How To Get The Most From Your WA Post

Yeah, yeah, poet and he didn't know it, however, when I wrote 'how to get the most from your WA post' I was not looking for rhyming couplets or thinking about iambic pentameters (have no idea what that is but I remember it does have something to do with poetry, I think)

Truth be told, this is the first time I have added the title before starting to write for ages, well, maybe not that long but it has been a while. I do struggle with titles and yet they are such an important part of our posts, at least that's what we are told .

Putting SEO aside for a moment, your title is the lure, like a siren's song, it calls to the reader. Most times your title will dictate whether your work is explored at all, that's right, if a prospective reader isn't 'turned on' by your headline, then they will never get to see your literary masterpiece, no matter how sublime you think it is.

There are certain things you can do to increase your 'strike rate' but alas I do not know what they are, I think numbers are popular, like "5 tricks that will increase your conversions" or "Two things you must never do with the curtains open"

Anyway, there's really no point in me trying to come up with titles for you, that I think are going to entice the avid post reader, so instead I have found an article with all the help you need and it's all in one place.

7 Tools To Help You Craft Headlines That Drive Clicks

Our very own OEC training covers all the SEO tips and tricks you could ever wish for (maybe not all), including our favourite 'long-tailed keywords' and rather than me try to rehash it poorly, you can find the first section on keywords and the like, here.

Understanding Keywords, The Start of Your Content

That was annoying, I couldn't unlink this paragraph, it's taken me a few minutes just to be able to start writing again and that's not the worst of it, all the above is a digression, if you can start a post with a digression, which I suppose you can, even though it may well become the main topic. Musing.

I digress again. The subject I wanted to cover was more along the lines of 'engagement' though before we talk about that I must mention something that many have either overlooked or just didn't know in the first place and it is relevant, which makes a change, does it not ?

I have spoken about it before but for those who have recently joined our ranks it may not be common knowledge. Your posts here at WA can be seen by the search engines. Let's let that sink in for a moment, marinate, if you prefer.

Ready now ? Everything you are taught, or have learnt in regard to making your website posts

'Search Engine Optimised' applies here, that's right, the 'Big G' and it's associates have their beadies on you.

They are a little off-putting but no matter, we must continue. Where was I ? Ah yes, so everything we write here is both indexable and can be ranked. Now, before you fold up your cardboard keyboard, sling it under your arm and wander into the desert, it's a good thing, don't start getting stressed out. It's just worth bearing in mind, an added bonus if you will.

I have brushed aside the murmurings of topics that should be discussed, as is my prerogative, being the author of this particular post. This was not meant to be an 'all-inclusive' litany of everything you need to be aware of when writing WA posts, or any post for that matter.

Originally, when I was debating whether to write this morning, no that's not accurate, I already knew I was going to have to write, as my fingers were getting itchy, a sure sign that I was going into WW, otherwise known as 'Writer's Withdrawal'

Let's try again. My original intention was to write about 'comments' and how they are a vitally important ingredient when it comes to getting the most from your WA post. How ? Allow me to elaborate but remember, this is just my take on things and in no way constitutes the views held by WA. Also, this should be looked upon as a positive, rather than a criticism. Nice disclaimer.

Comments, that's what this was meant to be about, boy can I stretch it out or what. That's rhetorical by the way.

Now, just to clarify, we're not talking about leaving comments in 'Site Comments' "that's a whole 'nother ball game!"

No, I'm wittering on about the comments left after your post and more specifically, your replies. I find myself somewhat bewildered (more than my normal state of nonplussed bewilderment) that after someone has taken the time to read a post and leave a comment they are rewarded with "Thanks"

Now, I know that there will be times when you don't have much to work with and you can be forgiven for not returning an essay if all you had was "Great post".

That said, this is your chance to interact with your audience, to connect with them, to make them want to come back again and again. Getting comments isn't a right, it's a buyers market out there, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to reading material.

I'm not saying you should be forever indebted but it takes no more than a few seconds to add a complete sentence.

"Wow, thanks Dmitri, I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post" So, that took all of ten seconds. Dmitri, when he reads this, might well respond with "You are very welcome Billygolightly, it was a pleasure to read, I didn't realise Giraffes could do that"".

The good news is that you now have thirty words added to your word count whereas before there would have only been one, the paltry "Thanks". It is also true that the comment thread can be a wealth of extra, meaningful content. This, I have seen time and time again.

On a more sad note, I have seen it done where the author leaves no acknowledgment of the fact that someone has sacrificed their time, precious as it is, imagine that. Couldn't quite get my head round that one but I kid you not, I have seen it with my very own 'mince pies' I has.

So, 'half a job,' think on next time you're puffing and blowing at the amount of comments you didn't get and put aside a little extra time to schmooze your adoring followers in the hope that they will return for your next offering. Yes, I know you're busy, that's a given, not an excuse.

For those that have persevered to this point, I thank you and would like to reward your patience with the following image, freshly taken this morning, before I accidentally left the side gate open and watched on helplessly as two of our dogs high-tailed it out, without so much as a by-your-leave.

The question is, do you know what they are ? Have yourselves a fantasmagorically fun-packed Friday.

Twack Romero.