Content.