Updated February 2020 with more current recommendations and explanations. Because things change.

At what point am I writing for myself and not you, the intrepid credit union world readers?

Once you’ve set up a blog site (you do have one, right?), there is an unspoken obligation to keep it filled, to “keep ‘em coming”, as it were. As a result, some blogs post daily, others more than that!

The reasons make sense:

  • Keep readership interest
  • Get noticed by Google
  • Cover a range of topics
  • Build a back catalog
  • Show you know your stuff!

To the first point, my favorite blog only posts once every month or so, sometimes even less. For SEO, regular posting is good, but quality and length of content is more important.

Wordpress Post

It’s good to cover lots of topics, but only if you have the time. I like to make my primary articles wider focus, with the CUbit category reserved for “breaking news” pieces.

That way, I can ensure the scheduled posts meet my standards for accuracy, completeness, and quality. Which means you’ll get something useful out of them!

Look at your Visitors

How many people see your content right now? And when do they visit? For me, the majority of hits come right after a new post arrives (I send e-mails to subscribers…are you one?).

Then, I have e-mail blasts that go out on occasion to remind people of current and past content worth reading.

Laptop with Website Analytics

Unless the site has hundreds to thousands of visits each day, are your messages even reaching the target audience?

And even then, you may be compromising the distribution of each post by replacing it with another so quickly!

Be honest, when was the last time you came to a post, read the whole thing, then continued into the catalog? And if so, how far back did you go?

A day, a week, a month? If you’re anything like the average internet user, it will be an accomplishment if you passed the first paragraph! (Oh no, I lost you already!)

How Often to Post?

The simple answer is: It depends. On your goals, your readership, your distribution mediums.

Early on with this blog, I was posting once a week. Which would be fine if it were the only thing I did. Except, I’m also a partner in a company working with credit unions.

Beyond working with our clients and looking to attract new ones, we publish a Learning Library of helpful industry content. It’s unique amongst the stuff you’re used to seeing. Seriously, check it out.

You wear lots of hats. So do I. (And that’s not including my “secret ninja” life!)

So that cadence wasn’t good to maintain for my purposes. If I kept at it, the quality of the content would suffer. Then, why would you even bother reading?

I moved to every other week as business got more time-consuming. Plus, site stats showed that giving the latest piece more consistent exposure was helpful.

Essentially, I wanted to let all my readers get to see the most recent post. Like mentioned above, looking back isn’t too common. I mean, we’re all busy!

As obligations increased on our company Learning Library, I had to fall back to once every 3-4 weeks on here. The library content was far longer, more researched, and time-consuming to create.

So, sadly, this had to take a backseat. I’m still here, though! Just not as often. Because I care about making great posts.

Day Planner

What’s the goal of your blog/learning resource? Make your content fit that. Writing to fill a quota helps no one. If your current resources let you make 2 good posts a month, there’s your answer.

But More Is Better!

On the surface, yes. However, in reality, no. Here’s some examples where more isn’t better:

Relevant Search Results

Google wants their results to be relevant. One of the ways they learn this is to check time spent on page. If people arrive on your content, then take off in a short time, that implies one of two things:

  • They had an easy question and you were able to answer it quickly
  • You didn’t answer their question and they left to find a better solution

Their algorithm can learn which is happening, so making more content that isn’t as good will hurt your search position.

Reader Loyalty

Regular readers give you a vote of trust. That’s a big deal! Congratulations for building that base. If you put out a certain level of content that really well fits their challenges, you’re golden.

Woman Reading Kindle

Making more posts that don’t quite fit means possibly alienating your loyal readers. I’d rather read a few great insights than feel like I’m sifting through a pile of meh ones.

Notification Overload

Your blog has some way of telling people new content is available. Whether that’s notifications, e-mails, or some other notice on your site, it’s necessary.

When you make a lot of content, it becomes overwhelming to read it all. In fact, people won’t. They’ll glance at the latest and maybe peek at some titles.

While I’d love all my readers to check my site daily, it’s neither helpful nor needed. When special events or series occur, I can share notices directly.

Quality & Consistency

The two most important parts of your blog are quality and consistency. Priority one is to make what you create awesome and relevant to your members.

Your next goal is to just keep writing (and recording videos, and podcasts, or whatever you’re creating!). Become the place your members think to go for questions on financial goals.

My Schedule

Now, I try to get posts out about once a month. Do you miss me? Worry not, I’m still here! And if you’re craving the CU Geek’s writing, definitely visit the GreenProfit Learning Library.

Calendar with Heart Written in Fountain Pen
That’s how you mark my posts, right?

In addition to my new content, I like to go back through my 200+ pieces and update them when I have the chance. You’re reading a perfect example.

This post went live in 2016 (almost to the day) and is fully rewritten to suit the new realities of 2020.

Knowing my cadence won’t be a burden to your inbox, you have no excuse to pass on Subscribing to CU Geek!

So, the next time you come to this blog (or read a reprint), rest assured that keeping current won’t be a chore, but an exciting adventure! And I look forward to the same from you!

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Image credits: pixelcreatures, Pexels, rayedigitaldesigns, Pexels, ulleo on Pixabay