I was thinking the other day about blog content and how I can add value here in my blog posts. It brought me to a realization. All the content that I post here on mrsfancee.com is either created or curated. In order to define the brand and identity of this site, I need to manage how much of each type of content I post.
Yes, this is what I think about in my spare time… #I’mablognerd #don’tmakefun
CONTENT: CREATION
This is why we all started blogging in the first place, to share our rockstar DIY skills (or whatever it is you blog about) with the great wide world of web. Created content is a post where you are giving value to the reader through something you’ve made or originated. This could be in the form of useful tips, a tutorial, pics of your latest project, whatever! But the key is it belongs and came from you.
Created content is what makes your blog different, it sets it apart from other blogs because no one else would have thought to share that story the way you did, or sew the drapes in that style, or make such cute ladybug cupcakes. It establishes your voice, your credibility, and your value to readers.
CONTENT: CURATION
Curated content is what you share that originated from someone other than yourself. It could be helpful links, a pinterest board, favorite living room layout pics. Anything you post on your blog that you didn’t make or think up yourself is curated.
I love this word because I always picture a museum curator. Someone who carefully sifts through many many things in search of only the very best for his collection. That’s what you do when you share other’s content on your blog. You’ve curated what you deem worthy of notifying the world of.
FINDING BALANCE
Some bloggers only create content, others only curate it, and that is fine. But I believe that for the majority of bloggers to find success, a careful balance is needed. If I had to choose only one type of content to offer, I would choose created without a second thought. That is why I’m here, to share with people my unique thoughts and creations.
But, here’s the thing about content creation… I’m a finite person, we all are. And I can only create so much quality content. That means that if I want to continue posting and sharing on a continued basis, I need to share curated content.
Plus, this blogging world is a social business by nature. If we all only posted our own content no one would ever find out about awesome new ideas and meet other bloggers.
So two great reasons you should be posting curated content on your blog in addition to your created content: it allows you to share beyond your creative limits, and it engages with other bloggers and builds community.
I’ve started a weekly column called Loving Lately where I share links from around the web that I find interesting and worth checking out. I’d love to hear your views on the curation vs. creation dichotomy. Any tips on how to find your own balance between the two?
Linking up at: Work it Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, The Inspiration Gallery, Handmade Hangout, Tutorials & Tips
Haha i subscribe to so much stuff that I have to share it! 🙂
I definitely like to do a mix of both. There’s always so much good stuff to share but then I like doing a tutorial here and there too. And good point about making blogging friends when you curate. That’s how I got started, sharing other people’s cool stuff on my FB page before my blog launched. It helped get some followers, that’s for sure!
Yes, you do such a great job of curating content, Marianne! Curating through social media is an area where I could use some improvement 🙂
I love this post! It is actually a topic that i’ve never think about. And I agree with Samantha. I should also include more curated content, because mostly I’m trying to create it. I like the idea of sharing what I like from other bloggers 🙂 Thank you for the idea 🙂
Thank Maja 🙂 We can both work on this concept together for 2015!
I try and share a curated round-up once a week, it does take the pressure off. I feel mine lack a bit by not including images, but I’m always wary of using other people’s images without getting written permission, which doesn’t really work for a weekly feature 🙁
I actually have a theory (untested of course) that if there aren’t images, people are more likely to click over to see what it is you are talking about. So, don’t feel like your round-up is lacking at all, and I agree that it is always good to be conscientious of using others’ images. 🙂
Well said Naomi! We are indeed only finite beings. I think its only right that we should share the great work of our fellow bloggers, I mean why not?
I am all with you, girl! 🙂
I agree with you. A good mix is absolutely necessary for your sanity—and your readers! It takes a little of the creative pressure off too which is nice.
Haha, yes that is definitely nice 🙂
I think this is a great way to look at it. I would say my own blog is almost all creation, though I do share a roundup every now and then. When I think of content curation, I think of social media. I’m always pinning others’ ideas on Pinterest and I try to share on Twitter/Facebook a bit too.
Yes, social media is a great way to curate content, I need to work on that!
This is a great post! And such a great point about being a good friend to other bloggers. Love your blog!
Thanks Kristen, and I’ve been loving your posts lately, so thoughtful and insightful!!
So interesting! I never really thought of it this way. I guess I’m mostly creation, but I love the idea of sharing more of other people’s ideas, plus it’s a great way to connect with more people. I’ll have to ponder the idea of more curative posts. Thanks for this 🙂
Thanks Samantha, it’s something that’s been on my mind this month as we all re-evaluate our blogs for 2015 🙂