I chose to find a parenting blog to analyze, even though I blog about writing also. There were many blogs written by writers of children’s books, but their blogs were not where near as popular.
http://www.parenting.com/blogs/parenting-post
Parenting woes, journeys, stories all with a punch of humor that makes the reader come back for more. They post every day, sometimes twice a day or sometimes twice a week. The topics are random and told mostly in first person. the posts are short and sassy and fun! The topics that generate the most conversation are the ones that engage the readers and close with a question that is begging for an answer. Most of these posts are medical, pregnancy problems, child allergy crisis, etc. These posts connect with the readers due to their humor and down-to-earth style.
The writer is asking most of the questions, the readers seem to answer them. The readers are only complaining about what the writer had already complained about. Misery loves company!
I noticed that Parenting Post uses Twitter and Facebook.
The design is light and airy and easy to navigate. The writers are listed on the right side bar along with advertisements for the print magazine. I do not appreciate the top header of the page with ads for parenting products.
The only option for readers to subscribe is via RSS Feeds. You can also sign up for a free newsletter which I’m sure will feature some useful info but more advertisements than you’d want.
Because it is a parenting blog, any product that parents use is advertised on the blog. Digital thermometers, ovulation kits and fever reducers were the 3 I noticed while surveying the blog.
The Parenting Post also promotes all the other areas that are covered in the print Parenting Magazine, such as, pregnancy, infant, baby, toddler, mom, recipes, activities, community, etc.
Overall, the blog was fun and edgy and educational. Just the type of place that keeps readers coming back for more.
