A Few Tips for 2010 for Golf Journos Turned Bloggers from a Blogger

If you were to talk to any reporter in the golf world and ask for their candid assessment of the golf journalism game, the answers would be grim.  For all of the excitement around evolving technologies and content delivery methods, the reality is that there are fewer writers in the game with full-time gigs than there have been in decades.  The decline of printed media, the consolidation of media outlets, and - most recently - a very down economy have contributed to a disheartening number of pink slips for the journos of our game.

For the most part, these writers are still hoping to work at their craft and do so in the sport.  While a select few are able to negotiate new gigs - either part-time or full-time - most are left with few options.  An increasinly popular trend among this collection of writers is to start their own website.  Effectively, they're trying to create their own media outlet in much the same vein as a blog. 

They'll tell you that they aren't bloggers, they're journalists goshdarnit.  For all intents and purposes, though, they're writers.  I feel that bloggers can really impart some wisdom on this crop of writers in helping them do what most independent sites are unable to do - make money.  If you'll allow me, I'll dispense that advice after the jump.  (And I hope you will add to it in the comments section.)

Post often. So far, it seems like most are delivering content as though they're still writing for a newspaper or magazine.  A few times per week at most, new content is out the door at these sites.  Research and my own experience suggest that frequent solid posting is the best method to build a brand and a following.  On average, Waggle Room produces anywhere between 20 and 30 posts per week.  80% of those come from me.  Put out articles, videos, photos, and link dumps, and often.  People need a reason to come back everyday.

Be bold.  It seems like a rudimentary point to make, but many a writer are not willing to take risks, do serious research, or engage in a little muckraking.  A name is established when a site has something that no other site has.  In Waggle Room, I hope that people see a wide variety of topics, forms of reporting, and stuff that cannot be found elsewhere.  With an engaging, unique mix, a person-driven website can succeed. 

(To that same end, bloggers should be willing to take chances.  Apply for that credential.  Email that rep.  Don't be afraid to stick your neck out and your chest at the same time.  With a polite ask and professionalism, it is surprising what can be accomplished.)

Have the quadruple threat. Print is just one weapon in the holster for content authors.  Employing other methods and integrating them all on a regular basis makes a site way more compelling.  At a single-person site, visitors can get bored with predictable writing topics and styles.  But, using other media types can bring a variety that most visitors crave - and it can often be a lot easier to create a slideshow or webcam video than typing out a long essay.

Don't be afraid of newfangled technology.  As a correlary to the prior point, it is a great idea to take some chances with new technology.  Great services that supplement content already exist and new ones are coming everyday.  Check 'em out when you hear about them.  Somehow, someday, that service may prove very useful and adaptable for golf.  Hopefully with some help from the professional tours, I can better demonstrate what I mean in the next few weeks.

Finally - and maybe most important - interact with your fans & critics, especially your critics.  The one thing that is most critical to the success of Waggle Room (or any site) is the community of people that read it.  Whether it be agreement or a strong rebuttal, the responses to my work are great conversation starters.  It gives readers a reason to come back on top of the content, particularly when the lead author talks back.  New readers to Waggle Room consistently laud the site because of the community that includes the primary author.  It is not only the job of the author to start the conversation, but it is also their job to participate in it as well.

The suggestions that I made were not with the intent of trying to boast.  Rather, it is an attempt to lend a helping hand.  It strikes me that it must be a difficult transition moving from having a staff of people to produce, promote, and pretty up content to being forced to do it all yourself.  Hopefully some of these tips can help get these new sites going and sustain them in a way that everyone wins.