The anticipation of a new post everyday can be intoxicating. Many times the anticipation is better than the article itself because it is something new to teach and amuse us. But that doesn’t mean it will help you become a better blogger right now.
It turns out there is actually a better way to learn about blogging than hanging on the edge waiting for the article addressing the topic you are struggling with. It is the miracle called archives. I know the word brings to mind the Hollywood image of an office building basement where old useless files are stored; they only seem to come in handy when trying to solve some strange mystery whose roots came from years before.
In reality, archives are your best friend if you’re a blogger. While the world of blogging and making money online is constantly changing, the same principles from before still apply now. You might not be able to slap up 3 AdSense blocks and make a living like in the past; however, picking niches, writing solid content, networking, or any other topic you might need advice on are still the same.
In addition to finding what you’re looking for, you’ll likely come across countless other articles that will shed light on aspects of your blog you never considered.
Archives are an invaluable resource in other niches besides just blogging too. If you pick through the archives of blogs like Copyblogger or Chris Brogan, you’ll be able to find copywriting and social media advice that consultants would charge you a thousand dollars an hour for at a bargain price: Free! Even weight loss, cooking, or education blogs will have countless amazing ideas that you can find quickly reading the archives instead of waiting for the next post.
Proactively hunting for inspiration or tips rather than waiting for them to find you will accelerate your ascent to the top. Next time you’re waiting for that perfect post that addresses what you’re struggling with, skip the wait and search the archives of your favorite blogs. There is a good chance what you are looking for is already there.
Photo Credit: Reinante El Pintor de Fuego
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Archives are indeed a buried treasure. I try to backlink to at least 3 or 4 of my older posts in every new article I write. I do this in hopes of giving readers a glimpse of everything they miss when they only skim the surface of a blog. For me it helps to reduce bounce rate.
I also use a content slider to highlight older articles that may be of interest to my audience. The chronological and ever-changing nature of a blog means the author has to work at getting readers to take a trip back in time.