By BloggerKhan

My profession is Management and Marketing and it revolves around outsourcing, ecommerce and marketing on the internet. Wise men say identify what you are passionate about and then see if ...

Curated blogs: What, Why and How?

Have you ever Googled any topic of interest and been overwhelmed by the search results? Have you thought how much easier it would be if only there was a site that offers you all the relevant information in one place, instead of going through thousands of results to find the one you actually need? Narrowing your search to curated blogs is the solution to your problem.

So, what is a curated blog?

A curated blog is a blog that shares relevant, handpicked digital content with its audience. The blogger has gathered relevant information in a particular area of interest and published it for the world to see. The process involves extensive research on a daily or weekly basis. The blogger selects the best content, provides comments on why said content is relevant and includes the links to the original content. Said blogger has just saved you precious time. Now, it is only a matter of finding that blog.

Cannot find a curated blog for your niche?

Is your niche very specific and you cannot find a blog with curated content about it? Then why not start your own curated blog? Not only will you create a network of bloggers, but also have a whole new place you can use for your own marketing purposes. Because curated blogs are not just about other people’s content. They are the perfect mix between original and existing content. Stop reading for a second and think of the opportunities this blog can give you.

Right. Now, let us see how you can create this blog.

How do I create a curated blog?

It is really easy and simple. If you are halfway technical, you can start your own curated blog on WordPress or Blogger. However, if you would rather have professionals develop the blog for you, you may hire a company like Interloper Inc. that has developed Momzbuzz and similar blogs.

I created my blog. Now what?

Now that you have set up your blog, follow these steps:

1. Find your audience

Contrary to popular belief, the audience does not come by itself. You cannot expect to write a brilliant blog post and the readers will come. If you already have a website with considerable following or people registered to your e-mail newsletter, you can invite them to follow your new blog with carefully curated content. Explain why this blog is unique and why they should follow it. Then, head to the web and search, search, search. Look for other bloggers that specialize in the area, reach out to them. Create a network. One day you will link back to their content. The next day they will link back to you. Win-win for everybody.

2. What and when to post?

How often should you post on your blog? A weekly curated blog post might be a good start. Then, decide on the content you want to curate. Do not fall into the trap of using keyword algorithms to find the content, there are plenty of blogs like that out there and your readers will notice right away. Rather think about what makes your blog unique? Have you spent days looking for content and thought of an original way to organize and share it with your followers? That is what makes your blog unique.

3. Write your blog post

Include all the links to the original posts and provide your own comments on why these are relevant.

1. Think of a title that will grab the audience’s attention

Preferably between 7 and 10 words long and something like “7 Tips on Becoming a Pro-Blogger” or ‘’Why you need to start a curated blog today”.

2. End your post with a call to action

Things do not end with you linking to other blogs. What is your purpose? What do you want your readers to do? Follow your blog, subscribe to your newsletter or follow you on Twitter? Make sure you end your post with a call to action and your audience understands what you want them to do.

3. Include images

Use your own photos, photos from royalty free websites or create your own cool graphics. Picmonkey gives you plenty of options and is about as basic as creating your own graphics can get.

4. Share, share, share

Head to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other social media platforms of your preference. Promote your blog and share your blog posts there. Do not concentrate all your efforts on one platform, but rather find the combination that works best for you.

5. Interact with your audience

Let your audience know you are there. Reply to their comments, retweet and like their posts about your blog. You will benefit greatly on the long run.

Is it legal to curate other people’s content?

In order to avoid legal problems, you must always try to obtain permission to use parts of said content. Businesses should always opt for written permission, personal bloggers may do with an informal one. Keep fair use practices in mind. You may copy parts of the original content if you are commenting or criticizing it. The key is to share only small parts of the original content and always acknowledge your sources. Make sure you link back to the content’s creator in a prominent way.

Benefits of a curated blog

Let us look back. You have establised an authority site on a subject of interest to you. You have made it easy for those who are seeking information and also for those who are disseminating information to share and peruse content. You have not only kept your current audience but also grown it. That means you have generated new traffic and goodwill. The more traffic to your blog, the more you can advertise your products and services. Your business benefits. So, keep up the good work. And do not just curate other people’s content. Mix it up with your own original content and you have the winning combination right there.

Good luck!

* If you need help setting up a curated blog, contact Interloper, Inc.