How to Run a Blog Series and Get More Subscribers
We bloggers all want to build that email list and grow our subscribers don’t we? Preferably by writing content which makes our readers want to subscribe for email updates, or at least to our RSS feed.
Email subscribers are best because, once you have someone’s email address, they’re giving you permission to get in touch with them and start a personal relationship. Email subscribers are quite different from casual blog readers who just pop onto your blog when they have time or when you write a post that grabs their interest.
Your email subscribers are committed to reading your blog and want to make sure they don’t miss out on any of your posts.
Those email subscribers are offering you a high level of trust which you should not abuse but build on by continuing to offer the free, useful content people signed up for.
Most readers will understand that you have a business to run, so they’ll expect updates about special offers on your services or products, but it’s important to make sure these are carefully spaced out so you don’t turn your subscribers off and incite a flurry of unsubscribes.
Generally your blog subscribers will grow steadily the longer you blog, even though it’s perfectly normal for a few people to unsubscribe each time you send out an email update. When that happens remember it’s probably about them and their current circumstances, not about what you wrote.
So how do you get more blog subscribers faster?
I’ve been blogging seriously for three years now over at Get In the Hot Spot and, apart from guest blogging which, if done correctly, will get you more readers and subsequently more subscribers, there is one very simple way to get more people to subscribe to your blog: running a series of blog posts about one specific topic.
But before getting down to the nitty gritty of how to run a blog series a big thank you to Amy Parmenter at the Parm Farm (check out her wonderful post about life transitions) who told me she enjoyed my Blogging Tips A-Z series, asked for more tips and inspired me to write this post.
Why Running a Series Will Build Your Blog Subscribers
Running a series will encourage more people to subscribe to your blog because they liked the first posts in the series and don’t want to miss they rest. Just like with a TV show you’re leaving a cliffhanger for your readers and they’ll want to come back for more.
You’re drip feeding content and giving people a good reason to subscribe to your blog.
Running a blog series does take some forward planning but the small effort is definitely rewarded with an uptake in new email subscribers.
The first series I ran here was Blog Writing Magic which included five blog posts, then earlier this year I embarked on an epic undertaking with the Blogging Tips A-Z series.
The Blogging Tips A-Z series scared me senseless because I knew once I started I’d have to finish and a series of 26 posts is a big undertaking. I was also scared that no one would like the series so I’d have to either stop it and admit failure or carry on to the end even though it wasn’t working. So what were the results?
My 26 Blog Post Series Experiment
When I started the Blogging Tips A-Z series I wasn’t happy with the results to start with because the first blog posts didn’t get many comments. If you have a look at some of the posts in that series you’ll see that they got relatively few comments compared to other blog posts on Successful Blogging.
At first I saw that as failure but then I noticed I was getting more subscribers than normal and realised the series was working as planned. Even though people weren’t commenting much on the series they were reading, sharing the blog posts and subscribing to my blog. Best of all the series was attracting the new bloggers and bloggers whose stalled blogs needed kick-starting I was targeting.
The series ran from February to August (over six months) with one new post published each Monday and I stuck with it although I did run out of steam at the end and combine X, Y and Z into the final post. It series ended up being 24 blogs posts which is still a long series.
The results: Successful Blogging is two years old and over one third of my current subscribers signed up during the six month period the Blogging Tips A-Z series ran.
Running a series is an easy way to get more blog subscribers and if you’re ready to give it a whirl here’s how to do it.
How to Run a Blog Series
1. Keep it simple
You don’t need to start with a 26 blog post series. Three is a good minimum but if you can stretch to five or seven posts in your series you’ll get better results. The Blog Writing Magic series was only five blog posts but it still helped me get more subscribers than normal.
2. Decide on a topic
Choose a topic for your blog series you know will interest your readers based on what they share, what they comment on and which of your blog posts get the most traffic. Now drill down to what each post will cover and work out how many posts you can write.
3. Write the headlines
Writing great blog headlines is key to getting readers to your blog so you want to make sure your series headlines are as juicy as possible. With my Blogging Tips A-Z Series I decided before launching the series what topic each letter would stand for so I knew I’d have enough to write about.
4. Pick a publishing schedule and stick to it
I chose to publish one post every Monday. It’s best to space the series to give people time to subscribe and share it. You don’t want the series to be over too quickly. I stuck with it even though the initial results were promising and never missed a day. If weekly is too often fortnightly should work well too.
5. Create the draft posts
Each of these can have the same blurb at the beginning and the end to let people know you’re running a series, what you’ll be covering and encourage them to subscribe. For example at the beginning of your series blog posts you can write something like this:
Blogging Tips A-Z is a new series which will run every Sunday (or Monday if you’re in Australia). It’s a quick start guide for new bloggers and a refresher course for bloggers who want to stay motivated and inspired.
So if you’re a new blogger, or if your blogging has plateaued and needs reviewing, subscribe now by email or RSS feed so you don’t miss out.
At the end of the posts add a reminder such as:
Subscribe now to get the whole Blogging Tips A-Z series free. Click here now for email updates or get the RSS feed.
Make sure your links go to the right place.
6. Deliver the goods
Now you have a great idea for a series and some hot headlines make sure you deliver on that promise. It’s time to write the blog posts. Either batch process them if that works best for you or write one a week depending on time.
7. Don’t worry about how long your blog posts are
The series needs to be useful for your readers but it also needs to be fast for you to produce. Don’t think you need to write reams of information. Write about the subject as briefly and quickly as possible making sure the posts contain all the most useful information.
Some of the posts in your series may end up being long and others short. If all you have time for is a bullet-pointed or numbered lists write that. They tend to be easy to read and popular anyway so your readers won’t complain.
8. Reuse your best content if relevant
I reused some parts of older blog posts that new readers probably hadn’t read and expanded on them when I could.
9. Announce your series
Headline the first blog post New Series: Blog Writing Magic (or whatever the topic is) to get as much interest as possible. Promote it on all your social media outposts and ask your blogging buddies to share it too.
10. When the series has ended create a round up post
When the series is over create a round up post with links to all the posts for readers who may have missed some and new readers who will be able to find them all in one place. Leave it a few weeks or a month so you’re not repeating yourself too soon. Here’s an example of the round up post for the Blogging Tips A-Z series.
11. Leverage your series to maximise subscribers
Use the posts to create a mini ebook to give away to new subscribers like I did with my Blog Writing Magic series.
So what are you waiting for? If you’d like to grow your blog subscribers faster run a series. Your readers will love it and so will you when you see your blog subscribers growing.
Take Action to Start Your Blog Series
Leave a comment here suggesting what topic you can write a blog series about. Feel free to suggest a few options and we’ll give you our feedback.
If you’re stumped for ideas just say and I’ll throw out a few ideas to get the ball rolling. Brainstorming for content ideas is one of my favourite things so let’s have fun with it and see if we can help each other out.
Oh, and of course if you’ve got an idea of another series you’d like to read on Successful Blogging let me know.
Finally, if you enjoyed this post please share it using the buttons below.
Thank you, I appreciate that and I’m looking forward to sharing more hot blogging tips with you soon.
se7en
Oct 2, 2012 -
Oh I love this post… packed with potential… My series always fizzle but if I actually planned them with a beginning and and end, like your A-Z could only be so long… that would help!!! I am definitely going to think about this a whole lot more…
Annabel Candy
Oct 2, 2012 -
Hi Se7en,
Thank you, I’m excited by this blogging tip too. I wonder why you say your series fizzle? Do you run out of ideas or just not wrap them up when the time comes? It’s time for me to come up with a new series too. I have the idea but I like to get the posts written before I announce it so that will take a bit more time.
se7en
Oct 2, 2012 -
Hmmm I think it all comes down to planning… I need to make sure I have an end post in mind when I start and often I launch with enthusiasm, and even then readers ask questions and my replies become part of the series… and then they just go on forever. I really like the idea of a decisive beginning and end… I really ought to plan more, but I have to say I love spontaneous blogging… so my plans are always very open ended.
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Se7en,
Ah you have to be strict and tell people thank you for asking that great question I’ll be covering that later in the series so make sure you’ve subscribed and don’t miss it:)
I am all about spontaneity too which was why it scared me committing to such a long series. But it’s a good exercise for me to commit and provide real value plus it was only one day a week so there was still plenty of time for all the spontaneous stuff:)
Johanna
Oct 2, 2012 -
Some great tips here, thank you. I can see the benefit of a series for both blogger and reader. I like the way you’ve broken down the steps to creating a series so that it seems do-able because sometimes a subject seems just TOO big. I guess having a large subject and zooming in on the ‘angles’ for separate posts is the way to go. I’m trying this with a travel series about The Kimberley in North West Australia and yes, finding the same as you … interested readers like coming back for more on the same topic.
Annabel Candy
Oct 2, 2012 -
Hi Johanna,
Great to read you’ve found the same thing. It does allow both bloggers and readers to go into a lot more detail and come away more satisfied. Hopefully once those readers have fallen in love with your series they’ll keep coming back for more even once it’s ended:)
Andi the Minion
Oct 2, 2012 -
Hi Annabel, another great post, as yet I haven’t done a blog series due to other work commitments but it does make sense, I have done it with emails, and people do love it. They feel like they are getting a proper educational course.
The great thing about planning a series is that it probably takes the same amount of time to plan out several emails/posts around a theme than it does trying to figure out what to write each week when you are not doing a series.
It makes it a lot easier, you know what you are going to write about, what needs to be in the body and when time comes to write it I find I am already thinking what I want to say and not just sitting staring at a blank Word document.
Cheers
Andi
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Andi,
That’s great you have an email series already. Running a blog series does make it easy. As you say a lot of the work is done up front. I like how you say readers feel as if they’re getting a ” proper educational course” I suppose there’s a lot to be said for being given a clear plan with a start and end point as opposed to never knowing what’s going to be posted next.
Slavko Desik
Oct 2, 2012 -
Great post Annabel.
I especially love the part about announcing the series upfront. And some people may ask when is the best time to announce? I would definitely say- as soon as you get the idea.
As for doing series, I already had a great experience with writing about the 5k run. Everything from tips, general discussion, effects on our lifestyle and health, equipment needed, advanced training programs. And I got many subscribers this way. The only thing I didn’t do right was not announcing the series upfront. And I saw how much of a mistake that was later on. Anyway…
Since I run a lifestyle blog, I came with the idea of writing series about recreational activities which, when completed, would give the reader sort of a guide equivalent to an e-book. In terms of value, that is. And creating the cliffhanger is huge with this type of subjects. People are interested in the subject, addicted to a slight extend, and you can leverage that by delivering better material over and over.
As for creating a round up post, that’s a jewel in terms of SEO. Creating silos in turn creates a powerful sign that says the search engines that your site is way more relevant when certain subject is discussed.
One advice I would give is to never write just for the sake of maintaining the schedule. Let every post in the series be extraordinary.
Sometimes that’s the reason I’m slightly afraid of writing a series. I go with way longer articles instead. They are, on the other hand, a great link bait.
Once again, a great article Annabel.
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Slavko,
Thanks for swinging by and sharing your blogging tips and experiences of running a series.
The 5k series sounds like a good one. I can see the preparation and build up of excitement, the actually running of the race then the aftermath, lessons learned and what you’ll do differently next time. Then of course you can start all over again with your next challenge:)
That’s definitely something I could do with my travel blog too – preparing for a trip, what is was like and what I’d do differently next time. Thanks for the inspiration.
barbara
Oct 3, 2012 -
Great tips Annabel. I have to say I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how my series on my grandmother’s life, Georgia on My Mind, has generated a huge following. It’s kind of a first draft for the memoir, and I thought ‘why not?’
Last post had over 16,000 hits! I’ve been stunned and amazed, not to mention very encouraged to get the book published!
So, I’d like to say that a series isn’t limited to great tips. If you’ve got a book in you, give it a whirl on the blog and see if it’s got legs. I only post an installment every month or so, but people look forward to it.
b
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Barbara,
That’s fabulous! I am heading over for a read and love that you’re getting the memoir out there and getting immediate feedback. Brilliant.
Sonia Marsh/Gutsy Living
Oct 3, 2012 -
I agree with you, and contests work great. There is one point I figured out: are you a professional blogger selling a service and products, or are you an author who blogs to get an audience. There is a distinction between the two in my opinion.
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Sonia,
I haven’t run many contests so I’d love tips on that from you. Yes, there is a big difference between those two blogging goals:)
Debra Eve
Oct 3, 2012 -
I ran a series when I relaunched my blog with a new design, a “Festival of Late Bloomers” for 11 days. My traffic and subscriptions almost doubled that month, but I attributed it to the new design. Hmmm… now you’ve got me thinking (as always), Annabel. Time to revisit the idea!
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Debra,
Aha, sometimes there are other factors that can change things – maybe the design helped but the Festival sounds like a great plan and something that could also make a cool ebook. Maybe time to get it going again and even make it a regular fixture?!
Krishna Everson
Oct 3, 2012 -
Great timing Annabel, I know you’ve spoken about this before, but I’m feeling motivated to do a series right now! Thanks for the inspiration. Let’s go!! Krishna xx
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Krishna,
Great to see you here. Yes, sometimes I need to hear something a few times before I finally try it:) Have fun with it.
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Annabel, this was a very helpful post – as per usual 🙂 I do have some questions though. I am an email subscriber to your posts, and I tried to go back to have a look at them to answer my own questions, but some I’ve deleted and some I’ve kept, so I need to go to the horse’s mouth.
Do you manage different email lists, or do all your subscribers get all your posts? If you have one subscriber list, do you publish other posts while you are also doing a series, so that someone who signed up during your series might also then receive other posts outside the series?
Thanks again for your generosity. I’ve wanted to do something like this, but I didn’t think I had any topics. I am beginning to brainstorm some now and will let you know if I’d like feedback on them 🙂
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for subscribing, it’s great to hear from you too.
At the moment all my subscribers get all my posts. That’s fine as I only post here once or twice a week. Creating a separate newsletter is on my to do list:)
So anyone who subscribes just for the series will get the other posts too. But hopefully they’ll enjoy them and hang around for the rest of the series.
I’d love to hear your ideas for blog series topics when you’re ready:)
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right
Oct 8, 2012 -
Thanks Annabel, will do 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
Oct 3, 2012 -
I’ve never done a series because I always blog what we had for dinner but I’ve always been curious about it. A friend of mine blogged every version of chocolate mousse she could find and it was really popular.
My list isn’t anywhere near as big as yours, I’m sure but I’m pleased with a 51.5% open rate. I just need to find something to sell. 🙂
As for comments. What’s an average expectation on a good but not superstar blog? I have no clue really. I spend too much time on food blogs.
Annabel Candy
Oct 3, 2012 -
Hi Maureen,
Ha! I can imagine the choc mousse series would be popular!
Yes, your open rate is great. Not sure what you mean about the comments but I’ve noticed a lot of recipe sites don’t get a lot of comments. Maybe there’s nothing to add?
I’d love to see a series from you. Maybe set yourself a cooking challenge like Seven Sensational Summer Salads or Around the World in 8 Rice Dishes…. oh, the options are endless:)
Maureen
Oct 3, 2012 -
oh sorry, I wasn’t clear. I meant that food blogs do get comments because everyone has an opinion about food. In the big scheme of general blogging I don’t know how many comments to strive for. I’ve only recently started to get serious about my blog.
Angela
Oct 3, 2012 -
I’ve been working on a series and have needed this guidance, even goggled it and came up with very little. Thanks again, Annabel!
Annabel Candy
Oct 4, 2012 -
Hi Angela,
Interesting and lucky timing. Hopefully next time someone googles how to write a blog series they’ll find this:)
theresa
Oct 4, 2012 -
I am concerned about those email followers now that I am hearing that Feedburner will be no longer emailing posts to them. I really don’t make enough blogging to pay for Feedblitz. Any suggestions with that?
Annabel Candy
Oct 4, 2012 -
Hi Theresa,
I think you can use WordPress for RSS too.
Philippa Willitts
Oct 4, 2012 -
Wow, doing a 26 (or 24, for that matter!) post series is really quite a commitment, and you deserve every ounce of success you have had as a result! Good work.
Annabel Candy
Oct 4, 2012 -
Hi Philippa,
It was a biggie:) Time for a rest not before the next one.
Janet Abercrombie
Oct 31, 2012 -
I just started a series – the first post – and I’ve gotten more subscribers than any post. It means they want to hear more (which is flattering).
After the series, I can probably re-format them into an e-book format. It’s motivation to keep working on something that’s been on my list for a long time.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Johanna @ The Zigazag Mag
Dec 12, 2012 -
Crap! I’ve just read this again, and thought “I must do this, such good tips,” and prepared to make a comment. Then saw that I’ve already commented and alluded to a Series about the Kimberley that I was writing then, which at the time of writing is Still Not Finished. Gah, what am I like! Great post Annabel. No doubt I’ll re-read it in another 6 months and think it’s new!
Heather
Jan 29, 2013 -
Great post! Love the tip about outlining the series first. I teach my students to outline their writing first; looks like it’s time to take my own advice!
Flea
Feb 25, 2013 -
Thank you! I have a couple of series in mind, revolving around events and things I’m planning to do and record in photos. The social media element is what I’m not doing nearly well enough, as well as the prompting for subscribing. I’m sure there are other things I’m not doing well, but one must start somewhere. 🙂
This will definitely change how I blog. Thank you!