How to Drive Traffic to my Blog: Productive Emotions

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the factors that contribute to the success or failure of blog posts, focusing on the importance of content quality and the role of emotions and biased algorithms in driving engagement.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Productive Emotions and Biased Algorithms

1. What are the key factors that make blog posts successful according to the author?

• The author suggests that certain "productive emotions" such as fear, outrage, greed, and guilt are what engage people and drive social sharing of blog posts.
• The author also notes that social media algorithms are biased towards content that elicits negative emotions, as this type of content tends to get more clicks and engagement.

2. How does the author view the use of controversy and negative emotions in blog posts?

• The author acknowledges that using controversy and negative emotions can drive traffic and engagement, but cautions that it can also have negative consequences, such as receiving threats and damaging one's reputation.
• The author believes that it is still possible to create emotionally charged content without resorting to negativity and controversy, such as by tapping into emotions like curiosity, self-improvement, life stories, dreams for the future, and appreciation for events and places.

3. What are the author's views on the role of biased algorithms in promoting false, controversial, or propaganda content?

• The author notes that biased algorithms on social media platforms tend to promote content that elicits strong negative emotions, as this type of content tends to get more clicks and engagement.
• The author suggests that this can lead to the proliferation of false, controversial, or propaganda content, as these types of content are often designed to trigger strong emotional reactions.

[02] Positive Emotionally Charged Posts

1. What are the author's suggestions for creating emotionally charged blog posts without resorting to negativity and controversy?

• The author suggests focusing on content that taps into emotions like curiosity, self-improvement, life stories, dreams for the future, and appreciation for events and places.
• The author believes that these types of "productive emotions" can engage readers without the negative consequences of using controversy and negative emotions.

2. How does the author view the use of "productive emotions" in blog posts?

• The author acknowledges that "productive emotions" can be a powerful tool for driving engagement and social sharing, but cautions that they should be used in moderation.
• The author suggests that the overuse of these emotions can contribute to the toxicity of social media platforms and the spread of false or misleading information.